In ancient Greek and Roman culture, celestial bodies such as the visible planets held significant astrological and mythological importance. The Greeks and Romans did not generally believe that the planets were the actual deities themselves, but rather that they were closely associated with these gods and represented their influence and presence in the cosmos.
For the Greeks, the planets were named after their gods, and these celestial bodies were seen as instruments through which the influence of the gods was exerted. For example, the planet we know as Jupiter was referred to as “Zeus” by the Greeks, and it symbolized the king of the gods—a representation of his power and authority. Similarly, the planet known as Mars was associated with Ares, the god of war.
In Roman mythology, the names and associations continued albeit with Roman nomenclature. Jupiter was equivalent to the Greek Zeus; Mars to Ares; Venus to Aphrodite; Mercury to Hermes; and Saturn to Cronus. Just like in Greek tradition, the planets were not considered to be the deities themselves but were manifestations of their attributes and influences in the celestial realm.
The ancients imbued the planets with divine significance, viewing their movements and positions as crucial for understanding the will and favor of the gods. This belief was part of a greater astrological tradition where the stars and planets were believed to affect life on Earth and guide human affairs. However, the recognition was more symbolic, with the celestial bodies serving as a bridge between the earth and divine realms.
Therefore, while the planets were not worshiped as deities themselves, they were deeply venerated and considered vital channels for the gods’ presence and power, as depicted in the extensive mythologies and astrological traditions of the Greeks and Romans. The planets’ connections to specific gods were metaphorical, serving as fitting epithets or symbols rather than literal embodiments.