The Sun is the main focus in astrology and is the answer we give when someone else asks "What's your sign?" It represents the true will and nature of a person, who you are and can become during your lifetime. These characteristic are conscious, meaning you most likely will be aware that you have them. They are also apparent to others.

The Moon as nearly equals the importance of the sun but it rules over the emotional side of life. Responses and reactions that were embedded through learning, memory and teaching reside here. This side of your personality might not be as obvious to you since it is subconscious.

The planet Mercury rules over thoughts and how they are projected. Communication and learning are also influenced by this sign. It demonstrates how you travel through the world and react to what is around you.

The planet Venus rules over interpersonal relationships and how the self reacts to these situations. Love, sexuality, attraction and marriage are all influenced by this sign. Appropriate since the mythological goddess of love is Venus herself. Perception of love and beauty is housed here. The sign of Venus is often the same as the Sun sign since the two can never be more than forty five degrees from each other. If they do correlate, there will be a balance in this house. If they don't, there might be some internal conflict.

The planet Mars is representative of physical, mental, practical and emotional energies. These four energies can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Physical energy drives work habits, athletic ability and stamina in life. Mental energies dictate thought, communication and pursuit of ambitions. Practical energies are what get you through every day life- responsibilities, duties and the like. Emotional energies are behind feelings, sexual desire and creative energy. What sign this planet is in decides which type of energy is going to be expressed the most. Aries, Sagittarius and Leo relate to physical energy while Virgo, Taurus and Capricorn relate to practical energy. Aquarius, Libra and Gemini relate to mental energy and Scorpio, Cancer and Pisces to emotional energy.

The planet Jupiter remains in the same sign for about a year and it is normal for people born within the same year to have identical Jupiter signs. Jupiter relates to methods and capacity of understanding and knowledge. Philosophical, societal and religious views can be influenced by this planet.

Saturn stays within the same sign for about two and a half years. This planet relates to success and the means used to attain it. Fame, honor and respect are related characteristics. Like with Jupiter, those born within that time period of each other will have the same Saturn sign.

The "outer planets" cover an even longer time span. Uranus spends seven years in each sign. It influences the way that those born during this timeframe exert their independence or desire to be free. Neptune spends fourteen years in each sign and doesn't make much of a mark on personalities, only giving some extra depth to the imaginations and intuitions of the generation born in that sign. Pluto is no longer considered a planet and astrologers are moving away from including the already unimportant planet.