Ruling Planets

In astrology, planets are considered the driving forces behind the characteristics and influences of Zodiac signs. Each planet embodies specific energies, qualities, and archetypes that resonate with the signs they occupy, shaping the personality traits and life experiences of individuals.

Please note, descriptions of Uranus and Neptune are provided by Cornell, and while he notes their influences, they are not considered part of the traditional ruling planets (see chart below). Pluto is not recognized as a planet, so there is no summary provided.

Planet	Traditional ruler of	Sign of exaltation*	Sign of detriment**	Sign of fall***
Sun	Leo	Aries	Aquarius	Libra
Moon	Cancer	Taurus	Capricorn	Scorpio
Mercury	Gemini Virgo	Virgo	Sagittarius, Pisces	Pisces
Venus	Taurus Libra	Pisces	Aries Scorpio	Virgo
Mars	Aries Scorpio	Capricorn	Taurus Libra	Cancer
Jupiter	Sagittarius Pisces	Cancer	Gemini Virgo	Capricorn
Saturn	Capricorn Aquarius	Libra	Cancer Leo	Aries
Neptune	Pisces	Cancer
Uranus	Aquarius	Scorpio
*Sign of exaltation – where the planet succeeds more **Sign of detriment – where the planet struggles more ***Sign of fall – where the planet struggles but has wisdom about.

 

Sun — The Self / The Ego

The Sun is traditionally associated with the sign of Leo and is the center of the solar system. It represents the core self, vitality, and personal identity. The Sun's energy is warm, life-giving, and essential for growth.

In astrology, the Sun represents the ego, willpower, and the creative force. It influences an individual’s sense of purpose and self-expression. A strong Sun placement in a natal chart is often linked to confidence, leadership qualities, and a strong sense of self-worth.

The Sun is considered a masculine planet, embodying characteristics such as assertiveness and dynamism. Its influence is often seen as constructive and empowering. Additionally, the Sun is associated with the father figure and authority, shaping how individuals relate to figures of power and their own personal authority.

Moon — The Emotions / The Subconscious

The Moon rules the sign of Cancer and represents emotions, instincts, and the subconscious. It governs one's feelings, nurturing abilities, and how one responds to their environment.

The Moon is often associated with femininity, intuition, and receptivity. It reflects the inner self and one's emotional landscape, influencing mood and emotional responses. A strong Moon placement can indicate sensitivity, empathy, and a deep connection to family and home.

In astrology, the Moon's phases are significant, impacting cycles of growth and reflection. Its position in a natal chart can reveal how a person processes emotions and seeks comfort. The Moon is also linked to memory and habits, indicating how past experiences shape emotional reactions and instinctual behaviors.

Mercury — The Mind / The Communicator

This planet is the principal ruler of the mind and is associated with thought, reason, and logic. It also rules the nerves and the nervous system in general.

Mercury is strongest when found in airy signs, such as Gemini and Aquarius, and is also strong in Virgo. It rules the two signs Gemini and Virgo and is said to be exalted in Virgo or Aquarius, to have its detriment in Sagittarius, and to fall in Pisces.

Mercury stimulates the vocal cords into action and governs the air that vibrates them. The vibrations that enable sight are also attributed to Mercury. The aspects and position of Mercury can sometimes reflect a person's features.

Mercury exerts a dry influence when masculine and a moist influence when feminine. It is considered a variable, fluctuating planet that takes on characteristics based on the planets it is in aspect with.

Mercury is referred to as the Hermaphrodite planet due to its dual nature; it can be either masculine or feminine depending on its associations. It is masculine when located east of the Sun, and feminine when located west. It takes on a masculine quality when in a masculine sign and a feminine quality in a feminine sign. Additionally, its influence may vary based on the number of aspects it has with masculine or feminine planets and the signs it occupies.

Typically, Mercury is considered a cold planet, exhibiting cold and dry qualities when masculine and cold and moist qualities when feminine. Its influence is crucial in communication, learning, and travel, making it essential for interpersonal relationships and intellectual pursuits.

Venus — The Love Planet / The Beauty

This planet is feminine, fruitful, passive, negative, and benign. In her higher vibrations, she is considered benefic, nocturnal, and rules the signs Taurus and Libra.

Venus represents love, beauty, harmony, and values, influencing relationships and aesthetic appreciation. It signifies how individuals experience affection and connection, often revealing preferences in art, music, and companionship. A strong Venus placement can indicate a desire for harmony, social grace, and an affinity for beauty.

