Understanding Common Sense: A Fusion of Perception, Judgment, and Cosmic Influence
What is Common Sense?
Common sense is often described as the innate ability to
make sound, practical judgments in everyday situations. According to Wikipedia,
it refers to a shared capacity among most people to perceive, comprehend, and
evaluate circumstances in a way that feels universally intuitive. Importantly,
common sense is not merely sensory perception nor pure rational thought—it
operates in tandem with both, bridging instinct and intellect.
Common Sense Through the Lens of Astrology
Astrology offers a symbolic framework to understand how
different senses and mental faculties align with planetary energies and
astrological houses. Here's a breakdown:
Sense of Sight
- Astrological
House: 1st House (self, identity, physical body)
- Planets:
Mars (action, drive), Sun (consciousness, vitality)
- Interpretation:
Sight is the gateway to awareness and assertion. Mars energizes
perception, while the Sun illuminates clarity and recognition.
Sense of Taste
- House:
2nd House (values, possessions, sensory pleasures)
- Planet:
Mercury (communication, discernment)
- Interpretation:
Taste reflects discernment and preference. Mercury’s influence suggests a
refined ability to evaluate and categorize sensory input.
Sense of Smell
- Houses:
2nd and 3rd (values and communication)
- Planet:
Venus (pleasure, attraction)
- Interpretation:
Smell connects to memory and emotional resonance. Venus enhances the
aesthetic and emotive dimension of olfactory experiences.
Sense of Touch
- House:
All houses (as touch is universal and foundational)
- Planet:
Saturn (structure, reality, discipline)
- Interpretation:
Touch grounds us in the material world. Saturn’s role emphasizes
practicality, boundaries, and the tangible nature of experience—key
components of common sense.
Sense of Hearing
- Houses:
3rd and 11th (communication and collective awareness)
- Planet:
Jupiter (expansion, wisdom)
- Interpretation:
Hearing facilitates learning and connection. Jupiter brings depth,
understanding, and the ability to synthesize information—essential for
wise judgment.
Mental Faculties and Planetary Associations
Astrology also maps cognitive functions to planetary and
house influences:
- 1st
House: Represents the head and brain—our core identity and mental
orientation.
- Jupiter:
Governs white matter—linked to memory, wisdom, and expansive thinking.
- Mercury:
Governs grey matter—associated with intellect, analysis, and short-term
memory.
- 3rd
House: Subconscious mind—automatic responses and intuitive processing.
- 4th
House: The emotional mind—inner world, feelings, and psychological
roots.
- 5th
House: Wisdom and acquired knowledge—creative intelligence and learned
insight.
Planetary Roles in Shaping Common Sense
- Jupiter:
Memory and philosophical wisdom.
- Mercury:
Intellect, reasoning, and potential forgetfulness.
- Mars:
Logic, assertiveness, and decision-making.
- Saturn:
Practicality, discipline, and grounded judgment—making it the key planet
for common sense.
- Moon:
The emotional and mental landscape—encompassing mood, intuition, and the
subconscious. It acts as a central pivot in the horoscope, influencing how
all other faculties interact.
Conclusion
Common sense, while seemingly simple, is a complex interplay
of sensory input, mental processing, and cosmic influence. It’s not just a
human trait—it’s a synthesis of perception, practicality, and planetary
guidance. Saturn, with its emphasis on realism and structure, emerges as the
astrological cornerstone of common sense, reminding us that wisdom is not just
learned—it’s lived.
