Astro Myths

Astrology is as old as civilisation, and as its history shows, it incorporates many cultures and beliefs.Man has always looked to the stars for answers. We in the west have named the planets in our solar system after the gods of ancient Rome, whose counterparts are found in Greek mythology.People at that time believed the earth was flat, and in the centre was Mount Olympus from where the gods reigned. Their stories and exploits held fascination for the people then, as our current interest in the lives of our gods of society is so fascinating today.

Mercury - After the Sun and the Moon (of which there are many myths and beliefs), Mercury, the planet of communication is named after the Roman Mercury, messenger of the Gods (Hermes in Greek mythology).

Saturn - Saturn is the equivalent to the Greek Cronus, whose name is seen in crone, old woman, and chronological, and as such there is an association with time and old age.

Venus - In Roman mythology, Venus was the daughter of Jupiter and Dione, the Greek equivalent is Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. In other cultures, she has a more sinister role particularly in Mayan mythology.

Uranus - This planet is named after the sky god and he ruled over the starry night sky. In the beginning, there was Chaos and then there was earth, represented by Gaea.

Mars - Mars was the rebellious son of Jupiter and Juno, the equivalent of Ares, the father of Romulus and Remus and held in high regard by the Romans.

Neptune - Neptune is named after the god of the sea, the Greek equivalent being Poseidon.

Jupiter - Massive Jupiter was named after the king of the gods; his equivalent is Zeus in Greek mythology, but the Romans did not place so much emphasis on his amorous exploits.

Pluto - This is the furthest planet in our solar system and is named after the god of the underworld, Hades in Greek mythology. Although some believe it was named after Walt Disney's famous dog!