Planetary gods are deities in various mythologies who are associated with the planets of our solar system. These gods often embody the qualities, attributes, and symbolism of the respective planets they represent.

Greek mythology

In Greek mythology, several deities were associated with the planets and celestial bodies of our solar system. These associations often reflected the attributes, characteristics, and myths associated with these gods. Here are some examples of planetary gods in Greek mythology:

• Hermes (Mercury)

  Hermes, the messenger of the gods, is associated with the planet Mercury. He was known for his speed and agility, which parallel the swift movement of the planet Mercury.

• Aphrodite (Venus)

  Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, is linked with the planet Venus. The planet's brightness and beauty align with her domain.

• Ares (Mars)

  Ares, the god of war, corresponds to the planet Mars. The planet's reddish hue is reminiscent of blood and conflict.

• Zeus (Jupiter)

  Zeus, the king of the gods, is associated with the planet Jupiter. The planet's size and prominence align with Zeus's role as a powerful ruler.

• Cronus (Saturn)

  Cronus, the god of time and the harvest, is associated with the planet Saturn. The planet's distinctive rings can symbolize the cycles of time.

• Uranus

  Uranus was the primordial god of the sky, and the planet Uranus was named after him. In Greek mythology, Uranus was the father of the Titans.

• Poseidon (Neptune)

  Poseidon, the god of the sea and earthquakes, is linked with the planet Neptune. The association reflects the planet's blue color, evoking images of water.

• Hades (Pluto)

  Hades, the god of the underworld, corresponds to the dwarf planet Pluto. The association relates to Pluto's distant and mysterious nature, much like the realm of the underworld.

Hindu mythology

Hindu mythology features a rich and intricate pantheon of deities, many of whom are associated with celestial bodies, including planets and other cosmic elements. These associations often reflect the complex interplay between Hindu cosmology, mythology, and religious beliefs. Here are some examples of planetary gods and celestial beings in Hindu mythology:

• Surya (Sun God)

  Surya is the solar deity in Hinduism and is often depicted riding a chariot across the sky, representing the movement of the sun. Surya is also considered the source of light and energy for the world.

• Chandra (Moon God)

  Chandra is the lunar deity in Hindu mythology and is associated with the moon. Chandra is often depicted with a crescent moon adorning his hair and is considered one of the Navagrahas, or the nine celestial beings that influence human life.

• Mangala (Mars God)

  Mangala is the deity associated with the planet Mars. In Hindu astrology, Mangala is believed to influence qualities like courage, energy, and vitality.

• Budha (Mercury God)

  Budha is the deity associated with the planet Mercury. Budha is often depicted as a youthful god and is linked to communication, intellect, and commerce.

• Brihaspati (Jupiter God)

  Brihaspati is the deity associated with the planet Jupiter. He is considered a guru or teacher of the gods and is associated with wisdom, knowledge, and spirituality.

• Shukra (Venus God)

  Shukra is the deity associated with the planet Venus. Shukra is considered a teacher of the demons and is linked to material wealth, pleasure, and love.

• Shani (Saturn God)

  Shani is the deity associated with the planet Saturn. Shani is often depicted as a dark figure and is considered both a bringer of difficulties and a bestower of rewards based on one's karma.

• Rahu and Ketu

  Rahu and Ketu are shadowy celestial beings associated with the lunar nodes. They are often depicted as demons and are believed to have a significant influence on one's life path and destiny.

These planetary deities and celestial beings play roles not only in mythology but also in Hindu astrology and rituals. The Navagrahas, for example, are often propitiated to seek their blessings and mitigate their potential negative influences. The connections between these deities and celestial bodies illustrate the intricate relationship between Hindu beliefs, cosmic forces, and human life.

Mesopotamian / Babylonian mythology

In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, various deities were associated with the planets and celestial bodies of our solar system. These planetary gods played significant roles in the cosmology and religious beliefs of the Mesopotamian cultures. Here are some examples of planetary gods in ancient Mesopotamian mythology:

• Nanna-Sin (Moon God)

  Nanna-Sin, also known as simply Sin, was the god of the moon in Sumerian and Akkadian mythology. He was revered as a powerful deity who influenced the cycles of the moon and was associated with fertility, timekeeping, and divination.

• Shamash (Sun God)

  Shamash was the god of the sun and justice in Mesopotamian mythology. He was considered a divine judge and a bringer of light and truth. Shamash played a crucial role in maintaining cosmic order and was invoked for matters of law and ethics.

• Ishtar (Venus Goddess)

  Ishtar, known as Inanna in Sumerian mythology, was associated with the planet Venus. She was a multifaceted deity linked to love, fertility, beauty, and war. Ishtar's journey to the underworld and subsequent resurrection was a significant myth in Mesopotamian cosmology.

• Nabu (Mercury God)

  Nabu was the god of wisdom and writing, associated with the planet Mercury. He was often invoked by scribes and scholars for inspiration and guidance in intellectual pursuits.

• Marduk (Jupiter God)

  Marduk was a prominent god in Babylonian mythology and became associated with the planet Jupiter. As the patron deity of Babylon, Marduk held a central role in creation myths and was revered as a powerful cosmic force.

• Nergal (Mars God)

  Nergal was a god associated with war, plague, and the underworld, and he had connections with the planet Mars. He was both feared and revered for his dual nature and was invoked in rituals related to death and the afterlife.

• Ninurta (Saturn God)

  Ninurta was a god linked to agriculture, hunting, and warfare, and he had connections with the planet Saturn. He was often depicted as a heroic figure, associated with divine protection and the taming of chaos.

