Horoscopes -- Getting to the Bottom of the Outer Planets

Astrologers and astronomers have had relatively little time to study the outer planets as opposed to the innermost planets. The outer regions of the solar system hold gas giants and large moons, and their physical characteristics have a strong correlation to their effect in a person'sastrological reading. Today we are getting back to basics, and looking at the physical characteristics of the four outermost planets, as well as what they govern under astrology principles.

Jupiter

Jupiter was named by the Romans after the King of the Gods -- the god of sky and thunder. He ruled over laws and social order in Roman mythology, and the planet itself is often seen to preside over the solar system in the same way. Physically, Jupiter can sometimes catch asteroids in its circle of gravity, and prevent them from potentially smashing into another planet. It is composed mostly of the two simplest elements, hydrogen and helium, but may have a rocky core of heavier elements. Through a telescope, its atmosphere is made up of different color bands.

In astrology, Jupiter spends almost a whole year in each sign of the zodiac. It is associated with growth, prosperity, good fortune. Education, and the higher principles of law and religion are also ruled by Jupiter.

Saturn

Saturn is the next furthest planet from the Sun, and its name comes from another Roman god which is equivalent to the Greek god Kronos, the father of Zeus. It is compositionally similar to Jupiter, made mostly of hydrogen and helium, and it is one of the most recognizable planets in the solar system due to the rings composed of ice and rock. It has 61 moons!

The crystallization of rocks and ice in its rings mean that astrologically, Saturn is associated with principles of crystallization and structures. It shares governance of ambition with Mars, but is also associated with boundaries and practicality.

Uranus

Uranus was the first planet discovered in modern history -- it was not recognized as a planet by early astronomers because it has a slow orbit and is relatively dim. It is mainly composed of hydrogen and helium but also has significant proportions of water as ice (said to be associated with intuition and invention). It is blue in color, and has a unique configuration among the planets because of an axis of rotaton that is tilted almost perfectly sideways.

Uranus is associated in astrological readings with individuality, being unconventional, discoveries, inventions and electricity. Anybody of people with progressive aims or ideals is said to be governed by the position of Uranus in the astrological chart. It co-rules the 7th house with Saturn.

Neptune

Neptune was named after the Roman god of the Sea, for its deep blue color, and like Uranus has a high proportion of water compared to the other gas giants. It has a higher internal heat than Uranus, so is slightly warmer despite being further from the Sun.

In astrological readings, Neptune's position is associated with illusion and confusion, but also with the positive qualities of idealism and compassion. Spirituality, the mass media, drugs, fantasy and psychic phenomena come under Neptune's sphere of influence.