The planets in your chart are the actors in the “movie of your life.”
Basic astrology begins with your Sun sign. This is the zodiac sign that you claim as “my sign,” as in, “I’m a Sagittarius,” or “100% Gemini over here, baby.” It makes sense, since the Sun is the center of our universe—and thus the energy source the powers up our personalities.
As you dive deeper into astrology, you’ll discover that every planet, plus the moon, plays a role in shaping your destiny. Learning about all the planets is the way to map your unique cosmic blueprint—AKA your birth chart (or natal chart).
The planets in your chart were determined at birth
When you were born, every planet was orbiting through a different part of the sky associated with one of the 12 zodiac signs. Here’s what makes this so special: Only someone born at the exact moment as you—in the same time zone—will share your chart. As identical twins born a mere four minutes apart, there are a couple subtle differences in our birth charts.
To find your cosmic blueprint create a free birth chart right here!
The planets in your chart each play a role
Along with learning about the zodiac signs, it’s important to understand the role that each planet in your chart plays in shaping your character or identity. For example, Jupiter reveals where you’re optimistic and lucky, Saturn reveals your challenges, Mercury determines your communication style, Venus influences your romantic and aesthetic style, and so on.
Inner/Personal planets in you chart
The inner planets are the smaller, rocky (terrestrial) planets that are closest to the Sun: Mercury, Venus and Mars. In astrology, we include the Sun and moon as inner “planets,” since we track them in relation to our position on earth. The inner planets move quickly through the zodiac signs, which they pass through, one by one, as they orbit around the Sun. They are used to predict shorter-term trends.
Outer/Generational planets in your chart
The “gas giants”—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune—are called the outer planets. Astrologers include Pluto, which is an icy dwarf in technical terms, as one of the outer planets in your chart. Since the outer planets can take from a year to 15 years to travel through a zodiac sign, they are used to predict longer-term trends and generational influences.
Ruling planets in your chart
Each planet is said to rule a zodiac sign, which means it acts as a guardian angel for everyone born under that specific Sun sign and influences other aspects of the planets in your chart.
Your ruling planet’s characteristics are a lot like your zodiac sign’s. For example, empathic Cancers are ruled by the ever-changing moon, which gives them emotional range but also can make them moody. Leos are ruled by the Sun, and can sometimes be huge balls of energy—but also are known to forget that they’re not the center of the universe some days.
What do the planets in your chart mean?
Whether you’re ruled by a planet or not, you will feel its influence in your cosmic blueprint. Every birth chart has a Sun sign, moon sign, Venus sign, and so on. We are all living in the same solar system after all! Where the variation comes in is the zodiac sign each planet is orbiting through when you were born as well as the house, which you can learn more about in the astrology section of Astrostyle.
Changes Signs: About once a year
Rules This Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Reveals: Where you’re lucky, adventurous, expansive and open. The growth you seek, how you look for personal improvement and knowledge.
Read more about Jupiter
Changes Signs: Every 28-30 years
Rules This Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Reveals: Where you’re challenged, fearful, self-doubting, have to work hard to earn. Things you come by through time, hard lessons, maturity. How you handle responsibility, authority and leadership. How you limit or restrict yourself.
Read more about Saturn
Changes Signs: Every 15 years
Rules This Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Reveals: Your imagination, spirituality, where you’re foggy or unclear, the “right brain” and artistic impulse. How you dissolve boundaries and old patterns. Your attitude toward fantasy, surrender, mind-altering substances (drugs, alcohol, etc.).
Read more about Neptune
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