The ruling planet for each zodiac sign and how it affects you

When you’re new to astrology, it can feel like a vast mystery that you’re being called to.

You may come to it because you want to know more about yourself — or your crush, an enemy or a celebrity. Astrology is a tool that can certainly help us to better understand the archetypes of people and personalities, which is why so many people are once again finding its wisdom of value.

Each zodiac sign has a ruling planet, which influences how someone moves through life. This planet gives insight into the core traits and personality of each zodiac sign. As one is leading the journey through life, you often embody the energy of this planet, as if it is a guardian empowering you to be your authentic self.

Technically, a birth chart’s planetary ruler is the one that governs the Ascendant (or Rising Sign) of the individual. If you know your Ascendant, then you’re in luck! If not, you can head over to a handy-dandy online natal chart calculator and input your birth time, date, and place. This will bring up your information.

However, if you are only aware of your Sun sign, that is fine, too. Read on for your zodiac sign and tap into your basic cosmic energy!

ARIES (MARCH 21 – APRIL 19)

Ruling Planet: Mars

Fiery Mars gives Aries their intense and passionate energy. This is what propels them to be the leaders of the pack. As a planet of sex, drive, determination and energy, this gives Aries the courage to be a warrior in life. Mars has active and impulsive energy, which fuels Aries to be an unstoppable force and create the life that they envision.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 – MAY 20)

Ruling Planet: Venus

Luxurious Venus infuses Taureans with sensual, romantic and sensitive energy. As the planet of love, beauty and profit, she aids Taurus in being earthy and lucky in money and love. Her sweet aura lets these people enjoy decadence and the full expanse of the senses. She empowers Taurus to pursue pleasure and harmony above all.

GEMINI (MAY 21 – JUNE 20)

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Witty and versatile Mercury, the planet of communication, brings Geminis their ability to open their minds and absorb and process information more quickly than any other zodiac sign. This infuses them with their curious, inquisitive and intellectual nature. As the fastest moving planet in our solar system, Geminis are led to be always active and connecting with new people and experiences.

CANCER (JUNE 21 – JULY 22)

Ruling Planet: Moon

As the luminary of emotions and domesticity, the Moon holds special rulership over the zodiac sign of Cancer. Just as we become more intense by the phase of the Moon and more intuitive at night, Cancers can experience heightened emotional and empathic abilities. They tend to be especially nurturing, gentle and sensitive, which the Moon gifts to them in spades.

LEO (JULY 23 – AUGUST 22)

Ruling Planet: Leo

Our fiery luminary, the Sun, is the great force of creativity, vitality, and power in our solar system and the ruler of