ABC of Astrology: On The Planets & Their Natures
an introduction to astrology’s teaching mandala, the Thema Mundi
An introduction to astrology’s teaching mandala, the Thema Mundi
Are you new to astrology? Perhaps you’ve been studying for years and want a deeper grasp of the basics? In this ongoing series, I’ll be breaking down the fundamentals of astrology through the Thema Mundi — also known as the World Chart.
In this lesson, we’ll cover:
An introduction to the Thema Mundi
The planets and their natures
What is the Thema Mundi, Anyway?
The Thema Mundi, or World Chart, is a symbolic blueprint for the creation of the universe. Sometimes called the God Chart, it functions as a comprehensive mandala encapsulating the core teachings of astrology. It represents a theoretical, perfect moment of inception rather than a specific historical date.
In this series, we’ll use this mandala as our map for learning astrology.
A Note on Causation and Imagination
At its heart, astrology studies the dynamic relationship between celestial events and earthly experiences.
If you’re inclined to believe in direct causation, for example, “Venus retrograde caused my breakup” — you’re welcome to that view. But I’d like to offer a different perspective.
Yes, we often see clear correlations between Venus’s apparent backward motion and major relationship shifts. But correlation is not causation; one doesn’t directly cause the other.
What’s certain is this: to truly grasp astrology, we must step into the logic of imagination. It’s a different mode of thinking. To connect the sky to our lives, we must first experience the planets not as distant bodies, but as living principles moving through us.
The Planets and Their Natures
In the great drama of the sky — and, by extension, our lives — the planets are the actors. You’ve likely heard that before. To interpret their movements, we must first understand their desires, motivations, and temperaments.
What follows are brief character sketches to get you started. Don’t memorize them. Sit with these words. Let them stir your imagination. Then read widely, from every astrological text you can find, and begin to form your own planetary portraits.
A large part of becoming an astrologer, I’d say a solid seventy percent, is about continually discovering and articulating new ways to describe the planets
The Sun
The Sun wants to shine and be seen. It’s a star so bright that all others disappear when it enters the room. It doesn’t ask for attention; it commands it. Without its light, life as we know it wouldn’t exist.
The sky isn’t truly blue — it’s an illusion, the Sun making us believe all is real by the light of day.
Children of the Sun include: royalty, celebrities, the wealthy, leaders, diviners, fathers, figures in positions of power and visibility, and all those who shine brightly!
The Moon
Where the Sun greets the day, the Moon settles into the quiet of night. The Sun’s light is steady; the Moon’s is reflective, always shifting. Through its monthly cycle of waxing and waning, birth and death, the Moon pulls the tides and reminds us that life is always changing and impermanent. By the light of the Moon, we see things as they are — dark and vast.
Children of the Moon include: the wider community or public, mothers, caregivers, nurses, brewers, communicators, mystics, storytellers.
Mercury
Mercury, the trickster of the zodiac, travels closest to the Sun. Its shift from evening star to morning star (Mercury retrograde) sends Earth’s inhabitants into a frenzy several times a year.
In Greek mythology, Hermes, Mercury’s namesake, is the only god who can travel freely between Mount Olympus and Hades. It’s the only planet that can play both masculine and feminine roles, ruling day or night depending on circumstance.
Mercury governs divination, astrology, language, the occult, and sleight of hand.
Children of Mercury include: writers, artists, merchants, scribes, astrologers, teachers, the young, scientists, assistants, and queer and non-binary individuals.
Venus
Venus is the goddess of love and delight. She wants flowers, fragrance, and beauty. She charms easily and loves good conversation. She delights in a well-decorated room with a view and reminds us that pleasure, beauty, and connection matter.
The mistress of the night! Her consorts are the Moon and Mars.
Children of Venus include: poets, artists, diplomats, performers, musicians, designers, mediators, lovers, women and “femme” identifying people.
Mars
The red planet, Mars takes its color from iron oxide. Named for Ares, the god of war, Mars is hot and decisive… yet the planet itself is cold, rocky, and inhospitable to life.
Mars drives us to action, protects what we value, and grants courage. It can also cut and burn. A troubled or restless Mars seeks revenge and brings conflict, anger, and pain.
Children of Mars include: military personnel, chefs, leaders, athletes, rebels, builders, metalworkers, medical professionals, men and “masculine” identifying people.
Jupiter
Jupiter seeks wisdom — in the ashram, on the road, and through experience. Where Mercury focuses on facts, Jupiter wants to understand the why behind it all.
This gaseous giant and shapeshifting god are associated with expansion, luck, and faith. Jupiter says, make it big, bigger, and bigger still, but beware of the bubble that bursts when excess goes unchecked.
Children of Jupiter include: spiritual leaders, ministers, nobles, judges and lawyers, the faithful, the generous, advisors.
Saturn
Saturn marks both the end and the beginning. To borrow from T. S. Eliot: “In my beginning is my end.”
Saturn is Father Time, the agricultural god with a sickle that cuts away old growth to make space for the new. It embodies distance, boundaries, and the hard facts of reality.
Or, to quote Eliot again: “Birth, and copulation, and death. That’s all the facts when you come to brass tacks: Birth, and copulation, and death. I’ve been born, and once is enough.”
Children of Saturn include: traditionalists, business and estate owners, beggars, miners, farmers, laborers, the elderly and grandparents.
Prompts
When have you felt the interplay between fate and free will? Reflect on a moment when life seemed written in the stars — and how you chose to respond.
How do you personally experience the relationship between heaven and earth, or between inner and outer worlds?
What does it mean to you that astrology begins not with prediction, but with imagination?
The Thema Mundi is a symbolic map of creation. What kind of world would your own “Thema Mundi” describe?
Which planet feels like home?
Club Astro Office Hours
Every 4th Thursday of the month
Join me for an intimate, community-driven space where we discuss the current sky, explore your questions, and share practices together. Office Hours are designed to be conversational, flexible, and an opportunity to connect directly with me and with fellow astrologically curious minds, building knowledge and community simultaneously.
Office Hours are held online once a month and are open to all Club Astro members.
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