Out-of-Bounds Planets: Astrology’s Free Spirits

Rebels with Causes: Out-of-Bounds Planets

My grandson is unlike any toddler I’ve ever met. He’s highly extroverted, loud, extremely empathic, and not too interested in the rules. You might say, “That’s just the terrible twos.” However, while his peers hold hands and play along nicely in music class, he’s more interested in exploring every inch of the room. No matter how much the teacher tries to wrangle him, he’s got a different agenda. 

Other than the extrovert and loud part, I wasn’t a fan of rules either. I was a precocious child with clear preferences and an unwillingness to conform. My mother was disappointed I didn’t want to play with dolls “like other girls.” I never fit neatly into any boxes my family or the world tried to put me in. In many ways, I felt like an alien. 

I pondered what made my grandson tick late one night (naughty? too many cartoons? needs discipline?), when I remembered that I had two out-of-bounds planets in my natal chart. This is an astrological signature for people who operate outside the norms. Did he have the same cosmic stamp? I pulled his chart and gasped. This little stinker had three! Whoa! No wonder he was such a mini rebel (just like Grandma!).

What Is an Out-of-Bounds Planet in Astrology?

When an astrologer talks about a planet being “out-of-bounds” (OOB), they refer to a situation when a planet is at a declination that moves beyond the Sun’s declination, which is 23°28’ North or South of the equator. 

Declination means the “angular distance of a point north or south to the celestial equator.” In other words, it’s the movements of the planets above and below the equator.

For example, the declination for my Venus is 24°17’45” North. If it were 22°17’45” North, it would travel along the “normal” route. But since it’s outside the Sun’s 23°28’ North path, it’s operating in a different lane.

Using driving as an analogy, let’s say there is a road that everyone travels because it’s believed to be the standard way to go—and it’s the one the Sun always takes. The OOB planet decides to go in a different direction, which may lead to uncharted territory or alien worlds. New trails might be blazed, but the OOB planet could also end up lost in the middle of nowhere or driving erratically. In other words, it’s a wild, unpredictable ride!

The Out-of-Bounds Planet Signature

When a planet is OOB, it breaks the rules. Instead of following the normal flow, it becomes free to do as it pleases. This could result in an unusual way of expressing the planet’s energy. It’s like coloring outside the planetary lines. Boundaries get pushed, for good or ill. It’s rebellious! According to astrologer Sam Reynolds, “An out-of-bounds planet is said to be a ‘law unto itself’ and unconventional. Similarly, with OOB planets, the fruition or a crisis, even of your own making, is more likely to be unpredictable.”

Using my OOB Venus as an example, this explains my unconventional tastes in music, art, and love. When I was a teenager, I had zero interest in mainstream music. Instead, I searched high and low for anything “strange” or “edgy.” While other kids grooved on conventional favorites like Led Zeppelin and Heart, I banged my head to the Sex Pistols. Needless to say, my peers thought I was a weirdo.

Although OOB planets are associated with rebels and innovators, it doesn’t always mean you’re some way-out bohemian or whacky professor. “It can show up in the lives of ordinary people who must deal with that out-of-bounds planet in some unusual way. For instance, a librarian with an out-of-bounds moon might seem to live an ordinary life but must satisfy her unconventional needs in a way that others wouldn’t understand or even find distasteful,” says Reynolds.

The gifts of an OOB planet are independence and freedom. Instead of going with the flow, you can carve your own path. You can push past the boundaries of what’s considered normal. You’re uninhibited and unconcerned with what anyone thinks. However, the challenges lie in going too far, which can lead to rebellion or erratic behavior. 

Reynolds adds, “What might seem like a burdensome challenge early in life can become a blessing, especially if you learn to adapt and follow your own path with creativity and courage as you mature. Howard Stern, the famous radio “shock jock,” has an OOB Mercury. There’s no way he could have thrived in a conventional radio DJ format, so he had to pave his own path, which led to his phenomenal and enduring success.”

Do You Have an Out-of-Bounds Planet?

The easiest way to determine if you have an out-of-bounds planet is by running a chart through astro.com.

1. Create an account.
2. Enter your birth data to create your natal chart (in the free horoscopes section).
3. Click on the “Charts, Calculations, and Data.” Choose “extended chart selection.”
4. Click “show the chart.” Your natal chart will appear.
5. You’ll see a button above the chart that says “PDF Additional tables.” Click on that.
6. A “Natal Chart (Data Sheet)” will appear. Under the Planet Positions section, you’ll see a chart with the Declination category all the way to the right. Look for planets that are 23°28’ North or South. On astro.com, these are usually red (see example below), so you can spot them easily!

The Out-of-Bounds Planets and Their Meanings

A few planets can be out-of-bounds: the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto. 

• The Sun is never out-of-bounds, and neither is Saturn nor Neptune. 

• Most of the time, the OOB planets are in the signs of Gemini, Cancer, Sagittarius, and Capricorn, because OOB happens around the summer and winter solstices. 

• However, Pluto can be OOB in Leo and Aquarius.

Each of the out-of-bounds planets expresses its astrological energy in a unique way when OOB.

Out-of-Bounds Moon (OOB Moon)

Highly sensitive and intuitive, but emotionally independent. Emotional astrology meets freedom here—sometimes too much of it.

If you have an OOB Moon, you’re sensitive but require emotional freedom. This doesn’t mean you are emotionally unavailable (although you could be). Instead, you need breathing room. Feeling pinned down will cause you to run like a deer. You also have an uncanny ability to pick up on situations or other people’s feelings. This is due to a finely honed sixth sense. However, you could experience extreme moodiness, which could lead to problems in relationships. In extreme cases, there may be an inability to connect with others emotionally, which might come off as a lack of empathy. Sometimes, the OOB Moon can indicate destructive habits.

