The earliest astronomers were astrologers and therefore the names of the planets coincide with mythology of the age. At one time, there were 7 “planets” known including the sun and the moon which each ruled one zodiac sign each. The other 5 (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) ruled two zodiac signs each. Since then, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto have been discovered leaving all the planets (except Mercury and Venus) as rulers of a single sign.

How can the planets influence our lives?  Like the tides of the ocean, the phases of the moon also cause our energy to rise and fall in certain sectors of our lives. Humans have always feared and been fascinated by eclipses as well as full moons. Similarly, the other planets play important roles in welding our lives and giving it direction. 

Imagine it is Earth’s Birthday and all the planets are organizing the surprise party. The following is a brief summary of the personified planets.  While reading, think about the characteristics and try in your mind to connect them to their respective planets.  The next two pages, Zodiac Signs and Houses, will go into more details. 

Moon —Everyone’s older sister, the moon’s maternal instincts are simply to take care of everyone else. The Moon is the one that is organizing this party together with all of her friends for a friend that is so much like family to her. Sun —The ultimate partier, the sun loves to be the center of attention and lives for power. He gets to the party fashionably late, literally: he is wearing an outfit so excessive, that no one can avoid noticing him. He then announces himself “Master of Ceremonies” without being asked. Venus —She is the voluptuous female that every man adores and wants. Venus has charm, beauty, and the power of persuasion: everything a girl could be jealous of. However, as Earth’s best friend (she is like a sister), Venus distracts Earth with the first present: a day at the spa. Jupiter —Unlike Saturn, Jupiter loves group gatherings. He loves fun and friends and finding out the latest news. Knowing lots of people is important to him: to make contacts for the millions of large-scale ideas he has in his head. As the king of mingling, he makes his rounds from group to group, until the music starts. Jupiter and the Sun are the first on dance floor. Neptune —The poet and songwriter in the corner of the room, Neptune’s work is sometimes beatnik, sometimes rhythm and blues. He loves to watch people and guess their names. He has instincts more intense than the Moon can imagine: “on the verge of psychic, dude.” He writes a special song just for Earth that the Moon and Venus sing.

Mercury —This is the communicator and analyzer. She is the one who was simultaneously making phone calls to everyone about the party, printing up invitations, and surfing the net for the perfect gift. During the party, Mercury gives everyone an earful of gossip and jokes. Mars —Tall, muscular, and handsome, Mars is a warrior and a flirt. Yet often, he is naïve, being a fool when it comes to love. Bein’ a “player”, he simply came to this party to hang out with the guys, and because Mercury promised that Venus would be there. Saturn —The father figure who demands respect, Saturn’s life is an inspiration to others to work hard in life. He is an experienced businessman, but never is comfortable in the social sector: he’s always been a bit jaded. He is here for his friend, Earth, but feels kind of lonely among so many friends. He looks forward to seeing his best friend Pluto. Uranus —As the “techno-hippie” (a term she coined herself), Uranus is the most unique character; unique in the way she can put any 2 things together to make a combination that is uniquely her. Many call it random, but creative and intelligent is what she calls it: mixing the old with the new. Uranus is most definitely the DJ at this party. Pluto —After striking up a conversation with Saturn about the “Good Ol’ Days,” Pluto introduces him to her friends, Neptune and Uranus. As a highly attractive & intense woman, she is no dumb female. She is as experienced with life as much as Saturn, and she is the one who makes sure everyone is having a good time. She is also the one in charge of the cake.

Created 10/21/01; Last Modified 1/18/03