Use This Sign Chart to See Your Zodiac Sign’s Ruling Planet and Modality

Each zodiac sign has a planetary ruler and element and is assigned a cardinal, fixed, or mutable modality. Understanding what this means will help you better understand astrology. It will also help you understand your zodiac sign's personality traits and tendencies better. We will delve into the specific details of each sign and also examine the influence of the four elements on each zodiac sign. To remember your zodiac sign's ruling planet and modality, you can save or print out our free zodiac sign chart.

Free Zodiac Sign Ruling Planet and Modality Chart

The Four Elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water

Let us start by understanding the four elements that are associated with each zodiac sign. Each sign is assigned a specific element that reflects the nature of that particular sign. Once we have a clear understanding of these elements, we can move on to exploring the planetary influences and modalities of each zodiac. Here is a breakdown of each element and the signs that belong to each one.

• Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) – Fire signs are energetic with dynamic personalities. They are famously bold, love adventure, and are not afraid of expressing themselves. Furthermore, they tend to be leaders, often taking the initiative in life.
• Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) – Practical and grounded, Earth signs focus on the material aspects of life. They are reliable and value stability and security. Overall, they exhibit a down-to-earth mindset and are extremely practical.
• Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) – Always rational and objective, Air signs approach life with a cerebral and intellectual mindset. They are extremely sociable and thrive in social settings. However, they also spend a lot of time lost in thought.
• Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) – Water signs are famous for their intuition, emotional depth, and empathy. They are often daydreamers and take comfort in art and beauty. Additionally, other people's emotions easily affect these signs.

Modality of the Zodiac Signs: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable

In astrology, each zodiac sign has a specific modality that reflects your approach towards life, how you interact with the world, and your purpose in life. While the element of each sign represents its fundamental nature, the modalities demonstrate how they express themselves. Let us examine the three modalities and the corresponding signs for each.

Cardinal: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn

The cardinal signs initiate each season, with Aries starting spring, Cancer starting summer, Libra starting fall, and Capricorn starting winter. People born under these signs are dynamic, energetic, and ambitious, often taking the lead in various situations. However, cardinal individuals may struggle to complete projects. They enthusiastically start projects but may lose interest or move on to new ones before finishing the current ones. This tendency is due to the cardinal signs' impulsive and action-oriented natures.

Fixed: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius

Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are the zodiac signs with a fixed modality. These signs approach their lives with a strong sense of determination and work steadily towards achieving their goals. Unlike the cardinal signs that may start several projects but tend to leave them unfinished, the fixed signs are more likely to see things through to completion.

Furthermore, self-confidence and self-reliance characterize the fixed signs. They often appear as pillars of strength due to their unwavering determination and ability to get things done. However, these signs are also famous for their stubbornness and are incredibly resistant to change.

Mutable: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces

Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are the four mutable signs of the zodiac. They are known as the chameleons of the zodiac due to their ability to blend in with their surroundings effortlessly. Their adaptable nature allows them to accept change rather than resist it. They possess remarkable resilience, and they can overcome obstacles by finding solutions and turning setbacks into opportunities. Mutable individuals are curious and open-minded, and they love acquiring new knowledge.

However, mutable individuals may have a strong inclination to please others, which causes them to compromise their own needs in relationships. Others often perceive them as indecisive due to their tendency to be agreeable. Additionally, they may feel unhappy because they find it difficult to assert themselves.

Planetary Chart Rulers

Your planetary chart ruler is determined by which zodiac sign rules the Ascendant, sometimes called the Rising or Sun sign in your birth chart. The Ascendant sign is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. Even casual astrologers tend to know this zodiac sign. Moreover, it represents your outward personality and how you present yourself to the world. Let us delve into the planetary rulership of every zodiac sign.

Aries Chart Ruler: Mars

Aries element and modality: Fire and Cardinal

The zodiac sign Aries feels confident and ambitious under the influence of Mars, which is known as the planet of action and passion. However, it is crucial to remember that Mars is also the God of War, and its influence can lead to destructive tendencies. Aries, being the first sign in the zodiac, is always ready to move forward when Mars enters its sphere. As an Aries, it is natural to feel more impulsive or spontaneous, but it is also essential to consider the feelings of others. Mars can trigger more of your reckless or irresponsible instincts.

Taurus and Libra Chart Ruler: Venus

Taurus – Element and Modality: Earth and Fixed

Libra – Element and Modality: Air and Cardinal

Venus is not just the planet of love; it also governs pleasure, relationships, self-worth, and finances. It is associated with beauty, especially in the arts, and teaches us to appreciate and revel in the beauty that surrounds us.

In Taurus, Venus is expressed as an appreciation for the finer things in life. Being an Earth sign with a fixed modality, Taurus is also a romantic sign but takes a slow and steady approach to romance. The Taurus enjoys courting and values comfort and loyalty in their romantic relationships above all else.

For Libra, which is a Cardinal Air sign, Venus manifests in the diplomatic and peaceful nature of this zodiac sign. Libras are natural negotiators and use their connections with others to promote the greater good. Like Taurus, they also appreciate art. Additionally, they tend to possess natural grace and style that others admire.

Gemini and Virgo Chart Ruler: Mercury

Gemini – Element and Modality: Air and Mutable

Virgo: Element and Modality: Earth and Mutable

Mercury rules communication, the intellect, logic, and reasoning. All manners of communication fall under Mercury's domain, giving both of these signs excellent communication skills no matter how they choose to express themselves. Mercury's energy is expressed in two ways. As the ruler of Gemini, Mercury symbolizes conceptual thinking. As the ruler of Virgo, Mercury represents practical knowledge.

