The Astrology of the Days of the Week

Did you know that each day of the week has its own astrological ruler? Every day is associated with a planet, giving it a distinct energy and influence. This concept dates back to ancient times, when people believed that the heavens directly impacted our lives. In fact, the names of the days of the week reflect this astrological tradition, which has roots in Roman, Norse, and other ancient cultures.

Let’s explore the astrological rulers of each day, how the names came to be, and how you can align your focus to match the energy of the stars. And just for fun, we’ll tie it into the old nursery rhyme Monday’s Child to show how these connections play out in everyday life.

Monday: Ruled by the Moon 🌙

Monday’s child is fair of face.

Monday is ruled by the Moon, which governs emotions, intuition, and reflection. The name “Monday” comes from Old English Monandæg, meaning “Moon’s Day.” Ancient cultures, from the Romans to the Babylonians, associated the Moon with mystery and the subconscious mind, giving Monday a natural link to emotional wellbeing.

Focus: Use Monday to tap into your emotions, self-care, and intuition. It’s the perfect day to start your week on a reflective note and set intentions for how you want to move forward.

Colors: White, Light Grey, Silver, Pale Blue

Tuesday: Ruled by Mars 🔥

Tuesday’s child is full of grace.

Tuesday is all about action and courage, thanks to Mars, the planet of energy and ambition. The name “Tuesday” comes from Old English Tiwesdæg, named after the Norse god Tyr, who was associated with war and victory—much like Mars. In Roman times, Tuesday was dies Martis, or “Mars’ Day,” emphasizing the martial energy that still fuels our Tuesdays.

Focus: Tuesday is ideal for getting things done, particularly tasks that require bravery or decisive action. Use Mars’ energy to tackle challenges and make progress.

Colors: Red, Orange

Wednesday: Ruled by Mercury 🧠

Wednesday’s child is full of woe.

Wednesday is named after Mercury, the planet of communication, intellect, and quick thinking. The name “Wednesday” comes from Old English Wodnesdæg, which references Odin (Woden in Old English), the Norse god of wisdom and magic. The Roman version of the day was dies Mercurii, or “Mercury’s Day,” and Mercury was the messenger of the gods.

Focus: Use Wednesday for mental work, learning, and communication. It’s a great day for meetings, brainstorming, or anything requiring intellect and adaptability.

Colors: Green, Yellow, Light Blue

Thursday: Ruled by Jupiter 💫

Thursday’s child has far to go.

Thursday is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, optimism, and abundance. The name “Thursday” comes from Old English Þūnresdæg, named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder (Jupiter is associated with the thunderbolt in Roman mythology). The Roman version, dies Jovis, means “Jupiter’s Day,” emphasizing wisdom and growth.

Focus: Thursday is perfect for big-picture thinking, setting goals, and taking risks. Let Jupiter’s expansive energy guide you toward opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Colors: Royal Blue, Purple, Gold

Friday: Ruled by Venus 💖

Friday’s child is loving and giving.

Friday is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and harmony. The name “Friday” comes from Old English Frīgedæg, named after the Norse goddess Frigg (associated with love and beauty), who parallels the Roman goddess Venus. In Roman times, Friday was dies Veneris, or “Venus’ Day,” making this the day to focus on relationships and pleasure.

Focus: Friday is perfect for self-care, romance, and creative expression. It’s a day to relax, indulge, and spend time with those you love.

Colors: Pink, Light Green, Pastel Blue

Saturday: Ruled by Saturn ⏳

Saturday’s child works hard for a living.

Saturday is ruled by Saturn, the planet of discipline, structure, and responsibility. The name “Saturday” comes directly from Latin dies Saturni, meaning “Saturn’s Day.” In Roman mythology, Saturn was the god of agriculture and time, symbolizing hard work and long-term goals.

Focus: Use Saturday to take care of your responsibilities and organize your life. Saturn’s disciplined energy makes this the best day to tackle projects, set boundaries, and create a strong foundation for the future.

Colors: Black, Dark Brown, Grey

Sunday: Ruled by the Sun ☀️

And the child born on the Sabbath day is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.

Sunday, ruled by the Sun, represents vitality, self-expression, and creativity. The name “Sunday” comes from Old English Sunnandæg, meaning “Sun’s Day,” which was borrowed from the Latin dies Solis. In ancient times, the Sun was seen as the center of everything, much like its astrological significance today as the planet of our core essence and identity.

Focus: Sunday is the day to relax, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Use the Sun’s positive energy to engage in activities that make you feel energized and fulfilled, whether it’s a creative project, time spent in nature, or simply resting to recharge for the week ahead.

Colors: Gold, Orange, Yellow

The days of the week have been named after celestial bodies and gods since ancient times. The Roman seven-day week was modeled after the seven classical planets—the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn—each of which was believed to influence different aspects of life. This practice was passed down through centuries, even influencing the names used in Germanic and Norse cultures, which is why we have a blend of Roman and Norse mythology in our modern-day names.

The names of the days of the week connect us to the planets and gods that shaped ancient understanding of time, life, and the cosmos. These associations offer us a unique way to align our daily lives with the natural flow of planetary energy. From the nurturing power of Monday’s Moon to the disciplined drive of Saturn on Saturday, there’s an astrological current ready to help us thrive each day.

And of course, we can’t forget the sweet wisdom of the Monday’s Child nursery rhyme, which adds another layer of charm to the energy of the week. So, next time you're planning your week, think about the planets, gods, and energies that rule each day—and let the stars guide you.