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When it comes to astrology, you probably often hear people discuss their “big 3” or “big 6” planets - the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and their rising sign. These planets are essential in bringing exciting insight into the workings of your inner world, but did you know astrology can also provide insight into the collective?
Enter: The outer planets. In this article, we’ll explore the astrology of the outer planets and how they can influence generations and entire societies. Harness the potential of these planets to understand the current climate in which we live and empower yourself to make a positive impact.
Have you ever wondered what the symbols in your birth chart mean? Learn how to interpret your birth chart with this comprehensive guide.
What are my outer planets in astrology?
As you probably already know, trends and social movements don’t just affect people individually - they can impact a generation and beyond. That’s why astrology is such a powerful tool - it understands that the movements of the planets don’t just affect our personal lives, but they affect the collective as well. 1
What are the outer planets?
The outer planets in astrology are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Of course, Pluto isn’t technically a planet anymore, but it still plays a vital role in astrology. These planets have longer orbits than the inner planets and move more slowly, so their energies are less direct and can affect us on a much larger scale. 1
Some of these planets are called generational planets, meaning they influence generations of people born during their transits. They can affect significant societal changes, like the development of new technology or the rise of feminism.
What each placement means
These planets can influence our personal lives and the collective depending on where they are placed in your chart. Knowing which of these planets are prominent in your chart will give you a better understanding of the current culture and societal structures that you live in.
1. Jupiter
Think you’re a lucky one? Jupiter is the planet of luck and opportunity, and it symbolizes our capacity for growth, education, and travel - as well as how we explore our faith and spirituality. 2
Jupiter’s sign placement in the birth chart can indicate what kind of opportunities come our way and how likely we are to take risks. Its aspects to other planets can also reveal more about our ability to seize the moment and expand our horizons.
Learn the meaning behind Jupiter in astrology, plus how it influences luck and growth. Discover how this planet can help you make positive life changes.
2. Saturn
The planet of hard work and structure, saturn, symbolizes our capacity for discipline, responsibility, and ambition. It can tell us a lot about our ability to take on obligations and how likely we are to achieve our goals. 3
Saturn’s sign placement in the birth chart can indicate our attitude towards authority and how we respond to challenges. Its aspects to other planets can also reveal more insight into our approach to hard work and long-term commitments.
Discover the meaning of Saturn in astrology and how it teaches us about discipline, responsibility, authority, and success. Learn what this planet can mean for you today!
3. Uranus
Rebellious and revolutionary, uranus, is the planet of revolution and change. This outer planet symbolizes our capacity for radical thought, sudden insights, and innovation. 3
This planet’s placement in the birth chart can indicate how likely we are to challenge social conventions and push boundaries. Knowing its aspects to other planets can also show how we cope with unexpected changes and how quickly we adapt to new environments.
4. Neptune
Mystical and mysterious, Neptune, is the planet of spirituality and dreams. Representing our capacity for faith, intuition, and imagination, this planet can tell us much about our connection to the divine and how we use our creativity. 1
This is a generational planet; its sign in your birth chart can indicate what kind of collective beliefs your peers share. Its relationships with other planets in your chart can provide insight into the sort of spiritual journey you may take and how deeply you explore your inner world.
5. Pluto
The lord of the underworld, Pluto, symbolizes our capacity for transformation, regeneration, and power. This outer planet can tell us much about our capacity for self-mastery and how we use our influence.
Pluto’s sign in the birth chart can indicate what personal transformations your generation may go through. Its aspects to other planets can provide insight into how you use your power and what changes you may experience in your lifetime.
Wondering about the impact of pluto on your life? Find out what this mysterious planet has to say about regeneration and power - from an astrological perspective.
How to calculate your outer planets in astrology
Now that you better understand what the outer planets mean and how they can influence your life, it’s time to start looking at your chart. To calculate the positions of these planets, you’ll need to have accurate birth data (date, time, and place of birth).
Online birth chart calculator
Once you have this information, you can use free online birth chart calculators to calculate the positions of your outer planets. Here are some popular options:
- Co-Star: Sync your birth information with their database to receive a detailed birth chart and personalized readings on this app (available on Google Play and iOS).
- Café Astrology: Get your full birth chart with all placements by entering your birth information into their calculator. They also provide detailed interpretations.
- Astro-Seek: Receive a full chart report with all placements and helpful interpretations/explanations using this calculator.
- The Pattern: Generate a full birth chart report with interpretations in seconds using this app’s free calculator.
- Astrodienst: Select a chart wheel with or without aspects on this beginner-friendly calculator. You can also choose just to display the planets or outer planets in your chart.
How to use your outer planets astrology information
Knowing the meaning behind your outer planets can be a powerful tool for understanding yourself and your world. Paying attention to these planets will also help you recognize when to take risks, embrace change, and regenerate your life.
Career and growth
Understanding the meaning of the outer planets in astrology can provide insight into how you can use this information to enhance your career and personal growth. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth, and Saturn, the planet of structure and discipline, are two outer planets that can offer guidance regarding career and life direction. 1
Jupiter’s placement in your birth chart can give you insight into your natural gifts and talents and your potential for growth and success. It can also show you where you may need to take risks or be more open to new opportunities. For example, if Jupiter is in Aries in the 10th house, you may have a natural gift for leadership and entrepreneurship. You may benefit from pursuing a career in a fast-paced industry like tech or sports.
On the other hand, Saturn can guide how to structure your career goals and achieve long-term success. Its placement in your chart can show you where you need to apply discipline and hard work to achieve your goals. For example, if Saturn is in Capricorn in the 6th house, you may thrive in a traditional corporate environment and succeed in a career involving finance or law.
