Everything You Need to Know About Planets in Astrology

Astrology Planets and Their Meanings

Planets in astrology tell a story and represent a theme we will all pass through time and time again in our lives. Each planet rules a sign, is exalted or fallen in a sign, and is domiciled in a particular house on the natal chart where its themes reflect.

Note that the Sun, Moon, and Pluto are recognized in Astrology as luminary bodies and thus affect our psyche and human experience like the planets do.

Understanding Your Ruling Planet

Though each of us is affected by all ten planets and all planets are represented in the natal chart, the ruling planet often gets the most attention.

The ruling planet in astrology has dominion over particular zodiac signs. The energy of that planet highly influences how zodiac signs behave and express their personality. Though the ruling planet may not provide the full picture, it’s a good indication of each sign’s tendencies.

What Does it Mean if a Planet is Exalted or Detrimental?

While the ruling planet offers insight into the dominant personality trait of the sign it rules, the sign it’s exalted in offers a primal expression of the planet’s energy.

Similarly, the sign where the planet is detrimental or “falls” would be a sign which traits diminish the planet's power.

For example, Venus rules Libra and is also exalted (fully expressed) in Pisces and detriment in Virgo. Venus is fully expressed within the Piscean's ideal and fantastical approach to love. Venus suffers from the analytical approach of a Virgo.

Planets in astrology are the pillars by which we define much of the zodiac.

Sun- Planet of the Self, Personality, + Ego

Ruling House: 5th

Sign Rulership: Leo

Sign Exalted: Aries

Sign Detriment: Aquarius

Body Parts: Pancreas, Heart, Stomach, Spine

Tarot Correspondence: Strength card, The Sun, Knight of Wands

Themes: Core of your being, how others see us, how we perceive ourselves. Life-force, potential, and what we are driven to be and do.

Moon- Planet of Emotions + Sentiment

Ruling House: 4th

Sign Rulership: Cancer

Sign Exalted: Taurus

Sign Detriment: Capricorn

Body Parts: Chest, breast, digestive organs

Tarot Correspondence: King of Cups, Chariot, High Priestess 

Themes: Sensitivity, empathy, tendency to nurture, mother, sentimental pleasures. The moon governs our most vulnerable parts.

Mars- Planet of Passion + Purpose

Ruling House: 1st

Sign Rulership: Aries

Sign Exalted: Capricorn

Sign Detriment: Libra

Body Parts: Face, head, skull, appearance

Tarot Correspondence: The Tower, The Emperor, Death card

Themes: Aggression, rage, determination, primal instinct, courage, lust, competition, triggers, drive, Yang energy.

Venus- Planet of Love, Money, + Abundance

Ruling House: 7th

Sign Rulership: Venus + Taurus

Sign Exalted: Pisces

Sign Detriment: Aries

Body Parts: Uterus, ovaries, lower back

Tarot Correspondence: Justice, Empress, Hierophant, Queen of Swords

Themes: Romance, art, indulgence, luxury, money, beauty, pleasure, and sensuality.

Mercury- Planet of Communication, Expression, + Intellect

Ruling House: 3rd + 6th

Sign Rulership: Gemini + Virgo

Sign Exalted: Virgo

Sign Detriment: Sagittarius + Pisces

Body Parts: Appendix, abdomen, waist, navel

Tarot Correspondence: Magician, Hermit, Lovers

Themes: Reasoning, strategy, wit, travel, cunning abilities, timing, organization, and information.

Jupiter- Planet of Luck, Optimism, + Expansion

Ruling House: 9th

Sign Rulership: Sagittarius

Sign Exalted: Cancer

Sign Detriment: Gemini

Body Parts: Hips, bones, thighs, and arteries.

Tarot Correspondence: Wheel of Fortune, Temperance, Queen of Cups

Themes: Understanding, growth, curiosity, education, exploration, experiences, the urge to go out of the box to learn more, do more, and be more.

Saturn- Planet of Karma, Discipline, + Boundaries

Ruling House: 10th + 11th

Sign Rulership: Capricorn

Sign Exalted: Libra

Sign Detriment: Cancer

Body Parts: Joints, bones, and knees.

Tarot Correspondence: The Worlds, the Devil, and 3 of Swords

Themes: Obligations, priorities, the law, balance, stability, depression, anxiety, doubt, and questioning as much as you can.

