Each planet in Vedic astrology has one (or more) zodiac signs it rules. Sun, Moon, Rahu, Ketu, and the trans-Saturnian planets own one zodiac sign each, either independently or through co-rulership. Other planets own two zodiac signs each.
The table below illustrates planetary ownership, co-rulership, and important exaltation notes.
Zodiac Signs and Their Ruling Planets
| Zodiac Sign | Ruling Planet(s) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | Mars | Mars rules Aries & Scorpio; Sun is exalted here |
| Taurus | Venus | Venus rules Taurus & Libra; Moon is exalted here |
| Gemini | Mercury | Mercury rules Gemini & Virgo; Rahu is exalted here |
| Cancer | Moon | Moon rules Cancer; Jupiter is exalted here |
| Leo | Sun | Sun rules Leo; no exaltations here* |
| Virgo | Mercury | Mercury rules Gemini & Virgo; Mercury is exalted here |
| Libra | Venus | Venus rules Taurus & Libra; Saturn is exalted here |
| Scorpio | Mars, Ketu, Pluto | Mars, Ketu, & Pluto co-rule Scorpio; no exaltations here* |
| Sagittarius | Jupiter | Jupiter rules Sagittarius & Pisces; Ketu is exalted here |
| Capricorn | Saturn | Saturn rules Capricorn & Aquarius; Mars is exalted here |
| Aquarius | Saturn, Rahu, Uranus | Saturn, Rahu, & Uranus co-rule Aquarius; no exaltations here* |
| Pisces | Jupiter, Neptune | Jupiter & Neptune co-rule Pisces; Venus is exalted here |
Notes on Planetary Co-Rulership
Some astrologers suggest that Rahu and Ketu do not rule any zodiac signs; however, this view is incomplete.
- Rahu co-rules Aquarius alongside Saturn and Uranus. This is supported by the fact that Shatabhisha Nakshatra, which lies in Aquarius, is Rahu’s own nakshatra.
- Ketu co-rules Scorpio alongside Mars and Pluto.
- Trans-Saturnian planets also co-rule zodiac signs:
- Neptune co-rules Pisces with Jupiter
- Uranus co-rules Aquarius with Saturn and Rahu
- Pluto co-rules Scorpio with Mars and Ketu
These rulerships align with planetary qualities. For example, Mars, Ketu, and Pluto all drive sudden, intense transformations and deep spiritual upheavals—hallmarks of Scorpio energy.
Ignoring co-rulership often leads to incomplete or erroneous astrological predictions.
Planetary Strength by Zodiac Placement
Much like planets themselves, zodiac signs can be friendly, neutral, or hostile to a planet.
- A planet placed in its own sign operates at near-maximum strength (second only to exaltation).
- A planet in a friendly sign typically functions at 70–80% capacity.
- A planet in a neutral sign operates at roughly 60–70% capacity.
- A planet in an enemy sign tends to be weakened and struggles to express its significations fully.
Understanding these dynamics is essential for accurate chart interpretation.
End of article.