Planetary Archetypes        Here are some of the various archetypal characters from myths and fairy tales that relate to the 10 planets. These are useful when working with planet symbolism in your chart, especially in doing dream work or Jungian-style counseling.        Usually, 2 or 3 planets will stand out as stronger influences in your chart and life because of their placement (next to your Sun or Moon, for instance). The planets are the actors in the "play" of your life, and will help you become more conscious of the various facets of your personality as they relate to others in your life. They can also serve as guides in realizing your own personal myth and potential, as well as helping you see more clearly how your ego may become too attached to one particular role at the expense of the others. Remember, the object of the "game" is to integrate all planets or aspects of yourself in wholeness and balance. The Sun - The Ego, the Hero, the Animus (for women), the Leader, the King, the Father, Hercules, Parsival, Vishnu, Apollo, Odysseus, Jason, The Magician (Tarot) The sun also represents the light of Consciousness, our social self, our individuality, self-esteem and personal path to career success and achievement. The Moon - The Mother, the Id, the Nurturer, the Anima (for men), Artemis, Kore, the Crone, Isis, The High Priestess (Tarot) Demeter, Gaia. Also the Inner Child, the subconscious, our emotional needs, our bonding style in relationships, our family history, our security needs and awareness of our body and health issues. Mercury - The Trickster, Hermes, the Fool (Tarot), Loki, Attis, Tammuz, Horus/Osiris, Thoth, The Puer (or the Peter Pan who won't grow up - Puella for women), Castor/Pollux, The Messenger. Also, Mercury is our language skills, the way we perceive the world, our logic and ability to think and communicate, our curiosity and ability to learn. Venus - Aphrodite, The Lover, Inanna, Ishtar, Tara, Cybele, Hera, The Empress (Tarot) Goddess of Fertility, The Morning Star. Venus also represents our sensuality, our aesthetics and sense of beauty. Our pleasure needs, our social needs and friendships and our values concerning money and possessions. Mars - The Warrior, Ares, The Fighter, Eros, Cupid, The Chariot (Tarot). Mars stands for our sense of self-assertiveness and will power, our ability to stand up for ourselves and defend ourselves, either physically, verbally or psychologically. Our passions, our desires and the way we express feelings to others. Anger or, conversely, self-hatred when we repress our anger which can lead to depression or self-destructive behavior. Our ability to be competitive. Our use of tools and ability to take action in situations that require energy and mastery. Jupiter - Zeus, Agni, Indra, Thor, The Hierophant (Tarot), Yahweh, Jehovah, The Law-Giver, The Priest, The Philosopher, The Guru, The Teacher, The Comedian, The Gambler, The Life of the Party, Falstaff (Shakespeare), The Gypsy, The Explorer, The Pathfinder. Jupiter is our need to explore our world, take risks and learn from experience. It also represents our personal philosophy, our sense of faith, spirituality and personal beliefs. Jupiter stands for the way we seek and use opportunities in life and with Saturn, is one of the main career planets in the chart. Saturn - Kronos, Brahma, Maat, Pan (connection to older, earth-based spirituality) The Father, The Judge (both self and others), The Conscience, The Superego, The Hermit (Tarot). Saturn represents our sense of discipline, patience and often learning "the hard way" from experience. It is the main career indicator in the chart, and stands for our ambitions and what we must overcome in ourselves to achieve them. Saturn also stands for our sense of timing, strategy and planning. For some, the lesson is to work within certain limitations and conserve energy. For others the lesson is to overcome unnecessary limits and prove ourselves. Uranus - Ouranos, Prometheus, The Inventor, The Wizard, The Knowledge-Bringer, The Tower (Tarot), The Social Worker, The Rebel, The Misfit, The Revolutionary, The Utopian Idealist, The Architect, The Genius. Uranus stands for our need for new experience and challenge; to re-invent our lives when we have become too rigid and resistant to growth. It represents our need to "march to a different drummer" and express our individuality in the face of conformity or situations that restrict our true selves. The ability to think originally and find creative solutions to old problems. Neptune - Dionysis, Shiva (in the Eternal Dance pose), The Buddha, Christ-Consciousness, Mara (The Tempter), Poseidon, The Savior, The Dreamer, The Poet, The Psychic, The Empath and The Healer. Neptune can stand for our highest sense of self-sacrifice and compassion; our awareness of being connected to the One and other people through the heart. However, it can also be The Deceiver who binds us to illusion and false, unrealistic goals. It often points to drug, alcohol and other addictions. Or in relationships, it can reveal co-dependency issues where the relationship is based on neediness and weakness rather than strengths. A key planet in raising our awareness beyond the ego in spiritual growth and finding union with others. Pluto - Hades, Persephone, Kali (The Destroyer), The Therapist, Death and Rebirth. Pluto energy is some of the fiercest to work with in the chart. Because it represents our personal power and the tasks we must endure to claim it, mainly working with unconscious material we have repressed. Often there will be a death/rebirth experience connected with this area of the chart. It also represents an Initiation experience, research, working with the Unseen, the Hidden, the Collective Unconscious of Carl Jung, our sexuality and our ability to feel empowered and find our true sense of purpose in life. Control issues in relationships are also often connected with Pluto.