Our solar system with its central Sun and revolving nine planets, including our own, is of major importance to us as we live here on our little Earth. However, we are reminded of the fact that our system is only one of millions of worlds in the heavens and that there are many and glorious galaxies and suns greater than our own.

However, as we relate to our own family of planets we are concerned with very vital energies that radiate to affect all natural life on our own small world. Here, each planet’s energy although invisible, is responsible in creating a climate of planetary forces to which we react, although in the main it may be unconsciously. In the same but more obvious way, we all react to our weather conditions and the natural elements in our physical environment.

Astrologers over the centuries have studied the planetary influences upon our human nature and psychological attitudes as upon other forms of natural life, seeking to explore causation, effects and the very reasons for our existence. As astronomers focus upon the physical nature and aspects of the planets, astrologers learn to anticipate the possible influences that engender certain human activities and actions. The science behind astrology offers a degree of self determination that encourages self culture and self confidence through analysis of any current blend of planetary energy and utilizing it to our advantage. In addition we can be alerted to any need for caution in our enterprises.

The Sun is of course the most powerful. For the purposes of astrology, it bears the name of a planet but like the Moon, it is strictly a luminary. As the Sun symbolizes the spiritual nature of an individual, the enduring qualities and the talents, good fortune and wealth of a person, the Moon represents the changing and fluctuating tides of events and emotions. Both are important in regard to health and well being that depends upon harmony between the masculine, electric vitality and the opposite feminine or magnetic forces of the Moon. In interpreting a chart, these symbols can be seen to refer to the two prime energies within each of us, or outwardly, by representing parents or others who play a vital role in our lives.

Mercury, once seen as the messenger god flying between spirit and matter, it represents the mind with its capabilities of ranging in both abstract and material realms of thought. Its position in the chart and the relationship with other planets and energies shows our type of thinking and our intellectual skills in communication.

Venus is always seen as the planet of love and harmony and portrayed as a goddess. All feminine qualities are seen to relate to love and most importantly, to beauty in all things. It is strongly related to the decorative as well as the musical arts and to our material good fortune and involvement in true romance.

Mars energy is available to fight struggles, to assert self preservation or to defend all that is worthwhile. It represents personal courage and was often represented as a knight in shining armour, willing to fight to the death for its cause. In our personal life its energy can incline us towards inappropriate aggression or to bestow the gift of leadership and enthusiasm.

Jupiter is the grand planet of wealth and good fortune. Its influence inclines us to expansive generosity and abundant health and success but only if we are willing to contribute personal effort. Those who are lazy by nature are apt to ‘trust to luck’ and await things happening become too dependent upon Jupiter.

Saturn is generally considered as a planet with a negative influence but this is not a true account because it has deep and far reaching influence upon our lives beyond passing restraints and frustrations. It is known as the instrument of cosmic justice or Karma and distributes with impartiality the energies which must be returned to us for our past deeds, both good and bad.

Uranus causes unusual events, unconventional relationships and unexpected behaviour. Its influence has been responsible for urging our extension of interests and our sciences into the unknown mysteries of space. It is best known as the herald of the Aquarian Age – forthcoming period of enlightenment beyond cultural and spiritual purpose seeking the truth about existence, not only on our planet, but in the realms beyond.

Neptune is the planet ruling our emotions and our feelings in a different way from the effect of the Moon. It plays upon our unconscious or nebulous and psychic feelings and tends to make us dream and to activate our poetic inclinations. But it can make us victim of drugs and escape situations if we allow negative habits to destroy us.

Pluto is small and distant a planet. It has a powerful effect upon us, although this has only been analysed since its comparatively recent discovery. Much of its influence affects humanity as a whole as it is the power that persuades unions, monopolies and global enterprises to emerge. It remains somewhat mysterious and we recall that it was named the god of the underworld. Only a wise astrologer will be confident in interpreting its full role in our life.

We must get to know and to respect all our neighboring planets if we seek not only to understand the components of our own nature but to lift a little of the veil that cloaks the magnitude of Great Nature and its purposes in the heavens.

Elizabeth S. Adams is known for her published “Forgotten Dreams – a collection of Poetry” with additional interests that extend to Astrology,Astronomy and mystical subjects that help us understand who we are and our place in the Universe. Astrology when applied to self understanding of our personality and deeper soul potentials is a great practical starting point. We also need assistance to unveil the special inner talents of our soul so we feel confident to offer our contribution to the world. Astrology is such an aid. Visit her site http://www.spirit-of-astrology.com