Presented on these following pages is some basic information on Astrology, for the use of players in the campaign. It is not necessary to know any of this, however having at least a vague familiarity with the astrological information provided will reveal a whole new layer of depth to the inquiring player.
The Inner Planets revealed
We begin with a short tour of the planets, which are divided into two categories
–
The Inner Planets, whose powers influence magic on Earth, and the Outer Planets,
whose influence is only beginning to be felt over the last few centuries..
The SUN expresses our personal identity and conscious personality. It represents what we realise is our 'self', the essence of 'being', and the vitality of life. Through the Sun we express our own individuality. Knowing who we are and being able to find a special place in life is probably the most powerful drive in the human psyche. People want to express themselves in the world in an individualistic and personal way. It is through the Sun that we personalise our experiences, because we have a sense of an inner "I". This determines what is relevant to each of us.
The MOON expresses our instincts, reactions, emotional responses and subconscious conditioning. Through the Moon we express the principle of 'needing' and nurturing, desire for safety and security in relationships. The Moon represents the drive for growth and the ability to adapt psychologically to changes as part of the rhythms in life. It represents our childlike state when we are vulnerable and depend on others for safety, warmth and food. So it expresses the drive to fulfil those needs. Moods, both good and bad ones, are all part of the dynamic of the Moon-self.
MERCURY represents thinking, learning, and the communicating faculties. It imparts the capacity to rationalise, imagine, and mentally identify with the world. It represents our ability to express abstracts as well as facts. It drives physical movement, the learning of skills, and mental and physical dexterity. This planet represents the urge to use verbal, mental and negotiating skills to express ourselves imaginatively and factually. It governs all forms of communication - the desire to do so as well as the way we do it. Physical mobility is also shown by Mercury and in this way the planet connects to health of the body and mind. Its principle is 'exchange'. The connection between the mind and the mouth is a Mercury function. As the 'messenger' its function is dual - it carries information to and from the mind, in a constant flow of impressions, facts, reasoning, sensory experiences; and it analyses that information.
VENUS represents pleasure, the enjoyment of relationships, loving and caring. It helps us to decide what is relevant to well being and happiness, what is irrelevant, and what is bad. It is the urge to seek companionship and love to feel good about ourselves, so has to do with self-esteem. Venus is the subconscious desire to form unions with others, and is our willingness to co-operate. It also allows us to enjoy the things that bring pleasure - aesthetics as well as physical. It is not a highly energetic drive, but one that enables us to seek relatedness.
MARS represents the energy used in asserting ourselves, in fighting for what we wish to achieve and in taking decisive action. If any one word sums up Mars, it is 'action'. It is the drive and ability to take up challenges, use initiative, force and effort, and stand up for oneself, defensively or aggressively. It urges competitiveness - to take chances. Daring, courage and leadership are all connected to Mars. It represents self-will and spirited expression of ego. Mars can also be expressed as anger, frustration and rage, so it is essentially a primitive, instinctive energy. It empowers us to be bold in anything we seek to achieve, but does not have much to do with tact or diplomacy!