Planetary Alignment: Using Astrology to Develop Characters in YA Novels

 

As YA writers, we are always looking for inspiration when it comes to developing our teen characters. Sometimes it comes easy, and a character will burst into our minds, fully formed. Other times, and particularly with side characters, it can be a little more challenging. There are many articles written about using astrological signs to inspire characters, such as the fiery Aries or the egocentric Leo, but I thought it might be fun to go a little further and look at how we might use the planets to draw up and flesh out our teenage characters. 

While the signs themselves are linked to traits, like the tidy Virgo and the eccentric Aquarius, the planets, in astrology, are connected with specific zodiac signs and are called “rulers” of those signs. For example, Mars is the ruler of Aries, which is why both are associated with hot tempers and violence. Mercury is the ruler of Gemini, making them both connected with quick-thinking and communication. Here is a list of planets that I hope you can draw from when creating your characters. 

Mercury

Mercury is the thinker of the zodiac. You might consider a teen character here who is studious, overthinks things, or perhaps gets themselves into trouble because of their quick wit when dealing with teachers. Some traits of Mercury include:

• Aware
• Intelligent 
• Communicative

Venus

This is an easy one for most of us to remember, as we often hear that Venus is the planet of love. You might have a teen character inspired by this planet who is constantly falling in love, is boy or girl crazy, or pays too much attention to their own looks and outer appearance. Some traits of Venus include:

• Vanity
• Jealousy
• Charm

Mars

Mars is the planet of action. In using this planet for inspiration for a teen character, you have many options. You might consider a rebellious teen (is there another kind?), one who is stubborn, or one who is courageous and impulsive. Some traits of Mars include:

• Destructive
• Violent 
• Independent

Jupiter

Jupiter is the planet of expansion and abundance. A teen character inspired by the planet Jupiter might be lucky, generous, or be quite ambitious. They may also be the type of teen that others can look up to. Some traits of Jupiter include:

• Inspiring
• Optimistic
• Confident

Saturn

Saturn is the lesson-teaching planet and is often associated with a serious nature or overcoming difficulties. Teens inspired by Saturn may tend to come across as older than their years, or may be the “parent” figure that another teen can turn to. Some traits of Saturn include:

• Cautious
• Wise
• Conventional

Uranus

Uranus is associated with fast change and surprise. It is also linked with technology and huge awakenings in society. A teenager inspired by Uranus may be tech-savvy, and they would also seek to make positive changes in the world. Some traits of Uranus include:

• Humanitarianism
• Intuitiveness
• Radical

Neptune

Neptune is the planet of dreams and illusion. With Neptune, all is not always what it seems, so a teen inspired by the planet Neptune might tend to be secretive, mysterious, or even very sensitive. Some traits of Neptune include:

• Creative
• Clairvoyant
• Mystical

Pluto 

While no longer considered a planet, Pluto still remains important in the astrological world. Pluto is the underworld planet, associated with power, transformation, and secrets. A teen inspired by Pluto might have secret obsessions or even be destructive. Some Pluto traits include:

• Forceful
• Intense
• Quiet 

The Sun

The Sun is the heart of the Solar System, so of course any character inspired by the sun would tend to be self-absorbed and think he/she is the life of the party. This teen might be confident and come across as arrogant, but they can also be generous as they like to spread light around. Some Sun traits include:

• Loyal
• Dignified
• Charming

The Moon

Finally we turn to my favorite celestial body, the moon. While technically a satellite of the earth, it’s still a very powerful force in astrology and is linked with the astrological sign cancer. The moon is associated with our moods, so it could definitely inspire a moody teen. It’s also connected strongly with water, which would be fun in creating a teen character who is drawn to ocean or beach life. Some moon traits include:

• Psychic ability
• Emotion/Drama
• Sensitive 

For tips about what genre you might be best writing based on your astrological sign, see my blog article: Astrology for Writers: What Should You Write Based On Your Sign?