In astrology, each planet has its own symbol. Have you ever wondered what these symbols mean? Why are they associated with a specific planet and depicted in a particular way?
Three main elements are used in the formation of planetary symbols: the circle, the arc, and the cross, along with two additional ones—the point and the arrow.
- The circle symbolizes the spirit and consciousness.
- The arc represents the soul, sensitivity, and emotional nature.
- The cross stands for the body and matter.
Sun is depicted as a circle with a dot at its center—the spirit, having a center, which is self-awareness and individual consciousness.
Moon is represented by an arc—the soul, feelings, emotions, and sensitivity.
In the symbol of Mercury, all three main elements are used. The arc is placed above the others, indicating a predominance of perception. The circle dominates over the cross. The combination of the arc and the circle signifies mental sensitivity that prevails over matter.
The symbol of Venus consists of a circle and a cross. Here, the spiritual (circle) dominates over the physical (cross), symbolically expressing inspiration.
The symbol of Mars is formed by a circle and an arrow. This signifies directed spirit. However, the arrow is not pointing straight upward—it does not represent a desire for the higher but rather the will to conquer.
The symbol of Jupiter is created by an arc and a cross—the soul (arc) dominates over the material (cross). The essence of Jupiter is mercy.
In the symbol of Saturn, everything is reversed: the physical (cross) dominates over the soul (arc).
The symbol of Uranus is formed by a circle with a dot at the center and an arrow pointing straight upward. The circle with a dot, like that of the Sun, indicates that Uranus also symbolizes individual consciousness. The arrow pointing straight up signifies individual consciousness directed toward the heavens—cosmic self-awareness.
Neptune is the Moon of a higher octave. Its symbolism combines an arc with a cross. However, unlike its counterpart Jupiter, the arc does not fully dominate over the cross but rather partially prevails while remaining connected to the physical. This suggests greater participation in earthly suffering than Jupiter’s mercy, which comes from above—compassion and solidarity with the afflicted.
The symbol of Pluto, like that of Mercury, consists of all three main elements. Pluto is the higher octave of Mercury. The hierarchy of elements reflects the natural order: spirit over soul, both of which are superior to the physical. This is the only planet with such an arrangement of the main elements. No wonder Pluto is the ruler of the first sign, Aries, and by the principle of origin, the master of the entire Zodiac.
The symbol of Chiron is a key that connects the earthly and the celestial. Two lines extending upward and downward represent life in both the higher and lower worlds—” горнем” and ” дольнем”—united by a single spiritual principle (the circle at the base).
The symbol of Proserpina is a point between two semicircles or rounded brackets (the soul) directed in opposite directions, or square brackets directed oppositely, ] — it is the seed immersed in the womb. At the same time, this symbol also represents the Child being born from the mother’s womb. It is a symbol of rebirth.
