If you look up into the sky, you may see the twinkling stars and colorful planets and sigh in awe. In reality, the heavens up high in the sky have more of an impact on our destiny than we ever really recognize. If you think about it, the planets have been there longer than any of us can even fathom, so why would they not have an influence on our destiny?

1) From the beginning

It is actually believed that the planets start influencing our lives the second we are born.

Studies have been done showing that, statistically, there is a relationship between certain planets and the births of certain famous, and infamous, people. Some studies even show that children are likely to be born under the same planet that their parents were born under. It also seems that highly successful people are influenced fairly easily by the planets.

Mars, Jupiter and Saturn seem to have been the planets that were hanging around when certain famous doctors were born.

Some planets are actually thought to be able to show what kind of temperament the person will have when they are growing up. In fact, it is believed that if you are born under the moon, you will have the ability to be a politician or a writer, and if you are born under Mars, you may be a sports champion or a doctor.

Military leaders also come under Mars. Some research has even shown that people tend to die under the same planet that they were born under!

2) The planets in other cultures

Many cultures believe in the planets and in their power. In Indian astrology, the planets, including the sun, play a large part in their horoscopes and in their everyday lives. Here is how the Indian culture sees the planets as affecting their lives:

a) The Sun

The sun rules Leo and is responsible for how we look. It gives us life and will power.

b) The Moon

The moon rules the seas and gives purpose and sensuality. It also makes us overly-emotional.

c) Mercury

Mercury is cold and is restless. It is in charge of writers and teachers because it rules intelligence.

d) Jupiter

Jupiter is the planet that, in Indian culture, determines whom a woman marries, and what her relationship is like with her husband.

e) Venus

Much like in other mythology stories, Venus is love. This time, though, Venus is seen as a male figure. He is strong and brings romance to younger people.

f) Saturn

Saturn is slow, and when it is not in the right position and is passing through the house, it is destructive and brings misery.

g) Mars

Once more, Mars is known as the god of war. As such, he is short-tempered, yet prefers law. He wants things orderly, as well.

There is also an order that the planets should be worshipped: Sunday is the sun, Monday is the moon, Tuesday is Mars, Wednesday is Mercury, Thursday is Jupiter, Friday is Venus and Saturday is Saturn day.

3) The Houses

As mentioned earlier, there are houses that relate to astrology. Twelve houses, to be precise. The houses of the horoscope are meant to show the different times in ones life.

Whatever planet is in the house is what will determine how the life goes at that point in time. There are twelve houses:

(a) This house is the Ego. It is all about self appearance and the physical being.

(b) This house is all about money and growing in personal wealth.

(c) This house is about education and every day things. It focuses on siblings and neighbors, as well.

(d) This house focuses on the beginning and the end of life. It is also about the family and the mother.

(e) This house is about holidays and sex. It is about the pleasure in life.

(f) This house focuses on work and chores.

(g) This house is about marriage and relationships of all sorts, such as business partnerships.

(h) This house is about deep relationships and about the beginning and the end of life.

(i) This house is about religion and foreign cultures.

(j) Society and celebrities are what this house is all about.

(k) Friends and clubs meet under this house.

(l) This house is all about the mystifying part of life.

Planets do have a huge influence on our lives. If you keep track of the planets and the houses, you can often predict what kind of a year you are going to have!