Sex & Relationships

A guide to the planets in astrology and what they each represent

Look up into the night. What do you see?

For thousands of years, people all over the world have been enchanted by the great theater that is our sky. We watch in awe of the majesty of the stars.

To me, knowing that this sky is the same one you peer up into wherever you stand on Earth is humbling. But then also realizing that it’s the same sky that billions of people have also watched throughout time — now that is something truly beautiful to comprehend.

Since ancient times, mankind followed the movement of our two luminaries — the Sun and the Moon — as well as planets in our solar system that can be observed by the naked eye. These were Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. In the modern era, we’ve found that we also have other outer planets, too — Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. (Yes, Pluto is still a planet in astrology. Don’t be a hater.) Some astrologers even include the asteroids and fixed stars as factors in creating a personality map and horoscope, too! However, for ease and clarity, let’s focus on the basic building blocks first.

The planets tie to aspects of our personalities and lives

In ancient times, humanity looked up to the stars and noticed that there were patterns that repeated themselves. They studied them and realized that certain movements of the planets created effects on Earth. Yet they also realized that these different planets and luminaries also were connected to aspects of one’s personality.

The best part about turning astrology into the art form that it is now is that we recognize that the planets are certainly predictive — explaining who someone is and people’s astrological compatibility — but also are a guide to how life will proceed at any given time.

In a sense, the planets and luminaries are characters in the theater of our lives, and the zodiac signs they dance within are like costumes and props. The houses they reside in are like the acts, scenes and stage upon which they can be seen. Ultimately, we reference the planets as symbols to better understand our lives. Want more insight into your astrology? Follow me or check it out here.

What do each of the planets rule?

Here’s your ultimate, easy guide to reference forevermore. You’re welcome.

The Sun: the luminary of life and self

The sun lends its light to Venusian themes of art, intimacy and self-concept. Shutterstock

Keywords: Consciousness, individuality, self-expression, leadership, confidence, creativity, masculinity

Time to transit between zodiac signs: 1 month

What it represents within you: Ego, basic personality and vitality

What it represents in life: Global energy levels and collective focus

The Moon: the luminary of emotions

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Keywords: Habits, instincts, behaviors, the unconscious, memories, femininity, domesticity, intuition

Time to transit between zodiac signs: Every 2 to 3 days

What it represents within you: Your inner world and soul

What it represents in life: The human collective’s general mood

Mercury: the planet of the mind

Mercury is the planet of the mind and belongs to Wednesday. NASA

Keywords: Communication, intelligence, technology, information, ideas, business, education, legalities

Time to transit between zodiac signs: 3 to 4 weeks

What it represents within you: Your mind and style of communication

What it represents in life: The collective’s mental patterns, the economy and the media

Venus: the planet of beauty

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Keywords: Love, attraction, profit, harmony, relationships, art, pleasure

Time to transit between zodiac signs: About 4 to 5 weeks

What it represents within you: Your aesthetics and love language

What it represents in life: The collective’s romantic energy and sense of connection

Mars: the planet of action

Planet Mars is exalted in Capricorn. Shutterstock

Keywords: Passion, courage, sex, desire, aggression, drive, competition, conflict

Time to transit between zodiac signs: About 6 to 7 weeks

What it represents within you: Your determination and sex drive

What it represents in life: The collective’s focus and level of aggression

Jupiter: the planet of expansion

Jupiter, the planet of bounty, is trading the placid pastures of Taurus for the sound clouds of Gemini. Shutterstock

Keywords: Luck, optimism, hope, vision, growth, wisdom, influence, prosperity

Time to transit between zodiac signs: About 12 to 13 months

What it represents within you: Where you find your luck

What it represents in life: The collective’s sense of hope and growth

Saturn: the planet of structure

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Keywords: Karma, strength, perseverance, discipline, restriction, law, authority, life lessons, obstacles, tradition

Time to transit between zodiac signs: About 2 to 3 years

What it represents within you: Where you must take responsibility and learn life lessons

What it represents in life: Global structures, governments and collective karma

Uranus: the planet of revolution

It’s pronounced “yer-uh-nus” and its forming a chaotic square with the full moon in Leo. Shutterstock

Keywords: Change, freedom, rebellion, individuality, chaos, progressive ideas, humanitarianism, invention, astrology

Time to transit between zodiac signs: About 7 years

What it represents within you: How you express eccentricity

What it represents in life: Progressive and future-oriented growth, the Internet, technology, science

Neptune: the planet of magic

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Keywords: Spirituality, fantasy, dreams, art, mysticism, illusion, deception, escapism

Time to transit between zodiac signs: About 10 to 12 years

What it represents within you: Your imagination and mystical side

What it represents in life: Global artistic interests, illusions, scandals, religion, and spirituality

Pluto: the planet of rebirth

Power planet Pluto is moving into Aquarius, signaling a time of intense transformation. Shutterstock

Keywords: Transformation, destruction, death, evolution, domination, power, regeneration, the subconscious

Time to transit between zodiac signs: About 12 to 15 years

What it represents within you: How you transform and are reborn

What it represents in life: Global powers, institutions, banks


Kyle Thomas is a globally recognized pop culture astrologer who has been featured in “Access Hollywood,” E! Entertainment, NBC & ABC television, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Hulu, Bustle, Elite Daily, Marie Claire and more. He is known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, business executives and prominent influencers. His work harnesses the power of the stars in regards to entertainment lifestyle and trends affecting people worldwide. For more information, visit KyleThomasAstrology.com.