Also known as hypothetical planets, the Trans-Neptunian planets are symbolic celestial bodies that are used in Uranian astrology and interpreted in combination with the typical planets. They came about when a group of astrologers at the Hamburg School of Astrology noticed repeating patterns in charts that suggested additional forces may be at work beyond the planets already in place. To represent these influences, they developed a set of eight hypothetical planets based on mathematical calculations and statistical tests. These “planets” are named after figures from Greek mythology, using familiar symbols to describe their themes and meanings. 

It’s important to note that the Trans-Neptunian planets are only used in combination with other planets, either in pairs, 3-planet combinations, or more complex planetary pictures. They have their own ephemeris and are not used outside the system of Uranian Astrology. They are not to be confused with asteroids of the same name.

Cupido is the planet of unions, partnerships, and cooperative ventures. It represents how we join or connect with others and work together in families, social groups, clubs, corporations, and other organizational structures. While it often highlights social connections, similar to Venus, Cupido also touches on creativity, aesthetics, and the arts. Cupido points to areas where union and coordination are important, and depending on the other planets involved, Cupido can indicate marriage, cooperative efforts, or society at large. It can also manifest as community events, collective enterprises, works of art, and artists.

Named after: the Greek god of desire and attraction

Nature: typically benefic

Expression: similar to Venus in love and aesthetics, with the community spirit of the sign Aquarius

Hades represents the unpleasant, hidden, or rejected parts of life (and the self) that are often suppressed. Hades is associated with themes of secrecy, poor conditions, antiquity and the past. Depending on the other planets involved, Hades can manifest through ruins, poverty, illness, illegal or unsavory activities. In Greek mythology, Hades is the god of the underworld and is also known as the “unseen” god. It also rules over garbage, dirt, and the natural processes of decay when used in Uranian astrology. While Hades can point to illness, difficulty, or discomfort, it also offers the potential for transformation, resolution, and renewal, reminding us that engaging with what is hidden or unpleasant can lead to healing, growth, and integration.

Named after: the Greek god of the underworld and the unseen

Nature: typically malefic

Expression: similar to Pluto in decay and transformation, and themes associated with the hidden houses, especially the 6^th, 8^th, and 12^th houses

Zeus is the planet of realization, fulfilment, and directed energy, showing how ideas are transformed into action through leadership and productivity. Zeus operates as a powerful inner drive that fuels initiative, self-direction, and purposeful activity. Depending on the other planets involved, it can express either constructively or destructively. It can either create, build upon, or compel. It can manifest as fire, machinery, weapons, industrialization, production, large-scale planning, and procreation.

Named after: the Greek god of thunder, the king of the gods

Nature: neutral, takes on the nature of the other planets involved 

Expression: similar to Mars in action and directed energy, with the traits of the fire signs

Kronos is the planet of skill, mastery, management, and authority. It’s associated with roles of responsibility, structure, and leadership. Since Kronos is about rulership and positional advantage, it often points to areas where someone may operate at an ‘above average’ level of ability, or possess an innate skill. Its influence is seen through governments, bureaucracies, hierarchies, heads of state, or other systems of order and control. It shows how authority and responsibility are experienced, whether imposed from the outside and felt as restrictive, or arising from within and expressed as self-mastery.

Named after: the Greek god of harvest

Nature: neutral, takes on the nature of the other planets involved 

Expression: similar to the structure and authority aspects of Saturn

Apollon is primarily the planet of expansion and broad perspective. Similar to Jupiter it represents opportunities for growth through learning, experience, and the enlargement of one’s outlook. Apollon encourages openness to new ideas, cultures, and environments, reflecting cross-cultural exchange and great distance, both physically and intellectually. It’s associated with science, commerce, trade, and other peaceful enterprises, where knowledge, cooperation, and mutual benefit are emphasized.

Named after: the Greek god of oracles, knowledge, healing, archery, music, and art

Nature: typically benefic

Expression: similar to the expansive, open-minded effect of Jupiter, the higher learning, science, and foreign trade themes associated with the 9^th house and Mercury

Admetos is the planet of form, compression, endurance, origin, and foundation, showing where life slows and takes on weight through structure and necessity. It is associated with grounding, patience, and sustained focus. It symbolizes depth, transformation, and inertia, drawing experiences inward to emphasize foundations, closure, and lasting strength, but it can also create stagnation or limiting circumstances if resisted. It represents the cycle of life, materials of the earth, formation, and transformation.

Named after: the Greek mythological King of Pherae

Nature: neutral, takes on the nature of the other planets involved 

Expression: similar to Pluto in formation and transformation, plus the origin and land themes associated with the 4^th house

Vulcanus is the planet of power, vitality, and influence. It generally embodies great strength, brute force, and strong recuperative powers like an athlete with a powerful physique. In a chart, it can identify potential energy that can be harnessed over time. When positively expressed, it can manifest as physical or mental strength, focus, and positive influence over others. When weakened by malefic planets, it can manifest as insecurity, aggression, or violence.

Named after: the Roman god of fire, volcanoes, and metalworking

Nature: typically malefic

Expression: similar to Mars in physical strength, raw power, and vitality

Poseidon is the planet of light, understanding, ideology, and enlightenment. It highlights areas where ideas, truth, and higher knowledge can illuminate our lives in practical and meaningful ways. It symbolizes wisdom, philosophy, religion, and spirituality, helping us integrate insight into everyday experience. Similar to Neptune, it’s also associated with water. When expressed positively, Poseidon brings clarity, inspiration, and deep understanding; if challenged, its ideals can become confused or disconnected from reality. 

Named after: the Greek god of the sea, storms and earthquakes

Nature: typically benefic

Expression: similar to Neptune in themes of ideology, spirituality, and higher knowledge

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