Elden Ring Astrology: Cosmic Guidance
The Lands Between, a realm steeped in cosmic mystery and ancient power, resonates deeply with the celestial dance of astrology. As players navigate the treacherous landscapes of Elden Ring, they often find themselves seeking guidance, not just from the lore and item descriptions, but from the very stars that arc across its ethereal skies. On this 4th of July, 2025, as we reflect on the vastness of the cosmos and the intricate patterns that govern our lives, it’s fascinating to explore how the principles of astrology can illuminate our journey through this epic game. Many players wonder, "Can Elden Ring's world be understood through an astrological lens?" The answer is a resounding yes. By examining the celestial influences, the archetypal energies, and the symbolic language of astrology, we can unlock deeper layers of meaning within Elden Ring, enhancing our understanding of its characters, lore, and even our own gameplay strategies. This exploration isn't just about finding easter eggs; it's about connecting with the universal archetypes that the game so brilliantly embodies, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by the Tarnished.
The Celestial Canvas of Elden Ring
From the very beginning, Elden Ring establishes a profound connection to the heavens. The opening cinematic, with its sweeping vistas of the night sky and the ever-present Erdtree bathed in starlight, immediately sets a cosmic tone. The game’s lore frequently references celestial events, constellations, and the influence of the stars on the fate of individuals and the world itself. The very concept of the Elden Ring, a golden order that dictates the laws of reality, can be seen as analogous to the fixed stars and celestial bodies that, in many astrological traditions, govern the universal order.
Consider the Great Runes, powerful artifacts that grant dominion over specific aspects of life and death. Each Great Rune, wielded by a demigod, possesses a distinct energy and purpose, much like the planets in astrology, each with its own dominion and influence. Godrick the Grafted, with his desperate clinging to power, might be seen as embodying the more challenging aspects of Mars or Saturn, planets associated with ambition, control, and the fear of limitation. Mohg, Lord of Blood, dwelling in the subterranean depths and seeking to establish his dynasty, could be linked to Pluto, the planet of transformation, power, and the underworld.
The various celestial bodies and their movements are not merely background elements; they are woven into the fabric of Elden Ring’s narrative. The phases of the moon, for instance, are often tied to specific events or the behavior of certain creatures. The Evergaols, those desolate prisons where powerful entities are trapped, can be viewed as cosmic conjunctions or difficult astrological aspects, holding immense energy in a state of confinement.
The Influence of the Golden Order and the Stars
The Golden Order itself, the central tenet of the Lands Between's reality, is often depicted as a divine, cosmic law. In astrological terms, this can be interpreted as a grand, overarching celestial blueprint. The stars, in many cultures, were believed to hold the keys to destiny, and the Golden Order’s adherence to a predetermined path for the Lands Between mirrors this belief. The shattering of the Elden Ring, therefore, represents a cosmic upheaval, a disruption of the established celestial order, leading to chaos and the rise of new, often conflicting, powers.
The demigods, each a child of Queen Marika, can be seen as embodying different astrological archetypes. Radagon, the second consort of Marika, whose duality and connection to the Golden Order are central to the lore, might represent the Gemini archetype – duality, communication, and the bridging of different realms. His eventual merging with Marika further emphasizes this theme of cosmic union and inherent complexity.
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, is perhaps the most direct astrological connection. Her association with the moon, a primary luminary in astrology, signifies her mastery over sorcery and her role as a mother figure. The moon’s influence on tides, emotions, and the subconscious aligns perfectly with Rennala’s domain. Her children, the Carian royals, each possess unique magical abilities and personalities, reflecting the diverse influences of the celestial bodies.
Navigating the Stars: Gameplay and Astrological Insights
Beyond the lore, how can astrological principles practically guide a Tarnished player? Understanding archetypes can help us choose our playstyle and approach challenges.
The Warrior's Path (Mars Archetype): For players who favor direct combat, aggression, and martial prowess, the Mars archetype is paramount. Mars governs energy, drive, courage, and conflict. A player embodying this archetype might focus on strength-based builds, aggressive weapon arts, and a direct assault on enemies. This approach mirrors the warrior who charges headfirst into battle, guided by sheer will and physical power. In Elden Ring, this translates to wielding heavy weapons like the Greatsword or the Starscourage Greatswords, focusing on Strength and Vigor, and utilizing weapon skills that deal massive damage.
The Scholar's Pursuit (Mercury Archetype): For those who prefer sorcery, intelligence-based builds, and strategic spellcasting, the Mercury archetype is key. Mercury governs intellect, communication, and learning. A Mercury-aligned player would delve into the intricacies of sorcery, focusing on Dexterity and Intelligence, and mastering spells like Comet Azur or Ranni's Dark Moon. This approach is about understanding the enemy, exploiting weaknesses, and striking from a distance with calculated precision.
