Western Astrology Reference

Planets & Houses
Complete Guide

Rulerships, dignities, themes and keywords — a comprehensive reference for Western astrological interpretation.

Section 01

The Planets

Sun

☉ · The Self

☉

Core identity, ego, life force and conscious will. The Sun represents who you are becoming — your essential nature, creative power and the quality of light you radiate into the world.

RulesLeo

ExaltationAries

DetrimentAquarius

FallLibra

Cycle~1 year (30 days per sign)

BodyHeart, spine, vitality, eyes

DaySunday

IdentityEgoFather AuthorityVitalityPurpose

Moon

☽ · The Soul

☽

Emotional nature, instincts, memory and the unconscious. The Moon governs how you nurture and need to be nurtured — your inner emotional world, habitual patterns and relationship with the past.

RulesCancer

ExaltationTaurus

DetrimentCapricorn

FallScorpio

Cycle28 days (~2.5 days per sign)

BodyStomach, breasts, fluids, hormones

DayMonday

EmotionsMotherInstincts MemoryHomeCycles

Mercury

☿ · The Mind

☿

Communication, intellect, logic and perception. Mercury governs how you think, speak, write and process information. Rules short-distance travel, siblings, contracts and the nervous system.

RulesGemini & Virgo

ExaltationVirgo (or Aquarius)

DetrimentSagittarius & Pisces

FallPisces

Cycle~88 days · Retrogrades 3x/year

BodyNervous system, lungs, hands, speech

DayWednesday

CommunicationIntellectWriting TravelSiblingsCommerce

Venus

♀ · Love & Beauty

♀

Love, beauty, values, pleasure and harmony. Venus governs what you find attractive, how you relate to others romantically and socially, and your aesthetic sensibilities. Rules money and possessions.

RulesTaurus & Libra

ExaltationPisces

DetrimentAries & Scorpio

FallVirgo

Cycle~225 days · Retrogrades ~18mo

BodyKidneys, throat, skin, veins

DayFriday

LoveBeautyMoney ArtPleasureValues

Mars

♂ · The Warrior

♂

Drive, ambition, desire and action. Mars is the planet of raw energy — how you fight, pursue goals, express anger and assert yourself. Rules passion, sexuality, courage and conflict.

RulesAries (traditional: also Scorpio)

ExaltationCapricorn

DetrimentLibra & Taurus

FallCancer

Cycle~2 years · Retrogrades ~2 years

BodyMuscles, blood, adrenals, head

DayTuesday

DriveAngerSex CourageConflictAction

Jupiter

♃ · The Benefic

♃

Expansion, abundance, wisdom and philosophy. Jupiter is the great benefic — it amplifies whatever it touches. Rules higher education, long-distance travel, religion, law and optimism.

RulesSagittarius (traditional: also Pisces)

ExaltationCancer

DetrimentGemini & Virgo

FallCapricorn

Cycle12 years (~1 year per sign)

BodyLiver, hips, thighs, fat

DayThursday

ExpansionLuckWisdom PhilosophyTravelAbundance

Saturn

♄ · The Teacher

♄

Discipline, limitation, karma and mastery. Saturn is the great teacher — its lessons are hard but its rewards are lasting. Rules time, structure, responsibility, authority and long-term achievement.

RulesCapricorn (traditional: also Aquarius)

ExaltationLibra

DetrimentCancer & Leo

FallAries

Cycle29.5 years (Saturn Return)

BodyBones, teeth, skin, joints, knees

DaySaturday

KarmaStructureDiscipline LimitsTimeMastery

Uranus

♅ · The Awakener

♅

Revolution, innovation, freedom and sudden change. Uranus shatters the status quo wherever it lands. Rules technology, rebellion, genius, humanitarian ideals and the unexpected.

RulesAquarius

ExaltationScorpio (debated)

DetrimentLeo

FallTaurus (debated)

Cycle84 years (~7 years per sign)

BodyNervous system, ankles, bioelectricity

TypeTranspersonal / Generational

RevolutionInnovationFreedom ShockTechnologyGenius

Neptune

♆ · The Mystic

♆

Spirituality, illusion, dreams and dissolution. Neptune dissolves boundaries — it can inspire profound mystical experience or confusion and escapism. Rules film, art, addiction and the collective unconscious.

RulesPisces

ExaltationCancer (debated)

DetrimentVirgo

FallCapricorn (debated)

Cycle165 years (~14 years per sign)

BodyFeet, lymph, pineal gland, psyche

TypeTranspersonal / Generational

SpiritualityDreamsIllusion CompassionAddictionMysticism

Pluto

♇ · The Transformer

♇

Transformation, power, death and rebirth. Pluto destroys what no longer serves to make way for profound regeneration. Rules the underworld, shadow work, obsession and collective power dynamics.

