THE PLANETS AND THEIR INFLUENCES

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From the earliest days of astrology, special note was given to the planets, or “wanderers,” which followed their own special paths among the fixed stars or constellations that form the signs of the zodiac. These planets, seven in number, were simply the members of

the Solar System that were continually visible from Earth: namely, the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Each sign of the zodiac was regarded as under the control of one special planet. The Sun became the governing influence of Leo; the Moon held sway over Cancer. The other planets were each given two signs, Mercury controlling Gemini and Virgo; Venus influencing Taurus and Libra; Mars dominating Aries and Scorpio; Jupiter ruling Sagittarius and Pisces; Saturn governing Capricorn and Aquarius.

There are persons who could be typed as Solarians, Jupiterians, and the like, according to the planet ruling their sign. In fact, the study of “planetary types” was probably quite common several centuries ago, because the nomenclature used in palmistry was derived from the astrological teachings of that period.

Seldom, however, are the planetary qualities fully apparent in an individual. Rather, they imprint themselves in varying degree upon the attributes of the separate signs, which are of a fixed and firmer nature. In a sense, the planetary influences simply activate the signs, rather than exert a direct force of their own.

Also, the planetary influences are subject to modifications, which the signs are not. Even with persons born on the cusps or the “line” between two signs—it is the carryover of the preceding planetary influence that makes the real difference.

Consider the marked contrast between two individuals born in Gemini and Virgo. Both are Mercurians; often, they brim over with that quality. But almost invariably, Gemini veers to the versatile and Virgo toward the analytical, showing the inherent traits of their respective signs. Many examples could be given to stress this point.

So diverse can these planetary influences become that some modern astrologers have substituted newly discovered planets for the older ones. Thus, Saturn is kept as the governing planet of Capricorn; but Uranus has been assigned to Aquarius. Similarly, Jupiter has been retained as the ruler of Sagittarius, but Neptune has been put in charge of Pisces.

This last is in keeping with mythology, as Neptune, god of the sea, was reputed overlord of all the fishes therein and Pisces is the sign of the fish. But it is rather confusing in astrology, which has done quite well with the original seven pleats for some five or six thousand years. Nor has anyone yet found a proper place for the planet Pluto, which would only confuse the situation all the more.

Adhering to the seven traditional planets, we find not only the major influences, which directly activate the zodiacal signs; but we have minor influences as well, which apply to portions of those signs known as the “decans” or “decantes”—each representing an approximate ten-day period. These have been treated under a separate heading of their own.

Highly important and worthy of their own classification are the planetary influences of the day of birth as well as that of the bird year, which in turn are modified by a cyclic influence. These will be treated individually and discussed in the formation of the horoscope. In every case, such influences conform in varying degree to the general planetary influences now to be described.

That is just one more reason why it is preferable to classify all Sequences under the seven original heads that follow: