Before Galileo invented the telescope in 1609, humanity could only see these 5 planets with the naked eye. Their orbital paths (prograde, retrograde, stationary) were the foundation of ancient astrology.
Suixing (Jupiter) Virtue: Righteousness
Retrograde Motion: Occurs when the Earth overtakes Jupiter in its orbit.
Astrological Meaning: Governs Spring and the Wood element of the East. If its movement is normal within a state's designated sector, that state will be victorious in war. If it is delayed, the state faces sorrow and peril.
Yinghuo (Mars) Virtue: Propriety
Astrological Meaning: Governs Summer and the Fire element of the South. 'Yinghuo' means 'Sparkling Delusion', reflecting its erratic red light. It often heralds rebellion, cruelty, disease, famine, and war.
Tianxing (Saturn) Virtue: Integrity
Astrological Meaning: Governs Late Summer and the Earth element of the Center. It symbolizes the Yellow Emperor and the Empress. Because it moves slowly ('Tian' implies settling), the sector it occupies brings profound blessings to that state.
Taibai (Venus)
Aliases: Morning Star (Qiming), Evening Star (Changgeng).
Astrological Meaning: Governs Autumn and the Metal element of the West. It presides over warfare and executions. Its irregular appearances or disappearances were closely linked to military outcomes and usurpations.
Chenxing (Mercury) Virtue: Punishment
Astrological Meaning: Governs Winter and the Water element of the North. It oversees penal laws. Being closest to the Sun, it frequently appears and vanishes, making it hard to observe. If it fails to appear in all four seasons, widespread famine ensues.