All zodiac signs and their ruling planets, explained

New to astrology or just want to refresh your memories? Here is everything you need to know about the ruling planets of zodiac signs and their core characteristics.

Your sun sign is a broad identity of your being but want to dig deeper and find out why certain attributes are associated with your zodiac? Then knowing about the planets governing each sign will further explain your quirks and add to your knowledge of astrology. Here is everything you need to know about the ruling planets of all zodiac signs and their core characteristics.

Main planets in astrology and their significance

The roots of Western astrology could be traced back to the Babylonians who first divided the sky into 12 sections to create the zodiac signs. They minutely studied the movement of planets and constellations to predict the day-to-day activities of life. The interest in this field grew with human civilisation, and the concept of the birth chart came into being where the exact shot of the sky at the time of a person’s birth was noted and studied.

Planetary influence in the 12 sections encompassing career, relationship, money, health and more has been studied by looking at the movement of planets and their distance from each other.

Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, along with the Moon and the Sun, are characterised as classical planets, while Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are known as the modern planets. One needs to look at their birth chart to know how every zodiac is ruled by a certain planet, influencing the signs’ inner and outer personas.

Read our guide on the difference between a sun sign and a moon sign.

All the zodiac signs and their ruling planets

Aries — Mars

The first sign of the zodiac is ruled by the red-hot planet of Mars, which symbolises ambition, aggression, passion, drive and impulse. Just like its appearance, Mars is the lord of anger and assertiveness. People ruled by this planet are generally go-getters who would stop at nothing until they have achieved their goals. This also makes them spontaneous and impatient. Having this as your ruling planet guarantees you are motivated and energetic all the time.

Taurus — Venus

Venus represents love and money. This earth sign denoted by a celestial bull is romantic at heart and smart when it comes to the creation and preservation of wealth. Other Venusian characteristics include being soft-spoken, non-confrontational and indulgent at heart. Taureans love the decadence of any kind and are quietly persistent in their approach.

Gemini — Mercury

The lord of communication, Mercury, is one of the most important planets in one’s birth chart. This planet gives the zodiac the power to process information to make major decisions in their life. Mercury’s influence on the lives of this air sign denoted by the Twins is immense. Attributes like being social, likeable and curious are all associated with this planet. They are the most socially intelligent signs, thanks to the impact of Mercury on them.

Cancer — Moon

Although a star in astronomical parlance, the Moon is considered one of the classical planets in astrology. It signifies the inner world, the sub-conscious and core self of the native. This water sign is considered the most sentimental zodiac because the moon is fully attuned to one’s emotions. Non-confrontational and calm, the moon ensures the Cancerians are a delight to deal with, but just like it has phases, the natives it influences also display mood swings from time to time.

Leo — Sun

The Sun, another classical planet, radiates positivity and breathes life into its natives. The fixed fire sign Leo, denoted by a lion, shines bright with charming looks, gregarious nature and royal demeanour, because of the Sun. The Leos ensure that the spotlight is on them and want to be the focus of everyone’s attention. They are the life of any party and hardcore loyalists.

Virgo — Mercury

Just like Gemini, this mutable earth sign of the zodiac, Virgo, is ruled by Mercury, too. But unlike the air sign, Virgo likes to internalise their communication and process it silently. Mercury’s manifestation in this sign is different, and it makes the natives reticent, introverted and perfectionist. They are detail-oriented workers who like to focus on their own lives and create strong boundaries for themselves.

Libra — Venus

Libras, too, are ruled by Venus. Just like the bulls, this sign is charmed by beauty and is die-hard-romantics. They are known to be conventionally beautiful and gravitate towards the fields of arts and fashion. Because of the Venusian influence, Libras seek partnerships in every sector of their life and believe in harmony.

Scorpio — Pluto

Pluto is the planet of death, darkness and rebirth. Its influence on the water sign of Pluto is just as intense as it sounds, making it one of the most mysterious and dreaded signs. Natives influenced by Pluto have a certain huptonic charm about them. They are passionate and emotionally intelligent and have an eerie sense of intuition and a foreboding aura, which intimidates other zodiacs. Pluto’s influence makes being with Scorpios hauntingly addictive.

Sagittarius — Jupiter

Sagittarius is the last fire sign of the zodiac that is influenced by the planet of growth, progress and adventure: Jupiter. Its influence makes the Sags seek to thrill and adventure in life. They hate the mundane and find routine boring. Their non-committal approach might fluster other zodiacs, but they are always in for exploring new facets of life.

Capricorn — Saturn

Saturn is known to be karmic in approach and ensures discipline among the natives it rules. Capricorn denoted by a sea goat is, hence, the most sincere of all the signs. Caps are known for their single-minded focus and passion for their jobs. Another quality of Saturn seen in this earth sign is the penchant to seek justice, and they respond to reward and punishment.

Aquarius — Uranus

Uranus is the planet of revolution and this is expressed well in the last air sign of the chart, Aquarius. Intelligent and forward-thinking, this is classified as a modern planet, which uploads the values of community service, equality and progressiveness. They are deep-thinkers with highly developed cognitive skills. They also have a humane heart that beats for all.

Pisces — Neptune

The last of the modern planets, Neptune, represents fantasy and fairy tales. Pisces, denoted by the twin fishes swimming in opposite directions, is ruled by the planet of fantasy. Pisceans are meditative, calm and mostly in their world. Creative in nature and equally spiritual, they are often accused of being cut off from reality. They see the world with rose-tinted glasses and like to be positive at all times. They often slip into an imaginary world, thanks to Neptune’s influence, and refuse to snap back to reality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-What planet is each zodiac sign ruled by?

Aries is ruled by Mars; Taurus by Venus, and so is Libra. Gemini and Virgo are ruled by Mercury, and Cancer is ruled by the Moon. Leo is ruled by the Sun, and Scorpio by Pluto. Jupiter rules Sagittarius, Saturn governs Capricorn, and Uranus and Neptune rule Aquarius and Pisces, respectively.

-How do I know my ruling planet?

One needs to check their sun sign and rising sign to know their ruling planet.

-Which god rules which planet?

In Vedic astrology, all planets have been given the status of gods with different traits influencing various sectors of a native’s life.

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