As anyone who's had their birth chart drawn up knows, there's more to your sign than the sun. Each planet has an effect on our astrological makeup, and, in turn, our personalities. Although it's important to pay attention to all of the planets, one easy way to start is to learn about your ruling planet.
You might have guessed it from the name, but a ruling planet simply exerts more influence over a given sign than the other planets. In other words, that planet's traits and symbols rule that sign. Some astrologists believe that the dynamic between the planets and signs can be described by the concept of domiciles — which just means that planets make their homes in certain signs, rather than rule them. Either way, the planet/sign pairs remain the same.
Ahead, we took a look at each sign and its ruling planet to better understand how they interact, and we consulted the work of astrologers Annie Heese and the Astrotwins to help along the way. Click through to discover your sign's ruling planet. It just might make you view yourself in a whole new light.
Aries
Ruling Planet: Mars
Commonly associated with war, Mars is easily dismissed as a force of negative conflict, nothing more. But, where we see Mars' influence on Aries most clearly is actually in this sign's boundless energy. Rams like to move fast — in their relationships, careers, or lives in general. They get this tirelessness from action-oriented Mars, though they don't always channel it for combative means.
Of course, more confrontational Rams have Mars to thank for their openness to, er, heated discussion. But, as we said before, Mars isn't all bad.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Taurus
Ruling Planet: Venus
Bulls are drawn to all things luxurious, beautiful, and romantic, so it's only natural that Venus, the planet of love and attraction, would rule over their sign.
Bulls are a famously flirtatious bunch, and they pay close attention to details in all things, from their work to casual conversations. But they don't solely seek satisfaction for themselves — they love testing the waters to see what others are attracted to, as well. Simply put, these traits have "Venus" written all over them. This planet has a hand to play in everyone's likes and dislikes, so its domicile sign will be inclined to take note.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Gemini
Ruling Planet: Mercury
For anyone who is close to a Gemini, this should come as no surprise. Mercury, the planet of communication, is behind any Twin's conversational style — which is, in a word, nonstop. Gems are known for being a friendly, chatty bunch, often torn between their wishes to ask and answer as many questions as possible, completely personifying Mercury's symbolic messenger.
Mercury's influence also facilitates the versatility of Geminis' personalities. Their gift of gab allows them to move seamlessly from group to group, forging connections along the way.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Cancer
Ruling Planet: The Moon
We know, the moon is not technically a planet, but its significance in astrology is equal to that of any other celestial body. And, in the emotional energy it instills in Cancer, the moon's power is palpable indeed.
In general, the moon rules the one's moods and inner self, so it only makes sense that Cancer, the Crab with the hard shell and soft underbelly, would feel its effects most clearly. Crabs are known for their sensitivity and penchant for personal care — and the value placed on security and comfort comes straight from the moon, which encourages us all to take time for ourselves once in a while.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Leo
Ruling Planet: The Sun
Again, not a true planet, but the connection between the sun, the star at the center of our solar system, and Leo, the star at the center of our Zodiac, is undeniable.
We see the sun's life-giving energy in Lions' generosity and loyalty, and its powerful, fiery presence is evident in the sign's, well, equally powerful, fiery presence. Leos are bold and assertive, and they don't mind a bit of attention now and then — they aren't ones to shy away from shining as brightly as they can, just like the sun.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Virgo
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Like Gemini, Virgo is also ruled by Mercury, but it doesn't reveal itself through any chatterbox tendencies. Instead, we most clearly see Mercury's energy in this sign's capacity for multitasking.
As we mentioned before, Mercury is often represented by a messenger, one who is just as swift as he is communicative. Virgos share this ability to execute tasks with ease, usually with incredible precision and confidence.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Libra
Ruling Planet: Venus
It just so happens that the two charmers of the Zodiac, Taurus and Libra, share a ruling sign. Libras are more likely than Bulls to use their charms to achieve social harmony, and Venus only further fuels that diplomatic energy.
Libras thrive when they believe everything is in balance, but that doesn't mean they necessarily wish to sacrifice their own comfort for the greater good. Venus' demand for love is a two-way street — they give love and seek love in equal measure. That's one way to keep the Scales even.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Scorpio
Ruling Planet: Pluto
Only a sign as enigmatic as Scorpio would be ruled by such a far off, planet as Pluto. This dwarf celestial body exerts its influence in more abstract ways than, say, Venus or Mars, but Scorps are drawn to the unseen and mysterious sides of life for a reason.
Though often associated with the underworld, Pluto isn't all doom and gloom — though some Scorpios might feel its witchy vibes most prominently, others will be most affected by the planet's intuitive powers. Pluto deals in all things below the surface and, if there's one thing Scorps know how to do, it's read between the lines.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Sagittarius
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Jupiter, a planetary giant on its own, meets its match in Sagittarius, one of the biggest personalities in the Zodiac. It represents wisdom, growth, and luck — all values that any Archer holds near and dear to their heart. This sign, at times thought to be impulsive, is always on the lookout for new and exciting opportunities.
As much as Sags like to dream big, Jupiter's energy can foster a little too much optimism, to the point that hopes are founded on next to nothing. But, Sagittarians are known for their excellent luck, thanks in small part to Jupiter, as well.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Capricorn
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Saturn is the renowned planet of discipline and maturity — two qualities that Caps have in spades. Often referred to as the authority figures of the Zodiac, Goats wield the same stern, almost conservative energy that Saturn does.
That might sound repressive, but Capricorns crave structure and Saturn provides just that. Goats are incredibly hardworking, but they probably wouldn't be half as efficient without Saturn imbuing its to-the-point energy in their actions.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Aquarius
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Individualistic Aquarius is the perfect domicile for Uranus, the planet of innovation and originality. Aquarians love to inspire, witness, and create changes in the world around them — and Uranus is the root of these desires. This planet encourages progress and enlightenment, regardless of the status quo.
If you know any particularly rebellious Aquarians, they have Uranus to thank for that, too. Of course, even Water Bearers who aren't total rebels almost definitely have an independent streak, carved out by Uranus' lone-wolf tendencies.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Pisces
Ruling Planet: Neptune
If you've ever accused a Pisces of having their head in the clouds, you were actually blaming Neptune for doing what it does best — foster flights of fancy, heighten reality, and drum up huge dreams. Although this sign gets some of its most obvious traits (sensitivity, imagination, spirituality) from Neptune, it has the same planet to thank for its more subtle characteristics, too.
As ethereal as Neptune's influence may seem, it can also be pretty intense. Pisces pour their hearts and souls into everything they do, and they may expect the same from others. Though they'd never demand something in return, they may be disappointed easily.
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