Today astrology refers to the observation of human behavior in relation to the stars and planets. But for most of European history, it also included the science we now call astronomy. Astrology was in turn closely tied to alchemy, a millennia-old blend of science and spirituality that sought to unlock the secrets of creation.
In antiquity, seven planets were known—the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The physical world, meanwhile, was composed of four elements, while the heavens included the “fifth element,” quintessentia. In the alchemical-astrological worldview, the seven planets were tied to the seven known metals—gold, silver, quicksilver (mercury), copper, iron, tin, and lead. In astrology, each sign is also tied to one of the four elements.
We asked 21st-century astrologist Rose Theodora to explain how each of the signs maps to the planets, metals, and elements:
Aries is ruled by the planet Mars and is associated with the metal iron and the element fire. Mars represents one’s instinctive physical response and determines a person’s energy level.
Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus and is associated with the metal copper and the element earth. Venus describes one’s aesthetic preferences.
Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury and is associated with the metal mercury and the element air. Mercury denotes a person’s mental fluidity and communication skills.
Cancer is ruled by the planet of the Moon and is associated with the metal silver and the element water. The Moon determines our emotional and habitual nature.
Leo is ruled by the planet of the Sun and is associated with the metal gold and the element fire. The Sun signifies our life path and identity.
Virgo is ruled by the planet Mercury and is associated with the metal mercury and the element earth. Mercury denotes a person’s mental fluidity and communication skills.
Libra is ruled by the planet Venus and is associated with the metal copper and the element air. Venus describes one’s aesthetic preferences.
Scorpio is ruled by the planet Mars and is associated with the metal iron and the element water. Mars represents one’s instinctive physical response and determines a person’s energy level.
Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter and is associated with the metal tin and the element fire. Jupiter is associated with one’s innate gifts, intelligence, and luck.
Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn and is associated with the metal lead and the element earth. Saturn is associated with a person’s karmic life path, on which they must work methodically to overcome obstacles.
Aquarius is ruled by the planet Saturn and is associated with the metal lead and the element air. Saturn is associated with a person’s karmic life path, on which they must work methodically to overcome obstacles.
Pisces is ruled by the planet Jupiter and is associated with the metal tin and the element water. Jupiter is associated with one’s innate gifts, intelligence, and luck.
“In our quest for innate oneness,” Rose tells us, “we are similar to the alchemist. It is through the astrologer’s lens that we can learn how to uniquely express each element within our own divine nature.”
Do you identify with your sign—and its planet, metal, and element?
Calculating Celestial Movement, Peter Hille. Engraving in Leonhard Thurneisser zum Thurn, Der Planeten Circkel und Lauff (Berlin, 1575), fol. 3. The Getty Research Institute, 92-F166.
The Microcosm and the Macrocosm, Matthäus Merian the Elder. Engraving in Musaeum Hermeticum, pl. 4. The Getty Research Institute, 1380-912
