By studying the planetary arrangement for a given moment, the astrologer can gain an accurate picture of what has happened on earth at that moment. This is what astrology is all about!!
Each of the planets has its own unique characteristics, and all of the characteristics of a given planet will not apply to every chart. The placement of the planet in each individual chart by house and sign, and the aspects it makes to other planets in the chart determine exactly which characteristics will apply.

The Sun:

Returns to the solstice points (spring, summer, autumn and winter) predictably year after year. The sun is the single most important planet in the natal chart because it represents your ego and individuality. The Sun moves through all twelve zodiac constellations each year progressing approximately one degree a day (53 seconds a day is more exact). It spends approximately 30 days in each constellation. The Sun never goes retrograde.

The Moon:

Is the most personal of the planets and shows where your strong emotional attachments are. The Moon goes through four phases every 29 ½ days: the first quarter (New Moon); second quarter; third quarter (Full Moon); and fourth quarter. This waxing and waning of the Moon continues endlessly in an absolutely predictable pattern.

Mercury:

Depicts our thinking process. Mercury goes through all twelve constellations in approximately one year, never getting further away from the Sun than 28 degrees. Mercury goes retrograde for approximately three weeks, about four times a year.
 Because of this, Mercury is sometimes ahead of the Sun and sometimes trails the Sun. Mercury travels from 0 degrees to 2 degrees 12 minutes a day, depending on whether it is retrograde or in fast direct motion. This means Mercury stays in one zodiac sign from 14 to a little over 30 days, again depending on the motion.

Venus:

Represents refinement, harmony, love, beauty and artistic ability. Venus moves through all twelve constellations in approximately one year, never getting further away from the Sun than 48 degrees. Venus also goes retrograde and sometimes is ahead of the Sun and sometimes trails the Sun.
Venus travels from 0 degrees to 1 degree 16 minutes a day, depending on whether it is retrograde or not. This means Venus stays in one zodiac sign from 23 days to a little over two months, depending on its motion.

Mars:

Is action, energy and courage. It represents our most primitive and aggressive urges. Mars moves through all twelve constellations in approximately two years, staying in one sign an average of 1.5 months.

Jupiter:

Is the planet of expansiveness. Wherever it is in a chart shows where there will be an abundance in the person’s life. Jupiter is associated with good fortune. Jupiter moves through all twelve zodiac signs in approximately 12 years, staying in one sign an average of one year.

Saturn:

Is the “teacher” planet and the planet of personal justice. Through Saturn’s influence we learn, but not always easily. Saturn travels from 0 degrees to 8 minutes a day, depending on whether it is in retrograde or direct motion. It moves through all twelve constellations in approximately 29 ½ years, staying in one sign an average of 2 ½ years.

Uranus:

Is associated with sudden changes and events for which there is no warning. The circumstances that turn your life completely around in an instant are Uranean events. Uranus moves through all twelve constellations in approximately 84 years, staying in one sign an average of 7 years. Uranus travels from 0 degrees to 4 minutes a day, depending on whether it is in retrograde of direct motion.

Neptune:

Is the most difficult planet to describe because it rules anything that is difficult to pin down, define or clarify. One could say that it rules illusion or delusion, also dreams, mystical matters, indecision, confusion. Neptune travels from 0 degrees to 3 minutes a day and moves through all twelve zodiac constellations in approximately 165 years, staying in one sign approximately 14 years.

Pluto:

Was discovered on March 12, 1930. There is much about Pluto that is not yet known simply because there has not been enough time to study it. All the other planets have had hundreds of years of study. Thus far, we have only been able to study and observe Pluto as it has moved through the constellations of Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and now Sagittarius.
Pluto moved into the constellation of Sagittarius in November of 1995. It takes Pluto 248 years to travel through all twelve constellations and stays in one sign from 14 to 30 years. Pluto travels from 0 degrees to 3 minutes a day depending on whether it is in retrograde or direct motion. One thing we do know about Pluto is that it is the great transformer. It breaks down the old, and replaces it with the new.