Inner Planets in Astrology: Planetary Meanings and More

Written by Angel Eyedealism | Edited by Glenn Carreau

Last Updated: October 16, 2022

If you're curious about astrology, you've probably discovered there's way more to this ancient art than just reading sun signs! Planets play a massive role in astrology, and inner planets are significant because they speak to key parts of your personality and development, like moods, communication, and love. Here, we'll explain the inner planets and what they mean in astrology terms. Read on to learn more!

This article is based on an interview with our astrologer and performance artist, Angel Eyedealism. Check out the full interview here.

Section 1 of 2:

What is an inner planet in astrology?

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In astrology, planets represent different facets of your life. Therefore, each planet's position at the moment of your birth influences your personality. Looking at the planets and each associated sign on your birth chart can tell you how and why you act in a certain way.^{[1]
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- Each planet rules over one or two zodiac signs (constellations) in astrology.
- As they move through the sky, planets pass through each of the twelve zodiac constellations. Birth charts tell you what constellation each planet passed through during your birth and how that affects your personality.
- Many planets have "masculine" or "feminine" energy. Still, those are just old-fashioned astrology terms used to describe the type of energy each planet exudes—they don't mean anything about your gender identity.
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Planets are divided into "inner" and "outer" in astrology. Inner planets move more quickly through the zodiac signs and thus affect the more immediate pieces of your daily life. This is also why compatibility between two people is determined mainly by looking at inner planets. They rule over aspects of life that are more important for maintaining romantic relationships!
- By comparison, outer planets deal with broader themes in your life. They affect whole generations more than individuals.
- You can also tell inner planets from outer based on the asteroid belt, which stretches between Mars and Jupiter. All inner planets fall inside the asteroid belt, and all outer planets fall outside it.
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The inner planets are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The Sun is the most commonly known of these (when someone asks for your "birth sign," they're probably referring to your Sun sign), but it's not the only sphere of influence. Each inner planet can tell you something different about your personality.
- Keep in mind that the inner planets—and astrology in general—have no bearing on your choices in life. Astrology is just a tool that can help you understand yourself, but you can always choose your own path.

Section 2 of 2:

What does each inner planet mean in astrology?

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The Sun represents your fundamental identity. It's the planet of self, personality, ego, and spirit—the most authentic expression of your essence and who you want to be. It also measures your drive, personal strength, and well-being. Just as the Sun is the center of the solar system, it is also the core of your being. This is the "you" that projects outward to the people around you.^{[2]
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- The Sun rules Leo.
- It has masculine energy.
- It takes the Sun roughly a month to pass through each sign of the zodiac and one year to travel it entirely.
- The Sun may represent your basic self, but it's not all that you are. Each planet influences you differently.
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The Moon rules your emotions. If the Sun represents what you project to the rest of the world, the Moon represents everything below the surface—your deepest thoughts and feelings. It is linked to memory, emotions, instincts, and dreams. The Moon also determines where you feel most comfortable and where you like to live.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist
Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.}
- The Moon rules Cancer.
- This planet has feminine energy.
- The Moon spends 2½ days in each sign and takes 28 days to travel through the zodiac.
- If your Sun sign isn't entirely clicking for you, look at your Moon sign next. Because it rules your strongest and innermost feelings, you may even relate more to it than your Sun!
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Mercury is the planet of communication. It rules how you express yourself daily, connect with other people, understand the world around you, and even how you like to speak. Mercury's energy can often feel fast-paced and restless. This planet is also closely linked to the mind, logic, reason, and learning.^{[4]
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- Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Angel Eyedealism
  Astrologer & Performance Artist
  Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.}
- This is one of the few planets (along with Uranus) gender-neutral in its energy.
- It takes Mercury 3-4 weeks to pass through each sign.
- When considering compatibility, your Mercury signs can tell you how well you and your love interest will communicate together.
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Venus is the planet of love. Named after the ancient goddess of love, Venus also rules art, beauty, music, and money.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist
Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.} As such, this planet can tell you about how you express yourself creatively, how you give and receive affection, and what you value most in your relationships with other people.
- Venus rules Libra and Taurus.
- This planet has feminine energy.
- Venus transitions between signs every 4 to 5 weeks.
- Venus is one of the most important planets to consider when determining romantic compatibility.
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Mars is the planet of passion and aggression.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Angel Eyedealism
Astrologer & Performance Artist
Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.} It rules your personal drive and energy; traits like power, confidence, ambition and bravery are all right up Mars' alley. The aggression associated with Mars isn't innately good or bad—it just means that you know how to take the initiative and get things done.
- Mars rules Aries. Mars also ruled Scorpio before Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were discovered—and, depending on the astrologer you ask, it still does.
- This planet has masculine energy.
- Mars passes into a new constellation every 6 to 7 weeks.
- Mars is also an important aspect of compatibility because it rules passion and sexual desire.