This week is a good week to count down the planets, reviewing their symbolic meanings and their current messages.
Saturn, namesake of the seventh day of the week, can be found in the constellation Scorpio (The Rebellion). The most prominent feature of Saturn is its ring, an ancient symbol of a crown, picturing Christ the Ruler. It can be seen dominating the constellation Scorpio just before dawn, reminding us that Christ will triumph over His enemies.
Venus, the planet of the sixth day, is named for the pagan mother goddess (The Norse goddess gives us “Friday”). It stands for Christ the Seed of Woman promised in Genesis 3:15. Venus is also known as the Bright Morning Star (Rev 22:16), another name for Christ. Venus is at its brightest and highest point in the evening sky in the constellation Aquarius (The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit), illustrating the role of the Holy Spirit in lifting up Christ.
The fifth day is named after the planet Jupiter and the Pagan Roman God (“Thursday” in English). The most prominent feature on Jupiter is a giant red spot, reminding us of Christ’s wounded side on the cross. Jupiter represents Christ the Suffering Savior and will be found in the constellation Virgo (The Promised Seed of Woman), rising after midnight and sending the message that God keeps His promises.
The Planet Mercury gives its name to Wednesday, the English version of the pagan Roman God Mercury. Mercury is the “morning star laid low” (Is 14:12) and as such represents Satan. Mercury’s Greek name, Hermes, derives from “The Burnt One”, indicating Satan’s ultimate destination and the planet’s closeness to the Sun. Look for it before dawn in Sagittarius (The Coming of the Seed of Woman) about 7 degrees below Saturn and laid low under the feet of Christ the Ruler.
The red planet, Mars, gives its name to the third day (Tuesday in English). The red color shows its meaning, representing the Blood of Jesus. Mars is near Venus, in the constellation Pisces (The Church) in the evening sky, a reminder that we are saved through the Blood of Jesus.
Monday, the second day, is named after the brightest object in the night sky, the Moon. Described in Scriptures as the faithful witness in the sky (Ps 89:37), the Moon represents the followers of Christ. The full moon will be visible all night on January 12 in the constellation Gemini (Christ Rules on Earth), promising that we will rule with Christ when he returns.
At sunrise, all will disappear into the brightness of the Sun, namesake of the first day of the week. The Sun is described as the bridegroom and the champion (Ps 19:4-5), representing Christ. It is the sustainer of all life on Earth and is our source of light, like Christ. It is not surprising that everything else fades away in its brightness.
So spend a night this week and count down the planets. You’ll be glad you did.
