Getting Started in Learning Astrology

Correctness

Note: Morning planets were previously called the “oriental” planets, but this term is no longer appropriate, so from now on it will be referred to as the “morning” planet.

Introduction

From our vantage point on earth the Sun appears in the east rises, cumulates overhead and sets in the west. We know the Sun will do this the same each and every day.

It is the rotation of the Earth on its axis that makes the Sun appear to rise and in fact it is the Earth which is rotating/spinning/turning towards the east once a day.

In every chart there are the Sun, Moon and the planets as well as Pluto, Chiron and in astrological circles they are all known as ‘planets’. Each day the planets all seemingly rise over the ascendant in the east seen on the birth chart in a clockwise motion.

Whichever planet rises in the east ahead of the Sun is known as the Morning planet and is also known as the east planet and the scout planet. This planet can often be seen rising before dawn. It is almost like a harbinger for the Sun.

Morning Planet

Two Theories

This article will examine two theories pertaining to the Morning planet.

Vocational Indicators

First to determine if specific longitudinal aspects between the oriental planet and the Sun create particular vocational backdrop selections by considering all the possible Sun to oriental planet aspects from conjunction to opposition.

Tribune

Second to explore the Morning planet’s calling card or tribune theory which suggests that other people’s initial perceptions and responses are modified more by the nature of an individual’s oriental planet than by their ascendant

Defining the Morning planet

The oriental planet is also known as the eastern, vespertine or scout planet. Because of its placement with regard to the Sun it can often be seen before dawn. It is almost like a harbinger for the Sun.

How to Find the Morning Planet

Whichever planet rises ahead of the Sun is known as the Morning planet. To find the Morning planet in your chart first locate the Sun and then look clockwise to the next planet which will be the oriental planet. There may be over half a chart’s distance before the oriental planet is found.

Perception and Vocation

Two possible meanings

The first meaning for the oriental planet is as a tribune announcing the imminent arrival of the hero (the Sun). When Julius Caesar returned to Rome after the fighting he was lauded and the people lined the streets to the accompaniment of tribunes blowing their trumpets.

Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar” opens with the two Tribunes Marillius and Flavius speaking good things about Caesar and what he has done. This is all before he arrives on the scene.

Every hero is somehow lauded and this is one way that the oriental planet works in a chart. It is the harbinger and the announcer of the individual and it is working for you even when you are not focussed on you image projection. Therefore it follows that you would be wise to pay attention to your oriental planet and use it to your advantage.

If we consider another interpretation for the oriental planet as a tribune announcing the imminent arrival of the hero (the Sun). Where comments heard and impressions may be for good or ill. Shakespeare‘s play Julius Caesar opens where the tribunes Marullus and Flavius speak about the populaces unease and fear surrounding his unprecedented popularity. These tributes are spoken before Caesar arrives on the scene.

Every hero is somehow lauded or feared which is one feature shown by the oriental planet in a chart. It is the harbinger and the announcer of the individual which works for you even when you are not focused on you image projection.

Therefore, it follows that you would be wise to pay attention to your oriental planet and use it to your advantage.

The oriental planet heralds the dawn of the Sun. When the oriental planet rises above the eastern horizon it can be seen as the Sun‘s light reflects off it. We are aware of Venus‘ status as the morning star because it is very bright and noticeable when in the oriental position. The other planets can be similarly placed. You are brought to the fore by your oriental planet.

Tribune

The oriental planet is like a tribune announcing the Sun’s imminent arrival. It heralds the rising of the Sun. If the oriental planet is above the eastern horizon, we see this planet because of the Sun’s light shining on it the light from the Sun emanating from below the horizon in the east, illuminating this special planet.

Things are constantly being brought to the fore by the oriental planet.

• Ring tones on other’s phones
• Your voicemail message
• Your business card
• Your resume
• Your “About me” page
• Your website/blog

Vocation Indicator

Breakdown

A second meaning for the oriental planet is as a vocational indicator. Here the oriental planet leads the life (Sun) in the chart and shows which way you should be spending this life.

Job

A job has its root meaning in the word for a lump or a chunk of work. It’s astrological affinity is toward the 6th house complex. This includes the 6th house sign and aspects to the cusp of the 6th house, any planets in the 6th house, the 6th house ruler and Virgo. Typically those who had a job were artisans or anyone in the trades like bakers, carpenters and bricklayers and those in the services like the army, navy and airforce. Those who have a job are usually paid a wage every week.

Career

Your career is associated with the Midheaven and the 10th house complex. This includes the tenants of the 10th house its planetary ruler, aspects to the cusp or the 10th house (the MC) and Saturn.

Typically those who had a career were the professions like doctors, lawyers and accountant. It is your occupation and profession. Those with a career are usually paid a salary once a month.

