Ruler

From Astrowiki-en

Each of the ten planets is the ruler of at least one sign of the zodiac. The qualities of a sign are considered to be most closely related to those of its ruling planet. When a planet is situated in its "own" sign (for example Venus in Taurus), it is thought to express its inherent qualities in their purest form. More information on exile/detriment, exaltation, and fall can be found under the heading Domicile (the term for the sign ruled by a planet).

Mercury and Venus are both rulers of two signs of the zodiac. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were also rulers of two signs in the classical astrological system which only knew of seven planets. Mars ruled Aries and Scorpio, Jupiter Sagittarius and Pisces, and Saturn ruled Aquarius alongside Capricorn. Since the discovery of the outer planets beyond Saturn, Uranus is considered to be the ruler of Aquarius, Neptune the ruler of Pisces, and Pluto the ruler of Scorpio. The other classifications from the classical system remain valid. Horary astrology and electional astrology both continue to work with the classical system of rulers.

The Signs of the Zodiac and their Rulers

• Aries: Mars
• Taurus: Venus
• Gemini: Mercury
• Cancer: Moon
• Leo: Sun
• Virgo: Mercury
• Libra: Venus
• Scorpio: Pluto (formerly Mars)
• Sagittarius: Jupiter
• Capricorn: Saturn
• Aquarius: Uranus (formerly Saturn)
• Pisces: Neptune (formerly Jupiter)

Knowledge of the system of rulers is important in order to gain a deeper understanding of the horoscope's inherent connections and networks. Of particular significance are the sign and house location of the ruler of the Ascendant, the so-called chart ruler. The following connections are also made:

• House Ruler: 1) The planetary ruler of the sign on a house cusp is related to that house. 2) There is also a relationship between each so-called natural house ruler and its house.

• Sign Ruler: A planet (A) which rules the sign in which a second planet (B) stands is said to be the dispositor of (B) and is thought to have influence over it.

The Houses and their Natural Rulers

• 1st House: Mars

• 2nd House: Venus

• 3rd House: Mercury

• 4th House: Moon

• 5th House: Sun

• 6th House: Mercury

• 7th House: Venus

• 8th House: Pluto (formerly Mars)

• 9th House: Jupiter

• 10th House: Saturn

• 11th House: Uranus (formerly Saturn)

• 12th House: Neptune (formerly Jupiter)