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The Outer Planets

The Outer Planets

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Updated: January 2026

 ❤️ Basic Natal Astrology

This article is part of my Basic Natal Astrology category and brings all the beginner components of interpreting a natal chart together. This includes signs, planets, houses, aspects and more. Alison

The Outer Planets: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto

Transpersonal Planets

Definition

The three outer planets are Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

They are also known as the transpersonal planets.

Collectively

In astrology, the outer planets don’t concern themselves with your daily to-do list or whether Mercury is ruining your email again.

Uranus, Neptune and Pluto work on a much grander scale.

They move slowly, think collectively and have absolutely no interest in your comfort zone.

Upgrading Life

These are the planets that awaken, dissolve and transform your life from the ground up.

When they are strong in a chart or transit, life doesn’t just change, it upgrades, unravels or completely reinvents itself.

Subtle they are not.

outer-planets-uranus-neptune-pluto

Uranus: The Cosmic Rebel

The Awakener

Uranus is the planet which flips your life over and calls it progress. It governs revolution, rebellion and the sudden realization that “this just isn’t working anymore.”

Uranus Themes

Uranus is associated with:

  • Awakening and individuation
  • Innovation, technology and future thinking
  • Disruption of outdated systems
  • Sudden without warning, change

Uranus Natally

Where Uranus is placed in your chart, that is where you refuse to follow the script. This is the part of you which craves freedom, originality and the right to do things in your own unique way.

Uranus transits often coincide with unexpected events, breakthroughs, breakouts and breakdowns and the irresistible urge to quit, move, invent or radically redefine yourself somehow.

Uranus Collectively

Collectively, Uranus rules social revolutions and technological leaps forward. It reminds humanity that evolution doesn’t happen by playing it safe.

Uranus-glyph

Uranus

Qualities

Uranus changes, breaks and fashions. Uranus represents adolescents, trendsetters, agitators, and immigrants. Uranus rules Aquarius.

More on Uranus

 

Uranus

Neptune: The Cosmic Poet

The Dissolver

Neptune is less interested in facts and more interested in feelings, dreams and everything that can’t be measured with a ruler. It dissolves boundaries and blurs lines in your life and especially the ones you thought were solid.

Neptune Themes

Neptune governs:

  • Spirituality, mysticism and transcendence
  • Art, music, imagination and fantasy
  • Compassion and collective longing
  • Illusion, denial and the wearing of rose-coloured spectacles

Individually

In a natal chart, Neptune reveals where we yearn for something more. Its transits can feel magical, confusing or both at once. Neptune urges us to trust our intuition but also warns us not to believe every fantasy story we tell ourselves about who we are.

Generationally

Generationally, Neptune shapes cultural dreams and disillusionments. It shows what society idolizes, escapes into or eventually wakes up from.

Neptune-glyph

More on Neptune

Neptune understands, dissolves and eludes. The people that Neptune represents are dreamers, ghosts, angels and nomads. Neptune rules Pisces.

 

Neptune in General

Neptune Signs

Neptune Aspects

Neptune

Pluto: The One Who Turns the Lights On

The Transformer

Pluto doesn’t knock. It arrives with a flashlight and insists we look at everything we’ve buried. This is the planet that bring deep transformation, power struggles and irreversible change into your life.

Pluto Themes

Pluto governs:

  • Death and rebirth (symbolic and literal) – The Phoenix
  • Power, control and empowerment
  • Psychological depth and all shadow work
  • Collective crisis and regeneration

Pluto Exposes

Pluto transits are not gentle, but they are honest.

They expose what is corrupt, stagnant or no longer sustainable and then they dismantle or purge it.

Whatever, or whomever, survives a Pluto transit experience is stronger, truer and permanently altered.

Pluto’s Powerful Shifts

On a generational level, Pluto marks profound shifts in power structures, economics and social taboos. In personal astrology, Pluto shows where we confront our deepest fears and discover our hidden strength.

Pluto-glyph

More on Pluto

Pluto transforms, buries and rebirths. The people that Pluto represents are crisis workers, the taxman, demons, coercers and the Grim Reaper. Pluto rules the fixed water sign of Scorpio the Scorpion.