Out-of-Bounds Mercury (OOB Mercury)

Independent thinker, unconventional communicator, possible writer or innovator. Strong placement for astrology and communication analysis.

You can find this placement with inventors, comedians, teachers, and intellectuals. Even if you don’t fit into those categories, you’ll be an independent thinker with unusual interests. You’re wicked smart and likely to have deep knowledge of your pet subjects. It’s also possible you’ll have new ways of thinking or may be a talented writer. You might have an unusual communication style or enjoy talking about taboo topics. An OOB Mercury can also mean obsessive thinking, paranoia, or far-out ideas that lack practicality. David Bowie had an OOB Mercury. 

Out-of-Bounds Venus (OOB Venus)

Unusual tastes, creative flair, and romantic freedom. Can indicate trendsetters or avant-garde artists.

You might have unusual tastes in music, decor, or art. This could make you a trendsetter or an oddball. When it comes to love, you’re rarely without options. You may prefer unconventional playmates or be willing to break the romantic rules. For example, you might choose polyamory, which means multiple partners. Or you may marry more than once. Many people with an OOB Venus have artistic or musical talent. On the negative side, an OOB Venus can mean a hedonistic approach to life or a tendency to love ‘em and leave ‘em without regard for the other person’s feelings. It can also bring out an envious, greedy, or materialistic side.

Out-of-Bounds Mars (OOB Mars)

Bold, assertive, risk-taking energy. Can lead to leadership—or impulsiveness.

An OOB Mars creates a bold, driven personality. You’ll be highly ambitious, even at an early age. You’re no slouch—you’re hardworking, confident, and willing to take the lead when necessary. This will inspire other people to support your endeavors. Travel, adventure, and excitement are essential to you, which means you’re willing to take daring risks that others might not dare to try! However, your temper could be explosive! In extreme cases, this could lead to a tendency to fight first and ask questions later. While that might be good in the boxing ring, it’s not a great thing in real life. 

Out-of-Bounds Jupiter (OOB Jupiter)

Expansive, curious, philosophical. Deep belief systems and moral independence.

If you have an OOB Jupiter, you’ll have an unwavering set of beliefs or a strong moral compass. You’ll abide by your own code of ethics, which could be rigid. You might also have an intense curiosity about the world or other cultures, which could lead to a lifelong love of travel or education. Sometimes, you might experience an unusual amount of “dumb luck,” being in the right place at the right time. On the negative side, there could be hypocrisy, fanaticism, or extreme bias. Don’t push your luck with that behavior!

Out-of-Bounds Uranus (OOB Uranus)

Ultimate rebel placement. Innovation, eccentricity, and nonconformity are key themes.

What happens when the planet associated with freedom goes out-of-bounds? You’re the ultimate rebel! You’ll need lots of space, so you might resist being tied down to one person—or job. You could take on the role of black sheep, local weirdo, or radical. In some way, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb, even if you try to go along with the others. Innovators, creative geniuses, and humanitarians may have an OOB Uranus. Sometimes, this placement can mean a desire for freedom at all costs, which could lead to sudden decisions that alienate people.

Out-of-Bounds Pluto (OOB Pluto)

Transformation, intensity, and spiritual evolution—shadow and power issues magnified.

If Pluto is OOB in your chart, you have strong willpower and a boatload of passion. You may experience intense moments of transformation in your life—which could feel like spiritual graduation. Keep in mind, Pluto is associated with secrets and the underworld. Criminal behavior, secretive motives, or perversions are the extreme expression of this OOB planet!

If you have one or more OOB planets, Sam advises that you “learn to treat that planet as a ‘special needs’ planet, requiring greater attention and vigilance. For instance, I have an out-of-bounds Moon, and I’ve had to learn more ways to manage my emotional responses to people over the years.”

Out-of-Bounds Transits and Astrology Forecasting

When a transiting planet (transiting means the current movement of the planet) is out-of-bounds, it can open the door for new opportunities, inventiveness, radical transformation, and genius ideas. But remember: it’s wild. Because the planet is now without constraints, there could be extreme expressions of the planet’s energy. 

• For instance, right now Pluto is out-of-bounds until November 2035 in Aquarius. This can manifest as a push for freedom and reform or a desire for shared power. However, authoritarian types may also attempt to squash the collective. Both things can be true at the same time with OOB Pluto!

During OOB transits, pause before major moves or decisions, but do embrace fresh ideas and innovation—hallmarks of modern astrology transits.  The more thoughtful you are, the less likely you’ll go off the rails. It’s also an excellent time to try new things, shake up the status quo, and let your freak flag fly. Look for the unbeaten path instead of the usual route—and blaze that trail!

Remember, OOB planets can affect the individual as well as the collective. According to Reynolds, “It likely depends on the planet involved. For instance, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars go more regularly out-ofbounds than Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto. 

• Astrologer Rosanne Finn has done extensive research on what happens when Pluto goes out-of-bounds, either to the north or south of the ecliptic. She says, “When Pluto transits out-of-bounds (OOB), it takes this dance to the next level and correlates with times when societies are taken hostage by tyrants and dictators (out-of-bounds north) and when people claim their power through revolutions and reformations (out-of-bounds south).” 

Conclusion
An out-of-bounds planet reminds us that it’s okay to be different. Astrology celebrates diversity of expression—and those with OOB planets often embody the spirit of freedom, originality, and courage. Now, excuse me while I let my grandson do his (own) thing.