Your Astrology Chart Ruler: A Guide to Finding It and Its Meaning
- Rachel Lang, astrologer, psychic medium, and author of Modern Day Magic: 8 Simple Rules to Realize Your Power and Shape Your Life and As Above, So Below
"Your rising sign represents your body and your interaction with the outside world," says Lang. "It’s the first impression you give to others and how others likely see you. Your chart ruler informs that first impression. It relates to certain attributes, personality traits, and behaviors."
Below, we explain how to find your chart ruler and how to know where it's most prominently displayed in your life.
How do you find your chart ruler
To determine your chart ruler in astrology, first look below to discover out what planet rules your rising sign, according to Lang:
- Aries: Mars
- Taurus: Venus
- Gemini: Mercury
- Cancer: Moon
- Leo: Sun
- Virgo: Mercury
- Libra: Venus
- Scorpio: Pluto (traditional planet: Mars)
- Sagittarius: Jupiter
- Capricorn: Saturn
- Aquarius: Uranus (traditional planet: Saturn)
- Pisces: Neptune (traditional planet: Jupiter)
But that's just the beginning. To find out where, precisely, your chart ruler is illuminated, you need two additional pieces of information: "When examining your ruling planet, you want to note the condition of that planet, what astrological house and sign it’s in, and what aspects it has to other points in your chart," says Lang. "That will give you clues about how others perceive you, and how you face the world."
To use myself as an example, I'm a Virgo rising. This means Mercury, which rules over technology, travel, and communication, is my chart ruler. My Mercury is in Aries, and it dwells in the seventh house of partnerships. That means a lot of things, but one big takeaway is that relationships will always be of paramount importance to me, and the way I thrive at connecting with people, especially romantically, is with my quick wit. That's going to be a recurring theme in my life, and that's how I enamor myself to others
But that's just one (notably self-indulgent) through-line. Getting a reading from an astrologer, or at least reading what your chart generator says, can provide more context to how your chart ruler plays into your life. One easy way we can see its significance, though, is by noticing movements of your planet in cosmic forecasts. "Each time there’s a transit or progression to your chart ruler, you tend to feel it strongly, as you’re sensitive to the overall influence of that planet—physically, mentally, and emotionally," says Lang. So, Team Virgo rising, you're going to have an extra rough time during Mercury retrograde.
It's understandable if this all sounds dense, so let's start smaller. Below, we unpack what each chart ruler means more broadly..
What your chart ruler in astrology says about you, using your rising sign
1. Mars: Aries Rising
Mars is the planet of our need to individualize and carve a path for ourselves. Assertive, courageous, energetic, you may have a fiery disposition.
The influence of Mars can make you bold in the pursuit of your goals," says Lang. "Others might see you as a force for change. You’re not afraid to take action on behalf of what you care about and love."
2. Venus: Taurus Rising and Libra Rising
Venus is a harmonious planet associated with love (obviously) and self-worth, as well as finances. That means those ruled by it are always seeking beauty and fairness, and grounded by a need for stability.
"You have a unique sense of style and a desire for balance in your life, even if you don’t always experience it," says Lang.
3. Mercury: Virgo Rising and Gemini Rising
"Your mind is always moving, and your body may be, too," says Lang. "You have a lot of energy to exert, and exercise is important. You may even be fidgety. This gives you a mental quickness and even a sharp wit. You crave order and structure, even if you often feel disorganized and spread thin."
4. Moon: Cancer Rising
Think about how the moon regulates the ebb and flow of tides, being simultaneously reflective and receptive. It's a sign of high emotions, so Cancer Rising has a sensitive visage: You may appear to others to be kind and caring.
"Others experience you as a nurturer, but it’s important you tend to yourself as well as others," says Lang. "You are sensitive to the moods of others and may be an empath. The moon gives you an intuitive and creative personality."
5. Sun: Leo Rising
You shine as bright as the sun in every facet of your life (but especially the house the star resides in).
"You appear to others to be charismatic, even if you sometimes shy away from the spotlight," Lang says. "You may find yourself in the center of attention or being asked to step into a leadership role."
6. Jupiter: Sagittarius Rising
Jupiter is the planet of luck and abundance, so consider yourself both fortunate and mostly likely fabulous if that's your chart ruler.
"Jupiter’s the brightest biggest planet in our solar system, and others might experience your optimism and brightness, too," says Lang. "This ruling planet indicates a mix of generosity and openness. It’s the great benefactor, and others notice your charisma, and tend to feel good in your presence.
7. Saturn: Capricorn Rising
Saturn is the planet of our perceived limitations, but it may help to create a life of law and order.
"This ruling planet gives you a strong sense of structure in your life," says Lang. Your bone structure might be distinct, in fact, as Saturn rules bones, teeth, and skin. You’re not afraid of self-discipline."
8. Uranus: Aquarius Rising
"This is the planet of independent thought and being uniquely you," Lang says. "Its influence suggests you may be more free-spirited and have a slight rebellious streak. You may not always want to stand out or be different, but others may see you that way." You can be a thought leader, inventor, or innovator.
9. Neptune: Pisces Rising
Neptune is the planet of mysticism and dreams, imbibing its children with a highly spiritual and creative nature. Neptune also lacks boundaries; that means you need to protect yourself, because you're probably also an empath of sorts.
"You might be more receptive to the moods and emotions of others," says Lang. "Neptune rules Pisces, the water sign, and you can sense you wear your heart on your sleeve."
10. Pluto: Scorpio Rising
Since Scorpio casts a dark and intense presence, it's chart ruler Pluto tends to give someone the impression of being powerful and deep. As such, others fall right in line when it comes to treating you with respect and honoring your boundaries.
"Pluto is the planet of rebirth and regeneration," says Lang. "Its influence suggests you feel a need to understand hidden motivations and truth so you can be a problem-solver for yourself and others. You appear to be deep and thoughtful."
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