Everything You Need to Know About Planets in Astrology
Though each of us is affected by all ten planets and all planets are represented in the natal chart, the ruling planet often gets the most attention.
Astrology Planets and Their Meanings
Planets in astrology tell a story and represent a theme we will all pass through time and time again in our lives. Each planet rules a sign, is exalted or fallen in a sign, and is domiciled in a particular house on the natal chart where its themes reflect.
Note that the Sun, Moon, and Pluto are recognized in Astrology as luminary bodies and thus affect our psyche and human experience like the planets do.
Understanding Your Ruling Planet
Though each of us is affected by all ten planets and all planets are represented in the natal chart, the ruling planet often gets the most attention.
The ruling planet in astrology has dominion over particular zodiac signs. The energy of that planet highly influences how zodiac signs behave and express their personality. Though the ruling planet may not provide the full picture, it’s a good indication of each sign’s tendencies.
What Does it Mean if a Planet is Exalted or Detrimental?
While the ruling planet offers insight into the dominant personality trait of the sign it rules, the sign it’s exalted in offers a primal expression of the planet’s energy.
Similarly, the sign where the planet is detrimental or “falls” would be a sign which traits diminish the planet's power.
For example, Venus rules Libra and is also exalted (fully expressed) in Pisces and detriment in Virgo. Venus is fully expressed within the Piscean's ideal and fantastical approach to love. Venus suffers from the analytical approach of a Virgo.
Planets in astrology are the pillars by which we define much of the zodiac.
Sun- Planet of the Self, Personality, + Ego
Ruling House: 5th
Sign Rulership: Leo
Sign Exalted: Aries
Sign Detriment: Aquarius
Body Parts: Pancreas, Heart, Stomach, Spine
Tarot Correspondence: Strength card, The Sun, Knight of Wands
Themes: Core of your being, how others see us, how we perceive ourselves. Life-force, potential, and what we are driven to be and do.
Moon- Planet of Emotions + Sentiment
Ruling House: 4th
Sign Rulership: Cancer
Sign Exalted: Taurus
Sign Detriment: Capricorn
Body Parts: Chest, breast, digestive organs
Tarot Correspondence: King of Cups, Chariot, High Priestess
Themes: Sensitivity, empathy, tendency to nurture, mother, sentimental pleasures. The moon governs our most vulnerable parts.
Mars- Planet of Passion + Purpose
Ruling House: 1st
Sign Rulership: Aries
Sign Exalted: Capricorn
Sign Detriment: Libra
Body Parts: Face, head, skull, appearance
Tarot Correspondence: The Tower, The Emperor, Death card
Themes: Aggression, rage, determination, primal instinct, courage, lust, competition, triggers, drive, Yang energy.
Venus- Planet of Love, Money, + Abundance
Ruling House: 7th
Sign Rulership: Venus + Taurus
Sign Exalted: Pisces
Sign Detriment: Aries
Body Parts: Uterus, ovaries, lower back
Tarot Correspondence: Justice, Empress, Hierophant, Queen of Swords
Themes: Romance, art, indulgence, luxury, money, beauty, pleasure, and sensuality.
Mercury- Planet of Communication, Expression, + Intellect
Ruling House: 3rd + 6th
Sign Rulership: Gemini + Virgo
Sign Exalted: Virgo
Sign Detriment: Sagittarius + Pisces
Body Parts: Appendix, abdomen, waist, navel
Tarot Correspondence: Magician, Hermit, Lovers
Themes: Reasoning, strategy, wit, travel, cunning abilities, timing, organization, and information.
Jupiter- Planet of Luck, Optimism, + Expansion
Ruling House: 9th
Sign Rulership: Sagittarius
Sign Exalted: Cancer
Sign Detriment: Gemini
Body Parts: Hips, bones, thighs, and arteries.
Tarot Correspondence: Wheel of Fortune, Temperance, Queen of Cups
Themes: Understanding, growth, curiosity, education, exploration, experiences, the urge to go out of the box to learn more, do more, and be more.
Saturn- Planet of Karma, Discipline, + Boundaries
Ruling House: 10th + 11th
Sign Rulership: Capricorn
Sign Exalted: Libra
Sign Detriment: Cancer
Body Parts: Joints, bones, and knees.
Tarot Correspondence: The Worlds, the Devil, and 3 of Swords
Themes: Obligations, priorities, the law, balance, stability, depression, anxiety, doubt, and questioning as much as you can.
Uranus- Planet of Rebellion, Awakening, + Originality
Ruling House: 11th
Sign Rulership: Aquarius
Sign Exalted: Scorpio
Sign Detriment: Leo
Body Parts: Ankles, legs, arms, and ears
Tarot Correspondence: The Fool, The Star
Themes: Challenging status quote, beat of your own drum, individuality, making a difference, big impact, surprises, the unexpected, the great awakener.
Neptune- Planet of Intuition, Illusion, + Spirituality
Ruling House: 12th
Sign Rulership: Pisces
Sign Exalted: Leo
Sign Detriment: Virgo
Body Parts: Eyes, feet, and lymph nodes
Tarot Correspondence: The Hanged Man, the Moon
Themes: Fantasy, meditation, the astral plane, ethereal, escapism, daydream, dreamy, otherworldly, psychic abilities, intuition.
Pluto- Planet of Power, Transformation, + Subconscious Mind
Ruling House: 8th
Sign Rulership: Scorpio
Sign Exalted: Gemini
Sign Detriment: Aquarius
Body Parts: Pelvis, anus, and sexual organs
Tarot Correspondence: Judgment, the Death card
Themes: Rebirth, death, transformation, rising phoenix, intensity, underworld, darkness, loss, reformation.