For Gemini, Mercury gives this sign its love of conversation and quick-witted responses. Additionally, Gemini has an insatiable curiosity and loves to share information, whether it is gossip or the latest cultural news. On the flip side, Mercury can also make the Gemini a bit nosy and perhaps overly verbose sometimes. However, if these traits can be contained, Mercury is a positive influence on Gemini.

For the Virgo, Mercury manifests as organization and planning. Mercury gives this zodiac sign some clarity and helps them be productive, which is when they are happiest. It also gives them a laser-sharp focus, so their attention to detail is impressive. However, just as with Gemini, it can give them some negative traits, such as fussiness and a tendency to be pedantic. Self-awareness can help temper these proclivities.

Cancer Chart Ruler: The Moon

Cancer- Element and Modality: Water and Cardinal

The Moon governs our emotional worlds, and as a chart ruler, it magnifies Cancer's innate creativity, nurturing tendencies, and intuitive nature. The Cancer personality has a strong inclination to take care not only of themselves but also of others. Cancer is the zodiac sign that was aware of the importance of self-care even before it became a trend. The Moon also instills in Cancer a need for a peaceful and stable home life. While the Cancer zodiac sign has an empathetic and caring nature, they should be mindful of becoming overly clingy or defensive towards others.

Leo Chart Ruler: The Sun

Leo- Element and Modality: Fire and Fixed

The Sun rules Leo, the second of the four fixed Fire signs, at the middle and peak of summer. Its influence on Leo manifests as confidence, courageousness, and a need for attention. This zodiac sign is impossible to miss, just like the Sun. Moreover, the Sun enhances Leo's strengths of leadership and self-promotion. Leos are dynamic, vibrant, and confident people who always leave an impression. However, they can easily fall into the traps of vanity and become too self-serving. As a Fixed sign, Leos are already stubborn and resistant to change, so they must learn to be more flexible and let others shine sometimes.

Scorpio Chart Ruler: Pluto and Mars

Scorpio- Element and Modality: Water and Fixed

The zodiac sign Scorpio is ruled by both Mars and Pluto in astrology, with Mars being the traditional ruler because it was discovered before Pluto. According to modern astrologers, Pluto's title of the God of the Underworld fits well with Scorpio's mysterious and transformative aspects.

While Mars makes Aries impulsive and rash, Scorpio takes on more secretive and covert tendencies under Mars. Scorpios tend to express their anger or personal drive in a cooler, more detached manner. On the other hand, Pluto contributes to the depth of Scorpio's intensity and emotions while also giving them an astonishing ability to transform themselves. Scorpios desire loyalty in their relationships, which sometimes leads to possessiveness or jealousy. To avoid falling into this trap, the Scorpio needs to learn to trust and be less suspicious of others.

Sagittarius Chart Ruler: Jupiter

Sagittarius – Element and Modality: Fire and Mutable

Jupiter represents the planet of luck and good fortune; it is also the planet of higher learning and exploration. Jupiter possesses a masculine energy and rules both Sagittarius and Pisces. In Sagittarius, Jupiter assists this sign in their quest for truth and meaning. This influence also adds to Sagittarius' deeply spiritual nature, making them open-minded and adventurous.

Additionally, Jupiter blesses Sagittarius with good luck in life. However, it is essential to keep in mind that these positive traits can turn into overconfidence and laziness if left unchecked. Sagittarius must remember that luck is not always constant and can change at any time.

Capricorn Chart Ruler: Saturn

Capricorn – Element and Modality: Earth and Cardinal

As the taskmaster of the zodiac, Saturn gets things accomplished. As the ruler of Capricorn, Saturn gives this sign its strong focus on work and career. Capricorn is an Earth sign, making them naturally practical and conservative. They love structure and thrive when following rules. Saturn's influence often leads Capricorns to succeed where others fail. However, they must be careful not to overwork themselves or believe that they are the only ones capable of doing things right. In their pursuit of success, they should not lose their empathy for others.

Aquarius Chart Ruler: Uranus and Saturn

Aquarius – Element and Modality: Air and Fixed

While traditionally, Saturn rules Aquarius, modern astrologers also assign Uranus to this sign. For Aquarius, Saturn makes this quirky sign less erratic and more predictable. This planet also gives Aquarius the dedication it needs to bring its innovative ideas to fruition and perhaps makes this social butterfly less flighty.

On the other hand, Uranus represents rebellion and freedom, two things that the Aquarian personality desires most. It also helps free up the Aquarian mind, enabling them to explore all possibilities and come up with innovative ideas. However, the combination of these two rulers may sometimes lead Aquarians to become rebels without a cause. Aquarians need to remember that cold logic may not always be the best approach and that considering other people's viewpoints could help them succeed in their grand plans.

Pisces Chart Ruler: Neptune and Jupiter

Pisces – Element and Modality: Water and Mutable

While Jupiter traditionally ruled Pisces, modern astrology assigns Neptune to this Water sign because it has a natural kinship with Pisces. Discovered in 1846, Neptune is a planet that is primarily fluid, reflecting its association with Poseidon, the God of the Sea. This association is why the trident glyph is Neptune's symbol. Neptune enhances the Pisces' inherent empathy and sensitivity to the world.

On the other hand, Jupiter bestows the Pisces with a love of beauty and a penchant for creative expression. Furthermore, Jupiter contributes some resilience and strength to a sign that can easily become overwhelmed by life. Finally, it provides them with the intuition that makes this sign not only compassionate but also so vulnerable. Those born under Pisces should be cautious of being taken advantage of due to their kind nature and protect themselves.

In Summary

Understanding astrology becomes easier when you learn about the planetary rulers, elements, and modalities assigned to each zodiac sign. It not only helps you understand your sign's unique personality and tendencies but also gives you a broader understanding of astrology, which relies on symbols, mythology, and science. You can refer to our free zodiac chart to recall each sign's planetary ruler and modality for future reference.

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