Vocation

he word has its root in the Latin vocare which means “to call.” It is your true calling. Your calling is shown in your chart by the oriental planet.

Your vocation is defined as the answer to the question “What would you do if you did not have to work?” It is your true passion in life. Your vocation can often be glimpsed through your hobbies and what you do with your spare time.

How to Find the Morning Planet

No Birth Time

Without a birth time you determine the morning planet by calculating the chart for noon.

Check if the Sun is within half a degree to a planet, then check if the noon morning planet is within half a degree to another planet as both of these situations may change the Morning planet over the course of the day in question.

Find the planet that is clockwise from the Sun and that will be the Morning planet. There may be over half a chart’s distance to go before this planet is found but it is still the Morning planet.

Mercury and Venus

Mercury and Venus are more frequently the oriental planet in a chart becasue they travel with the Sun through the zodiac.

The Moon as Tribune

Reflected Energy

People with the Moon in this position often develop recognizable habits, which can make them predictable to those who know them well. They may come from a well-known family or be remembered for their careful and considerate nature. Much like a mood ring, they reflect the energy of those around them, shifting tone and color depending on their audience. There is also an instinctive awareness of opportunities and prospects.

Look Back

Moon morning planet individuals are encouraged to reflect on how they have been received in the past. They often look back at earlier experiences and may try to recreate positive responses from others. Feedback is vital for them, especially the kind of recognition they first experienced within their family. If their early environment offered encouragement, they carry this confidence into adulthood. However, if they lacked nurturing or positive reinforcement as children, they may unconsciously attract people who echo those same critical or dismissive patterns later in life.

Release

The key lesson here is to face themselves honestly and release old baggage, rather than repeating inherited dynamics. This Moon placement often points to a strong connection with the public sphere. Women, mothers, and family figures may play an important role, sometimes encouraging relationships or social connections, “You should meet Tom, he’s a good cook.” Above all, they feel compelled to share their lives with others and let the public know what’s happening.

Lunar Vocational indicators

Familiar

The Moon morning planet placement suggests a person thrives in a workplace that feels comfortable and familiar. They often create a sense of family among colleagues, saying, “We’re like a family here.” Their desk or office space is usually filled with personal touches and reminders that make it feel more like home. Many also flourish when working from a home office.

Natural Gifts

These individuals are valuable assets to any organization, as they instinctively sense and address work-related issues. They have a natural gift for creating stability and maintaining harmony in the workplace.

Overstays

On the other hand, their strong attachment to the work environment can make it difficult for them to move on. They may stay in a role longer than is beneficial simply because they enjoy the home-from-home atmosphere and resist saying goodbye. To avoid stagnation, it is important for them to acknowledge this tendency and create a plan for gradual growth and advancement.

The Moon as the Morning Planet

Skills

• Sees colleagues as part of a work family
• Naturally takes on a caring or nurturing role
• Thrives in a home office environment
• Works well with women and supports female-centered issues
• Responds to and fulfills the needs of others
• Relies on intuition and instinct in the workplace
• Provides nourishment, support, and encouragement
• Brings calm and containment to situations

Moon as Morning Planet: Vocations

People with this placement often do well in careers that center on nurturing, food, home, history, or security.

Suitable fields include:

• Antiques dealer or curator
• Baker, caterer, chef, or food demonstrator
• Barista, restaurateur, or lunchroom supervisor
• Bed-and-breakfast or hotel owner
• Dairy farmer, milkman, or yogurt shop operator
• Cheese shop or ice cream parlor owner
• Crab shack or malt shop proprietor
• Garden center or horticulture professional
• Home care, home repairs, or housing development
• Home-based businesses and remote work
• Genealogist or historian
• Real estate broker or title deeds researcher
• Caravan or RV park sales and management
• Public storage worker or packaging manufacturer
• Lock keeper, canal operator, or night watchman
• Water park manager or wet nurse
• Tupperware or household goods sales
• Silversmith or crafts connected to the home

These vocations reflect the Moon’s connection to care, comfort, nourishment, and security, whether through food, shelter, or emotional support.

Mercury and Venus

Inferior Morning Planets

Because Mercury and Venus always travel close to the Sun, they are found in the morning position more often than any of the other planets.

• Mercury: About one in three people (30%) have Mercury oriental.
• Venus: About one in four people (25%) have Venus oriental.

Together, Mercury and Venus account for 55% of all charts with an inferior morning planet. This means more than half the population carries one of these placements.

As social beings, we rely heavily on communication (Mercury) and social grace (Venus). Those with Mercury or Venus oriental tend to excel in these areas, bringing natural ease to conversation, connection, and human interaction.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison wants to help 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.

Learn more about Alison’s journey.

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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