The astrological significance of the planets being associated with each day of the week lies in the belief that these celestial bodies influence human behavior, emotions, and events. Each day is governed by a specific planet, which imparts its unique qualities and energies.
When I created the Days of the Week Wheel I wanted it to be something that could grow with the child and that even adults can engage with. Being fascinated with astrology and knowing how the placement of the planets animate us through our natal chart at birth, I wanted to reclaim my connection with the cosmos in the day-to-day. And give my son a chance to play with the energies of these days as earlier civilizations would.
The practice of associating planets with days dates back to ancient civilizations, notably the Babylonians, who were keen astronomers. They identified seven celestial bodies that were visible to the naked eye—Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn. Each of these bodies was linked to a specific day, a concept that was later adopted by the Greeks and Romans.
While many languages have retained the similarity between the days of the week and the planet - for example Wednesday in French is Mercredi or Mercury Day - the significance has mostly been lost on us, at least consciously.
Here’s a breakdown of the significance for each day:
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Sunday (Sun): The Sun symbolizes vitality, consciousness, and leadership. This day is associated with clarity, creativity, and self-expression, making it ideal for artistic expression, playing, and resting while possibly basking in the Sun.
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Monday (Moon): The Moon represents emotions, intuition, and nurturing. Monday is a day for reflection, self-care, and connecting with feelings. It encourages introspection and can be a good time for planning and setting intentions for the week ahead.
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Tuesday (Mars): Mars embodies action, courage, and assertiveness. This day is about taking initiative, tackling challenges, and pursuing goals with vigor. It's often seen as favorable for competitive activities, exercise or physical movement and getting started on projects.
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Wednesday (Mercury): Mercury governs communication, intellect, and travel. Wednesdays are ideal for learning, networking, and engaging in discussions. It's a day for expressing ideas and collaborating with others.
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Thursday (Jupiter): Jupiter symbolizes expansion, abundance, and higher learning/ expanding the mind. This day is associated with growth and optimism, making it a great time for pursuing opportunities, seeking knowledge, and fostering generosity - anything we do on this day is infused with an energy of luck, abundance and expansion.
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Friday (Venus): Venus represents love, beauty, and harmony. Fridays are perfect for nurturing relationships, engaging in creative pursuits, and enjoying all kinds of pleasures. It encourages socializing and appreciating art and beauty. It's a beautiful day to dress up, be with loved ones, and beautify any space.
- Saturday (Saturn): Saturn embodies discipline, responsibility, and structure. This day is often viewed as a time for reflection, planning, and working on long-term goals. It invites contemplation, connecting with your wisdom and maturity, and encourages setting boundaries.
Overall Significance
The association of planets with days offers a framework for understanding how to best utilize the energies available each day. By aligning activities and intentions with these planetary influences, we can enhance our lives, make informed decisions, and navigate challenges more smoothly. This astrological perspective encourages mindfulness and intentionality, fostering a deeper connection to the natural rhythms of life.
If you and your child would like to play with and embrace flowing with each week in a fun, creative, intentional and visual way our Days of the Week Wheel will help you do just that.