The Planets

The Planets and their symbols, in order from the Sun outward, are:

	The Sun		Jupiter
	The Moon		Saturn
	Mercury		Uranus
	Venus		Neptune
	Mars		Pluto

The symbols of the Planets are conceptual statements of the astrological significance of the Planets they represent. The language of these symbols is comprised of three elements. They are: the circle, the arc, and the cross. The circle represents consciousness, the arc represents partial consciousness, and the cross represents manifestation. The cross is also another formulation of the intersection of the prime meridian and the horizon in the horoscope; see the section on Houses for a fuller description.

The Sun is symbolized by a circle with the addition of a dot in the center. The dot appears as a modifier in this symbol only; it represents a focal point. Thus, the Sun represents focussed consciousness, and the presence of active life force. For the individual, it represents the will to live (in the life and body of interest), and so positions the essence of character andreason for living in the natal horoscope.

Mercury is symbolized by a circle with a cross dependent and crowned with an arc opening upward. The symbol represents consciousness in dominion over matter, and under the sway of a higher consciousness that is only partially present. Thus, Mercury represents a function, which transmutes considerations that are not well understood into a form that is appropriate for use in the material world. For the individual, this function is the mind

Venus is symbolized by a circle with a cross dependent. The symbol represents consciousness in dominion over matter. Thus, Venus represents a state of being which intentionally engages and interacts with the physical realm. For the individual, this state contains all the skills and abilities necessary to resonate with, and create change within, the world of matter; this state is the archetype of the female principle

The Moon is symbolized by two intersecting arcs of different radii, both of which open to the east, and which enclose a space between them. The symbol represents the intersection of a larger scope of consciousness with a smaller scope of consciousness, neither of which is complete. Thus, the Moon represents a realm of incomplete consciousness, which is part of the smaller scope and which interfaces with the larger scope. For the individual, the smaller scope is defined as the human consciousness, and so, as both face left, or east, defining the orientation as personal, this realm is the personal subconsciousness linking the individual consciousness with a larger consciousness (of which humanity is some part).

Mars is symbolized by a circle with an arrow right rampant, or facing southwest. (Again, the arrow is a modifier of this symbol only). The symbol represents consciousness directed. Thus, Mars represents a state of action which generates and/or expresses an intention or purpose. For the individual, this state contains the force (energy directed) of consciousness in motion and possessing intent; this state is the archetype of the male principle.

Jupiter is symbolized by the cross with an arc erect and facing left, or east, at the end of the eastern arm. The symbol represents a manifest (material) state that is driven clockwise, and in an expanding spiral, by the force of the personal consciousness symbolized by the eastward facing arc upon the arm of personal identity. Thus, Jupiter represents the anabolic principle, the expansion of manifest life. For the individual, this is the life process, which makes thriving possible in the face of entropy.

Saturn is symbolized by the cross with an arc dependent from the northern arm, and facing left, or east. The symbol represents a manifest (material) state that is driven counterclockwise, and in a contracting spiral, by the force of personal consciousness symbolized by the eastward facing arc upon the arm of foundations and roots. Thus, Saturn represents the catabolic principle, the limitations placed upon life. For the individual, this is the boundaries and challenges that define what is and may be possible.

Uranus is symbolized by a circle crowned by a cross, which has an eastward facing arc at the end of the east arm and a westward facing arc at the end of the west arm. The symbol represents consciousness dominated by manifest interaction between to opposing conscious forces. Thus, Uranus represents a state of being that is vulnerable to the interactions of external forces. For the individual, this state is the source of cataclysms and inspirations.

Neptune is symbolized the cross intersected by an arc opening upwards, or to the south. The symbol represents the manifestation of some aspect of a larger consciousness. Thus, Neptune represents the union of the manifest self with the force of a larger consciousness. For the individual, this state is the source of the experience of spiritual being, or of loss of personal identity.

Pluto is symbolized by an arc facing upwards, or to the south, containing a circle within, and with a cross dependent. The symbol represents a manifest state which is dominated by the force of a consciousness containing within it a seed of itself. Thus, Pluto represents the potential for the rebirth of consciousness. For the individual, this state is the source of insight into kharma and/or dharma, that is, unfinished business and/or future potential.