The History of Astrology and How the Planets Affect Our Lives

Astrology’s origins begin in early Mesopotamia. These ancient practices were also developed within Indian, Greece, and Babylonian civilizations, which found patterns and insight directly from the planet and stars. In these ancient times, science and observation were much more hands-on and immersive. The first instance of themes within astrology stems from Sun and moon worship.

Because these two space masses are the most visible at any given point throughout the year, early humans began to observe their influence on earth and the changes they experienced within themselves. Astrology’s early practice wasn’t based on the archetypal energies that western astrologers use today. Instead, they followed the planetary movements and how they may affect the earth. The moon, for example, may not produce a visible influence on the earth except for the days before, during, and after a full moon.

Early people may have discovered how the full moon influences the tides or changes animal behaviors. Calendars and time were developed from the changing of the seasons, which is often associated with the placement of the Sun. In early astrology, the Sun’s placement was associated with beneficial or non-beneficial energies depending on the season, crop, and amount of light received. In these areas, when the Sun traveled through the Leo constellation, crops were most abundant, and the weather was beautiful, which is why the Sun is considered in its prime in the sign of Leo.

While there are many forms of astrology, such as Tropical or Vedic, each of these practices observes planetary movement and has associated energies for each specific planet. The difference between many forms of astrology is how they calculate planetary movements and positions. Some forms follow more ancient beliefs surrounding the position of the planets, while others use a more modern and specific calculation for each planet’s exact placement at any given time. These practices differ depending on the region of the world, yet there are forms of astrology no matter what region or culture you explore.

The Planets in Astrology

The planets in our solar system each contain their unique energies. Depending on their position on earth, these energies are either intensified or lessened. The constellation, or zodiac, that a planet is in also affects the energies felt on earth.

A birth chart describes the placement of the planets at the exact moment you are born. These charts determine the foundation of one’s life and how the planetary movements will affect them in the future. Ancient civilizations studied the planetary transits and recorded their experiences as the planets moved throughout the sky overhead. These findings influence the foundation of modern astrology and can help give us insight into how these planets affect our lives on earth.

Sun

In astrology, the sun is said to be the most important planet. It represents the ego, self-expression, and vitality. The sun is also thought to symbolize the conscious mind. Its placement in a person’s birth chart can reveal a lot about their personality and fate.

Mercury

Mercury is the planet of communication, and its astrological properties are frequently associated with how we communicate with others. Mercury, also known as the “winged messenger,” has astrological properties related to how we receive and process information. Mercury is a fast-moving planet with energy frequently perceived as mental quickness, nervousness, or restlessness.

Venus

Venus is associated with love and marriage. Venus in a person’s natal chart reveals how they relate to others and what they value in a relationship. It also reveals how a person’s domestic life and financial situation are organized. The planet of love reflects a person’s values and aesthetic sense.

Moon

The moon represents a person’s emotions and innermost desires. The moon is also associated with intuition and imagination. The moon’s properties impact people’s moods, behavior, and relationships. The moon phases also contain specific energies that can be used to clear, gain, or maintain energy in one’s life.

Mars

Mars is the planet of action and assertiveness. It is also associated with vitality, strength, and willpower. Those with a strong Mars in their natal chart are described as ambitious and passionate. They are also frequently courageous and self-assured.

Jupiter

Jupiter is associated with good fortune and growth. This planet is also in charge of higher education, long-distance travel, and philosophy. Jupiter’s transits will spark various aspects of ideas, theories, and knowledge across societies. There may also be problems with travel, expansion, or exploration depending on Jupiter’s position.

Saturn

Saturn is known as astrology’s planet of discipline, hard work, and responsibility. Its influence can be seen in areas where we feel compelled to exert extra effort to achieve our objectives.

Saturn’s position in our birth chart can reveal where we may need to overcome obstacles or challenges to reach our full potential. Because this planet is also associated with aging, its position can provide insight into how we will experience our later years.

While Saturn’s energy can be harsh at times, it is also necessary for helping us develop character and learn valuable life lessons.

Pluto

Pluto is a planet of intensity, power, and regeneration. It is associated with death, rebirth, and taboo subjects in astrology. Pluto represents our darkest desires and deepest fears. It is a transformational planet that can assist us in letting go of old patterns and ways of being that no longer serve us.

Uranus

Uranus rules over innovation, rebellion, and liberty. It’s also linked to unexpected events and major life changes. Uranus orbits the sun for approximately 84 years, so it spends approximately seven years in each zodiac sign. As a result, it is a generational planet. It has the greatest impact on us when we are going through major life transitions or social upheaval. Uranus is regarded as a modern planet, and its energy differs greatly from that of the traditional planets.

Neptune

Dreams, intuition, psychic abilities, and creativity are said to be ruled by Neptune. It is also known as the planet of deception, illusion, and escapism.

This planet represents things that are difficult to see or understand. It is the planet of the unconscious mind, and it frequently reveals hidden truths.

Neptune can be a positive or negative influence in our lives. On the plus side, it can assist us in unlocking our creative potential and connecting with our higher selves. On the other hand, it has the potential to lead us down dark paths of deception and self-destruction.

The Science of Astrology

Astrology started as a science and a practice and has been used throughout centuries to help humanity understand the energies at play on earth. This information doesn’t come from magic or spirituality; it stems from actual human experience, tracking the planets as they move throughout the solar system, and understanding how these movements affect the earth. Everything that happens in the sky has a direct reflection on the earth below. Learning your birth chart and following the current planetary transits can help you better understand and predict the energies you’ll experience in your day-to-day life.