⠀

 Pluto in General

Pluto Signs

Pluto Aspects

Pluto Forecasting

Overarch

Summary

  • Uranus shocks us awake.
  • Neptune melts the illusion.
  • Pluto burns it all down and rebuilds from the ashes.

Transpersonal

Together, the outer planets operate far beyond personal preference. They are less concerned with happiness and more invested in evolution and the survival of the fittest. Their movements describe the long, messy, fascinating process of becoming both individually and collectively.

Why

The outer planets show us that astrology isn’t just about understanding yourself. Rather it’s about understanding why the universe occasionally pulls the rug out from under you and calls it growth.

More on the Outer Planets

Here are a few more articles about the outer planets.

More on the Other Planets

Discover more about the other planets.

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Saturn-glyph
Pluto-glyph
moon-glyph
mars-glyph
Uranus-glyph
Chiron-glyph
mercury-glyph
Jupiter-glyph
Neptune-glyph
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Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

2nd House

2nd House

Author: Alison Price   -   Updated: March 2025 Houses 2nd House There are always twelve houses in each chart. You have a second house and that’s the house we're looking at today.   2nd House Chart Position Type of House The second house is a succedent house which...

Astrology and Chess

Astrology and Chess

In astrology, the planetary archetypes can be correlated to other things like chess pieces and characters in books, movies and TV shows.

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Samhain and Halloween Differences

Samhain and Halloween Differences

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Author: Alison Price   –   Updated: January 2026

Samhain and Halloween

Similar but Different

Samhain and Halloween are both significant celebrations, yet they hold distinct origins and meanings.

 

wheel-of-the-year

Samhain

Samhain is a traditional Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.

It falls on October 31st and is considered a time when the veil between the physical world and the spirit world is thin, allowing for easier communication with ancestors and spirits.

This festival is deeply rooted in nature and the cycles of the seasons. People would light bonfires and make offerings to honor their departed loved ones. The focus is on reflection, introspection, and acknowledging the cycle of life and death.

Samhain

Halloween

Halloween, on the other hand, is a more modern holiday that evolved from various traditions, including Samhain. It is celebrated on the same date, October 31st.

Halloween has become a more commercial and secular holiday, often associated with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations.

While it still retains some elements of its spiritual origins, Halloween has also incorporated aspects of entertainment and playful fear.

Samhain and Halloween

Differences

One of the key differences between Samhain and Halloween is their origin and cultural context.

Samhain has ancient Celtic and pagan roots, tied closely to nature and the changing seasons. It emphasizes a connection to the spiritual realm and the cycle of life.

On the other hand, Halloween has emerged from a mixture of cultural influences, including Christian practices, Celtic traditions, and commercial interests. It tends to focus more on fun, fantasy, and community activities.

Intentions

Another difference lies in the intention behind the celebrations.

Samhain is a solemn and sacred time for reflecting on mortality, honoring ancestors, and seeking guidance from the spirit world. It’s a time of reverence and contemplation.

Halloween, while still acknowledging themes of death and the supernatural, often emphasizes entertainment and celebration. People dress up in costumes, attend parties, and enjoy treats, embracing a lighter and more festive atmosphere.

Same Day: October 31st

In essence, while both Samhain and Halloween occur on the same date and share some common themes, they have diverged in their meanings and practices.

Samhain holds a spiritual and nature-centered significance, emphasizing the connection between the living and the spirit world.

Halloween, on the other hand, has taken on a more diverse and lighthearted character, blending cultural elements and fostering a sense of community celebration.

Reflection or Spirit

Whether you resonate more with the profound reflections of Samhain or the playful spirit of Halloween, both celebrations offer opportunities to connect with traditions, nature, and the mysteries that surround us in their own unique ways.

Books

Wheel of the Year

Wheel of the Year: An illustrated Guide to Nature’s Rhythms by Fiona Cook

wheel-of-the-year-book

Shop Wheel of the Year Merch

Original Artworks

Enjoy a Wheel of the Year sticker featuring my original artwork. Each art piece is created by me and printed on everyday items you can actually use and enjoy. It is a simple way to bring a little Wheel of the Year energy and handmade art into your daily life. Alison

 

wheel-of-the-year-sticker

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

Yule

Yule

Discover a little about Yule and how the Suns’s position in Capricorn triggers this special quarter day in the year.

