Planets
Astrology uses 10 'planets' in the classical sense of the Greek word planētes ('wanderer'): any celestial body that moves against the fixed background of stars — which includes the Sun and Moon, not technically planets in modern astronomy. The 7 classical planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) were known to the naked eye since antiquity; Uranus, Neptune and Pluto were only incorporated after their telescopic discoveries, between 1781 and 1930.
- SunIdentity, vitality and ego — ruler of Leo.
- MoonEmotion, instinct and home — ruler of Cancer.
- MercuryCommunication and intellect — ruler of Gemini and Virgo.
- VenusLove, beauty and harmony — ruler of Taurus and Libra.
- MarsAction, desire and drive — ruler of Aries.
- JupiterExpansion, luck and growth — ruler of Sagittarius.
- SaturnDiscipline, restriction and time — ruler of Capricorn.
- UranusRebellion, innovation and sudden change — co-ruler of Aquarius.
- NeptuneDreams, illusion and spirituality — co-ruler of Pisces.
- PlutoTransformation, power and rebirth — co-ruler of Scorpio.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does Vedic astrology use the same 10 planets?
- Not entirely. Vedic astrology (Jyotish) uses the classical Navagraha ('nine seizers') system: the 7 classical planets plus Rahu and Ketu, the lunar nodes — mathematical points, not physical bodies. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, discovered after the system was already established, are not part of the classical Navagraha.