Planetary rulers
Zodiac signs planets: the ruling planet of each sign
Which planet rules each sign, the difference between traditional and modern rulers, and what each planet represents in astrology.
| Sign | Traditional ruler | Modern ruler | Exaltation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | Mars | — | Sun |
| Taurus | Venus | — | Moon |
| Gemini | Mercury | — | — |
| Cancer | Moon | — | Jupiter |
| Leo | Sun | — | — |
| Virgo | Mercury | — | Mercury |
| Libra | Venus | — | Saturn |
| Scorpio | Mars | Pluto | — |
| Sagittarius | Jupiter | — | — |
| Capricorn | Saturn | — | Mars |
| Aquarius | Saturn | Uranus | — |
| Pisces | Jupiter | Neptune | Venus |
Traditional and modern rulers
Classical astrology used the seven visible bodies: the Sun and Moon ruled one sign each (Leo and Cancer) and the five planets two each. After Uranus (1781), Neptune (1846) and Pluto (1930) were discovered, modern astrologers gave them Aquarius, Pisces and Scorpio. Many astrologers use both.
What the planets mean
| Planet | Astrological meaning | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Identity, vitality, purpose | Leo |
| Moon | Emotions, instincts, home | Cancer |
| Mercury | Thinking, communication, travel | Gemini, Virgo |
| Venus | Love, beauty, values, money | Taurus, Libra |
| Mars | Drive, courage, conflict | Aries, Scorpio |
| Jupiter | Growth, luck, belief, generosity | Sagittarius, Pisces |
| Saturn | Structure, limits, responsibility, time | Capricorn, Aquarius |
| Uranus | Change, originality, disruption | Aquarius |
| Neptune | Imagination, dreams, spirituality | Pisces |
| Pluto | Power, transformation, depth | Scorpio |
Exaltation, detriment and fall
A planet is said to be in domicile in the sign it rules, in detriment in the opposite sign, exalted in one particular sign where it works especially well, and in fall opposite its exaltation. For example, Mars rules Aries, is in detriment in Libra, is exalted in Capricorn and falls in Cancer.
Find the planets in your chart
The birth chart calculator shows the sign of every planet at your birth.
Frequently asked questions
What is Libra’s ruling planet?
Venus, which also rules Taurus.
Which planet rules Scorpio?
Mars traditionally, Pluto in modern astrology.
Updated · How we write and check this guide