Lammas

Lammas

Learn a little about the pagan festival of Lammas which occurs as the Sun reaches 15 degrees of the fixed sign Leo.

Mercury Square Neptune

Mercury Square Neptune

by

by Arwynne O’Neill

Mercury Square Neptune

We’ve talked about Mars and Venus aspects before. This time, we’re talking about Mercury, which is the messenger of the gods and the planet that rules speech, thought and communication in all its forms.

 

Listen >>> Mercury Square Neptune Podcast

Mercury in Sagittarius

Here are some keywords for Mercury in Sagittarius from Steven Arroyo’s Chart Interpretation Handbook…

These people communicate openly, truthfully, optimistically, enthusiastically and tolerantly. They have restless aspirations that propel them towards an ideal, and their thinking and reasoning are guided by long-term goals rather than mundane details. They have an interest in teaching, and learning and teaching are very closely related for them. They’re lifelong students and natural teachers. They strive to establish connections with others by being direct, truthful and broad-minded, but coherent thinking can sometimes be blurred by overgeneralizations that are motivated by their idealistic aspirations.

 

Read more >>> Mercury

Read more >>> Sagittarius

Neptune in Pisces

Because Neptune is a giant and very influential planet, it tends to make connections with the inner planets very sort of fuzzy and dreamlike and lends an air of unreality to them. We talked about what happens when Neptune meets Venus in a recent episode and that was all about glamour and delusion and the soft Vaseline over the camera lens effect.

 

Read more >>> Neptune

Read more >>> Pisces

 

When Neptune Meets Mercury

When Neptune comes into contact with Mercury, it’s going to give that fuzzy sort of delusion/ illusion effect to our communications, which are ruled by mercury.

This is especially true of Neptune in Pisces because Pisces is the most neptunian of all the signs. Ideal for science fiction, spirituality, visionary art, mystical thinking, wild hallucinogenic visions that take you on a journey of mind expansion. Not so great for contract negotiations, getting to the point, or  understanding situations clearly.

Mercury transiting square Neptune can distort your thinking, confusing and complicating discussions and business dealings. Also, in early January 2024, Mercury will still be retrograde when this aspect occurs so that could add to the potential for confusion, deception and misunderstandings that clear communication won’t get you out of.

You should always avoid being dishonest, but at this time you may be more susceptible than ever to nonlinear thinking, for both good and bad, including bizarre conspiracy theories and strange beliefs. So it’s a good time to avoid people who could try to trick you into something around this time.

 

Mercury Square Neptune In the Birth Chart

When this aspect occurs in someone’s chart it can be a signature for amazing creativity especially in music, poetry and fiction writing or creative nonfiction, which will see in our celebrity examples a bit later. This is the aspect of the “master of illusions.”

Neptune squares also bring out the negative side which can be seen in substance abuse, alcohol and fraud, scandals and creative relationships to the truth. It’s also the aspect of the “master manipulator.”

People with this aspect should try to keep their interactions with people as honest as possible and their communications as direct as possible because you may have trouble even when you think you’re being clear with others. They may not understand you and being misunderstood can lead to deep insecurities and emotional pain. These people can be extremely sensitive to rejection and criticism.

Full disclosure I actually have this aspect in my chart and I like to think it gives me some creativity in art and with words. But I also hate being misunderstood, more than almost anything.

 

Celebrities with Mercury Square Neptune

Donald Trump, Mel Gibson, and Amber Heard all have this aspect, as well as Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Miles Davis, Shania Twain, Erykah Badu, Sheryl Crow, and Jim Carrey.

Probably my favorite example is the visionary director Christopher Nolan, who is known for his mind-bending, metaphysical style in science fiction films like Memento, Inception, Interstellar, Tenet, and the Oscar-winning Dunkirk.

mercury-square-neptune-diagram

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Author Bio

Arwynne O’Neill: Research Astrologer

Arwynne O’Neill works as a research astrologer in Vancouver, with a focus on delving into historical cycles and how they relate to societal transformations as influenced by the energies of the outer planets.

