Astrology · Planets
Planetary factors: a short reference
An introduction to the planets in astrology: luminaries, personal and slow-moving bodies. Find their main meanings and individual chart lessons.
In this lesson
Luminaries and personal bodies
The Sun and Moon are called luminaries. Mercury, Venus and Mars are often treated as personal factors concerning communication, preferences and action. These are astrological categories; astronomically the Moon is a satellite and the Sun a star.
Social and slow-moving factors
Jupiter and Saturn are discussed through expansion and constraint. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto share slow positions with many people. For an individual reading, include houses and contacts with personal bodies rather than stopping at a sign.
Choose one factor to begin
Open the chart and choose a body whose sign and degree you know. Read its individual lesson, then return to the house and one aspect. Ten unrelated labels do not form an integrated reading.