The Diplomat's Charm (Venus Archetype): While less overtly combat-oriented, the Venus archetype can be surprisingly useful. Venus governs harmony, relationships, and aesthetics. In Elden Ring, this might translate to players who focus on support incantations, build synergy with Spirit Ashes, or even engage in the more nuanced aspects of the game’s social interactions (like choosing dialogue options or understanding NPC motivations). A player attuned to Venus might favor incantations that heal or buff allies, or utilize weapons that offer graceful, flowing attacks.
The Guardian's Resilience (Jupiter Archetype): Jupiter is the planet of expansion, luck, and wisdom. A Jupiter-aligned Tarnished would focus on resilience, gathering resources, and seeking knowledge. This translates to high Vigor, Endurance, and a thorough exploration of the map, uncovering all secrets and acquiring powerful defensive incantations or talismans. These players are the steady presences, weathering the storms and growing stronger with each challenge.
The Ascetic's Discipline (Saturn Archetype): Saturn governs discipline, structure, and long-term goals. A Saturn-aligned player might embrace a more challenging, self-imposed limitation, such as a low-level run or a specific weapon-only playthrough. They would meticulously plan their routes, conserve resources, and focus on mastering the game's mechanics through sheer dedication and perseverance.
The Visionary's Insight (Uranus Archetype): Uranus is the planet of innovation, disruption, and sudden insights. This archetype might manifest in players who experiment with unconventional builds, discover hidden mechanics, or find unique ways to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. They are the innovators, the ones who break the mold and forge new paths.
The Empath's Compassion (Neptune Archetype): Neptune rules dreams, intuition, and compassion. A Neptune-aligned Tarnished might be drawn to the game’s more melancholic stories, empathize with the fallen demigods, or find meaning in the game’s spiritual and philosophical undertones. They might also be adept at predicting enemy attack patterns through intuitive observation.
The Transformer's Power (Pluto Archetype): Pluto governs transformation, death, and rebirth. A Pluto-aligned player might be drawn to the game’s darker themes, the cycles of death and rebirth, and the exploration of the underworld. They might embrace challenging boss fights, seeking to transform their own skills through intense struggle.
The Cosmic Significance of Elden Ring's Bosses
The bosses of Elden Ring are not just formidable enemies; they are often embodiments of powerful archetypes, many of which have astrological parallels.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella: Her undefeated status, her devastating Waterfowl Dance, and her connection to the Scarlet Rot can be seen through the lens of Mars (warrior, aggression) and Pluto (transformation, decay, power). Her resilience and the sheer difficulty she presents mirror the challenging aspects of a powerful, unyielding celestial force. Her connection to the Rot also brings in themes of Neptune (dissolution) and potentially Uranus (sudden, disruptive change).
Radahn, Starscourage: His name itself speaks to the stars. Radahn, who held back the stars, can be seen as a Saturnian figure, a force of order and control, but also one who eventually succumbs to a destructive influence (the Scarlet Rot, a Plutonian force of decay). His immense physical power aligns with Mars, while his connection to the cosmos links him to the grander celestial mechanics.
Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy: Rykard's consumption of his followers and his transformation into a serpent can be interpreted through the Plutonian lens of transformation, absorption, and the darker aspects of power. His desire for eternal life and his defiance of the Golden Order represent a rebellion against cosmic law, a theme often explored in mythologies tied to astrological interpretations.
Godfrey, First Elden Lord: As the first to be Tarnished and then Elden Lord, Godfrey embodies the primal warrior archetype, strongly Mars-aligned. His journey from a brutal warlord to a respected ruler, and his eventual exile and return, speaks to themes of transformation (Pluto) and the cyclical nature of power. His stoicism and immense strength also resonate with Saturnian discipline.
The Astrological Significance of the Elden Ring Itself
The Elden Ring, the very artifact that gives the game its name, is the ultimate symbol of cosmic order. In astrology, the concept of a "Great Year" or a "Great Cycle" refers to the time it takes for the planets to return to their original positions, marking a complete cosmic era. The Elden Ring, as the source of the Golden Order, represents the established cosmic cycle. Its shattering signifies a break in this cycle, a cosmic disarray that allows for new possibilities and new destinies to emerge.
The "Age of Stars," the ending pursued by Ranni, can be seen as an astrological shift, a new celestial era. Ranni, with her moon-based sorcery and her desire to break free from the Golden Order, embodies the transformative energies of Uranus and Neptune, seeking to usher in a new cosmic consciousness. Her ending suggests a move away from rigid, imposed order towards a more fluid, intuitive, and perhaps even chaotic, but ultimately liberating, universal influence.
Personal Reflections and Gameplay Experiences
I recall my first playthrough of Elden Ring. I primarily focused on a Strength build, wielding colossal weapons and favoring direct confrontation. Looking back, this playstyle strongly mirrored a Mars-dominant astrological profile: aggressive, action-oriented, and driven by a desire to overcome obstacles through sheer force. When I encountered bosses like Starscourage Radahn, I found myself relying on brute strength and endurance, much like a warrior relying on their innate courage.