Arwynne’s artworks

Arwynne’s Instagram @mspinkdotcom

 

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

Ruling Planets

Ruling Planets

Author: Alison Price   -   Published: December 2025 Basic Natal Astrology This article is part of my Basic Natal Astrology series, where I explore deeper chart analysis for practicing and aspiring astrologers.Sign Rulerships By Sign Understanding sign rulerships is a...

Back to Basics

Back to Basics

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: December 2025

 ❤️ Basic Natal Astrology

This article is part of my Basic Natal Astrology category and brings all the beginner components of interpreting a natal chart together. This includes signs, planets, houses, aspects and more. Alison

Sometimes it’s good to get back-to-basics with astrology and here I mean avoiding going down the complicated roads which are scattered liberally throughout any astrology reading or forecast. Alison

Basics

Distractions

Personally, I always like to try out any new technique or astro hack that I’ve happened upon in the past week. This could be anything from checking a Mars to Saturn cross chart aspect to idly exploring the Part of Marriage for a couple whom I’ve just met.

Sometimes it fun to get into the highfaluting parts of astrology readings and there certainly are many of them, but now and then I like to get back to the basics.

Cornerstones

The astrology basics are the signs, planets, houses and aspects, the backbone of chart reading if you will. These four cornerstone components when fully understood will help you provide a better reading for you family, friends and clients. It’s a bit like going back to school to relearn what you think you know.

We all do it.

You’ve been reading charts for ten years and you think you know it all. But to spend a day or two each month revisiting the basics of chart components will stand you in good stead for the charts you will read later this year.

Back to Basics Podcast Episode

For some quick insights listen to our Back to Basics Starzology Astrology podcast episode where Arwynne and I discuss some ideas on learning more astrology to benefit yourself and your clients.

Signs

Capricorn

You know which sign is your weakest one. You know, the one that you’re not really sure of and can never remember the keywords for. For me that tends to be Capricorn. I’m constantly going back over my notes to understand this sign better.

That Capricorn is quincunx my Leo Sun is part of the equation. I’m constantly having to adjust my ideas on the cardinal earth sign as the years go by.

Pisces

The other sign which is quincunx my Leo is Pisces, but here I do have an advantage.

In my life I am fortunate to know a delightful load of mutable water people. My mother, father, sister and daughter are all Pisces.

I am almost swimming in Pisces energy and have been aware of it in action all my life. No surprise there, only that they do what they do.

It all about the shoes…

Planets

Drawing a Blank

Which planet do you know the least about?

You know, the one that you tend to draw a blank on when caught in conversation with your client.

For me this planet is Neptune, so no surprise there. By its very nature Neptune is elusive and a mystery.

Again, I believe (see what I did there?), I believe that it is because the sign which Neptune rules is the sign of The Fish, and that sign too is quincunx my Leo.

More on Neptune

Neptune understands, dissolves and eludes. The people that Neptune represents are dreamers, ghosts, angels and nomads. Neptune rules Pisces.

 

Neptune

Aspects

Quincunx

Are we seeing a pattern here?

Does this automatically mean that the aspect which I struggle with the most is the lowly quincunx at a mere 150° and with a tight orb of only 2°?

Perhaps.

Ptolemaic

I am far more confident with the big five Ptolemaic aspects which are the conjunction, opposition, trine, square and sextile. These aspects I know well and can wax lyrical about for hours.

Quintiles

Additionally, I love the five-base aspects, the quintiles and bi-quintiles. These aspects are great and show creativity (which I love) and your natural talents.

Brilliant!

Let’s have them too.

So yes, maybe when I go back-to-basics with the aspects I revisit the quincunx aspect which is five signs apart from my Sun and is the one which brings awkwardness and demands adjustments in my thinking.

Houses

12th House

Most of the houses I’m pretty strong on. I know them very well, but now and then I have to pause and perhaps you’ve already guessed it?

