The Planets - A Beginner's Guide

If you’ve ever looked at an astrology chart and felt lost among all the symbols, you’re not alone. Astrology is a vast and layered system, and for beginners, it can seem like an entirely different language. Yet, once you start to understand the role each planet plays, the chart begins to come alive.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the ten major planets most astrologers use and what they represent. This will give you a solid foundation for understanding the language of the heavens. So as you read my forecasts, horoscopes, or other astral insights, you’ll already have a sense of what these planets are doing and how their energy may show up in daily life. Let’s begin!

The Ascendant - While not a planet at all, the Ascendant—or rising sign—has as powerful an influence on a person and their chart as the Sun does. Astronomically, the Ascendant is the sign that was literally ascending over the eastern horizon at the moment of birth.

The Ascendant determines what sign rules the first house in the chart. In a natal chart, this represents you as an individual in the world—how you outwardly express yourself, your approach to new situations, and even your physical appearance. In Kabbalistic Astrology, it represents the tools our souls received to reach our full potential. The planet that rules the rising sign holds tremendous influence, as it determines the primary life focus of the individual. The Ascendant is also the energy we emit when people first meet us—the first impression we give.

The Sun - The Sun is the brightest of what astrologers call the luminaries. While it’s not technically a planet from a scientific standpoint, astrologers often use the term “planet” as a catchall for any of the moving lights in the sky. The Sun is the center of our solar system and provides the energy that sustains life. In Kabbalistic Astrology, it represents our creative energy. While this creativity can be artistic, it extends to every area in which we bring an idea into tangible form—building a business, crafting a table, decorating a home, or manifesting a dream. Just as the Sun enables life on Earth, it symbolizes our capacity to breathe life into our reality. It represents our motivations, character, and the activities that make us feel alive and seen. These are the aspects of ourselves others come to recognize once they truly know us. The Sun rules the sign of Leo.

The Moon - The Moon reflects our inner, emotional world. Just as it sets the tides of the ocean, it influences the tides of our feelings and intuition. It represents the sensitive inner realm of what we need to feel protected and nurtured. In Kabbalistic Astrology, the Moon is our reactive system. It’s the place where the Opponent—the force that seeks to disconnect us from the Light of the Creator—takes hold and triggers us. It shows how we react when life doesn’t go our way. Our task is to transform this reactive energy so the light of the Sun, our soul, can fully shine. The Moon also reveals our deepest, most vulnerable side—the part only those closest to us truly see. The Moon rules the sign of Cancer.

The Moon's Nodes - The Moon’s Nodes are not planets but points in space where the paths of the Moon and Sun intersect. These are the points where eclipses occur. In Kabbalistic Astrology, they represent our tikkun—our spiritual correction. The two nodes face opposite directions: the South Node represents where we’ve come from, carrying past-life habits and patterns we’re meant to outgrow; the North Node points toward the consciousness and qualities we must develop to evolve spiritually. Throughout life, eclipses occurring near these points mark pivotal times when we must release what no longer serves us and embrace new patterns that move us closer to our soul’s purpose.

Mercury - Mercury is the planet of thought, communication, and connection. As the closest planet to the Sun, he acts as the messenger between the Light Force of the Creator—channeled through the Sun—and the rest of the cosmos. Mercury reveals how we think, learn, and communicate. It governs our ability to send and receive messages, whether verbal, written, or digital. This planet shows whether communication is a natural strength or a skill that must be developed. Mercury’s knowledge is practical and applicable rather than philosophical. It also shows how quickly or slowly we process information. Mercury rules the signs of Gemini and Virgo.

Venus - Venus is the planet of pleasure, love, money, and value. As the brightest planet in the night sky, she represents beauty and desire—what we want and how we experience joy. She governs how we value ourselves and the material world. In Kabbalistic Astrology, Venus is also connected to health and healing. In Hebrew, she is called Noga, meaning “brightness.” This brightness can blur our spiritual discernment, making it difficult to distinguish between what truly elevates us and what simply indulges the physical self. When expressed positively, Venus teaches us balance—finding pleasure that nourishes rather than depletes the soul. Venus rules the signs of Taurus and Libra.

Mars - Mars is the planet of action, willpower, and drive. It represents how we assert ourselves, pursue our desires, and confront obstacles. In essence, Mars is our inner warrior—the part of us that fights for what matters. In Kabbalistic Astrology, Mars is the energy of transformation through confrontation. It exposes where we act impulsively or reactively, and invites us to channel that force into constructive movement rather than destruction. Mars teaches us to act with courage and intention, not anger. When balanced, Mars fuels purpose and vitality; when misused, it leads to conflict and burnout. Mars rules the signs of Aries and Scorpio.

Jupiter - Jupiter is the planet of expansion, wisdom, and growth. Known as the “Greater Benefic,” it represents faith, opportunity, and abundance. Wherever Jupiter is in the chart, there’s a sense of optimism and trust in life’s process. In Kabbalistic Astrology, Jupiter symbolizes spiritual growth through generosity. It shows how we share blessings and express gratitude for the abundance we’ve received. Yet, unchecked Jupiter energy can lead to excess or self-righteousness, teaching us that true expansion must serve a higher purpose. Jupiter reveals where we find meaning and how we connect to divine truth. It rules the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces.

Saturn - Saturn is the planet of structure, discipline, and responsibility. Often called the “Teacher” or “Taskmaster,” Saturn sets boundaries that help us mature and build enduring stability. In Kabbalistic Astrology, Saturn represents the process of refinement through limitation. It teaches that restriction, though uncomfortable, is often the foundation of wisdom. Saturn is where we face our fears, confront karma, and learn mastery through perseverance. When honored, Saturn becomes a guide toward integrity and long-term success. It rules the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius.

Uranus - Uranus is the planet of innovation, rebellion, and awakening. It shatters outdated structures and liberates us from conformity. This is the planet of genius, revolution, and sudden insight. From a Kabbalistic view, Uranus reveals where the Light seeks to break through rigid patterns and awaken higher consciousness. It represents the flashes of awareness that free us from stagnation and encourage spiritual evolution. When integrated wisely, Uranus brings breakthroughs; when resisted, it creates chaos.

Neptune - Neptune is the planet of dreams, intuition, and spiritual connection. It dissolves boundaries between the seen and unseen, allowing us to experience unity with the divine. Its power to dissolve can also blur reality, leading to confusion or escapism. Neptune teaches discernment—to know when inspiration is divine and when it’s illusion. At its best, Neptune opens the heart to compassion, imagination, and mystical awareness.

Pluto - Pluto is the planet of transformation, death, and rebirth. It represents the forces of power, control, and regeneration. Wherever Pluto is found, something must die so that something greater can emerge. In Kabbalistic Astrology, Pluto reveals the deepest layer of our tikkun—the hidden places within the psyche that must be purified to access our true spiritual power. It strips away the ego’s illusions, forcing us to confront our shadow and rebirth into greater authenticity. Pluto teaches that destruction and renewal are two sides of the same sacred process.

Astrology is, at its core, a language—a way of describing the subtle forces that shape human experience. Each planet represents a different voice in that cosmic conversation, reflecting our motivations, challenges, and potential for growth.

When we study the planets, we’re not learning about something “out there” in the sky—we’re learning about ourselves. The more we understand these planetary archetypes, the more clearly we can see how the universe mirrors our inner world and how we can align with it consciously.