Welcome to planets – symbols. This is a quick in-depth session on the planetary system of what they mean, and why they are shaped the way they are.
The symbols for planets are used outside of astrology as well as identification markers to know where the planets are in star maps, so there’s a lot that goes into the symbols of planets. Let’s get into it and take a look.
Sun
To begin with we have our sun. This is represented by an outer circle with a dot in the center. The center represent the individual, with the outer circle radiating that inner person out. It’s one of the base symbols that appears throughout the other glyphs, a representation of the sun throughout them, and in turn ourselves. In traditional astrology it represents a masculine energy.
The Sun rules Leo.
Moon
The glyph of the moon is a half circle crescent, and is reminiscent of a waxing moon. The half circle having two points on it can symbolize the duality of the moon. How it waxes and wanes with our emotions, and you can evolve those over time. This is another symbol that appears throughout the other glyphs and shows how the need for evolved thought and duplicity in matters.
The Moon rules Cancer.
Rising
Rising is interesting in that it doesn’t have a real symbol and it’s not a planet. However, it is a significant part of a natal chart. It is an Asc. for ascendant. Rising signs are sometimes called the ascendant, and rising is the modern way of saying it. Some people will also use an arrow pointing up. This is just a very quick reference to where the rising sign is, and giving a quick flash to it.
Mercury
Mercury’s glyph is really fun. It has a lot of symbolism within it. Not only does it have the circle of the sun, but it has the moon crescent, and the cross of matter. This how we take the information from the sun, the vitality our life- and process it through our emotions. Then finally we bring that over to the material world through the cross of matter with Mercury. This is the first time we see the cross of matter throughout the glyphs and it represents our connection with the material world.
Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo.
Venus
Venus is another fun little glyph as well. You may notice that this is the symbol for feminine or woman as well. Which helps to show what the planet itself symbolizes. The softer, sensual side of love. We have the circle of vitality and the matter of cross here as well. Without the duality of emotions evolving our thoughts in love, Venu’s allows us that connection to the material world without having to fully process. It’s about giving our partner, and the people surrounding a full view of ourselves and welcoming that into the fullest.
Venus rules Libra and Taurus.
Mars
Mars’ glyph is different in that the circle of vitality is lower than the cross of matter we see. This cross is also different in the way that it is an arrow versus a legitimate cross. This is a clear example of how we are held down by passions and desires. This further proves how we may not feel fully like ourselves until those passions and desires are achieved. It’s the first time that the arrows of ambition make an appearance, and show the desire for achievement and drive.
Mars rules Aries, and traditionally Scorpio.
Jupiter
The glyph representing Jupiter is certainly an interesting one in that it resembles a four. When looking to the side you can see the symbol of the moon (crescent) once again showing the evolution of though, on the side of the cross of matter. This helps us to understand Jupiter’s intent. This is the growth and full understanding of the material world around us, and how we can learn from it.
Jupiter rules Sagittarius, and traditionally ruled Pisces.
Saturn
Saturn’s glyph is reminiscent of Jupiter’s glyph. The main difference being the crescent is below the cross of matter instead of along side it. Showing how the material world can rule over the evolution of the mind. Which is Saturn’s role to play in the grand scheme of things. It shows the thoughts and rules played out by society, and how that can impact our learning and growth. It’s up to us as an individual to learn how we work through the restraints.
Saturn rules Capricorn, and traditionally Aquarius.
Uranus
Here you can see two crescents, the circle of vitality, and the circle of vitality. So let’s get into the glyph of Uranus. First, with the cross over the symbol of vitality it’s reminiscent of Mars in that you may not be able to feel fully achieved without the acception of the matter surrounding you. However with the crescents being present in both sides of the cross of matter it shows the need for reciprocity between internal thoughts on the world, and the worlds thoughts on the material surrounding them. Uranus is the sign of rebellion. So the matter of the evolution of thought between the individual and the world is what brings vitality to this glyph.
Uranus rules Aquarius.
Neptune
Neptune’s glyph is clearly a trident. However, taking a closer look tere is the crescent, the cross of matter, and three arrows of action. When taking in the cross of matter it is located at the bottom of the glyph, meaning the values of this planet are below the material plane of the world, with the crescent of evolved thinking crossed through it, it shows that to get to these higher pursuits it takes an evolved mind of thinking. Finally, with the three arrows it shows how the lines of thought and material can be pursued to greater achievements of the mind. Neptune being about the creative passions and pursuits, helps to break down this glyph nicely.
Neptune rules Pisces.
Pluto
Finally, our last planet (in my heart always) is Pluto. Pluto is unique in that it has two glyphs. The original being a PL for Pluto and the Lowell Observatory where it was discovered. The other glyph is more reminiscent of what we have been looking at. This one has the circle of vitality floating above the crescent which is connected to the cross of matter. With the layout of this glyph we see how our sense of self is separated from a deeper and transformative view of the material world. Pluto is a dark planet that focuses on the deeper urges of the human psyche. It focuses on how we need to separate our thoughts and our sense of self to get the full picture of how we can change to engage with that evolved line of thought.
Pluto is ruled by Scorpio
Wrap-Up: Planets – Symbols
Here you have it, the different glyphs of the planets (plus Rising). It is a lot of information condensed down into a single point, but necessary nonetheless. As it helps to fully understand the planets as you apply the different astrological signs through them, and how they can impact that energy carried by the signs.
Stay groovy, and I’ll see you on the flip,
Leave a Reply