RulesScorpio

ExaltationAries (debated)

DetrimentTaurus

FallLibra (debated)

Cycle248 years (12–31 years per sign)

BodyReproductive organs, DNA, elimination

TypeTranspersonal / Generational

TransformationPowerShadow RebirthObsessionTaboo

Chiron

⚷ · The Wounded Healer

⚷

The wound that becomes the gift. Chiron represents your deepest wound — often one that cannot be fully healed, but through which you develop the ability to heal others. The healer who cannot heal himself.

RulesVirgo or Sagittarius (debated)

Cycle~50 years (Chiron Return at ~50)

BodyChronic conditions, wounds, healing

TypeAsteroid / Centaur

WoundHealingTeaching MentorshipCore PainGift

North Node

☊ · Soul's Direction

☊

The evolutionary direction of the soul in this lifetime. The North Node points toward growth, challenge and destiny — qualities you are here to develop. Always opposite the South Node.

Cycle18.6 years (retrograde motion)

AxisAlways opposite South Node

TypeLunar Node (mathematical point)

DestinyGrowthFuture Soul PathKarmaEvolution

Section 02

The Twelve Houses

Houses represent the areas of life where planetary energies express themselves. The house cusp (starting degree) is determined by your birth time and location. The Ascendant (Rising sign) is always the cusp of the 1st House.

House of Self

♈ Natural sign: Aries · Ruler: Mars

Physical appearance, personality, first impressions and how you present yourself to the world. The Ascendant (Rising Sign) is the cusp of this house — it shapes your outer mask and instinctive approach to life.

IdentityAppearance First impressionsThe body Self-imageBeginnings

House of Resources

♉ Natural sign: Taurus · Ruler: Venus

Personal finances, possessions, values and self-worth. What you own, how you earn, and your relationship with material security. Also governs talents and natural abilities.

MoneyPossessions ValuesSelf-worth Earning powerTalents

III

House of Communication

♊ Natural sign: Gemini · Ruler: Mercury

Communication, thinking patterns, short trips and immediate environment. Siblings, neighbours, early education and how you gather and share information. Writing, speaking and local community.

CommunicationSiblings Short travelLearning WritingNeighbours

House of Home & Roots

♋ Natural sign: Cancer · Ruler: Moon

Home, family, roots and psychological foundations. The IC (Imum Coeli) is the cusp — representing your deepest private self, ancestry, childhood and the end of life. One parent (traditionally the mother).

HomeFamily RootsAncestry MotherPrivate self

House of Pleasure & Creativity

♌ Natural sign: Leo · Ruler: Sun

Creativity, romance, children, play and self-expression. The house of joy — where you shine, take risks and follow your heart. Art, performance, gambling and romantic affairs. Children (biological and creative).

CreativityRomance ChildrenPlay SpeculationSelf-expression

House of Health & Service

♍ Natural sign: Virgo · Ruler: Mercury

Daily routines, work, health and service. How you maintain your body and manage day-to-day life. Employment (not career — that's the 10th), colleagues, pets and the act of being useful.

HealthDaily routine WorkService PetsWellness

VII

House of Partnerships

♎ Natural sign: Libra · Ruler: Venus

Marriage, committed partnerships, open enemies and contracts. The Descendant is this cusp — representing what you seek in others and what you project onto them. Business partnerships and legal agreements.

MarriagePartnerships ContractsOpen enemies ProjectionBalance

VIII

House of Transformation

♏ Natural sign: Scorpio · Ruler: Pluto (traditional: Mars)

Death, rebirth, shared resources, sexuality and the occult. Inheritance, taxes, debt and other people's money. Deep psychological transformation, taboo subjects and what lies beneath the surface.

Death & rebirthShared resources SexualityOccult InheritanceTransformation

House of Philosophy & Expansion

♐ Natural sign: Sagittarius · Ruler: Jupiter

Higher education, philosophy, religion, long-distance travel and foreign cultures. The search for meaning and truth. Publishing, law, ethics and your personal belief system. Where you seek to expand beyond the familiar.

PhilosophyHigher education Long travelReligion PublishingLaw

House of Career & Public Life

♑ Natural sign: Capricorn · Ruler: Saturn

Career, reputation, public status and life direction. The Midheaven (MC) is this cusp — the highest point in the chart, representing your vocation, ambitions and how the world sees you. One parent (traditionally the father).

CareerReputation Public imageAuthority FatherAmbition

House of Community & Hopes

♒ Natural sign: Aquarius · Ruler: Uranus (traditional: Saturn)

Friends, groups, social networks, hopes and wishes. Your tribe, collective causes and humanitarian ideals. Innovation through community. Benefactors, patrons and the people who support your goals.

