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The Outer Planets Used in Modern Astrology

Modern astrology considers a number of newer outer planets that weren’t considered in classical astrology.

In this article, will reveal which planets and heavenly bodies are part of charting a horoscope in modern astrology.

The outer planets of classical astrology

In the time of classical astrology, the only planets that were considered in astrology were made up of those that were observable with the naked eye.

Astrologers divided these into inner and outer planets, as well as the Sun and the Moon.

The inner planets were those that orbited the sun more rapidly: Mercury, Mars, and Venus. These were said to have a more day-to-day effect on our lives.

The outer planets were Jupiter and Saturn. Because these planets take longer to orbit the sun, they were said to have generational effects over our lives, affecting us on only 2-3 occasions during our lifetime.

The outer planets in modern astrology

With the invention of the telescope, the discovery of more planets occurred. Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto were added to astrological observation and forecasts. Then, in more modern times, additional celestial bodies were discovered, some referred to as minor planets or asteroids were also added and considered in astrology.

Newer planets

Here is a list of newer planets and other celestial bodies that are a part of astrology.

Ceres

The dwarf planet Ceres was added, which is the largest object in the asteroid belt, discovered in 1801. Ceres is the 33rd-largest known body in the Solar System. It is named after the Roman deity, the goddess of the agriculture, grain crops, fertility, family and motherly relationships. Ceres is equivalent to the Greek goddess Demeter. Ceres is now considered the ruler of Taurus, which was previously ruled by Venus. Ceres embodies the sign of Virgo and motherhood, transition in a female’s life, nurturing, family relationships, food and agriculture.

With the addition of Ceres, there is now one single ruling planet, which includes the sun and moon, for each of the 12 zodiac signs.

Chiron

Considered a minor planet in the outer solar system, Chiron was discovered in 1977 orbiting between the asteroid belt and the Kuiper belt. Astronomers consider it a centaur, an intermediate object that is a hybrid between a comet and asteroid.

It is named after “Chiron,” who in Greek mythology is a centaur, said to be the “wisest injustice of all the centaurs.” Chiron is the foster son of Apollo, known for his knowledge of medicine, discoverer of botany and pharmacy, herbs, archery, music, and prophecy.

Unlike the other planets, Chiron does not embody or rule any sign of the zodiac. Chiron represents healing, healing powers, suffering, trauma, our deepest wound, and insecurities. Chiron points to our greatest weakness. Chiron is considered to be “the wounded healer” as Chiron in Greek mythology, was a healer and teacher who could not heal himself. Chiron unlocks our ability to heal ourselves, then become healers and teachers in our own right.

Sometimes considered

The following celestial bodies are sometimes considered in astrology by some astrologers.

Vesta

Vesta is a large asteroid that also has a minor planet designation. It was discovered in 1807. It is named after Vesta, the virgin goddess of home and hearth from Roman mythology. It is the second largest object in the asteroid belt after Ceres.

Pallas

Pallas was originally considered a planet when it was discovered in 1802, it has since been designated as a minor planet, and is one of the largest asteroids in the solar system, behind Vesta. It is named after Pallas Athena, which is an alternate name for Athena.

Juneau

Juneau is a large asteroid in the asteroid belt and was the third asteroid discovered. Juneau was discovered in 1804 and is now designated as a minor planet. It is the 11th largest asteroid. It is named after Juneau, the highest Roman goddess.

Lilith

Lilith is thought of as a “dark moon,” as an unseen or undiscovered planet. Lilith is used by some astrologers in their charts. It was proposed in 1918 by astrologer Sepharial. More commonly today, however, it is used in astrology to refer to the axis of the Moon’s actual orbit.