The Sun: Where It All Begins
The Sun is the ruler of our solar system. Every planet in our cosmos revolves around this giver or heat, light, and energy. In astrology, the Sun is associated with the dynamic, dramatic Leo. The Sun's placement in the zodiac  at your time of birth gives you your primary sign. (In other words, if someone asks "What's your sign?" and you say  Aries, you're talking about your Sun sign). The Sun symbolizes our basic nature and the constant thread that runs throughout our lives from birth until death.

The Moon: Mood Music
The Moon controls your feelings, your deepest needs and emotions. The ruler of Cancer, the Moon expresses your desire for inner security, and tells you where to find it. It is all things emotional and mood-related. The Moon changes signs every three or four days, which can impact your behavior and personality.

Mercury: Sign of the Mind
Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun, reveals how you think, speak, and communicate. It rules Gemini and Virgo, two of the most analytical signs in the zodiac. As the smallest planet, Mercury speeds around the Sun, gathering energy and information that it translates to the rest of the solar system.

Venus: Peace, Love & Harmony
Venus is second from the Sun. It rules Taurus and Libra. Venus is the beauty planet, representing balance, aesthetics, and grace. It determines your tastes and attractions, and how you express yourself sensually and romantically.

Mars: Energy & Drive
Mars, the "red planet" is fourth from the Sun. It rules Aries. A virtual fireball, Mars controls your drive, your sexuality, your level of aggression. It represents courage and the pursuit of adventure. Mars controls how much energy you have and the way you express it.

Jupiter: Happy-Go-Lucky
Jupiter is fifth from the Sun. It rules Sagittarius and has minor rule over Pisces. As the largest planet, it represents expansiveness and a pioneering spirit. Jupiter is the "happy planet," creating joy, optimism, wealth and success. Your sales ability, risk-taking and luck are all affected by Jupiter.

Saturn: The Toughest Teacher
If Jupiter brings the feast, then its neighboring Saturn may well bring the famine. Sixth from the Sun, Saturn rules Capricorn, and has a lesser influence over Aquarius. Saturn is the sign of strict, unwavering discipline. It determines your dedication and follow-through, your willingness to stick out the lean periods in order to learn some important lessons. Saturn moves into a new sign every seven years, bringing challenges, puzzles, and dilemmas that awaken us to a need for inner transformation.

Uranus: Freedom & Independence
Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun. It rules Aquarius. It is the planet of mental brilliance that shakes up the status quo and creates revolution. It is the symbol of independence and freedom from all restraint. (Not surprisingly, many Aquarians are highly unconventional people who are hard to predict). Uranus can create rebellion or unexpected changes in society. It is the ruler of technology, aviation, and electronic advancement.

Neptune: Planet of Fantasy
How creative are you? Do you see the world through rose-colored glasses? Neptune, eighth from the Sun and ruler of Pisces will tell. Because it rotates slowly (like the other three outer planets), watery Neptune's effects are shared by whole generations. It is the planet of visions; of hazy, dreamlike escapes from reality. Neptune is the planet of illusion and deceit. At its best, Neptune influences poetry, music, and spiritual love. It rules movies, photography, and much of the arts.

Pluto: Power & Control
Pluto, the farthest planet in our solar system, rules Scorpio, and has secondary influence overAries. Pluto is the slowest planet (it moves into a new sign every 12 years), but don't underestimate its power. Generations are marked by Plutonian shifts, which often have as much sublety as an earthquake. As the last planet, Pluto symbolizes finality and death -- the powerful forces of destruction, recreation, and total metamorphosis.