Based on the principle of analogy, the connection between a planet and the things it governs is an ancient rule of sympathetic magic used in astrology.
How Does the Principle of Sympathy and Antipathy Work?
Friendly and hostile relationships exist between planets, meaning similar relationships exist between different classes of things.
For example, suppose a planet rules a particular zodiac sign, and another planet is exalted in that sign (meaning it also has a connection). In that case, a friendly relationship is established between these two planets. Their natures are similar, so they co-rule the same sign.
For instance, the Moon rules the sign of Cancer. However, it is known that Jupiter is exalted in this sign. This means there is always a friendly connection between the Moon and Jupiter. This planetary connection is called sympathy through exaltation.
This means that Jupiter's colors, stones, and scents blend well with the colors, scents, and stones associated with the Moon.
Zodiac signs directly opposite each other are connected by the principle of antipathy. This means that the planets ruling opposite signs have diametrically opposite natures. This strict opposition also establishes a connection between planets, known as antipathy.
For example, Cancer is opposed by the sign of Capricorn (which is directly opposite it). Saturn rules Capricorn, and Mars is exalted in this sign. Therefore, Saturn and Mars are connected to the Moon and Jupiter through antipathy.
[promoFreeCourse]
Thus, the planetary connections of the Moon and Jupiter are as follows:
- Jupiter has one ally through sympathy — the Moon, and two allies through antipathy — Saturn and Mars.
- The Moon has one ally through sympathy — Jupiter, and two allies through antipathy — Saturn and Mars.
Indeed, Jupiter governs expansion, while Saturn governs restriction and limitation. Jupiter is associated with mercy, while Mars represents aggression. The Moon governs water, while Mars governs fire. The Moon controls rapid changes, while Saturn imposes rigid boundaries. At the same time, Mars and Saturn have much in common—for example, they influence the immune system.
Typically, planets rule not just one but two zodiac signs, so the number of allies through sympathy and antipathy can be more significant.
The infographic below illustrates each planet's connections (allies through sympathy and antipathy).
Planetary connections
Where are these planetary connections used? They are used in medical astrology and astro-correction.
Planetary Connections in Medical Astrology
Ancient healing principles are based on selecting medicinal herbs according to their planetary correspondences.
Suppose a person needs a decoction made from an herb associated with Mars (for example, wormwood) to treat inflammation. However, there is a problem: in the person’s medical chart (horoscope), Mars is positioned very unfavorably. This means that strengthening Martian energy could cause an unwanted side effect—an allergic reaction.
In this case, you can add an herb associated with an allied planet. Mars’s ally is the Sun. So, instead of a wormwood decoction, an astrologer-healer might use an herb of the Sun’s nature (such as oleander) for treatment.
The principle is simple—by activating body areas or functions connected to the Sun (such as the eyes, heart, and overall vitality), the body, through the principle of sympathy, also indirectly activates the areas and functions governed by Mars (such as the immune response or thyroid function).
This same principle is used when selecting alchemical tinctures or homeopathic remedies.
[promoFreeCourse]
Planetary Connections in Astro-Correction
The astro-correction method is an ancient way to improve a person’s life by harnessing the power of the planets in their horoscope. One common approach involves selecting a combination of gemstones that will influence a specific area of life during a critical moment, for example:
- Improving personal relationships when they are under threat.
- Protecting finances when there is a risk of loss.
- And so on.
When selecting the right combination, an astrologer considers:
- Which planet in your horoscope governs a particular area of life?
- How it is positioned in the horoscope, in primary directions, in the solar return chart, and lunar return chart, and whether it is safe or effective to wear a gemstone corresponding to that planet.
- What planetary connections does this planet have?—Who are its allies, and how are they positioned in the horoscope?
As a result, the astrologer creates a personalized talisman formula that protects a specific area of your life for a certain period. You will receive a list and a proportion of gemstones to carry with you during the unfavorable planetary influence. While this does not eliminate threats, it helps mitigate them to some extent.
Any form of astro-correction is merely a passive supportive tool. Taking active measures to ensure your protection remains the primary factor in overcoming life’s difficult phases—something predictive astrology can effectively help you prepare for.
If you want to learn how to predict your future to seize opportunities or guard against surprises, check out our Predictive Astrology Course.