FriendsGroups Hopes & wishesHumanity NetworksCollective

XII

House of the Hidden & Transcendent

♓ Natural sign: Pisces · Ruler: Neptune (traditional: Jupiter)

The unconscious, hidden enemies, isolation, spiritual retreat and karma. What is locked away — in institutions, in the psyche, in past lives. Self-undoing, sacrifice, mystical experience and what lies beyond the visible world.

UnconsciousHidden enemies IsolationSpirituality KarmaSelf-undoing

Section 03

Planetary Dignities

Dignity describes how comfortable and effective a planet is in a given sign. A planet in dignity operates freely; in detriment or fall it faces resistance — not weakness, but challenge that can build strength.

Planet	Rulership (Domicile)	Exaltation	Detriment	Fall
☉ Sun	Leo	Aries	Aquarius	Libra
☽ Moon	Cancer	Taurus	Capricorn	Scorpio
☿ Mercury	Gemini, Virgo	Virgo	Sagittarius, Pisces	Pisces
♀ Venus	Taurus, Libra	Pisces	Aries, Scorpio	Virgo
♂ Mars	Aries (trad. + Scorpio)	Capricorn	Libra, Taurus	Cancer
♃ Jupiter	Sagittarius (trad. + Pisces)	Cancer	Gemini, Virgo	Capricorn
♄ Saturn	Capricorn (trad. + Aquarius)	Libra	Cancer, Leo	Aries
♅ Uranus	Aquarius	Scorpio (debated)	Leo	Taurus (debated)
♆ Neptune	Pisces	Cancer (debated)	Virgo	Capricorn (debated)
♇ Pluto	Scorpio	Aries (debated)	Taurus	Libra (debated)

Section 04

Major Aspects

Aspect	Symbol	Degrees	Orb	Nature	Meaning
Conjunction	☌	0°	±8°	Blending	Planets merge — intense, unified energy. Amplification for good or ill depending on planets.
Opposition	☍	180°	±8°	Tension	Polarity, projection, awareness through contrast. Requires balance and integration.
Trine	△	120°	±8°	Harmony	Natural flow and ease. Talents that come effortlessly — sometimes too easily (complacency).
Square	□	90°	±8°	Friction	Challenge and growth through conflict. Dynamic tension that demands action and resolution.
Sextile	⚹	60°	±6°	Opportunity	Gentle harmony with potential — requires conscious activation, unlike the trine.
Quincunx	⚻	150°	±3°	Adjustment	Awkward incompatibility requiring constant adjustment. Hidden stress and health links.

Section 05

The Decans

Each zodiac sign spans 30 degrees and is divided into three decans of 10 degrees each. Every decan has a sub-ruler — a planet that colours and nuances the energy of that portion of the sign. Your Sun, Moon, Rising or any planet falls into a specific decan, adding a secondary planetary flavour to its expression. The system used here is the Chaldean/traditional triplicity system — the most widely used in Western astrology.

♈

Aries

Ruled by Mars · Fire · Cardinal

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Mars

Pure Aries energy — raw pioneering drive, fearlessness and self-assertion. The most quintessential expression of Aries: impulsive, direct and courageous.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Sun

Leo influence adds creative flair, leadership charisma and desire for recognition. More dramatic, proud and performance-oriented than the first decan.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Jupiter

Sagittarius influence brings philosophical drive and adventurous idealism. Passionate about truth and freedom — the most independent and restless Aries decan.

♉

Taurus

Ruled by Venus · Earth · Fixed

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Venus

Pure Taurus — sensual, steadfast and comfort-loving. Deeply attuned to beauty, pleasure and material security. The most grounded and patient.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Mercury

Virgo influence adds precision, practicality and analytical ability to Taurus sensibility. Skilled at managing resources with careful attention to detail.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Saturn

Capricorn influence brings ambition, discipline and a long-term strategic outlook. The most career-focused and achievement-oriented Taurus decan.

♊

Gemini

Ruled by Mercury · Air · Mutable

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Mercury

Pure Gemini — quick-witted, curious, versatile and communicative. The most mercurial expression: brilliant conversationalist, perpetually restless mind.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Venus

Libra influence adds charm, diplomacy and aesthetic sensibility. More socially graceful — gifted at communication that builds harmony and connection.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Uranus / Saturn

Aquarius influence brings originality, humanitarian vision and unconventional thinking. The most inventive and intellectually rebellious Gemini decan.

♋

Cancer

Ruled by Moon · Water · Cardinal

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Moon

Pure Cancer — deeply nurturing, emotionally sensitive and home-centred. The most instinctual and protective decan; strongly tied to family and ancestry.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Pluto / Mars

Scorpio influence adds emotional intensity, perceptiveness and transformative depth. More passionate and psychologically probing — feelings run very deep.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Neptune / Jupiter

Pisces influence adds compassion, imagination and spiritual sensitivity. The most mystical and empathic Cancer decan — porous boundaries, artistic gifts.

