The Planet That Rules Your Chart

Tools to unlock your influence, embodiment, & innate essence

Hey witchy kids!

Astrological rulership simply tells us which planets and signs are besties. But did you know there’s one planet in particular that sways your chart more than all the others? This is your chart ruler. Your guardian angel. A core driver behind your demeanor, influence, appearance, impact, & innate essence.

The best part is how easy it is to find; which planet rules your rising sign? The rising sign marks the qualities you are ascending into in this lifetime. As you rise into them, your embodiment and physical presence reflects that work. (That’s why we consider the AC to represent the soul’s work as well as appearance and presence.) It stands to reason that your ruling planet is a compass for your soul’s journey. 

Which planet should you use?
Back in the day, traditional astrologers only had Sun through Saturn to work with. Over time, as the breadth of our solar system was revealed, we’ve incorporated the outer planets. Uranus (1781), Neptune (1846), and Pluto (1930). I use the “modern rulers” and recommend reading for both if you’re a Scorpio, Aquarius, or Pisces rising.

• Aries rising: Mars chart ruler

• Taurus rising: Venus chart ruler

• Gemini rising: Mercury chart ruler

• Cancer rising: Moon chart ruler

• Leo rising: Sun chart ruler

• Virgo rising: Mercury chart ruler

• Libra rising: Venus chart ruler

• Scorpio rising: Pluto chart ruler (traditionally Mars)

• Sagittarius rising: Jupiter chart ruler

• Capricorn rising: Saturn chart ruler

• Aquarius rising: Uranus chart ruler (traditionally Saturn)

• Pisces rising: Neptune chart ruler (traditionally Jupiter)

Lead with this archetype. Claim it as your own. Whenever you feel out of alignment, come back to this energy. Channel your chart ruler for clarity and authentic embodiment.

Consider the house of your chart ruler as the area of life to come into yourself more fully; hone, develop, and integrate these themes into your daily life. (For example, a Capricorn rising is ruled by Saturn. They’re ‘rising’ into creating their own systems and maintaining personal discipline; if they natally have Saturn in the 9th house, that pragmatism is uniquely applied to goals and dreams, staying focused on higher education and freedom of thought. They must not take delays or setbacks in their goals or education to heart, and remain steadfast in building their own beliefs and big picture vision.) For my deep dive into the houses, click here.

Read below for a description of your chart ruler, paired with journal prompts and a house inquiry for each planet.

Aries rising: Mars chart ruler
If Mars is the god of war, that makes you the queen of getting shit done. If you answer to Mars, you are defined by your willingness to take action, trail blaze, and do what needs to be done. It does not mean you are prone to conflict, but Mars frequently asks you to stand your ground and persevere, even when other people might fold or compromise. No matter what else is going on in your chart, your life will demand that you take risks, step into positions of leadership, and get comfortable striking out on your own. You may benefit from having competitive, activity-focused outlets to express all that fire, and yes… anger! This is a medicinal emotion when channeled positively. Do not allow the world to shame or condemn you for feeling big and taking bold action. When it starts to bubble over, give it a release through hot yoga or a boxing class, to help regulate your nervous system and bring you back into balance.

Journal prompts for Mars rulership:
*How often do I stand my ground and assert myself? Could I be doing that more?
*How often do I sweat and move my body? Does it help regulate my energy and emotions?
*Do I resist or embrace my leadership potential? Where could I do that more?

The house of your Mars:
is where you should focus on taking action, initiate, be the leader in that area, and stand up for yourself.