Additionally, Venus is associated with pleasures and comforts, representing financial matters and personal values, which can guide choices in partnerships and material pursuits. Much has been written about this beautiful planet in astrological textbooks.

Mars — The Warrior / The Action

In size, Mars is smaller than Earth and is perhaps the most written-about planet in astrological literature. It has more to do with human ills than any other planet and creates more disturbances in human affairs through its afflictions than any other planet.

However, Mars also has a good and powerful influence. Along with the Sun, it is constructive, providing energy, heat, and force to the body, as well as courage and stimulus to the mind. Mars embodies assertiveness, aggression, and competitive spirit, motivating action, and determination.

It governs not only physical energy and assertiveness but also passion and sexuality. A strong Mars placement can lead to boldness and a willingness to take risks, while its afflictions may manifest as conflicts or impulsive behaviors.

Jupiter — The Great Benefic / The Expander

The general influence of Jupiter is benevolent, and its aspects rarely bring harm. By nature, it is positive, masculine, electric, warm, and moist.

Jupiter is the Author of Justice, and when it is the ruling planet in a chart, it tends to make the native just, generous, kind, jovial, and religious. Its influence promotes growth, abundance, and a sense of adventure, encouraging individuals to seek higher knowledge and broader horizons.

Jupiter also signifies expansion in various areas of life, including wealth, wisdom, and spirituality. A strong Jupiter placement can indicate a person who is optimistic, enthusiastic, and inclined toward philosophical or spiritual pursuits.

Saturn — The Taskmaster / The Restrictor

Saturn is recognized as a malefic and referred to as “The Greater Infortune.” However, Saturn is not inherently evil; rather, it is chastening, corrective, and tireless in its efforts to encourage humanity toward better and more righteous living.

By bringing sorrow, suffering, sickness, trials, and tribulations upon people, Saturn helps them learn from their experiences and reap what they sow. Saturn’s influence is associated with discipline, responsibility, and the maturation process.

Saturn is a masculine planet with a cold, dry, and barren nature. Its influence is steadying, aimed at restoring balance for those who need it. The afflictions associated with Saturn often push individuals to move out of ruts in life, encouraging them to seek a better environment if they find themselves in the wrong place or engaged in illegitimate business. Such changes typically lead to greater happiness, usefulness, success, and improved health.

Saturn is also known as “The Reaper,” “The Tester,” “The Chastener,” and “The Initiator,” emphasizing its role in teaching important life lessons through challenges.

Uranus — The Innovator / The Rebel

The planet Uranus, also called Herschel in honor of its discoverer, is additionally known as Georgium Sidus. This planet was discovered on March 13th, 1781, by Sir William Herschel.

Through careful observation of its workings and effects on human affairs, much has been written about Uranus, especially in recent years. Uranus is said to be a ruler among planets.

Its influence is sudden and spasmodic in nature, and it has fundamentally been observed to be more psychic and mental than physical. In the brain, Uranus rules the pituitary body, one of the spiritual centers, and is closely associated with the pineal gland, which is vital for spiritual and psychic development.

Uranus represents innovation, originality, and breakthroughs, often shaking up the status quo and inspiring change. A strong Uranus placement can indicate a person who is unconventional, independent, and forward-thinking, often challenging norms and seeking liberation.

Neptune — The Dreamer / The Mystic

This planet was discovered in 1846. Some writers say this planet does not belong to our Solar System but is an outside planet exerting more of a psychic and spiritual influence over humanity, tending to involuntary clairvoyance, mediumship, and psychic diseases, as well as weird states of mind.

The older textbooks of astrology, such as Lilly’s Astrology, do not mention this planet. Some writers propose that Neptune is the higher octave of Venus.

Max Heindel suggests it is the higher octave of Mercury, exerting an inspirational influence over the mind and corresponding to the higher vibrations of Mercury rather than those of Venus. Additionally, Neptune is considered the higher octave of Mercury due to its strong effects on the nervous system.

As of now, not much is found about this planet in textbooks of astrology, but magazines are well-filled with articles on its nature and influence. Max Heindel, in his book The Message of the Stars, provides considerable information about Neptune.

Neptune is especially affiliated with the 12th sign, Pisces, which rules the ocean and the seas, as well as the 12th house. Neptune is considered to have the strongest influence when in Pisces and is said to be exalted in the sign of Cancer.

Observations suggest that Neptune's influence is like that of Saturn, characterized as astringent and contracting. It embodies the qualities of illusion, dreams, and spirituality, inviting individuals to explore their imagination and intuition.