By examining planet-centered charts, an individual can obtain a much clearer
view of personal processes and attitudes. Clarity is obtained by considering each chart
as coming from the perspective of that planet, and not from one’s personal perspec-
tive. The Cronocentric (Saturn-centered) chart provides a transpersonal view of Sat-
urn’s role in one’s life. The major moons of Saturn then offer five specific alchemical
possibilities for consideration, providing a freer position of creative choice.—Stephanie Jean Clement, Ph.D.Sources:
Bailey, Alice. Esoteric Astrology.New York: Lucis Publishing, 1951.
Clement, Stephanie Jean. Planets and Planet-Centered Astrology.Tempe, AZ: American Federa-
tion of Astrologers, 1992.PLANETS
Planets (from the Greek planasthai,meaning “to wander”) are the familiar celestial
bodies orbiting the Sun. They were regarded as stars by the ancients, who referred to
them as wanderers because, unlike the so-called fixed stars, the planets were always
changing their positions with respect to the background of the celestial sphere. The
Sun and the Moon (the luminaries) are also wanderers, and in traditional astrology
were referred to as planets. Although they are no longer classified as such by
astronomers, many contemporary astrologers still call the two luminaries planets.
Astrological influences manifest themselves primarily through the planets.
These basic influences are modified by (1) the signs of the zodiac (i.e., the familiar 12
astrological signs of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc.) in which the planets are placed, (2)
the aspects (geometric angles) between the planets, and (3) the houses in which the
planets are placed. An oversimplified but nonetheless useful rule of thumb is that
planetary sign positions indicate personality tendencies, aspects between planets
reflect how various components of one’s personality interact, and house positions
show how the personality manifests in the world.
As an example, consider an individual with natal Mercury (i.e., Mercury’s
position at birth) in Libra in the second house, with Mercury also trine (at a 120°
angle) to Mars. In regard to personality, Mercury represents the mind, particularly the
aspect of the thinking mind that deals with day-to-day affairs; this is considered the
basic nature of Mercury.
Sign:Individuals born when Mercury was in Libra usually communi-
cate in a refined way and have the ability to be highly diplomatic. It is
also easy for them to see both sides of an issue, which can make them
indecisive, swaying back and forth between the two alternatives.
Aspect:Mars represents the outgoing, assertive, aggressive energies. It
also rules mechanical and other kinds of physical skills. Trine aspects
often indicate where two influences blend together harmoniously. In
this case, Mercury trine Mars shows, among other things, an individual
who can tap her or his assertive energies in a positive manner andPlanets
[536] THEASTROLOGYBOOK