Jupiter: Largest of the planets, it is named for the Roman ruler of the pantheon, Jupiter. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), “Its glyph shows the soul (crescent) crossed by matter (the cross). Astrologically, it is associated with growth and expansion, and so with the liver and pituitary glands.” It is called the wood planet in Chinese tradition and considered female, associated with spring, growth, and birth. It’s 12 year cycle marks the zodiac, winning it the title the Year Star. It represents the thunderbolt in alchemy and rules Sagittarius and Pisces (with Neptune).

Mars: This red planet is named after the God of War. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), “Its glyph… represents direction and desire over the circle of sprit. Astrologically it is linked with masculinity, and the expression of individuality, energy, aggression and desire—and so with blood, the excretory organs, the adrenal system, muscles, the nose and the external reproductive organs.” Venus is its counterpart. In Chinese tradition it is the Fire Planet, corresponding to the south and ruling the summer months. Mars rules the astrological signs of Aries and Scorpio.

Mercury: This fastest planet takes its name from the messenger of the gods. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), “It’s glyph—the moon’s crescent (the soul) over the circle (spirit) over the cross (matter)—encompasses all the other planetary glyphs and may be derived from the caduceus.” It governs the nervous system, hearing, speaking, respiration, thyroid, limbs, bowels, feet, and gall bladder. It’s colors are metallic blue, lilacs, and yellow and is called the Water Planet and associated with the North in Chinese tradition. Mercury rules Virgo and Gemini.

Neptune: Named for the Sea God Neptune, its glyph is Neptune’s trident, and this planet is blue-green. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), “Astrologically, the planet relates to the mobile, fluid worlds of dreams, invention, imagination, psychism and mysticism, while its influence can be related to the effects of alcohol and narcotics.” It governs the pineal glands the part of the nervous system that controls dreams and psychism, aura, and chakras. Neptune rules Pisces along with Jupiter.

Pluto: This furthest planet from the sun was named after the Roman ruler of the Underworld, Pluto-Lowell, the combination of the initials make up the glyph. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), “Astrology relates the planet to the deep psyche, and how people cope with fundamental change; its influence leads to an urge to refocus and reformulate values and ideas.” It rules obsession, power, control, sexual instincts, and attraction. It governs the excretory system, reproductive organs, metabolism, regenerative process, and is related to the color black.

Saturn: This slowest-moving planet is named for the Titan Saturn, son of Uranus and Gaia, the Earth Goddess. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), “In its glyph the cross of matter presses on the crescent of the soul. In astrological terms it is related to old age, the father, structure, restriction, hardship, discipline and learning; it also represents the parts of the personality one avoids examining.” It governs the bones, skin, teeth, ligaments, joints, spleen, and hearing. Its colors are black and muted. In Chinese tradition it is considered the Regulator or Earth Planet. Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius.

Uranus: Named for the Greek God and consort of Gaia, the primordial mother, Uranus fathered Saturn (who later overthrew him) and the Titans. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), “Astrologically, Uranus is associated with disruption, revolution and sudden change, and represents the powers of revolutionary transformation and the urge to break through restrictive boundaries. Its glyph is based upon Herschel’s initial [the discoverer].” Uranus rules Aquarius with Saturn.

Venus: This planet derives its name from the goddess of love and is the brightest in the sky. According to Rowena and Rupert Shepherd in their book 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean In Art And Myth (2002), “It’s glyph depicts the circle of spirit over the cross of matter. Astrologically, it represents the female, allurement, beauty, harmony, refinement, attraction, affection and relationships.” It governs the hair, skin, facial features, kidneys, thymus gland, circulatory system, and female reproductive organs and is associated with the color green. In Chinese tradition Venus is the Great White or Metal Planet and associated with Gold. Venus rules Libra and Taurus.