Why the symbols for our planets are actually ancient relics of pagan gods

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The icons we use to represent the planets are not modern inventions. They are ancient shorthand, rooted in the attributes of Greco-Roman deities. While the International Astronomical Union now discourages their use in scientific papers, these symbols remain deeply embedded in our culture, from biology to the history of time.

The symbols for the planets, the Sun, and the Moon were originally developed for use in both astronomy and astrology. Each icon serves as a visual shorthand for the characteristics of the deity associated with that celestial body. For instance, the symbol for Mercury represents the god's winged cap and his caduceus staff, while the symbol for Mars depicts the shield and spear of the god of war. Similarly, the symbol for Saturn is thought to represent an ancient scythe, reflecting the god's role in seed-sowing and time.

Other symbols are equally evocative. The icon for Venus is widely considered a stylized representation of the goddess's hand mirror, while the symbol for Neptune features the trident of the sea god. The dwarf planet Pluto, discovered much later, uses a monogram combining the letters P and L, which also serve as the initials of Percival Lowell, the astronomer who predicted its existence. Earth’s symbol, a globe divided into four quarters, is thought to represent the four cardinal points of a compass.

Despite their long history, these symbols are not universally embraced by modern science. The International Astronomical Union, the organization responsible for naming objects in space, explicitly discourages their use in scientific publications. Their style manual suggests that if these symbols must be used, they should be accompanied by a clear key to ensure the reader understands their meaning. This shift reflects a move away from the mythological origins of these celestial bodies toward a more standardized, technical nomenclature for the solar system.

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