Astrology has been studied for thousands of years, along with its many meanings, archetypes, and symbols. In astrology, symbolism plays a crucial role; glyphs (or symbols) have been a tool to help us decipher the codes of ancient planets and zodiacs. The Planetary Glyphs each represent a planet and its associated archetype and qualities. These glyphs serve as symbolic representations of each planet’s respective energies and characteristics.
Planetary Glyphs:
☉ The Sun – The Sun is known as a luminary and is symbolically represented by a circle with a dot in its center. The Sun, which rules Leo, symbolizes self-expression, ego, vitality, and your core identity.
☽ The Moon – The Moon is a luminary, symbolically represented by a crescent shape. The Moon, which rules Cancer, symbolizes your emotions, intuition, home, comforts, family, and ancestry. In astrology, the goddesses Artemis/Diana, and Selene/Luna rule over Lunar energy.
☿ Mercury – Mercury’s glyph is represented by the head and winged cap of Mercury, and its caduceus. The caduceus is the Greek God Hermes’ staff, intertwined with two snakes. Mercury, which rules Gemini and Virgo, symbolizes intelligence, adaptability, and the mind.
♀ Venus – Venus is represented by a circle with a cross beneath it, which illustrates the mirror of Venus. Venus, which rules Taurus and Libra, symbolizes beauty, love, harmony, and feminine energy.
♂ Mars – Mars is represented by a circle with an arrow pointing upwards and diagonally to the right; this is a symbol of the spear and shield of Mars. Mars, which rules Aries and Scorpio, symbolizes action, energy, and how you assert yourself.
♃ Jupiter – Jupiter’s glyph can be interpreted as a “Z” (for Zeus) with a cross through it or as a crescent above a cross, which symbolizes expansive energy. Jupiter, which rules Sagittarius and Pisces, represents expansion, growth, abundance, optimism, and wisdom.
♄ Saturn – Saturn’s glyph is a scythe, representing discipline and structure. Saturn, which rules Capricorn and Aquarius, symbolizes structure, discipline, practicality, challenges, and overcoming limitations.
♅ Uranus – Uranus is represented by a symbol that combines the glyphs for the Sun and Mars (derived from alchemical symbols of gold and iron), with a circle on top. Uranus’ glyph can also be interpreted as a circle with the letter “H,” symbolizing the founder, Herschel. Uranus rules Aquarius and symbolizes innovation, sudden changes, and independence.
♆ Neptune – Neptune is represented by a trident, likening it to a sea god’s spear and symbolizing the ocean’s mysterious, unknown depths. Neptune rules Pisces and symbolizes dreams, intuition, and spirituality.
♇ Pluto – Pluto has a few symbolic representations, two of the most common being: Pluto’s orb with a bident and the letters “P” and “L” for “Pluto” or the astronomer Percival Lowell. Pluto rules Scorpio and symbolizes transformation, the subconscious mind, power, control, and regeneration.
Glyphs are essential tools in astrology; they help us identify the positions of the planets on a birth chart and help add depth to astrological interpretations. Planetary glyphs help us further understand astrology, enrich astrological literacy, and can lead to a deeper understanding of each planet.
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