Uranus- Planet of Rebellion, Awakening, + Originality

Ruling House: 11th

Sign Rulership: Aquarius

Sign Exalted: Scorpio

Sign Detriment: Leo

Body Parts: Ankles, legs, arms, and ears

Tarot Correspondence: The Fool, The Star

Themes: Challenging status quote, beat of your own drum, individuality, making a difference, big impact, surprises, the unexpected, the great awakener. 

Neptune- Planet of Intuition, Illusion, + Spirituality

Ruling House: 12th

Sign Rulership: Pisces

Sign Exalted: Leo

Sign Detriment: Virgo

Body Parts: Eyes, feet, and lymph nodes

Tarot Correspondence: The Hanged Man, the Moon

Themes: Fantasy, meditation, the astral plane, ethereal, escapism, daydream, dreamy, otherworldly, psychic abilities, intuition.

Pluto- Planet of Power, Transformation, + Subconscious Mind

Ruling House: 8th

Sign Rulership: Scorpio

Sign Exalted: Gemini

Sign Detriment: Aquarius

Body Parts: Pelvis, anus, and sexual organs

Tarot Correspondence: Judgment, the Death card

Themes: Rebirth, death, transformation, rising phoenix, intensity, underworld, darkness, loss, reformation. 

What Does 2022 Have in Store For Your Zodiac Sign?

What Does 2022 Have in Store For Your Zodiac Sign?

Yearly horoscope and tarot reading for every zodiac

The past couple of years have been tumultuous. The world and life as we knew it came crashing down seemingly overnight. Planetary positioning indicated that these would be years of tearing apart the old way, questioning our purpose, and learning to lean on each other to rebuild.

As a collective, we’ve been through a lot. Fortunately, it looks like 2022 horoscopes are indicating that we will find footing in the year ahead. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the themes and challenges coming up for each sign and their 2022 horoscope.

Aries

The focus is on finance for you fiery Aries. You’re pushing full speed ahead and it’s unlikely that anything can slow you down this year. Enjoy the ride, it’ll be a fast one!

Themes: Forward motion, career growth, money, connection to your purpose

Challenges: Some fears will come up for you this year. Just as things begin to look good, you almost feel as if the rug is going to be pulled from beneath you again. But don’t hold your breath, the other shoe won’t drop unless you insist it does. Keep your gaze forward.

Tarot: Ten of Pentacles

Purpose, passion and pentacles align and you fall into the flow of making money doing what you love. You will feel abundance surround you.

Taurus

The north node is in Taurus this year making all signs, but especially you, more inclined to hone in on value systems that make you feel safe. You’re tired of feeling unsettled. This is going to empower you to make the changes required to feel grounded.

Themes: Sitting still, trusting life, letting go, connection to yourself

Challenges: If you struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, or burnout–this is the year you take action in resolving or at least treating the cause and symptoms. Prioritize your mental health so that you can show up in your life fully.

Tarot: 4 of Wands

This year you’ll be celebrating the foundation you’ve built and those you’ve built it with.

Gemini

Saturn shows that this will be a time of building for you, Gemini. 2022 will be all about footwork for you within your career and romantic relationship. 

Themes: Hard work, patience, gratitude, perseverance, and consistency

Challenges: Finding pleasure in the day-to-day will be your challenge this year. Your time of harvest will come in early 2023, for now, find gratitude in the groundwork and take every opportunity to learn, grow, and become who you need to be when it comes time to reap the benefits. 

Tarot: 7 of Pentacles

Invest in the hard work today and reap the rewards tomorrow.

Cancer

A lot of the solar system will be occupying water and earth signs this year. For you Cancer, this means you will be emotionally driven to build something substantial. You have a desire to level up everything in your life from health, relationships, and work commitments. And it looks like the planets are aligning in your favor to do so.

Themes: Passion, intuition, motivation, creation, and productivity

Challenges: Unpleasant emotional storms will challenge your resilience. Even when it’s hard, try to choose better feeling thoughts to keep you going.

Tarot: Queen of Cups

Your cup runneth over. You feel fulfilled emotionally and creatively and want to share it with others.

Leo

It’s hard for you to ask for help, prideful Leo, but this year you may need it. Leaning on others proves to be a valuable untapped resource for you. It also strengthens your relationships. You’re always there for everyone, allow them to be there for you too.

Themes: Work, values, self-esteem, commitments, alliances

Challenges: Work and career are going to present you with challenging opportunities to prove your value. Continue to improve, learn, and develop your skill so that others won’t be able to question your contribution.

