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Astrology Chart Planet and Node Definitions
Sun (Ruler of Leo)
The Sun is not a planet, of course, but actually a star. In astrology, however, it is considered a planet for interpretation purposes. The Sun represents our identity. It tells us how we define ourselves; how we need to express ourselves; how we need to shine in our lives; how we feel alive. It is the center of our self-expression. The Sun can also tell us about our father.
Moon (Ruler of Cancer)
The Moon is not a true planet, but the Earth’s only moon. In astrology, however, it is considered a planet for interpretation purposes. The Moon tells us about our emotional nature and basic needs. It is also the key to how we experience intimacy in relationships. The Moon tells us about our mother, as she is our first intimate relationship. How did we experience her nurturing? And what type of nurturing do we now expect?
Mercury (Ruler of Gemini and Virgo)
Mercury stands for the intellect, common sense, cold reason, commerce and business. Its qualities are fluidity and versatility. Its position and aspects tell us about our communication and learning habits and our modes of thinking.
Venus (Ruler of Taurus and Libra)
Venus is the planet which reveals how we like to relate to our environment and other people. Are we attracted to strong, sensual and intense relationships? Or do we prefer freedom and independence? It also indicates what we value, and therefore is linked with money and resources.
Earth
The position of the Earth is used more commonly in Esoteric Astrology or Heliocentric Astrology. In Esoteric Astrology it is considered to represent our point on the spiritual path. It is the point at which we need to make physical our spiritual potential; literally what our next physical step is, on the spiritual path. It represents our dharma.
Mars (Ruler of Aries and co-ruler of Scorpio)
Mars is the planet of assertion and drive. What drives us? Do we pursue our desires aggressively? Or do we sit back and lack drive? It tells us what motivates us and what desires drive us most powerfully.
Jupiter (Ruler of Sagittarius and co-ruler of Pisces)
Jupiter is the planet of expansion, abundance and wisdom. It highlights the areas in which we yearn to discover greater truths. Therefore it can also be linked to excess. We search for more and more insofar as we can learn greater truths. It is the seeker. In seeking we find.
Saturn (Ruler of Capricorn and co-ruler of Aquarius)
Saturn represents responsibility, boundaries and structure; structure that provides a positive framework within which we can build, or structure that limits our development and forces us to reassess our liabilities and assets.
Chiron (Ruler tentatively of Sagittarius and/or Libra)
Chiron, the Wounded Healer, represents our emotional and physical wounds. It reveals a part of us that is hurt, small and vulnerable. We are encouraged to heal our wounds, and then look beyond personal realms, to see the suffering of others, and to become teachers and healers.
Uranus (Ruler of Aquarius)
Uranus represents originality and unconventionality. This can be both the unusual and brilliant genius or the willful rebel without a cause. It tells us the areas in which we break with convention, become innovative and experiment with new and exciting ways.
Neptune (Ruler of Pisces)
Neptune is the planet of mysticism and at-one-ness. It represents both the blissful at-one-ment of the spiritual and the confusion which comes from not knowing limits and boundaries. It blurs reality and fantasy and teaches us compassion and unity.
Pluto (Ruler of Scorpio)
Pluto is the planet of transformation. Nothing stays the same around this planet. Its task is to clear out the old to make way for the new. This is done volcanically, by forcing anything submerged to the surface to be dispelled. Wherever Pluto sits in our charts we experience regeneration.
Ascendant
The Ascendant or Rising Sign is a key to self-discovery. It tells us how we express ourselves as individuals. It is not so much our identity as how we choose to express that identity. The older we get, the more we strive to express ourselves through the qualities of the Ascendant. In contrast, the Descendant tells of qualities we attract in relationships. The Descendant qualities often appear in our most intimate partners as signposts to lessons about ourselves. Both ends of the polarity give us clues about our selves.
Midheaven
The MC or Medium Coeli tells us of our public life. This includes social status and/or our chosen profession. It can also show how we crave recognition.
North Node
The North Node points to a key lesson in our lives. It represents new experiences towards which we must aim during this life. We have already learned the skills of its opposite point, the South Node, in past lives. Now we must grow and stretch ourselves through the North Node. The challenge with the Nodal Axis is to use the past skills of the South Node and learn the new skills of the North Node on our quest for wholeness.
South Node
The South Node represents past life skills and achievements, which stand us in good stead for this life. We need to use these skills in the present life to learn the lessons of the opposite point, the North Node. We must not continue to fall back on the past. The challenge with the Nodal Axis is to use the past skills of the South Node and learn the new skills of the North Node on our quest for wholeness.
Definitions above are from Solfire® 4.0 computer program
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Planets and Nodes used in Astrology