♌

Leo

Ruled by Sun · Fire · Fixed

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Sun

Pure Leo — radiant, generous, dramatic and proud. The most regal and magnanimous decan; natural leaders with an instinct to shine and inspire.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Jupiter

Sagittarius influence adds philosophical breadth, enthusiasm and love of adventure. More outwardly generous and idealistic — the teacher and inspirational leader.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Mars

Aries influence brings fierce drive, competitive spirit and warrior energy to Leo's pride. The most ambitious and courageous decan — action-oriented leadership.

♍

Virgo

Ruled by Mercury · Earth · Mutable

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Mercury

Pure Virgo — analytical, precise, service-oriented and health-conscious. The most detail-focused decan; exceptional at organisation and discernment.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Saturn

Capricorn influence adds discipline, ambition and long-term planning. The most serious and career-driven Virgo decan — methodical and highly responsible.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Uranus / Venus

Taurus influence adds sensuality and appreciation of beauty to Virgo's precision. More aesthetically gifted — combines craft with artistry and practical creativity.

♎

Libra

Ruled by Venus · Air · Cardinal

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Venus

Pure Libra — diplomatic, charming and beauty-seeking. The most relationship-focused decan; natural peacemakers with refined aesthetic taste and social grace.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Saturn / Uranus

Aquarius influence adds intellectual idealism and humanitarian vision. More progressive and socially principled — justice-oriented with a broad perspective.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Mercury

Gemini influence adds wit, curiosity and communicative flair. The most intellectually agile Libra decan — gifted at negotiation, debate and persuasive communication.

♏

Scorpio

Ruled by Pluto (trad. Mars) · Water · Fixed

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Pluto / Mars

Pure Scorpio — intense, magnetic, secretive and transformative. The most penetrating and powerful decan; fearless in confronting what others avoid.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Neptune / Jupiter

Pisces influence adds mystical sensitivity and compassionate depth. More spiritually oriented — drawn to healing, psychic experience and transcendent connection.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Moon

Cancer influence adds emotional memory and protective instincts. The most psychically sensitive Scorpio decan — deeply feeling, protective and tenaciously loyal.

♐

Sagittarius

Ruled by Jupiter · Fire · Mutable

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Jupiter

Pure Sagittarius — adventurous, philosophical and freedom-loving. The most expansive and optimistic decan; natural teachers and explorers of truth.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Mars

Aries influence adds directness, boldness and competitive drive. The most action-oriented Sagittarius decan — a crusader who acts on beliefs with passionate conviction.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Sun

Leo influence adds creative flair and desire for recognition. The most charismatic and performative Sagittarius decan — visionary leader with dramatic presence.

♑

Capricorn

Ruled by Saturn · Earth · Cardinal

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Saturn

Pure Capricorn — disciplined, ambitious and structured. The most traditional and authority-conscious decan; patient builders with exceptional long-term vision.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Venus

Taurus influence adds sensuality, appreciation of comfort and aesthetic refinement. More pleasure-seeking — balances ambition with enjoyment of material rewards.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Mercury

Virgo influence adds analytical precision and service orientation. The most detail-minded Capricorn decan — strategic thinking combined with meticulous execution.

♒

Aquarius

Ruled by Uranus (trad. Saturn) · Air · Fixed

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Uranus / Saturn

Pure Aquarius — revolutionary, independent and humanitarian. The most original and socially visionary decan; intellectual rebels committed to collective progress.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Mercury

Gemini influence adds wit, communicative brilliance and intellectual versatility. The most mentally agile Aquarius decan — gifted educator and networker of ideas.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Venus

Libra influence adds charm, diplomacy and aesthetic sensitivity. The most socially graceful Aquarius decan — combines humanitarian ideals with artistic refinement.

♓

Pisces

Ruled by Neptune (trad. Jupiter) · Water · Mutable

1st Decan0° – 9°59'

Sub-ruler: Neptune / Jupiter

Pure Pisces — dreamy, compassionate, mystical and spiritually receptive. The most transcendent decan; boundless empathy and access to collective imagination.

2nd Decan10° – 19°59'

Sub-ruler: Moon

Cancer influence adds deep emotional sensitivity, nurturing instincts and psychic attunement. The most intuitively receptive Pisces decan — strongly tied to family and feeling.

3rd Decan20° – 29°59'

Sub-ruler: Pluto / Mars

Scorpio influence adds intensity, psychological depth and transformative power. The most emotionally penetrating Pisces decan — healing through deep inner work and shadow integration.

Planets & HousesComplete Guide

The Planets

The Twelve Houses

Planetary Dignities

Major Aspects

The Decans

Planets & Houses
Complete Guide