Planets and their Influences

Planets have been a source of human interest and studies for at least a millennium in both East and West traditions. The function of the planets includes the initial observations of the lunar cycle and then the times of the year that people are born (astrology) and how the time of year influences a person's behaviour, thinking and choices - what we refer to as astrology or the Zodiac. Planets are thought to embody specific energies that shape and influence how we live and the choices we make, both spiritually and personally, across the life path (and its cycles of rebirth and karma), and much more. Here, we take a look at the planets and their energy from an overview perspective.

Mercury

Mercury is the planet that is closest to the sun. Its energy is that of the mind and the power of the intellect. It shapes the way we think, our capacity for mental agility, how we perceive things and situations, and how we make decisions. In essence, Mercury influences everything about the way we process information and how we express ourselves, especially in written or verbal form.Transitioning from its intellectual influence, Mercury carries both 'masculine' analytical energy—shaping how we connect abstract ideas to our daily lives—and a feminine energetic aspect, marked by practical connection, flexibility, and adaptability to change.

Further, when we express and communicate well, Mercury enhances our capacity to connect, form meaningful friendships and associations, and build social networks. It is associated with the Zodiac signs of Gemini and Virgo.

As for periods of retrograde, Mercury can negatively impact communication, including technological and written communication, and cause breakdowns. From a spiritual perspective, Mercury is considered the “messenger of the Gods” (psychic gifts, spirit communication, connection to guides and guardians), and is associated with the speed and agility of thought, as well as adaptability to change.

In summary, Mercury represents the curious mind, inspires change and personal development, and the courage to step into the unknown. It is also associated with alchemy and transformation (magicke), and is linked to the card of the Magician in the Tarot Deck, symbolising spiritual transformation and transition, and the evolution of consciousness toward the desired ultimate of enlightenment.

Venus

Venus is the planet next to Mercury and second from the sun. Its energy is sultry and romantic, with an appreciation of all things beautiful. It is associated with the arts, love, relationships, and desire. It influences how we perceive things and people, and how we express our emotions, particularly in relationships. It influences the love of money and pleasure, as well as a desire for harmony. A planet covered in volcanoes, it brings passion to life and helps to identify what we find attractive, pleasurable, and joyful, from art and music to romance and intimacy. It promotes the need for connection and balance, and the desire to create from a space of gentleness (as opposed to forcefulness): “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” It is also associated with money and material possessions, the acquisition of wealth and financial stability and security, and influences our personal expression – including our style, dress sense, and our ‘language of love’. Astrologically, it is associated with Taurus and Libra. Spiritually and metaphysically, Venus represents the “Divine Feminine,” encouraging people to be more gentle, more compassionate, and more empathetic in the way we interact with others – reminding us that we can speak the truth and retain integrity in gentle ways. Venus is also associated with ‘healing’ (ourselves and others), resilience, and developing our creative abilities – especially when it comes to expressing our authentic selves in meaningful ways - to enrich all life. Metaphysically, Venus is associated with the Tarot deck with the Lovers and The Empress – relationships, nurturing, passionate care, and practical compassion.

Earth

Earth is the third planet from the sun, between Venus and Mars. It represents the humanitarian aspect and raises self-awareness by illuminating the subconscious. It helps expand your perspective on difficult situations during problem identification, understanding, and solving. Its influences include the physical and material aspects of life – to ensure practicality and stability, and to empower manifestation and creativity. It’s considered a builder of dreams, supporting them from the vision and into reality, grounding emotions into practical pursuits, and supporting planning (of the goals), as well as building the structures, sourcing the materials, patience, and reliability. Astrologically, it is associated with Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. From an elemental perspective, the planet represents all the elements - wood, fire, metal, mineral, water, and air, with the opportunity to create perfect harmony.

Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun, located between Earth and Jupiter. It is known as the ‘fiery planet’ and is also called the ‘red planet’. It is a planet of action – associated with drive, determination, and ambition. Associated with masculine energy (which includes the base, sacral and solar plexus chakras). Mars is linked to the energies of war, passion and manifestation, courage, willpower, vitality – and even anger and aggressiveness. It also offers the determination and drive to start and complete projects, providing the courage and what is needed to overcome obstacles and face challenges. As a ‘warrior’ energy, it supports people to step up into their ‘power’ and to release any limiting beliefs of victimhood and powerlessness. If a person is struggling to motivate themselves and to implement an idea into reality, then the energy of Mars will support and ignite motivation. As a Yang energy planet – it is also associated with independence and leadership – and will take the actions required to ensure positive outcomes (which can include training and learning new things). Be mindful of the Martian energy, though, because when out of balance, it can manifest as reactive self-defensiveness, aggressiveness in pursuit of goals, and the suppression of emotional states. The positive, transformative aspects of fire can become burning, searing, and destructive. Astrologically associated with Aries and Capricorn.

