Most people are familiar with the planets and their influence in astrology, but sometimes not as familiar with their application in magical practice. Astrologically, each planet shows a part of your personality. All of the planets are in your chart. But many seldom take their knowledge of the planets any further. In truth, the planets play a large role in magical workings. From the determination of the day and time to perform a spell or ritual to the god-forms called for, the planets make their presence known. To work without paying heed to their influence is unwise. What follows is a general overview of the planets and their energies.
There are ten planets, including the Sun and the Moon, in modern astrology. Obviously, the Earth is not used much in magical work as a planetary energy. It is usually incorporated as the elemental energies of the physical level. The Earth is none the less very important. It is where we do all of our work. It is the blank canvas upon which we paint out magical portrait of creation. These elemental energies manifest in other ways as well, and are not limited to just the physical elements.
Of the remaining nine planets, three are what are called “modern planets”. These are Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. These three planets are not normally used in magic, especially what is based off of the classical systems. This is because they were not discovered until after the invention of the telescope. Uranus was discovered in 1781, Neptune in 1846 and Pluto in 1930. These three planets are sometimes used by modern astrologers, but not all the time. Uranus is said to be similar in energy to Cauda Draconis and Neptune to Caput Draconis. They also have very slow movement around the Sun. For our discussion of the magic of the planets, we shall not use these and stick just to the classical planets.
This leaves us with seven planets. The Classical Planets. They are known as such because they can be identified without at telescope and because they have been known since time immorial. In the order that we shall look at these, they are the Sun, The Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn.
To begin with, we start with the Sun. The Sun may be the most important planet of all. It provides life to the Earth. Without its warmth and light, life would not have evolved. It is energizing and stimulating. Without its gravity we would be flying uncontrolled through space. The Sun is a masculine, father figure, and as such it rules all things of growth and prosperity. It governs health, vitality, personal fulfilment, energy, essential principles, authority, command, rank, offices, titles and achievements. Identity and the capacity for experience. It is also a protective energy, as it is the protective father. The Sun is associated with Sundays, so any actions involved with these situations falls under the realm of the Sun. Magically, the Sun energy is used for works involving happiness, prosperity, leadership, joy, healing, protection, power, ego, authority figures, fathers and husbands.
Next is the Moon. The Moon embodies the primary feminine principle, and refers to women in general. As a feminine energy, it is receptive as it receives the light of the Sun and directs it back to Earth. It controls the tides and all things that move in tides like the emotions. The Moon is always changing and fluctuates. It refers to things such as instincts, moods, feelings, habits, the subconscious, tides phases, reflexes and reflections, alterations and receptivity. The Moon rules needs, desires, personal interests, magnetism, liquids, impressionability, fertility and growth. The day of the Moon is Monday. Magically, the energy of the Moon is used for matters of the subconscious, healing, emotions, love, instincts, spirituality, children, small animals, women’s mysteries, the female side of the human personality, mothers, sisters, female partners and wives.
The third planet we are looking at is Mars. Named after the Roman god of war, it is also known as the Lesser Malefic. It is an active, fiery energy. Unlike the fiery energy of the Sun, Mars is typically thought of as more destructive than growing. It is a planet of sudden, forceful and disruptive energy. This energy can be used either violently and destructively or with valor and fortitude. Mars governs desires, sexual energies, focused energies, dynamic action, animal nature. force, power, strife, strain, adversity, work, achievement, competition and death. It also rules weapons, war, accidents, violence, surgery, tools, iron and steel. The day for working with Mars is Tuesday. Magical uses for Mars include issues of war, lust, violence, fast action, victory over enemies or obstacles, strength, endurance, leadership, independence and physical competitions.
Next on our list of planets is Mercury. Mercury is named for the swift Roman messenger god. As such it governs all forms of communication. Mercury was also the physician of the gods, so healing is also a characteristic of Mercury. The airy energy of Mercury is rapid, unpredictable and explosive. Mercury governs reason, intellect, rationalization, awareness, perceptions, opinions, transmission, words, speaking, writing, mailings and means of expression. It also deals with family, children, siblings, social contacts, day-to-day activities, travel and transportation. Wednesday is the day of Mercury. Magically, Mercury is used for works involving mental issues, learning, higher education, addictions, communications, travel, young people, messages, perception, self-expression, artists, poets and writers.
Fifth on our list of planets is Jupiter. Jupiter was the Roman king of the gods. It is sometimes called the Greater Benefic. Jupiter is the lawmaker, judge and benefactor of mankind. Jupiter rules leisure time, wealth, growth, prosperity, opportunity, assimilation, indulgence, optimism, big business, morality, the higher (abstract) mind, higher education, philosophy and luck. Jupiter’s energy is orderly and efficient, and fosters growth and increase. Jupiter, as lawmaker and judge, also governs legal matters. Thursday is the day of Jupiter. Magically, you would use Jupiter for works of growth, expansion, prosperity, money, business, and attracting more than what you have.
The sixth planet is Venus. It is the Planet of Love, named after the Roman goddess. It is also known as the Lesser Benefic. It has a mild and harmonious energy. Venus governs pleasure, natural love, sensuality sociability, attraction, interaction, art, music, poetry, drama, song, culture, beauty, possessions, jewelry, candy, sentiments, color, marriage and unions. Venus is used for magic involving love, peace, beauty, gentleness, women’s problems, healing, protection, lovers, ease, pleasure and affairs.
The seventh and final planet is Saturn. It was named after the Roman god of agriculture. It was also known as the Greater Malefic. Saturn is the taskmaster of the horoscope. Its energy is slow and enduring. Saturn rules organization, discipline, responsibility, structure, goals, career opportunities, limitations, conservatism, crystalized focus, restrictions, delays, theories, orthodoxy, tradition, depth, time, patience, truth, wisdom, aging and solidification. Magic involving overcoming limitations, the elderly, endings, deaths, blocks, constrictions and those restricting you are under the authority of Saturn.
Of course, these lists are by no means complete. But they will serve you in learning the energies of the planets. You can put together further correspondences based off of these lists. Also, as you can see there is some overlap in the energies of the planets. Look at all of the qualities of a planet when choosing the correct one for your undertakings.