Introduction to Astrology:

The Rulers

---

Each sign of the zodiac is associated with a planet, which is called a "ruler". This is the sign ruler. The system of rulers also plays an important role in the system of houses.

Sign Rulers

Each of the ten planets is ruler or lord of at least one sign of the zodiac. When we speak of "sign rulers", we do this to distinguish them from the rulers of the houses. If a planet is in "its" sign (for example Mars in Aries), it expresses itself in a way that best suits its nature. The planet is then in its domicile. If a planet is located in the domicile of another planet, it is influenced by its quality. For example, if Mars is in Capricorn, its expression is not only influenced by the themes of Capricorn, but also by Saturn - as ruler of Capricorn. In this way, hidden "relationships" between the planets become visible.

Before the planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto were discovered, a horoscope was created with the seven "lights" visible to the eye. Accordingly, astrology knows seven old and three new rulers. Today, three signs of the zodiac have a main and a secondary ruler. It can be either the old or the new planetary ruler, depending on the technique used. In horary astrology and electional astrology, for example, the old rulers are given greater weight or even used exclusively.

The most frequently used assignments of rulers today

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

Sign rulers in the zodiac

House Rulers

The system of house rulers is a common method for deciphering a horoscope structure. House rulers are used in psychological as well as in electional and horary astrology.

The house ruler is the planet ruling the zodiac sign located at the cusp of the respective house in a horoscope. If, for example, the cusp of the second house is in Aries, the material circumstances of life (2nd house) are characterized by willpower and zest for action (Aries). As the ruler of Aries is Mars, Mars becomes the personal ruler of this house. Now it can be determined in which house Mars is located and interesting cross-connections can be established on the house level. Therefore, if Mars is in the 9th house, in our example, the 2nd house also has a connection to the topics of the 9th house, e.g. to distant countries or other cultures.

Horoscope or Chart Ruler

In psychological astrology, the ruler of the horoscope is the planet that rules the sign in which the Ascendant is placed (analogous to the rulers of the houses). If the Ascendant is in Gemini, for example, then Mercury is the ruler of the horoscope.

In classical astrology, the position of a planet is judged by its dignity or debility, i.e. whether it is beneficial or detrimental. This position is called its "dignity" or "essential dignity". More information on this topic can be found in the Astro-Wiki.