Ever feel like you don’t relate to your zodiac sign? There may be a cosmic reason for this confusion. Your sun sign is just one small part of the larger astrology picture. There's also your rising sign, your moon sign, your moon phase, and your planetary ruler, to name a few. And just like each zodiac sign has specific traits associated with it, so too do ruling planets. For example, Leo is ruled by the luminous Sun, and Libra is ruled by romantic Venus. But what does your planetary ruler say about your personality? To find out, we spoke to a professional astrologer. Keep reading for her breakdown of each planet.
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What is my ruling planet?
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In astrology, each of the 12 zodiac signs falls under the influence of a specific planet, known as its planetary ruler. Being the planetary ruler of a zodiac sign means the energies and themes expressed by that planet will have the biggest influence on you throughout your life.
“The first step to understanding the impact of planets on your personality and your love life is determining your rising sign and then checking what planet rules over both your natal sun sign and your rising sign. Collectively, they will shape the unique essence of you,” explain astrologer and spiritual life coach Paab Amani.
So, it's likely you already know your sun sign (your "regular" zodiac sign), but in the case of planetary rulers, Amani says it's more important to focus on your rising sign (the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon of the sky at the moment of your birth).
For example: The sun rules Leo, so anyone with a Leo Rising has the sun as their chart ruler. If you have a Virgo Rising, your chart ruler is Mercury. You can then use this information to learn more about how you act in relationships, at work, with your friends, and more.
Curious to know more? Use this online calculator or download an astrology app to find your complete birth chart.
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What are the planetary rulers?
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Traditional astrologers only work with the seven classical planets that are visible from our view on Earth: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. This is why every zodiac sign, except Cancer and Leo, shares a planetary ruler with one other sign.
As more planets were discovered, however, modern astrology expanded to include the addition of the “generational” planets: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. For this article, we’ll be using traditional planetary rulership.
Planetary Rulers:
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What does my ruling planet say about my personality?
The Sun: Leo
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The Sun is the ruler of Leo, the prideful and regal lion. Although not technically a planet, the sun has one of the most important jobs in astrology, as it represents the way you shine your light in the world and gives a glimpse into your ego and heart.
Because Leo is the only zodiac sign ruled by the Sun, they have a natural pull and allure that other signs can’t help but admire. There’s a warmth and ease about their energy, and their confidence is second to none.
“The Sun gives Leo a great magnetism and a presence that no other sign can rival,” explains Amani. This is why you'll often find them as the center of attention.
The Moon: Cancer
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Although the Moon is also not technically a planet, it's a crucial part of the astrological cycle. It’s symbolic of the emotions, dreams, and desires that you keep hidden below the surface.
Because Cancer is the only zodiac sign ruled by the Moon, they get a reputation for being moody and unpredictable. But there’s also sensitivity and empathy to the Moon's energy, and people with this planetary ruler embody these qualities the most.
“The Moon is very much associated with the mother and maternal instincts, but it’s also the protector,” Amani explains. Expect a Moon-ruled Cancer to be extremely nurturing.
Mercury: Gemini and Virgo
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Mercury, the planet that governs communication and the mind, rules over Gemini and Virgo. This fast-moving planet is infamous for its annual retrogrades, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
“Mercury was the messenger of Gods, the bright child of Zeus who was gifted with the ability to travel between worlds. Those are the traits you can find in Gemini and Virgo,” says Amani.
Having Mercury as your chart ruler gives you excellent skills in detection, discernment, and communication. These folks are very savvy and sharp.
But you can also see how each sign uses these skills differently. Gemini is the social butterfly who can fit in anywhere, whereas Virgo is the perfectionist who can pick up even the smallest details.
Venus: Taurus and Libra
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Venus is associated with all things love, romance, harmony, and beauty, and it rules over both Taurus and Libra.
“Venus is linked to the pleasure we derive from personal possessions and connections,” explains Amani.
If Venus is your ruling planet, you like to indulge in all of life's little pleasures as often as possible. You seek out connections and love with other people, and you like to put yourself out there.
Libra is focused more on aesthetics and romance, looking to be balanced out by someone else. Taurus, on the other hand, rules abundance—that of money, luxury, and nice things.
Mars: Aries and Scorpio
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Mars is the ruling planet for both Aries and Scorpio and presides over leadership, ambition, and achievement.
“Mars represents what motivates and drives us, as well as what we're willing to fight for. That is what makes Aries and Scorpio masters of action,” says Amani.
Having Mars as your planetary ruler means you have a lot of energy. You get bored easily if you’re not being challenged, and you’re not afraid to take action toward getting what you want.
To achieve this, however, Aries is bold and outgoing, whereas Scorpio is more secretive and complex.
Jupiter: Sagittarius and Pisces
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“Jupiter is the planet of personal expansion, and it’s associated with principles of growth, religion, and higher education,” says Amani.
The influence of Jupiter makes Sagittarius and Pisces feel like the world is theirs to take, which is why they're such big dreamers. The endless possibility and out-of-the-box creativity that Jupiter brings is what gives these signs their spirited sense of optimism.
Pisces tends to express their creative side through art and daydreaming, while Sagittarius is always up for an adventure or trip around the world. But both of their curious spirits mean they're the people who always seem to get lucky in life.
Saturn: Aquarius and Capricorn
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Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn and Aquarius and is associated with themes of boundaries, rules, restrictions, and reality. It's a tough planetary ruler to deal with, but the rewards for persevering through the influences are great.
This planet is known as the tough-love taskmaster. “Saturn is what gives you the readiness to tackle challenges and capability of conquering the world in a disciplined manner,” explains Amani.
On the one hand, Capricorn deals with this by digging in their heels and working hard to succeed despite the roadblocks.
And on the other, the influence of Saturn on Aquarius is what causes the rebellious streak and eccentric thinking that this sign is well-known for.
