Most people are introduced to astrology through the 12 zodiac signs, so you’re probably familiar with them. The planets in astrology, on the other hand, are the heart and soul of this mystical practice. Understanding the meaning of each planet is essential to deepening your personal cosmic journey because astrology is all about analyzing the planets’ movement through the zodiac signs and interpreting the aspects they form with one another on their journeys. Knowing your zodiac sign’s ruling planet is a good place to start.

Each planet in astrology represents a different aspect of ourselves, such as how we think, express our love, pursue our goals, and so on, and they each have their own distinct personalities and motivations. Each zodiac sign has a ruling planet, and the qualities of the planets have a large influence on the energy of the signs that they rule. While each planet will eventually transit each zodiac sign, planets feel more at ease and capable of expressing their energy when they are transiting one of the zodiac signs they rule.

Traditional astrology includes the sun and moon, as well as the seven classical planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The sun and moon, also known as the luminaries, each ruled over one zodiac sign, while the remaining planets ruled over two. However, modern astrology has expanded to include recently discovered outer planets such as Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, each of which has been assigned its own sign of rulership. Venus and Mercury are the only two planets in that system that still rule over two zodiac signs.

The planet that rules your zodiac sign can sometimes have a greater impact on us, so knowing it can help you better understand your birth chart and make sense of astrological transits as they occur. Mercury retrograde snags, for example, may be especially harsh on Mercury-ruled Geminis and Virgos, whereas lunar phases may be more intense on lunar-ruled Cancers.

Mars is Aries’ ruling planet.

Planet in flames Mars is the ruler of the fiery fire sign Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. Mars in astrology represents passion, aggression, and the way we pursue our goals — and its warrior-like spirit is easily expressed through the commanding sign of Aries. Mars contributes to Aries’ trademark zeal, high energy levels, and powerful leadership skills, allowing it to charge forward on all of its ambitious goals within this sign.

Venus is Taurus’ ruling planet.

Romantic Venus is the planet of love, but it also governs luxury, pleasure, and value. This is why it feels right at home in the decadent and sensual Taurus, one of its ruling signs. Taurus is an earth sign, which means it is concerned with material things and sensory experiences. Venus’s influence can be seen in Taurus’ love of pleasure, opulence, indulgence, and high-quality goods.

Mercury is Gemini’s ruling planet.

Gemini is a chatty, social, and intellectual sign, so it’s no surprise that Mercury, the planet of communication and thought, is its ruling planet. Mercury is at its most articulate and thoughtful in the air sign Gemini. Gemini’s inquisitive and curious nature perfectly complements Mercury’s ability to share information and learn new things. Mercury’s influence can be seen in Gemini’s quick wit, strong communication skills, and desire to learn new things.

The Moon is Cancer’s ruling planet.

The moon governs our emotions, feelings, and the things that make us feel safe — and it rules over the sensitive water sign Cancer in astrology. Cancer, the zodiac’s most maternal, empathic, and nurturing sign, allows the moon’s intuitive and nurturing nature to fully shine. Cancer’s lunar influence can be seen in the sign’s gentleness, vulnerability, and feelings-oriented approach to life. Cancers, like the moon, can be quite moody because their emotions change as quickly as the lunar phases.

The Sun is the ruling planet of Leo.

Leos are the rulers of the zodiac, so it stands to reason that they are the only sign ruled by the star at the center of our solar system. The sun is the planet that governs our identity, creativity, and sense of vitality, all of which Leos have in abundance. Leo, like its ruling planet, enjoys being the center of attention, and this fire sign infuses everything it touches with a sun-like warmth, positivity, and radiance.

Mercury is the Virgo ruling planet.

Mercury is one of the planets in modern astrology that still rules over two zodiac signs, so while Mercury’s communication-focused side shines in Gemini, its analytical side shines in Virgo. Virgo is a practical earth sign, and its keen eye excels at keeping things tidy and organized. Mercury’s logistical influence on Virgo is reflected in its keen eye for detail and ability to detect errors as the planet of timing and scheduling.

Venus is Libra’s ruling planet.

Venus is the decadent planet of romance and pleasure, so it’s no surprise that in modern astrology, it still rules over two zodiac signs. Venus also rules the air sign Libra, the sign of balance and relationships, in addition to Taurus. While Venus’ sensual side shines through in Taurus, Libra’s emphasis is on creating peace and building partnerships, allowing Venus’ romance and harmony-loving side to shine through. Libra is also known for having an aesthetic eye and a thoughtful artistic flair, which is a Venusian influence.

Pluto is the ruler of Scorpio.

The planet is insatiable for power The sign of Scorpio is ruled by Pluto. Pluto is named after the underworld god, and this small-but-mighty planet rules over transformations and everything beneath the surface of our psyches. Scorpio, on the other hand, is naturally preoccupied with the more esoteric aspects of existence and desires to explore uncharted depths. Pluto is drawn to intensity, which helps to explain why Pluto-ruled Scorpio is known as the zodiac’s dark horse.

Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius.

Jupiter is the planet of good fortune and expansion, and it rules the cheerful sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarius, the fire sign, is known for being optimistic and free-spirited, and it owes this to Jupiter’s joyful and idealistic influence. Sagittarius, like its ruling planet, enjoys learning, traveling, and broadening its horizons. Jupiter is able to try new things, visit new places, and satisfy its thirst for philosophical growth in a way that it cannot in any other sign.

Saturn is the Capricorn ruling planet.

Saturn, the serious planet, rules over Capricorn, the zodiac’s cardinal earth sign. Capricorn energy is all about being diligent and pragmatic, so it complements Saturn’s tough-love and rule-following approach perfectly. Saturn’s need for structure is satisfied by Pragmatic Capricorn’s discipline and hard work. While Saturn can be viewed as a constraining force in astrology, its influence is precisely what gives Capricorn its goal-crushing edge — they know how to put in the effort required to accomplish big things without taking any shortcuts.

Uranus is Aquarius’ ruling planet.

Uranus, the eccentric planet, rules the creative air sign Aquarius. Uranus is the zodiac’s oddball planet, and it’s all about abrupt changes, bursts of inspiration, and challenging the status quo. This rebellious and revolutionary vibe has a strong influence on Aquarius energy, as this forward-thinking air sign rejects tradition in favor of futuristic new ideals. Uranus, pronounced YOOR-un-us, can truly think outside the box when it is in Aquarius.

Neptune is the ruler of Pisces.

Neptune is the planet of dreams and illusions, and it rules the sensitive water sign Pisces. Pisces’ energy is emotional, poetic, and spiritual — and it owes this to Neptune’s otherworldly influence. The Piscean reputation for living in a dreamy fantasy world and yearning for an escape from the monotony of daily life is directly related to the illusive rose-colored veil that planet Neptune draws over everything it touches.