I often refresh my memory around the 12th house. This is a very quiet house and is not really exciting like the 1st, 10th or 5th houses are. The twelfth house tends to be quiet, subdued, and things in it are done privately or in secret.

As an astrologer, one never really knows how someone will use the energy, or not, found in this house and what goes on behind closed doors.

Traditionally it is the house of self-undoing, of recouperation and convalescing (post-partum) and or being in solitude self-imposed (retreating) or forced upon you (incarceration).

More on Houses

Here are a few more articles about the astrological houses.

Going Forward

Going Back

When you’ve been doing astrology for over thirty years you do know a lot and you may become complacent in your knowledge in general.

I believe that we can all benefit from some self-reflection and the action of revisiting some cornerstones of astrology to build our own solid foundation of knowledge.

You may have learned your astrology decades ago and if so, it will do you good to enliven your ideas on certain signs, planets, houses or aspects.

Seasonal

You don’t have to be doing this every day or every week for that matter. I like to do some back-to-basic work once each season. The four seasons are winter, spring, summer and autumn. They start at the solstices and equinoxes.

Because we as good astrologers are paying attention to the Sun’s annual ingresses into the four cardinal signs, it can be a great reminder to practice some back-to-basics studying for ourselves.

Extend Yourself

Take a moment to consider in which of the four cornerstones you are weakest in your knowledge.

In your astrology journal note your weakest:

  • Sign
  • Planet
  • House
  • Aspect

 

Awareness

Don’t feel you have to tackle all of these right now but do yourself a favor and address one weakness this season to improve your astrology knowledge for the future.

You will become a better astrologer for it and your readings for your family, friends and clients will improve as well.

Everyone benefits.

Overarch

Growth or Stagnate

It’s one thing to have twenty years of experience and another to have one year of experience twenty times. In the former you are growing and, in the latter, you are stagnant.

Make sure you develop your astrology knowledge each year through simple seasonal reflection. Actively do some self-imposed revisiting of what you thought you knew.

 

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

7th House

7th House

In astrology, the 7th HOUSE suggests your partnerships, marriages, contracts and public relations. It also covers open enemies and the general public.

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Major Aspect Patterns

Major Aspect Patterns

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Author: Alison Price   –   Published: October 2025

Major Aspect Patterns

Shapes

Aspect patterns are shapes formed by combining several aspects together. They are readily seen in the chart by the aspect lines between the planets.

Colors

If you use the colors suggested for aspects, then the aspect patterns are clearer than ever.

As a reminder the aspect colors are

  • Black or red for oppositions,
  • Red for squares,
  • Blue for sextiles and trines,
  • Orange for semi-squares and sesquiquadrates
  • Green for semi- sextiles and quincunxes
  • Cyan for quintiles and bi-quintiles

Interpretation of Major Aspect Patterns

Storyline

The main story in the chart is usually shown in the major aspect patterns. The aspects show the dialogue or the connections between two planets.

If two planets have an aspect it will bring them together and they may join forces for the person. How the energies are combined is shown by the actual aspect between the planets.

If you see each aspect in a combination or major aspect pattern it can indicate a complex flow of energy and this is what we interpret in major aspect patterns.

What Major Aspect Patterns Reveal in a Chart

Energy Pathways

Major aspect patterns show the larger structures that hold the chart together. They reveal natural pathways of energy and highlight how motivation, pressure, ease and flow move through a person’s life.

When you understand the pattern, you understand the rhythm of the chart and the way the planets work as a team.

More on Major Aspect Patterns

Here is some more detailsed information about some of the major aspect patterns. I’ll add more in time.

 

Why Patterns Matter More Than Single Aspects

Planets in Cahoots

Single aspects can be helpful but they only tell part of the story. Major patterns bring those individual threads together and create a meaningful framework.

They show the shape behind the details and often explain why a client experiences certain themes with greater force or consistency.

How to Spot the Big Structures at First Glance

Look

When you first look at a chart you can often see a major pattern before you even examine the planets. The shapes stand out.

A triangle a cross or a cluster of planets draws your eye. Learning to notice these forms early on in your reading gives you a strong starting point for the rest of your interpretation.

