Astrological Planets: Mars in Brief

Planets play an important role in determining horoscopes. They are just as important as astrological sun signs, sometimes even more so. The symbol of Mars shows the arrow of activity drawn above the circle of the spirit. The arrow represents the active, goal-oriented feeling of Mars, and the placement of this arrow above the circle symbolizes that material goals are emphasized over spiritual ones. The glyph of Mars has come to represent the man and all that is male.

Mars, sometimes referred to as the "angry red planet," is named after the Roman god of war. It was found to have a surface resembling a planet that had once been devastated by war, hence the name. But the fiery, hot-headed, quick-to-act image is not the entirety of the astrological meaning of Mars. Mars represents our willpower, the energy of our ego, and all that enables us to pursue and accomplish our goals in life. Mars is how we assert ourselves as individuals. Through Mars, we grow strong through challenge, competition, and debate. By being forced to confront the strength of our desires and dedication, we grow stronger and more able to look after ourselves. Mars rules the head and especially the face. It also rules weapons.

Some of the qualities associated with Mars are: the masculine principle, assertion, leading the way, igniting possibilities, challenges, fights, debates, confrontations, courage, taking action, acting alone, independence, strength, initiation, agitation, competition, force, achievement, and survival.

Weekly Astrological Horoscope: December 31st 2011 to January 6th 2012

Aries

You might find yourself overly sensitive this week, Aries. Your desire to have everything go your way and your refusal to compromise will only get you into trouble. Try to be a little more diplomatic this week. However, you’ll want to beware of someone trying to push you in a direction you don’t want to go. Your instincts are right in this instance.

Taurus

You might find yourself on edge this week, Taurus. Don’t waste too much time trying to figure out why. Just deal with how you feel and think of ways to relax. Your confidence will take a hit, so keep those people who tend to make you feel small at a distance. You might benefit from some time spent alone.

Gemini

Plans might start changing with little notice, Gemini. Take a deep breath and try to roll with the punches. If you just let events unfold as 2011 comes to a close, you’ll have fun and may even forgive those friends who keep changing those plans on you. A surprise is on the horizon, but it’s a good surprise.

Cancer

There will probably be some tension between you and someone close to you this week, Cancer. Look closely at the situation to see that you’re not the cause. You may be able to ease the tensions heading into the New Year simply by compromising. If not, at least you’ll know you tried to make things a little easier, both for yourself and for those around you.

Leo

Your traditional restlessness will probably rear its ugly head, Leo. You might feel like roaming a bit, but a problem at home will need your attention. Try to give this problem the attention it needs while still indulging your desire to wander. You can probably find things to capture your interest close to home, if you look.

Virgo

Don’t be stubborn this week, Virgo. Stubbornness will only cause conflict, and you don’t need to be dealing with that as you’re trying to enjoy New Year’s Eve. However, if you really can’t avoid a problem, try to be gracious. It will blow over in a few days, so you don’t need to hold a grudge.

Libra

You might be in for some disappointment this week, Libra. It’s not anyone’s fault, but you are a little sensitive to these things right now. Understand this about yourself and cut yourself some slack, just for a while. However, being sensitive is no excuse to be rude. Give yourself a little time out if you need it before you ring in the New Year.

Scorpio

You might be feeling just a little exhausted this week, Scorpio. The holiday season isn’t necessarily easy on anyone, but you especially have felt the strain. Take some time to relax and catch your breath. You don’t need to push yourself through New Year’s, so a few early nights might do you some good. You’ll need the extra energy as 2012 arrives.

Sagittarius

You’ve probably been indulging yourself over the holidays, Sagittarius. This has been fine, but it’s time to get back to your normal routine. You may find this difficult, but there’s some good news hiding in that boring old routine. Get 2012 off to the right start and you’ll be richly rewarded.

Capricorn

Doubts and anxieties may be plaguing you, Capricorn. The disapproval of someone close to you isn’t helping. But this week, even this year, looks good for you, if you can overcome your hesitation and reluctance to take a chance. A leap of faith will be in order early on in 2012.

Aquarius

You’re going to get a little erratic this week, Aquarius. It happens to most Aquarians, but you still need to watch what you say. Someone may have said something to you that you’ve let fester, and in your current mood you’re likely to lash out at someone who’s simply a convenient target. As 2012 rolls in, let those old grudges fall away.

Pisces

Dreaming is something you do well, Pisces. And now is the time for it as your natural idealism begins to take over. Start making these dreams a reality, but be prepared for baby steps. Nothing will happen overnight, but if you are persistent, your goals will begin to crystalize in the weeks to come.

Astrological Planets: The Moon in Brief

The Moon may not be a "planet" in the traditional sense, but in astrology, it is classified as a planet for the sake of clarity. The symbol of the Moon is the crescent, which represents the purely emotional half of the soul. The other half, used in the glyphs for Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter, and Uranus, represents the mental half of the soul. The symbol can be seen as a parabolic mirror used to reflect, collect, and concentrate energy emanating from an external source. Turned on its side, it is a bowl to contain and nourish.

The Moon is always changing shape and causes the tides to wax and wane. Consequently, the Moon has come to represent our changing moods and emotions, feelings which wash over us and recede, much as the tide does. And yet the Moon reflects the light of the Sun in a completely predictable cycle. For this reason, we associate the Moon with habits and predictability. The Moon is also connected to fertility, as its full cycle is roughly the same as the menstrual cycle of a woman. The Moon rules intuition, unconscious attitudes, patterns, and conditioning. It is also associated with the breast and the stomach.

Qualities associated with the Moon include: emotions, moods, feelings, intuition, reflection, response, adaptation, habits, cycles, dependability, support systems, motherhood, nurturing, protection, unconditional love, adoption, the past, cooking, home-making, conditioning, and writing that comes from the soul.

Astrological Planets: The Sun in Brief

Astrology is most than just sun signs. Planets play a powerful role in determining horoscopes and understanding western astrology. One of the most important "planets" is the Sun. Though not a planet in the traditional sense, the Sun is classified as a planet for the purposes of understanding astrology.

The symbol of the sun shows a dot in the center of the circle representing the spirit. This is associated with not only our unique existance but also our ego. The Sun represents the notion that we are all at the center of our personal universe, just as the Sun is the center of our solar system.

The Sun, being the most important of the planets, is associated with ruling others by making order out of chaos. The Sun's heat and light gives life, and so the Sun represents fatherhood in a warm, giving, illuminating sense. It is identified with a father who gives life to his offspring and enjoys watching them live their own unique lives. This father believes in the abilities of his children and it proud of them, no matter what. The Sun is always willing to create, to take a chance. This is both the Sun's sport and its purpose. The Sun is the ruler of the heart.

Some of the qualities associated with the Sun are: ego, being the center of attention, feeling important, pride, heat, light, a warm or sunny place, fatherhood, children, taking a chance, creativity, desire, belief, visualization, lighting the way, purpose, ruling, and establishing order.