Tarot: 3 of Pentacles

Collaboration is key. You can’t build an empire alone.

Virgo

2022 is going to further push you out of your comfort zone. It’s wise to embrace the change. As your horizons broaden, you will find yourself in serendipitous experiences and new opportunities that will help awaken something that has been repressed for some time now.

Themes: Balance, purpose, self-awareness, progress, breaking the mold

Challenges: You may struggle with resisting your growth. Let go, trust life, and know that whatever happens externally–you are a warrior and can make it through anything. There’s nothing to fear.

Tarot: 2 of Swords

If you weigh the options for too long you’ll get stuck. Trust yourself and take action without overthinking.

Libra

This will be a year of fruition for you Libra. All the hard work you’ve exerted in 2021 will come to light and the stars are celebrating you. Don’t hold back. The glow is real and you deserve to be proud of all you’ve done and continue to do.

Themes: success, growth, reaping what you sow, crossroads

Challenges: Good things are happening but don’t slow your pace. Stay focused, your work isn’t done yet.

Tarot: Sun

Your child-like happiness is radiating. Expect good things because you deserve good things.

Scorpio

This year is going to present a lot of contrast for you Scorpio, but if anyone can handle it, it’s you. What may feel like bad luck is just an opportunity to explore the unhealed aspects of your being. Things will slow down toward the end of the year and you’ll be able to celebrate your perseverance.

Themes: obstacles, slowing down, self-care, relationships

Challenges: You’ll have to accept that you can’t fix everything and everyone. Turn your focus inward. You are the main character of your own life, so it’s time to discover what makes you happy and let others tend to themselves.

Tarot: The Hanged Man

Sometimes the best action is no action. Slow down, breathe deep, and the solutions will come to you.

Sagittarius

You’re ready to live it up and let loose adventurous Sag. But you’re not looking to keep all the fun to yourself. Even if you don’t travel, your ideas and actions will be expansive and everyone in your circle will be along for the ride.

Themes: New experiences, expansion, travel, friendships, relationships, making a name for yourself, adventure, anything new and exciting

Challenges: Maintaining responsibilities. Getting enough sleep. Completing one thing before starting something new.

Tarot: Fool 

With a leap of faith, throw yourself into an exciting year and enjoy all of the ups and downs along the way.

Capricorn

The north node is pointing straight into your pleasure zone Capricorn. It’s time to enjoy the rewards of all your hard work (but don’t slow down just yet!). Be proud of how far you’ve come. This year is going to go a little easier on you, and you deserve the break.

Themes: Rest, inspiration, rejuvenation, fresh start, new beginnings

Challenges: Speaking your mind may be a challenge this year. You’ll be given the chance on a few occasions to share your thoughts and feelings. So say what you mean and mean what you say.

Tarot: 9 of Cups

Fulfillment is the name of the game and you’ve won every round. Now, to sit back and enjoy it.

Aquarius

You’re really taking care of yourself this year Aquarius. Establishing a home, steady income, and a solid spiritual practice will be major highlights in 2022. Expect massive shifts in your consciousness and reality. This is your time to shine.

Themes: Manifestations, growing roots, being stable, focus, openness

Challenges: Don’t let optimism cloud your judgment. Double and triple check everything and always read the fine print.

Tarot: Magician

Once you’ve set your heart and mind to it, it’ll happen. You’re all magic this year.

Pisces

Jupiter will be influencing you for the first half of the year, so expect to be pretty busy and influential yourself! Things will later slow down and it’s best for you to recharge. With the little downtime, you will get in 2022, spend it with people who fill your emotional cup.

Themes: Being busy, relationships, commitment, self-care

Challenges: Prioritizing your needs. A potential for burnout. Committing to things too quickly.

Tarot: 10 of Wands

With much greatness comes much responsibility and this year you’ll have plenty of both.

What Venus Retrograde Means for Your Sign

Everyone talks about Mercury retrograde. But Venus retrograde packs a very powerful planetary punch. We call it retrograde because, from Earth, it appears as though Venus begins to spin in the opposite direction and thus shifting our perspectives and magnifying certain experiences and lessons. 

What is Venus in Retrograde?

On December 19th, 2021 Venus goes retrograde and stations right next to Pluto in the sign of Capricorn and will be in retrograde for 40 days and 40 nights.