These planetary gods were integral to Mesopotamian cosmology, religious practices, and societal beliefs. The movements and influences of the planets were seen as reflections of these deities' powers and intentions, shaping the destinies of individuals and the world at large.

Germanic / Norse mythology

The Germanic / Norse pantheon didn’t have direct equivalents of the classical planetary gods like those in Roman or Greek mythology. However, some scholars have attempted to associate certain Germanic / Norse gods with celestial bodies based on their attributes or roles.

• Tyr / Tiwaz

  Tyr has been tentatively associated with Mars due to his role as a god of war and justice. This is akin to the Roman god Mars, who was associated with warfare.

• Odin / Woden

  As a wise and powerful deity associated with knowledge, magic, and the runes, some connections have been drawn between Odin and Mercury due to his intellectual attributes and travels.

• Freyja / Frigg

  Some have linked Freyja to the planet Venus because of her association with love, fertility, beauty, and magic. Venus, in many mythologies, is associated with similar themes.

• Thor

  While not directly linked to a planet, some interpretations suggest Thor's might and power could be likened to Jupiter due to his role as a protector and his association with thunder and lightning.

Roman mythology

In Roman mythology, several deities were associated with the planets of our solar system. These associations were often influenced by the correspondence between Roman gods and their Greek counterparts, as well as the perceived attributes and symbolism of the planets. Here are some examples of planetary gods in Roman mythology:

• Mercury - Messenger of the gods, commerce, travel, communication

  Mercury was associated with the planet of the same name due to his role as the messenger of the gods, reflecting the planet's rapid movement across the sky.

• Venus - Love, beauty, fertility

  Venus was associated with the planet Venus due to her domain over love and beauty, aligning with the planet's brightness and allure.

• Mars - God of war, courage, strength

  Mars was associated with the planet Mars due to his role as the god of war, reflecting the planet's reddish hue reminiscent of blood and conflict.

• Jupiter - King of the gods, thunder, lightning, justice

  Jupiter was associated with the planet Jupiter due to his role as the king of the gods and his connection to thunder and lightning.

• Saturn - God of agriculture, time, wealth

  Saturn was associated with the planet Saturn due to his connection to agriculture and the cycles of time.

• Neptune - God of the sea, earthquakes, horses

  Neptune was associated with the planet Neptune due to his domain over the sea and water, reflecting the planet's watery nature.

• Pluto (also known as Dis) - God of the underworld, wealth

  Pluto was associated with the dwarf planet Pluto due to his role as the god of the underworld, aligning with the planet's distant and mysterious nature.

It's important to note that while these associations exist in Roman mythology, the Romans also had their own unique cultural interpretations and beliefs. The connections between Roman gods and planets provide insights into how ancient civilizations integrated celestial phenomena into their religious and mythological narratives.

Slavic mythology

In Slavic mythology, while there isn't a direct one-to-one correlation between the Slavic gods and the classical planetary gods, there are interpretations that associate certain Slavic deities with celestial bodies based on their attributes or functions. For example:

• Dazhbog

  Dazhbog is commonly associated with the sun in Slavic mythology. He is revered as a solar deity connected with light, sunshine, and prosperity. His connection to the sun aligns with attributes often ascribed to sun deities.

• Devana

  Devana is a goddess associated with hunting, forests, and wildlife in Slavic mythology. While not explicitly linked to the moon, some interpretations have connected her to lunar aspects due to her role in natural cycles and the wilderness.

• Lada

  Lada is often associated with love, beauty, fertility, and harmony in Slavic mythology. Her attributes share similarities with qualities associated with Venus in other mythologies, particularly concerning love and beauty.

• Perun

  Perun, the god of thunder, lightning, and war in Slavic mythology, has been occasionally compared to Jupiter due to his association with thunderbolts and his prominent status among the Slavic gods. Some interpretations draw parallels between Perun's power and the might associated with Jupiter in Roman mythology.

Sumerian mythology

In ancient Sumerian mythology, the deities and cosmology were closely intertwined, with gods often representing various aspects of nature, including celestial bodies. While Sumerian mythology does not have direct planetary gods in the same way as some later mythologies, there were significant celestial associations within their pantheon. Here are some aspects of ancient Sumerian mythology related to celestial bodies:

• Anu (An)

  Anu was the supreme deity of the Sumerian pantheon, often associated with the sky and heavens. He was considered the father of the gods and ruled over the celestial realm.

• Inanna (Ishtar)

  Inanna, the goddess of love, fertility, and war, was also associated with Venus, the "Morning Star" and the "Evening Star." Inanna's dual aspect was linked to the planet's appearance at different times.

• Nanna (Sin)

  Nanna was the god of the moon, representing its changing phases. He was associated with wisdom and was considered the father of the sun god, Utu (Shamash).

• Utu (Shamash)

  Utu was the sun god and represented justice and order. His radiant presence and role as a judge symbolized the sun's illumination and its role in maintaining cosmic balance.

• Enlil

  Enlil was one of the major deities and was associated with wind, air, and the heavens. He was believed to determine the fate of the celestial bodies.

• Ereshkigal

  Ereshkigal, the goddess of the underworld, was associated with the realm below the Earth. While not a direct planetary deity, her realm was connected to the cycle of life and death.

• Ningal

  Ningal, the goddess of reeds and the wife of Nanna (moon god), was sometimes associated with the moon and its watery associations.

The ancient Sumerians closely observed celestial events and integrated them into their religious and mythological beliefs. The gods' associations with celestial bodies reflected their roles in the cosmic order and their influence over various aspects of human life. While Sumerian mythology did not explicitly depict planetary gods, its celestial symbolism emphasized the interconnectedness of the divine, the natural world, and the cosmos.