The Role of Energy Flow in Aspect Patterns

Rivers and Streams

Every pattern describes a specific movement of energy. Some patterns show constant pressure while others indicate smooth flow or a clear release point.

When you understand how the energy travels you can explain why a client acts reacts or responds the way they do.

Understanding the Purpose Behind Planet Groupings

Group Purpose

When planets gather into a pattern they are working toward a shared purpose. They support challenge or activate one another depending on the structure.

These groupings show the deeper motivations behind behavior and the internal mechanisms that shape personal growth.

Simple Aspects and Full Patterns

Three or More Planets

A simple aspect is a single link between two planets while a major aspect pattern is a clutch of multiple planets working together.

Patterns are geometric, cohesive and influential. They create a stronger pull in the chart and become themes that the person whose chart it is, will return to again and again throughout their life.

The Strongest Pattern

Pattern Pecking Order

The strongest pattern often sets the tone for the whole reading. It shapes personality traits, life direction and how the person moves through challenges.

When you identify this first you have a reliable anchor for your interpretation and a clear point of connection with your client.

t-square-elton-john

What to Look for

Dominant Planet

In each major aspect pattern, it is likely that one planet will be dominant. This planetary strength is decided by its sign, position, direction and status, or otherwise known as its complex, in the chart.

 

Focal Planet

Many (but not all major) aspect patterns will have a focal planet. This is the one planet that draws the energies from the other planets in the pattern towards itself and expresses the combined meaning into the chart and so into the life of the individual.

 

Polarity, Element or Mode

Some major aspect patterns will have a dominant element (fire, earth, air or water) or mode (cardinal, fixed or mutable).

 

Emphasis

Some major aspect patterns can emphasize a particular house or houses in a chart. This is so if there is a dominant planet, or a focal planet, in the pattern.

 

The Sun and Chart Ruler

A major aspect pattern will be an important focus if the Sun or the chart ruler is one of the planets.

 

Dominant Pattern

A chart can have more than one major aspect pattern and in this case one pattern is likely to be stronger and more dominant than the others. This is known as the dominant aspect pattern.

What to Do When No Major Pattern Is Present

Flexible Energy

Some charts contain no major patterns at all and this is still meaningful. Without a dominant structure the person may rely more on their individual planetary placements. This creates a freer more open experience where themes are less fixed and more flexible.

Apex Planets

Energy Focus

In triangular patterns the apex planet becomes the focal point. It receives energy pressure or motivation from the other planets and often describes a key life lesson. Understanding the apex planet helps you see where the client directs their efforts and where experiences gather intensity.

How Transits Activate Major Patterns

Awakened Patterns

Major patterns come alive when a transit from a planet triggers one of the planets involved.

Each activation sets the whole structure humming. This is why clients often feel strong shifts during certain periods. The pattern is being awakened and its themes rise to the surface.

Tell Your Client’s Story

Chart Themes

Aspect patterns create a natural storyline. They help you move from one part of the chart to the next with clarity and flow. When you weave the pattern into your reading you give your client a sense of coherence. It helps them see their life as a connected story rather than isolated events.

Overarch

Motivation

Major aspect patterns are the structural shapes that give a birth chart its backbone. They cluster, or gather, planets into purposeful groupings and reveal how energy moves through a person’s life.

These patterns show where motivation builds where tension collects and where natural flow emerges.

Poetry in Motion

When you understand the patterns, you can start to see the chart as a living whole rather than a series of separate parts.

This article has introduced the main patterns you will encounter and explains why they matter, how to spot them and how they can guide you toward a clearer more confident interpretation.

Major aspect patterns offer a powerful foundation as a gateway for deeper astrological work.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

10 Top Tips for Reading Astrology Charts

10 Top Tips for Reading Astrology Charts

Author: Alison Price   -   Published: October 2025 Introduction Five-a-Side This time we're giving you are top ten tips about astrology and astrology readings. Five tips are from me, Alison, and the other five tips are from Arwynne.5 Top Tips for Aspiring Astrologers...

