Andromeda DavisEvery sign of the Zodiac has a ruling planet that influences everything from your daily life to the fundamental building blocks of your personality. The dance of the planets on their orbits through the wheel of the Zodiac has a profound effect on each of us.
Do you know your Zodiac sign’s ruling planet? Read on to find out!
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Aries is ruled by warlike Mars. In astrology, Mars is considered an active, powerful planet. Like you, it’s associated with the color red–representing passion as well as anger.
Mars is named for the Roman god of war and conquest. You don’t let anything stop you from reaching your goal–which can be a little scary for the people who happen to be standing in your path.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Depending on which astrologer you ask, Taurus is either ruled by Venus or Ceres. In ancient astrology, the outer planets had not yet been discovered, so some of the Zodiac signs shared a ruling planet. Now that we know more about the outer reaches of the solar system, we can see that gentle, nurturing Ceres is actually a much better fit for Taurus!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Gemini is ruled by Mercury. This planet oversees communication, which might explain why most Geminis are such chatterboxes. Mercury is the messenger of the gods, and the planet that’s named for him has an odd orbit that makes it seem to go backward (the dreaded retrograde) and wreak havoc in our lives.
Mercury’s influence makes Geminis one of the most intellectual signs of the Zodiac. They have a thirst for knowledge and a talent for getting other people to open up about themselves.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Cancer is ruled by the Moon. Yes, the moon is not a planet. But it is one of the principal celestial bodies in our solar system and has a huge influence on us. The Moon causes the tides–both literal and emotional. Cancer feels that pull stronger than any other sign of the Zodiac.
If your moods seem to ebb and flow without any outward cause, just know that it’s the Moon’s pull on your own inner sea.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Leo is ruled not by a planet but by the Sun itself. Makes sense, right? Leos love to be the center of attention, and their ruler is literally the center of the solar system. You also get your boundless energy from your ruling planet.
Like the Sun, Leos can burn those who get too close. They also tend to be a little bit self-centered–but then again, the world does revolve around them…
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Virgo is ruled by quick-thinking Mercury. However, some modern astrologers believe that Chiron is actually the ruler of this sign. Mercury places an emphasis on logic and reason, and you’re definitely a born problem-solver.
On the other hand, Chiron is all about making adjustments as you work toward a goal and learning from past mistakes. Which one speaks to you more?
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Libra is ruled by sensual Venus. Although we often think of Libra in the context of balance and fairness, there’s also a side of you that loves luxury, art, and culture. You’re probably also a sucker for rom-coms and romance novels! Don’t worry, we won’t tell your secret.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Scorpio is ruled by the mysterious Pluto. In ancient mythology, Pluto ruled the underworld–but he also ruled the hidden riches of the Earth as well as the secrets people keep hidden.
In ancient astronomy, before the discovery of Pluto, Mars was thought to be the ruler of this sign.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Sagittarius is ruled by mighty Jupiter. This planet is associated with exploration–which makes sense because Sagittarius is known for being adventurous. Jupiter is a lucky planet, so you might feel as though you lead a charmed life thanks to Jupiter’s influence.
Capricorn (December 23-January 20)
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet that’s all about rules and responsibility. It makes sense because Capricorn is one of the most hard-working and determined signs of the Zodiac.
Capricorns are great leaders, but they tend to be strict. Keep that in mind if you find yourself in a relationship with a by-the-book Capricorn.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Aquarius is ruled by Uranus. You are influenced by the unique energy of this outer planet, which rules the realms of creativity and innovation. You think outside the box, and so does your ruling planet.
Interestingly, before modern astronomy discovered the outer planets, Aquarius was thought to be ruled by Saturn.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces is ruled by Neptune. Considering that Pisces is the ultimate Water sign, it’s only fitting that you’re ruled by the ancient Roman god of the ocean. The planet Neptune puts you in touch with the realms of imagination and spirituality.
As a Pisces, you’re a natural dreamer who can easily get carried away on the tides of other people’s emotions.
In ancient astrology, Jupiter was thought to be the ruler of Pisces.
Shea Lee
