Here is some background briefs on the 'Characters': (from here: http://www.annabelburton.com/astrology_mythology.html) 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).
He was the son of Jupiter and Maia. He moved between mortals and gods, bringing warnings and information.
In ancient Mesopotamia, Mercury was the God Nabu, recording information. He was also known as a rainmaker, promoting good harvests and as such came to be associated with trade, as in the words merchant and commerce.
He was also the god of travellers and was honoured by a pile of stones at the side of the road, at which each traveller made an addition, still followed by walkers today.
In the 4th Century BC saw the naming of Mercury as Hermes Trismegistos, an aspect of the god's symbolism in later magic and alchemy. In time this name was established and was credited with passing on to humankind medicine, magic, astrology and alchemy.
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.
Here she is associated with the rain-god Chac, or the Aztec Tlaloc, god of rain and disaster. Human sacrifice was part of the ritualistic element associated with this and decisions on when to do battle were timed to the cycles of Venus and Jupiter.
The plumed serpent god, Quetalcoatl was identified with Venus. He is depicted on his rising throwing the spears of his dazzling rays and impaling his enemies.
However, we understand the symbolism of this planet to be feminine, representing love, relationships, healing and creativity. The mythical Venus was able to renew her virginity any time she liked, simply by bathing, so she was able to use her seductive charms on whoever she wished, god or mortal.
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.
He began as an agricultural deity and then later was associated with war, being worshipped before battle, and during. In other cultures, he is lord of the dead and the bringer of war.
Mars loved war for its own sake, indifferent to the reasons and causes of battles. He was disliked by the other gods, except for Eris, goddess of strife, and Aphrodite (Venus), with whom he had an erotic relationship. Mars and Venus have now come to represent the symbols for male and female sexual relationships.
Mars is known as the red planet, and this colour is associated with fire and blood. It rules iron which rusts red, and is used for weapons. As such, Mars is associated with sharp instruments which can be harmful.
The French statistician and psychologist, Michel Gauquelin observed the 'Mars' effect in his studies of charts of athletes, and showed the significance of the position of this planet in competitive sportsmen.
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.
He was regarded as the god of light, their champion in battle and the giver of victory. Off the battlefield, he was known as the god of justice and morals. He was the possessor of three thunderbolts (he had dominion over thunder and lightening) which he used against mortals found to be doing wrong.
One was a warning, the second was more severe and the third was fatal. It's interesting to compare this with some current judicial systems which looks at the "three strikes" for repeat offenders!
In astrology, Jupiter is known as the great benefic, forever seeking progress and expansion. He is broad-minded, exuberant, proud. Jupiter inclines to religion and philosophy and is a wise counsellor and teacher. The Indian name for the planet is 'Guru'.
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"You may say that I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one..."