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Ruling Planets

Ruling Planets

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: December 2025

Basic Natal Astrology

This article is part of my Basic Natal Astrology series, where I explore deeper chart analysis for practicing and aspiring astrologers.

Sign Rulerships

By Sign

Understanding sign rulerships is a foundational step in natal astrology. Every zodiac sign has a planet (or luminary) that governs its expression. This ancient system forms the backbone of chart interpretation and helps explain why each sign behaves the way it does. In this article, I’m going to explore the twelve signs and ten planets. I’ll tell you how the individual sign rulerships of planets came to be, and also which planet rules each sign today. Alison

Understanding

Back in the Day

When I started learning astrology way back, I could never see the rhyme or reason why each sign had a different ruling planet.

It started with Aries and Mars so I couldn’t bring the two together. So back then I just learned them by rote, so I knew which planets ruled which sign.

It was only about two years into my astrology learning that I finally discovered the ancient logic behind why Mars rules Aries, and Scorpio for that matter, and suddenly it all made sense.

So, by you reading this you are getting ahead of the pack with some more astrological insights that will give you something to think about during the next week.

I always say I like to do the type of astrology that keeps the astro conversation going and this article will definitely slot into that.

12 Signs

Zodiac

The zodiac is divided into twelve 30° sections known as the signs. Each sign carries a unique energetic signature. In a broad stroke, the signs describe how planetary energy is expressed.

Aries

Aries is assertive bold and ready to take the first step when others hesitate. This sign thrives on momentum and teaches us how to begin with courage.

Taurus

Taurus is steady sensual and deeply grounded. With Taurus we learn patience loyalty and the value of creating something that lasts.

Gemini

Gemini is curious communicative and quick on its feet. This sign brings mental agility and reminds us to stay open to new ideas and conversations.

Cancer

Cancer is nurturing protective and intuitive. It understands emotional safety and shows us how to care for ourselves and others with sincerity.

Leo

Leo is creative confident and radiant. It shines through self-expression and inspires us to celebrate our talents with warmth and generosity.

Virgo

Virgo is analytical practical and meticulous. With Virgo we refine improve and bring thoughtful order to our daily lives.

Libra

Libra is harmonious aesthetic and relational. This sign seeks balance and teaches us the art of connection and cooperation.

Scorpio

Scorpio is intense transformative and magnetic. It moves through life with depth and reveals the power of honesty inner strength and emotional rebirth.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is expansive adventurous and philosophical. It explores new horizons and encourages us to seek meaning wisdom and freedom.

Capricorn

Capricorn is disciplined ambitious and structured. This sign builds carefully and shows us how steady effort leads to long term success.

Aquarius

Aquarius is innovative humanitarian and unconventional. It brings fresh ideas and reminds us of the importance of community and progressive thinking.

Pisces

Pisces is mystical compassionate and imaginative. It moves through life with sensitivity and invites us to dream feel and trust our inner world.

Each sign’s qualities come from the planet that rules it and its planetary ruler is the lens through which the sign expresses itself.

10 Planets

Sun to Pluto

In traditional astrology, we use the 10 planetary bodies (including the Sun and Moon, known as the luminaries).

Each planet represents or governs a different part of human experience.

The Sun represents your identity, vitality and purpose.

The Moon represents your emotions, instinct and needs.

Mercury represents your thinking, speaking and learning.

Venus represents your love, beauty and harmony.

Mars represents your drive, desire and action.

Jupiter represents your growth, luck and wisdom.

Saturn represents your structure, responsibility and maturation.

Uranus represents your innovation, rebellion and awakening.

Neptune represents your dreams, spirituality and dissolution.

Pluto represents your power, regeneration and depth.

 

These planets act as agents in the chart. Where they fall shows what part of life is activated; the sign they occupy describes how their energy plays out.

How the Signs Got Ruling Planets

The Classical Scheme

The idea of sign rulership comes from the classical astrologers of the ancient world. In the traditional system, rulerships were assigned based on planetary position from the Earth and Sun.

Before the discovery of recent planets which are Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, the old astrologers assigned the five planets plus the Sun and Moon (the visible planets) to the twelve signs.

