In astrology, each planet has its own symbol. Have you ever thought about what these symbols actually mean? Why they are associated with a specific planet and depicted in precisely this way?
Three primary elements are used in the design of planetary symbols: the circle, the arc, and the cross, along with two additional ones—the point and the arrow.
- Circle – symbolizes spirit, consciousness.
- Arc – soul, sensitivity.
- Cross – body, matter.
Sun is represented by a circle with a dot at the center – spirit with a center, self-awareness, individual consciousness.
Moon is symbolized by an arc – soul, feelings, emotions, sensitivity.
In the symbol of Mercury, all three primary elements are used. The arc is placed above the others, indicating the predominance of receptivity. The circle dominates over the cross. The combination of arc and circle signifies mental receptivity prevailing over matter.
The symbol of Venus consists of a circle and a cross. Here, the spiritual (circle) dominates the physical (cross), symbolically expressing inspiration.
The symbol of Mars is formed by a circle and an arrow. This represents directed spirit. However, the arrow is not pointing straight upward. It does not signify aspiration toward the higher, but rather the desire to conquer and overcome.
The symbol of Jupiter is composed of an arc and a cross – the soul (arc) dominates the material (cross). The essence of Jupiter is mercy.
In the symbol of Saturn, the opposite is true: the physical (cross) dominates the soul (arc).
The symbol of Uranus is formed by a circle with a center and an arrow pointing vertically upward. The circle with a dot at the center, as in the Sun, indicates that Uranus also symbolizes individual consciousness. The arrow pointing vertically upward signifies individual consciousness directed toward the heavens – cosmic self-awareness.
Neptune is the Moon of the higher octave. Its symbolism uses the arc together with the cross. However, the arc does not fully dominate the cross, as in its counterpart Jupiter, but only partially prevails, while simultaneously uniting with the physical. This indicates greater participation in earthly suffering than Jupiter—compassion not descending from above, but shared with equals in misfortune.
The symbol of Pluto, like that of Mercury, consists of three primary elements. Pluto is Mercury of the highest octave. Here, the hierarchy of elements reflects the natural order: spirit above soul, and both higher than the physical. This is the only planet with such an arrangement of primary elements. No wonder Pluto is the ruler of the first sign, Aries, and by the principle of inception, the lord of the entire Zodiac.
The symbol of Chiron is a key connecting the earthly and the divine. Two lines extending upward and downward represent life in two worlds—“upper” and “lower”—united by a single spiritual principle (the circle at the base).
The symbol of Proserpina is a point between two semicircles, or round parentheses (soul), directed in opposite directions, or square brackets pointing in opposite directions, ]. It represents a seed immersed in the womb. At the same time, this symbol also signifies the Child being born from the mother’s womb. It is a symbol of rebirth.