However, as I delved deeper into the lore and began experimenting with sorcery, I found myself drawn to a different approach. My second playthrough involved an Intelligence build, focusing on Dexterity and ranged spellcasting. This shift felt akin to embracing a Mercury or Uranus archetype – a desire for knowledge, precision, and a more strategic, less direct, engagement with the world. The satisfaction of outsmarting an enemy with a well-timed spell or uncovering a hidden sorcery felt like a different kind of cosmic alignment.
One particular moment that struck me was during a play session on July 3rd, 2025. I was struggling with the Godskin Duo, a notoriously difficult boss fight. Frustrated, I took a break and looked up at the night sky. The moon was nearly full, and the constellations seemed particularly bright. I returned to the game with a renewed sense of focus, deciding to incorporate more defensive incantations and a more patient, strategic approach. By embracing a more balanced, almost Jupiterian sense of resilience and wisdom, I was finally able to overcome them. It felt as though the celestial energies themselves were offering a subtle nudge, a reminder that even in the most intense battles, there is always a path to victory through understanding and adaptation.
Modern Divination and Elden Ring
The popularity of Elden Ring has created a unique intersection between gaming and the ancient practice of divination. Players are not just seeking to "beat the game"; they are seeking meaning, connection, and personal growth through their experiences. This mirrors the core purpose of divination itself.
When a player asks, "What does my build say about me?" they are, in essence, asking for a reading. A Strength build might indicate a desire for personal power and the courage to face challenges head-on. An Intelligence build could signify a need for intellectual understanding and a preference for problem-solving. A Faith build might point towards a search for spiritual meaning or a reliance on inner conviction.
The exploration of Elden Ring's vast world can also be seen as a form of journeying through one's own inner landscape, much like a tarot spread or a natal chart reading. Each area, each NPC, each boss encounter can represent different aspects of the self, different challenges, or different potentials. The Tarnished's quest for the Elden Ring is ultimately a quest for self-discovery and wholeness.
Applying Astrological Principles to Gameplay Choices
Consider the choices a player makes in Elden Ring:
- Which starting class to choose? This can be seen as selecting your initial astrological "sign" or elemental affinity for the game. A Vagabond might be Earth-aligned (stability, endurance), a Prisoner Mercury-aligned (intellect, cunning), and a Prophet Jupiter-aligned (faith, wisdom).
- Which Great Rune to prioritize? Each Great Rune offers a distinct advantage, much like understanding which planetary influences are strongest in your life and how to harness them. Radahn's Great Rune (HP, FP, Stamina) offers a balanced boost, akin to a well-aspected Jupiter. Morgott's Great Rune (HP) speaks to resilience and grounding, Saturnian qualities.
- Which Spirit Ashes to summon? The wolves, the Mimic Tear, the Black Knife Tiche – each offers a different form of assistance. These can be viewed as allies or aspects of the self that we call upon for support. The wolves might represent pack instinct (a collective Mars), while the Mimic Tear embodies our own adaptable potential (Uranus).
The Future of Elden Ring and Cosmic Cycles
As FromSoftware continues to expand the world of Elden Ring, perhaps with future DLC or sequels, the astrological parallels will undoubtedly deepen. The cyclical nature of the game's lore, with its themes of death, rebirth, and the rise and fall of empires, is inherently tied to the grand cycles of the cosmos.
The recent announcement of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, set to release in June 2024 (and already a significant part of the gaming landscape in July 2025), introduces new characters and lore that will undoubtedly offer further opportunities for astrological interpretation. Miquella, the Empyrean, and his journey into the Land of Shadow, promise to unveil deeper cosmic mysteries. Miquella’s association with healing and his efforts to create a cure for the Scarlet Rot might align him with Neptune (healing, compassion) and perhaps even Chiron (the wounded healer). His empyrean status, chosen by the Greater Will, links him directly to divine celestial mandate.
The exploration of the Land of Shadow itself could represent a journey into the subconscious or a descent into the underworld, areas often associated with Pluto and Neptune in astrological studies. The new bosses and challenges will likely embody potent archetypes that can be understood through the lens of planetary energies and zodiacal signs.
The beauty of applying astrological principles to Elden Ring lies in its ability to enrich the player's experience. It transforms the game from a mere challenge into a profound exploration of universal themes, archetypal energies, and the eternal dance between fate and free will. As the stars continue to wheel across the night sky of the Lands Between, so too do the possibilities for understanding and connection for the Tarnished who dare to look up and seek guidance.
In conclusion, Elden Ring’s intricate world, its rich lore, and its challenging gameplay are all deeply intertwined with celestial and astrological concepts. By understanding these connections, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the game’s narrative, enhance their gameplay strategies, and embark on a journey of self-discovery that resonates with the timeless wisdom of the stars. The Lands Between, like the cosmos itself, is a vast and mysterious place, full of potential waiting to be unlocked by those who are willing to look beyond the immediate and embrace the cosmic guidance that surrounds us.