They arranged the luminaries in the center, assigning:

  • The Sun to Leo (the brightest sign of summer)
  • The Moon to Cancer (the fertile sign of mid-year)

Origin Point

From there, and specifically from the sensitive cusp between Cancer and Leo, (known as the origin point) the five remaining planets were given rulership of the signs outward in order of their distance from the Sun.

Note that each planet gets a passive and an active sign and each planet is aligned with a particular aspect:

Mercury

Mercury was given Gemini an air sign and Virgo an earth sign. Both of Mercury’s signs are semi-sextile the origin point. Thus, the semi-sextile is the aspect of Mercury.

Venus

Venus was given to Taurus her earth sign and Libra her air sign and both signs are sextile the origin point. Thus, the easy going little good aspect, the sextile, is the aspect of Venus the lesser benefic.

Mars

Mars was allocated to Aries his fire sign and to Scorpio his water sign and both signs are square the origin point. Thus, thesquare the little difficult (hard) aspect is the aspect of Mars the lesser malefic.

Jupiter

Jupiter was given to Sagittarius a fire sign and Pisces a water sign and both signs are trine the origin point. Thus, the trine, the big good (soft) aspect, is the aspect related to  Jupiter the greater benefic.

Saturn

Saturn was given to Capricorn his earth sign and Aquarius his air sign and both signs are opposite the origin point. Technically the quincunx as well but the opposition dominates. Thus, the opposition, the big difficult (hard) aspect, is the aspect of Saturn the greater malefic.

This created a perfect, symmetrical rulership pattern for all of the know planets at the time.

Video

Watch this video on How the Signs got their Ruling Planets which I created a few years ago for more information.

The Modern Planets

Uranus, Neptune and Pluto

When the outer planets were discovered, less than three hundred years ago, modern astrologers at the time assigned these new planets to signs whose qualities they felt they matched.

Uranus

Uranus to Aquarius as it is radical and progressive.

Neptune

Neptune to Pisces as it is mystical and boundless.

Pluto

Pluto to Scorpio as it is deep and transformative.

These modern rulerships exist right alongside the traditional ones. Many astrologers, including myself, use both the traditional and the modern rulerships in their practice.

Which Planet Rules Which Sign

Sign Rulerships

Here is a clear, I hope,  list of both traditional and modern rulerships:

Aries

Traditional ruler: Mars

Fiery, assertive Aries channels Mars’ raw drive.

Taurus

Traditional ruler: Venus

Taurus expresses Venus through pleasure, beauty, and stability.

Gemini

Traditional ruler: Mercury

Quick-thinking Gemini embodies Mercury’s communication.

Cancer

Traditional ruler: The Moon

Cancer’s emotional depth mirrors lunar sensitivity.

Leo

Traditional ruler: The Sun

Leo shines with solar creativity and confidence.

Virgo

Traditional ruler: Mercury

Virgo channels Mercury through analysis and refinement.

Libra

Traditional ruler: Venus

Libran diplomacy and aesthetics reflect Venusian harmony.

Scorpio

Traditional ruler: Mars

Modern ruler: Pluto

Scorpio’s intensity comes from Mars’ passion and Pluto’s transformative power.

Sagittarius

Traditional ruler: Jupiter

Jupiter brings Sagittarius adventure, optimism and wisdom.

Capricorn

Traditional ruler: Saturn

Capricorn reflects Saturn’s discipline and ambition.

Aquarius

Traditional ruler: Saturn

Modern ruler: Uranus

Aquarius blends Saturn’s structure with Uranus’ innovation.

Pisces

Traditional ruler: Jupiter

Modern ruler: Neptune

Piscean compassion mixes Jupiter’s vision with Neptune’s imagination.

Overarch

Final Thoughts

Sign rulerships help you as an astrologer to connect the dots between the planets and the zodiac signs.

Once you understand which planet rules which sign, and the reasoning behind those pairings of sign and planet, you will be able to interpret birth charts with more depth and nuance.

Sign rulers as a component of Basic Natal Astrology is rather essential for beginners, and it’s a cornerstone of all your future astrological study.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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