In the Astronomia page we spoke about how astrology and astromony have been in constant interaction since their inception. Part of the reason is that a more precise conception of the science fo the planets enables the diviner to have a deeper understanding of the meaning of the planets as symbols - the mixture of Art & Science. The first we are going to tackle in this context is the relative gravity of the planets with respect to the Earth. Because the force of gravity affects the Earth it also affects we iron filings who live upon her surface. Below is a chart of the range of the relative planetary gravity of each of the planets upon the Earth based upon the mass of the planet and its distance from the Earth. (Check out the Astrodata Support Page under Planetary Gravity for technical details.)
| The Sun | 10.0 |
10.0 |
|---|---|---|
| The Moon | 7.7 |
7.7 |
| Mercury | 3.7 |
2.8 |
| Venus | 5.5 |
3.9 |
| Mars | 4.3 |
2.6 |
| Jupiter | 5.8 |
5.3 |
| Saturn | 4.7 |
4.4 |
| Uranus | 3.1 |
2.9 |
| Neptune | 2.7 |
2.7 |
| Pluto | 0.7 |
0.2 |
Note that our figures are based in order of magnitude. Like earthquakes a '10' is 10 times greater than a '9' and 100 times greater than a '8' rating. So as expected the Sun's gravitational effect upon the Earth at '10.0' is over a hundred times more powerful than the Moon's influence at '7.7'. And the Moon's gravitational effect is about 100 times more powerful than that of Jupiter at '5.8'. So the first piece of information that we cn derive from the science is that the force of the Sun and Moon on the Earth is hundreds of times stronger than that of the planets. Duh! Everyone knows that. So our figures are in line with our direct perceptioon of Reality. This is good.
Now let's examine the relative force of the planets upon the Earth. Jupiter is top with a range of 5.8 to 5.3. Venus comes in second at 5.5 to 3.9. Then comes Saturn 4.7 to 4.4 - Mars 4.2 to 2.6 - Mercury 3.7 to 2.8 - Uranus 3.1 to 2.9 - Neptune 2.7 - and finally tiny Pluto 0.7 to 0,2. (The reason that the planets have a range of gravitational forces is that their distance from the Earth varies much more dramatically than the Sun and Moon, who both maintain a relatively constant distance from the Earth.) Note that Planetary Gravity frequently overlaps. For instance the gravitational force of Mars when he's furthest from the Earth is weaker than any of the other planets - save Pluto. However it is obvious from the chart that certain generalizations can be made. First that Jupiter and Saturn generate a greater pull upon the Earth than any of the other planets - except Venus when she's closest to the Earth. So as an astrologer these planets bear a deeper consideration than the rest. In terms of gravity Venus would hav to come next in terms of her force of attraction. With the exception of Pluto, the gravitational range of the rest of the planets tends to overlap. This indicates that their gravity is somewhat equivalent. Thus their astrological significance would be similar. However Pluto's gravity is 100 times less than the any of the other planets. For this reason his astrological influence would be considerably less compared to the rest - almost negligible.
To help to understand the relative force of gravity of the planets upon us let us look at some comparisons. Pluto's force of attraction would be equivalent to that of someone about 100 yards away. But if there were a hundred people or a thousand this influence would grow. Hence Pluto has to do with mass movements - the Public - the People, rather than individuals. The force of the rest of the planets is fairly equivalent to humans in conversation at a variety of distances - perhaps a lecturer for Neptune and an intimate dialogue for Jupiter. The Moon is equivalent to hugging someone, while the Sun's gravitational effect would be equivalent to the force of gravity between two people who were having sex.
Note that the attractive force of gravity between two individuals will never pull someone over. In fact it is negligible compared with that of the Earth. However lest we underestimate the impact of this gravitational pull remember that the gravitational impact of the Sun and Moon on the Earth is the cause of our tides which vary tremendously depending on what relation the Sun and Moon are in. When they are conjunct or in opposition, i.e. a New Moon and Full Moon respectively, the tides are most extreme. While if the Sun and Moon are square to each it results in the Neap Tide which has the least variation. Remember in this context that we humans are mostly made of water, which would be similarly influenced by these tidal forces induced by the interaction of the gravity of the Sun and Moon.
Of course the gravitational force of the other celestial objects is hundreds of times weaker than that of the Moon. But the human sensors are incredibly sensitive. We are able to detect a single photon, the smallest particle of light, with our eyes. We are able to hear molecules beating upon our eardrums - are able to detect the most delicate tastes with our toungue - and the slightest caress of the breeze upon our skin. Most of us have had the experience of sensing someone entering a room even though we can't see them - no matter how quietly they move. And frequently we can sense someone behind us or the presence of other humans in a room even if we can't see or hear them. Of course moving forces, including gravity, cause more of a disturbance than static forces. Note how turbulent it is when children are rushing around even if they never bump into us.
Despite all these arguments for the human ability to sense planetary gravity the planets are only symbols in terms of astrology. Jupiter nature as an expansive planet has nothing to do with its gravity, nor does Mars' aggressive side derive from these planetary forces. Astrological interpretations are meant metaphorically. We sense their meaning and apply it to our lives with our intuitive Right Brain. This has nothing to do whatsoever with the analytical world of the Left Brain. If astrological forecasts happen to have any meaning for you it is because of some divine correspondence - not any objective reality.
So what does this page have to do with anything? Why discuss planetary gravity at all if divination is only based upon divine correspondence - not any physical reality? Understanding the physical reality of planetary symbols assists in their interpretation. This is why astronomy and astrology have always been linked. For this reason this discussion has attempted to identify the relative forces of the planets upon the Earth and subsequently we humans. The Sun is most powerful, having precedence over the other planets, as indicated by the dominant Sun Sign astrology. The Moon is second in impact. If people know any other Sign in their chart it is probably their Moon Sign. The rest of the planets follow - exerting a more subtle influence, which only the sensitive can feel. The blunt notice nothing but what their eyes can see. Pluto, who has been recently degraded from planetary status, is the only exception. His force is so slight that he only exerts the most general of influences - nothing personal, only for the masses. But if you're working with large groups of people even tiny Pluto comes into play. So take these factors into account but don't obsess. Intuit. Sense the whole. And this garbage might mean something.