Planets and Elements in the Chakras
The seven planets unite the four elements through the traditional rulership of the zodiac signs, which can be extended to the chakras. Vedic astrology has explored the relationship between the planetary rulers and the chakras. This duality, which is fundamental to mystical experience. This can be paralleled with the Tree of Life. In the diagram below you see the three columns of the Tree of Life with the chakras.
| Chakras and Astrology | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chakra | Severity | Balance | Mercy |
| Third Eye | Cancer | Moon, Sun | Leo |
| Throat Centre | Gemini | Mercury | Virgo |
| Heart Centre | Taurus | Venus | Libra |
| Navel Centre | Aries | Mars | Scorpio |
| Sex Centre | Pisces | Jupiter | Sagittarius |
| Root Centre | Aquarius | Saturn | Capricorn |
Elemental Polarities
Each planet unites inimical elements in alternate phases. This alternating polarity can be visualised as having a three dimensional quality: two spirals around a centre, which recalls this diagram as it appears in The Book of Thoth. The Caduceus is found on the Fool card of the Thoth Tarot. Note that Kether and the seventh or Head centre (both known as the Crown), transcend time. The Moon and Sun appear at 3 and 2 respectively on this diagram, which is quite appropriate, being the Mother and Father in the Tree of Life.
The characteristics of the planets relate to the chakras thus:
Sun, Moon
Right and Left eyes. Will and feeling, reason and emotion
Mercury
Speech and intellect
Venus
Love and heart
Mars
Energy, drives and passions
Jupiter
Reproductive system
Saturn
Elimination and support
The relationship between the planets, the chakras can be extended to understanding the exaltation of the planets.
| Exalted Planets | |||||
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| Chakra | Exalt | Ruler | Exalt | ||
| Third Eye |  |
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| Heart Centre |  |
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| Root Centre |  |
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The Lunar relationship to the exalted planets are:
Jupiter
The spiritual nature as Guru or guide in the Water element
Moon
The receptive nature in the heart
Sun
The connection with the Solar plexus
Venus
Sex!
The Solar relationship to the exalted planets are:
Mercury
More expressive in speech
Saturn
Represents the higher principles of justice, law, order and detachment
Mars
The energy needed to motivate the physical levels
Further analysis can be made concerning the elements and exaltations:
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- In their exalted positions, Jupiter and Mercury increase the same energies.
- Saturn increase the same energies, but the Moon mitigates things somewhat with the water element - Fire is missing
- The Sun adds fiery energy to Mars and Scorpio - Air and Earth is missing.
- The elements of Venus balances Pisces and Sagittarius
- The elements of Mars balances Aquarius and Saturn
- Note only Mars and Venus complements their exalted positions and creates elemental balance.
Exercises
Convert the tables above into the appropriate Tarot cards.