Navigating life transitions
The outer planets of Uranus and Pluto are associated with transitions and transformations in astrology. Uranus is known for its disruptive energy, bringing unexpected changes and opportunities for growth. On the other hand, Pluto is associated with profound transformation, often through intense challenges or crises. 1
To use this information in navigating life transitions, looking at which signs Uranus and Pluto are in and which houses they fall under in your birth chart is helpful. For example, if Uranus is in your 4th house, you may experience unexpected changes in your home or family life. This can be a time to embrace new perspectives and explore new ways of living. Similarly, if Pluto is in your 10th house, you may experience career transitions or changes in your public reputation. This can be a time for deep transformation in your professional life.
It is crucial to remember that while Uranus and Pluto can bring challenges and disruptions, they also offer opportunities for growth and transformation. By embracing change and facing challenges with resilience, you can use the energy of these planets to navigate life transitions and emerge stronger and more aligned with your true purpose.
Spirituality and intuition
Understanding the placement of neptune and pluto in your birth chart can provide you with insights into your spiritual and intuitive abilities. Neptune is the planet of dreams, illusions, and spirituality. If Neptune is in water signs like Pisces or Cancer, you may have a heightened intuition, and if it’s in the 12th house, you may be more connected to the subconscious realm. 3
On the other hand, Pluto represents transformation, rebirth, and the hidden aspects of life. If Pluto is in Scorpio or Capricorn, you may have strong intuition and psychic abilities. If it’s in the 8th house, you may be inclined to explore deep spiritual and metaphysical topics.
Spirituality and intuition are essential aspects of many people’s lives, and it is often challenging to determine how to connect with the universe and the meaning of our existence. However, by working with Neptune and Pluto’s energy, we can unlock our spiritual potential and better understand ourselves and our place in the universe.
Unlock the secrets of your inner planets and discover how they can provide powerful insights into your personal life. Learn more here.
Frequently asked questions about outer planets astrology
1. What is the significance of the outer planets in astrology?
The outer planets in astrology, namely Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are significant because they represent more profound human experience beyond the personal planets. They are associated with broader themes such as spirituality, transformation, and growth.
Jupiter and Saturn, in particular, are related to our career paths and personal development, while Uranus and Pluto are associated with major life changes and transformations. Neptune and Pluto are often linked to our spiritual and intuitive selves. Understanding the significance of these outer planets and how they relate to our birth charts can provide insight and guidance for navigating life’s challenges and opportunities.
2. How do the outer planets differ from the inner planets in astrology?
The outer planets in astrology, namely Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, differ from the inner planets, which include the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars, in several ways. One of the main differences is that the outer planets move much more slowly and take longer to travel through the zodiac, resulting in generational influences that can shape entire periods.
The outer planets are also associated with larger, more abstract concepts, such as personal growth, transformation, and spirituality, while the inner planets are generally more connected to individual experiences and day-to-day life. The outer planets are often linked to significant events and changes in a person’s life, while the inner planets represent more temporary influences.
3. How do the outer planets affect personality traits and life events?
The outer planets can have a significant impact on both personality traits and life events. However, it’s important to note that some of these planets are considered generational, affecting entire groups rather than individual personality traits.
For example, Pluto is associated with generational changes and societal transformation, so its influence is felt more broadly. On the other hand, Jupiter and Saturn are considered personal planets and can have a more direct impact on individual personality traits and life events. By examining the placement of these outer planets in an individual’s birth chart, astrologers can gain insight into their potential influences and offer guidance on how to navigate them.
4. Can the outer planets have negative effects on astrology?
In astrology, there is no inherently “negative” or “positive” planet; each planet represents different energies and characteristics that can manifest in various ways. Like any other planet in astrology, the outer planets can have challenging or difficult effects on an individual’s chart depending on their placements, aspects, and other factors.
For example, Pluto’s influence can bring intensity and transformation, but it can also manifest as power struggles and control issues. Similarly, Neptune’s influence can bring creativity and spirituality, but it can also manifest as confusion and deception. It’s important to remember that astrology is not deterministic and that individuals have agency in how they respond to and navigate the energies in their chart.
5. Can the outer planets change signs?
Yes, the outer planets can change signs. In astrology, the positions of the planets are constantly changing as they move through the zodiac at varying speeds. This means that the outer planets, such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, will eventually move from one sign of the zodiac to another over time.
However, it’s important to note that in your natal chart, the positions of the planets are fixed at the time of your birth, so while the actual planets may change signs over time (due to transits), the planets in your birth chart will remain in the same signs for your entire life.
The definitive guide to astrology: Books for beginners and experts
If you’re interested in astrology, you’ll love these books! These titles take various approaches to the topic, giving you a well-rounded understanding of this ancient practice. From beginner guides to in-depth looks at specific aspects of astrology, these books have something for everyone.
- The Astrology of You and Me: How to Understand and Improve Every Relationship in Your Life
- Queer Cosmos: The Astrology of Queer Identities & Relationships
- Aspects in Astrology: A Guide to Understanding Planetary Relationships in the Horoscope
- The Complete Guide to Astrology: Understanding Yourself, Your Signs, and Your Birth Chart
- The Astrology of Love, Sex & Attraction: Explore Your Passion and Sexuality and Unlock the Secrets of your Heart
Orion, R. (2007). Astrology For Dummies (2nd ed.). For Dummies. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Gillett, R. (2017). The Secret Language of Astrology: The Illustrated Key to Unlocking the Secrets of the Stars (Illustrated ed.). Watkins Publishing. ↩︎
Sears, K. (2016). Astrology 101: From Sun Signs to Moon Signs, Your Guide to Astrology (Adams 101). Adams Media. amazon.com ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Ashish Gupta
Ashish Gupta is an angel number expert who has been helping people to connect with their guardian angels for over 20 years. He is a firm believer in the power of angels and their …
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