By Patty A. Chapman
For many people their introduction to astrology is through the daily newspaper horoscope-the Sun signs. Emphasis on the signs of the Zodiac is a rather modern occurrence. When the Babylonians began to observe the stars, they noticed that five of them moved as did the Sun and Moon. These of course were the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. It is thought that astrology grew from the observance and measurement of the movements of these planets.
From the beginning the planets were associated with various Gods whose individual domain and personality we still use to describe that planets influence. It isn’t necessary to be a mythology buff to know how the planets operate within a chart but the association between God and planet does make it easier to retain the information and for it to make sense. For example, Mars was the Roman God of War, aggressive, energetic, masculine etc. These traits are still associated with Mars in a natal chart today some 2000 years later.
To Plato and Carl Jung the gods represented archetypes existing in a psychological dimension, which present each of us with a separate journey in this life. The journey is what can be observed by analyzing an astrology chart.
There are numerous books available, which cover, in depth, the planets and how they affect us. For anyone seriously interested in astrology they are essential reading materials.
The principle deity for all cultures has been associated with the Sun. All powerful, most wise and giver of life, the Sun God ruled over everything. In Egypt this was Ra, Amun-Ra or for a short time during the reign of Akhenaten it was Aten. To the Greeks Helios represented the Sun. In classical times Helios was replaced by Apollo.
In astrology the Sun also has great significance. It is our vital essence through which all planetary energies are channeled. It represents ‘individuality’ and the energy, which initiates all action. It is helpful to remember that without the Sun our solar system would not exist. The same can be said of the Sun in the natal chart. Everything is affected by the nature of the Sun.
The Sun, by sign and house, describes our life force. Due to its significance as an expression of our essence, all factors in a chart should be interpreted with reference to the Sun, keeping in mind that even a strongly placed Sun is more effective if aided by other planets. For instance, the Sun by itself would not have nearly the impact standing alone as it would with Mars ‘conjunct’ it (within six degrees of the Sun’s placement). Mars would increase this individual’s vitality, initiative, and possible aggressive tendencies.
The Sun is an important factor when considering the health of an individual. It rules vitamins A and D and the minerals Iodine and Magnesium. If the Sun has challenging aspects to it, it is possible for one to become deficient in one of these important substances. The Sun is indicative of the constitutional quality of the body.
The Sun is ruler of Leo and the fifth house. Key concepts for the Sun are:
1.Individuality
2.Vitality
3.Father (also
the husband in a woman’s chart)
4.Creativity
5.Will/Determination/Confidence
The Moon absorbs and reflects light from the Sun. It is receptive and describes our internal processes-our emotions, the subconscious mind, and our behavioral instincts. The Sun is yang or masculine energy while the Moon is Yin, feminine energy.
In mythology the moon is always consort, sister or daughter to the Sun or chief God. In the Greek myths, Artemis Goddess of the Moon was the twin sister of Apollo, the classical God of the Sun.
The Moon represents the ‘personality’, the vehicle through which individuality can be expressed. The Moon is responsible for our bodily rhythms and this includes the way we behave or ‘flow’ according to external circumstance. When the Sun and Moon are harmoniously placed one has the benefit of using the personality to strengthen their individuality.
If the Sun is strong in a chart but the Moon is weak, an egocentric individual who has difficulty relating to others needs may be the result. The Moon also describes our ‘need and emotional’ patterns which are developed through our early interaction with our mothers or lack of.
If the Moon has stronger positioning than the Sun the result will be someone who puts others first and is in tune with what makes others happy.
The Moon has domain over all female aspects. It rules the vitamin Riboflavin (B-2) and the mineral Potassium. The Moon in a chart will describe the conditions of health. Because of this sensitivity, the Moon is used as an indicator for beneficial times for surgery. Anyone with a prominent moon in their chart will have more sensitivities than the average person to drugs.
The Moon is ruler of the fourth house and the sign Cancer. Key concepts for the Moon are:
1.Personality
2.Maternalism
(the mother in the chart and the wife in a man’s chart)
3.Imagination
4.Feeling/Sensitivity
5.Receptivity
6.Domesticity
Mercury has several facets, which can be observed through its rulership of two signs, Gemini, and Virgo. This speedy little planet is associated foremost with ‘reason’ whereby the individual with personality becomes consciously aware of those things going on in the environment. It is our ability to acquire intellectual knowledge by direct understanding.
Mercury, or Hermes as he was known to the Greeks, was the ‘messenger of the Gods’. In Egypt, as Thoth, Mercury had rulership of scribes who were responsible for writing and record keeping. This was a highly respected position as not everyone had the ability to read and write. Thoth was esteemed for his great wisdom and capabilities as a mediator.
Hermes carried the Caduceus, the staff which is now associated with the medical profession. This planet has always had an association with the healing arts. A strong Mercury indicates a thinker, one who has problem solving abilities. If Mercury has challenging aspects to it, someone prone to mental conflict, indecisiveness, or storytelling may be the result.
Mercury rules the vitamin Thiamine (B-1) and the nervous system. Those with prominent and or heavily aspected Mercuries can be deficient in B-1 and have a sensitive nervous system.
Mercury rules the third house and Gemini and the sixth house and Virgo. Key concepts for mercury are:
1.Reasoning
2.Agility
3.Learning/Education
4.Verbal and written
communication
5.Adaptibilty
6.Perception
7.Analysis
Next month we will examine the function of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn in the natal chart.
Patty A. Chapman is a professional astrologer and intuitive healing practitioner focusing on personal growth and development. If you have career or relationship queries or need direction and clarity for your journey she is available for consultation by appointment. (805) 966-9272 or 455-5063.