Venus represents relationships, pleasure, indulgence, connection, sensuality, luxury, money, values, and expression. Capricorn, the sign where Venus will be in retrograde, isn’t as prone to these Venusian tendencies. So immediately, there is a level of friction. But it’s not all bad news bears. Discover what the planet of love has in store for you depending on your sun sign.

Aries - Be Playful

The temptation to ruminate about your past career choices and financial decisions will be at an all-time high as the ruler of finances goes retrograde. Overcome overthinking by staying in the present moment. Dig into your hobbies or pick up a new interest. There isn’t much you can do about the past, so just let it go. Money will come and go so don’t lose your sanity over it. Stay focused on what inspires you. Not all good investments are monetary.

Taurus- Honor Your Self-Care

Venus rules Taurus, so you’ll feel this retrograde a little more intensely than others. You may sense you’re not at home in your own skin. An urge for a drastic makeover could quickly spiral into an identity crisis. Rather than reacting to these feelings, take time to sit with them and practice extra self-love. Prime your home for a cozy 6-week retrograde and do things that make you appreciate your body like yoga, tapping therapy, acupuncture, or massages.

Gemini- Don’t Get Caught Up

You run the risk of getting caught up in friendship drama this Venus retrograde. But you’ve got a lot of things brewing for the year ahead so it’s important to be aware of where you’re spending your energy. Try to play Switzerland if your friends attempt to triangulate you into their issues.

Cancer- Spend Some Time Alone

Relationships will feel extra draining when the planet of love moves backward. Turn your need for connection inward and tap into the ultimate source of love. You may feel pulled between spending time with others and being alone. Opt for whichever is giving you more energy. Either way, connect to something that fills our cup.

Leo- Celebrate Friendships

Your someone special doesn’t seem to be swooning over you as they usually do. It’s a little rough on that ego of yours. But don’t worry, your besties are here to save the day. Your relationship isn’t going anywhere so consider this a season to celebrate platonic and professional connections. You can rekindle your romance once Venus goes direct.

Virgo- Embrace Change

Your routine and structure may feel a little shaken up during this time. But a break from the norm creates the perfect environment for you to explore other creative outlets. You might even think of ways to expand your streams of income. Now is a good time to explore these options but don’t sign off on anything until the end of Venus retrograde.

Libra- Heal Your Heart

The ultimate Venution, Libra you’re heart may feel extra heavy this Venus retrograde. Memories of lost love could have you swept away down memory lane. You might even hear from an ex (probably one you don’t care for). Now’s a good time to heal from any emotional wounds you’ve left unattended. Practice staying in the present moment and looking forward to the future.

Scorpio- Slow Down

It’s not hard for you to keep yourself busy, but Venus is bound to slow you down. With a little extra time on your hands, you may notice some repressed emotions come to the surface. Resist the urge to distract yourself from what needs to be healed. Is there anyone you need to forgive–possibly yourself?

Sagittarius- Spend Wisely

While all the other signs are in emotional uproar, you’re more likely to burn through your life’s savings during Venus retrograde. In search of the next big dopamine hit, you may be tempted to gun for some serious retail therapy. But the things you own are draining your energy. Clear out some space for something new, beautiful, and completely non-material. Your soul is craving a substance that shopping can’t offer.

Capricorn- Evaluate Your Direction

It’s important for you Capricorn, to feel like you know where you’re headed. As the planet of passion and pleasure goes retrograde in your sign, you may feel lost or the interest you once had in certain areas of your life has diminished. This could pass once Venus is direct, but in the meantime, audit your trajectory. Are you the same person you were when you made the goals you currently pursue? Have you outgrown a career, relationship, or project? Use this time to evaluate whether or not the things you’re doing today are creating a tomorrow that you can look forward to.

Aquarius- Spiritual Lessons

Introspection has always been important to you, but Venus is causing you to have a double-take. You may feel a bit more reclusive but don't feel guilty about being antisocial. You’ve got some inner work to do and Venus refuses to let you distract your way out of it. Use this time to sink below the surface of your consciousness and discover the fantastical spiritual realm within. Spiritual awakenings during a retrograde are profound, albeit a little rocky.

Pisces- Invest Wisely

Your time, your emotions, your money, your energy must all be invested wisely during Venus retrograde. It’s time to reassess the people, places, and things that hold lasting value. Everything else is a distraction. Venus invites you to become more discerning in who you love. Are there individuals who take advantage of your caring nature? Be sure others are investing in you the way you invest in them.

Venus retrograde is known for its tough love and it comes just in time for the new year to show us just what we’re made of.