Jupiter

Jupiter is the fifth planet from the sun, situated between Mars and Saturn. Its energy is associated with the power of the mind – expansion, learning, higher learning, wisdom, and optimism. It governs growth (spiritual and intellectual) and is associated with good luck and good fortune, as well as wealth, prosperity and material abundance. Fortunately, it carries a humanitarian and collective consciousness, and any good fortune tends to be shared, as it is also associated with generosity, philosophical pursuits, and philanthropy. People influenced by Jupiter will be seekers of truth and justice, with strong idealism and morality. For those who have achieved levels of expertise and even mastery, there is a willingness to share information and knowledge with others, and so Jupiter is associated with teaching, learning, and study. As part of the quest for knowledge, Jupiter is also associated with pursuits such as travel, which encourages cultural and further personal and spiritual development. Generally speaking, Jupiter influences foster positivity, faith, hope, and optimism! Astrologically, Jupiter is linked to Sagittarius and Pisces.

Saturn

Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun, located between Jupiter and Uranus. In astrology, Saturn is known for its energy of structure, authority, and boundaries. These boundaries help us take responsibility and work toward our life’s purpose, giving us the courage to resolve all challenges. Saturn’s energy also reminds us of the need to maintain our personal boundaries, including the boundaries of the aura. At different times, they need to be relaxed or strengthened, and some flexibility is needed. Saturn's lessons remind us that life moves in cycles, with periods of growth, development, learning and at times - stagnation. This occurs in our physical existence and the soul's existence of reincarnation. Saturn is often seen as a ‘karmic accountant,’ keeping track of our experiences and helping us learn what we need for self-realisation and actualisation. It teaches us that our actions have consequences, whether desirable or not, and encourages us to act with integrity. Saturn also supports growth through challenges and helps shape our destiny by encouraging reflection and learning from our experiences, including career achievements and personal change. As a planet of structure, Saturn’s influence helps us navigate social systems and bring order to chaos. Astrologically, Saturn is associated with the sun signs of Capricorn and Aquarius.

Uranus

Mercury is the planet that is closest to the sun. Its energy is that of the mind and the power of the intellect. The way we think, our capacity for mental agility, how we perceive things and situations, and how we make our decisions. It influences everything about the way we process information and how we express ourselves (especially in written or verbal form). It carries a ‘masculine’ and analytical energy, the way we connect abstract ideas and incorporate them into our daily lives. When we express and communicate well, we can connect with others, which enhances our capacity to relate to others, form meaningful friendships and associations, making it advantageous for building social networks. It is associated with the Zodiac signs of Gemini and Virgo. Mercury in retrograde can negatively impact communication, including technological and written communication, and cause breakdowns.

Neptune

Mercury is the planet that is closest to the sun. Its energy is that of the mind and the power of the intellect. The way we think, our capacity for mental agility, how we perceive things and situations, and how we make our decisions. It influences everything about the way we process information and how we express ourselves (especially in written or verbal form). It carries a ‘masculine’ and analytical energy, the way we connect abstract ideas and incorporate them into our daily lives. When we express and communicate well, we can connect with others, which enhances our capacity to relate to others, form meaningful friendships and associations, making it advantageous for building social networks. It is associated with the Zodiac signs of Gemini and Virgo. Mercury in retrograde can negatively impact communication, including technological and written communication, and cause breakdowns.

Pluto

Mercury is the planet that is closest to the sun. Its energy is that of the mind and the power of the intellect. The way we think, our capacity for mental agility, how we perceive things and situations, and how we make our decisions. It influences everything about the way we process information and how we express ourselves (especially in written or verbal form). It carries a ‘masculine’ and analytical energy, the way we connect abstract ideas and incorporate them into our daily lives. When we express and communicate well, we can connect with others, which enhances our capacity to relate to others, form meaningful friendships and associations, making it advantageous for building social networks. It is associated with the Zodiac signs of Gemini and Virgo. Mercury in retrograde can negatively impact communication, including technological and written communication, and cause breakdowns.

Sun

Mercury is the planet that is closest to the sun. Its energy is that of the mind and the power of the intellect. The way we think, our capacity for mental agility, how we perceive things and situations, and how we make our decisions. It influences everything about the way we process information and how we express ourselves (especially in written or verbal form). It carries a ‘masculine’ and analytical energy, the way we connect abstract ideas and incorporate them into our daily lives. When we express and communicate well, we can connect with others, which enhances our capacity to relate to others, form meaningful friendships and associations, making it advantageous for building social networks. It is associated with the Zodiac signs of Gemini and Virgo. Mercury in retrograde can negatively impact communication, including technological and written communication, and cause breakdowns.

Moon

Mercury is the planet that is closest to the sun. Its energy is that of the mind and the power of the intellect. The way we think, our capacity for mental agility, how we perceive things and situations, and how we make our decisions. It influences everything about the way we process information and how we express ourselves (especially in written or verbal form). It carries a ‘masculine’ and analytical energy, the way we connect abstract ideas and incorporate them into our daily lives. When we express and communicate well, we can connect with others, which enhances our capacity to relate to others, form meaningful friendships and associations, making it advantageous for building social networks. It is associated with the Zodiac signs of Gemini and Virgo. Mercury in retrograde can negatively impact communication, including technological and written communication, and cause breakdowns.

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