Overview
Astrology is much more complex than the average person realizes. Not only does it involve the sun that inhabits each individual’s most likely known zodiac sign, but it also includes all the planets and asteroids in our solar system. Yet, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. However, in this post, we’re going to focus on the planetary rulers of each of the zodiac signs and what it means regarding your personal astrological birth chart.
Understanding the Planetary Rulers of the Zodiac Signs
A highly significant element regarding basic astrology are the planetary rulers. These rulers are specific planets that exert a governing or hierarchical influence over each of the twelve zodiac signs. In short, this means that all twelve signs are individually ruled by one of the planets within our solar system.
Planetary rulers delineate characteristics to each of the signs. Like a king or queen is responsible for their kingdom, whatever laws they create in it, the people they govern must follow them. Essentially, this means that behind every zodiac sign is a planet that rules it.
How Planetary Rulers Work
Many people understand the basics of the twelve signs as it’s mainstream to know the difference between a Cancer and a Capricorn. However, the planets are an essential part of astrology and learning about them gives more insight into the signs. This is due to the signs getting many of the traits of their personalities from the planets of our solar system.
Think of it this way: Modern scientists didn’t name our planets, nor did the people that “discovered” them using modern technology. They adopted the names of the planets from the ancient Romans, who adopted those names from the Ancient Greeks, who adopted them from ten mythological gods and goddesses. So, the planets were given names based on these gods having certain characteristics, which made them stand out from one another.
Sharing is Caring
Now, you may be wondering how each zodiac sign is ruled by a planet if there are only ten planets and twelve signs. Although eight signs are ruled by different planets entirely, the other four share. Both Gemini and Virgo are ruled by the planet Mercury, while Taurus and Libra are both ruled by Venus.
| Zodiac Sign | Ruling Planet |
|---|---|
| Aries | Mars |
| Taurus | Venus |
| Gemini | Mercury |
| Cancer | Moon |
| Leo | Sun |
| Virgo | Mercury |
| Libra | Venus |
| Scorpio | Pluto |
| Sagittarius | Jupiter |
| Capricorn | Saturn |
| Aquarius | Uranus |
| Pisces | Neptune |
Shaping the Signs
Despite what you just learned, keep in mind that the planetary rulers are not the only influence of the signs. The king and queen have a lot of power and control, but their people are also shaped by their personal life experiences. Therefore, zodiac signs are melting pots of traits from their ruler, element, quality, house, and more.
Planetary Rulership Sign Placements
If you take a look at your own astrology chart, you may find some of your signs in their planets of rulership. What this means for you is that the sign is comfortable there under the rule of that planet. There is an easy alignment between the sign and planet, which is due to their characteristics being similar. Likewise, there’s no tension as compared to some other placements, such as having the moon sign in Leo, which is naturally ruled by the sun.
Ruling Planets of the Zodiac Signs
Now that we have an understanding of what planetary rulers are, let’s dive into it further and see what sign is ruled by which planet.
Aries
The first sign of the zodiac is ruled by the planet Mars. In mythology, Mars is also known as Ares, who is the god of war. This god is one of chaos, grit, fearlessness, strength, domination, brutality, and willpower. This martian is headstrong, impulsive, and competitive. When Aries sets his mind on something, he’s generally unstoppable.
Taurus
Being the second sign of the zodiac, Taurus is ruled by Venus, aka Aphrodite. Venus is the goddess of sensuality, pleasure, beauty, luxury, and comfort. As such, this gives the bull a laid-back and easy-going personality. However, they adore luxurious and aesthetically pleasing things, but are highly resistant to change.
Gemini
Next is the third sign, Gemini, which is ruled by the planet Mercury, aka Hermes. Known for his speed and movement, he’s referred to as the “messenger of the gods”. Hermes has a strength for communicating. Meanwhile, he sometimes gossips, and relies heavily on his logic, occasionally entertaining himself by tricking them for fun.
Cancer
The fourth sign, Cancer, is ruled by our lovely Moon, aka Selene. This goddess rides a chariot over the night sky and is a mother to fifty daughters, giving Cancer an ability to nurture. She’s the light within the darkness, uncovering that which hides. Conversely, she has the ability to cast shadows and stir hysteria.
Leo
As the fifth sign of the zodiac, Leo is ruled by the Sun, aka Helios. The sun god also rides a chariot across the sky, but during the day hours, not caring as much for the darker arts. He’s radiant, bold, and sometimes has a dramatic flair. Yet, he’s flamboyant, fun, and doesn’t mind having the spotlight upon him and him only.
Virgo
Being the sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgo is the second sign to be ruled by Mercury, aka Hermes. Naturally, this means that Gemini and Virgo have similar qualities, but they’re set apart by their elements. Gemini is an air sign, while Virgo is an earth sign. As a result, Virgo is generally less extroverted and more grounded than Gemini.
Libra
Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac and, like Taurus, is also ruled by the planet Venus, aka Aphrodite. While is Taurus is an easy-going, fixed, earth sign, Libra is a cardinal, air sign, making it a socialite. This is due to earth being more attached to the material world and air having connections to communication.
Scorpio
The eighth sign of the zodiac, Scorpio, is ruled by Pluto, aka Hades. While some perceive Hades as the ultimate antagonist, he is perhaps a bit misunderstood. Being the god who carries souls off to the underworld after death, Scorpio is typically quite familiar with all that goes bump in the night, rarely afraid to plunge to the depths of other’s hells.
Sagittarius
As the ninth sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, aka Zeus. The king of the gods and the authority over Olympus, Zeus is a just and wise leader. Although he’s unafraid to say what he thinks, he is oftentimes not willing to take the advice or accept the opinions of others as outweighing his own.
Capricorn
Being the tenth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn, aka Cronus. God of the harvest, he reaps rewards from his diligence. However, he’s also the time lord, disliking wasting any through fun and senseless acts. Therefore, this god ensures focus so that any necessary work is done in order to produce the fruits of one’s labor.
Aquarius
As the eleventh sign of the zodiac, Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus, aka Ouranos, who is known as the sky god. As such, he moves like the wind being unpredictable, extremely thoughtful, and somewhat of a rebel. However, he moves unlike any other god, not needing any approval or validation to be confident in his individuality.
Pisces
Finally, the twelfth sign, Pisces, is ruled by the planet Neptune, aka Poseidon. This god governs the sea, giving him a mystical, ethereal, and otherworldly quality. Therefore, he’s unlike the other gods as he mostly resides within the sea, but has the ability to rise above it. As a result, he can sometimes become confused, sensitive, or disillusioned.
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