You know your Sun sign—but your ruling planet is the key to being your truest self
I grew up with an unapologetic love for everything pink and girly. I gravitated toward rose-coloured walls and a cloud-like canopy bed; I even based my entire personality off of fearlessly dramatic female characters like Sharpay from High School Musical. Then, in middle school, I entered an era of denying ever liking frills and fluff, so I could claim I was “not like other girls” (at least superficially, because I was very much still like other girls).
This search for individuality took a new complex turn when I realised I was a lesbian and non-binary in my twenties. I turned to masculinity—because I wanted to and it felt natural to do so then. More recently, I’ve let that go, and have developed a special affinity with femininity. It’s still a process to embrace this part of myself, but I can safely say that incorporating beauty and softness into my style and space has made me more at peace—and it feels way more intentional than just superficially trend-hopping.
A major part of this revelation began when I came across astrologer @cosmicyogi’s viral TikTok series on how to embody your ruling planet. The advice covered everything from understanding specific traits that planet represented to incorporating small changes into my day-to-day outfits or living space.
Astrologically, your ruling planet is very important. Because your birth chart is a snapshot of the sky the moment you were born, the ascendent (or rising sign) is the zodiac sign that was rising (get it?) in the eastern horizon at the exact moment of your birth. The planet that rules that zodiac sign is your ruling planet. “It’s the first point of light that touched your chart. It's the thing that gave life to you, and the significance of it is that that's how you shine outwardly,” says Sav Wilder, an astrologer and tarot reader based in Northern Virginia. “It's who you're growing into becoming.”
What’s more: Your ascendent sign “is the most personal part of the chart,” says Sarah France, a Massachusetts-based astrologer and holistic wellness coach who popularised the ruling planet embodiment theory. “Every single other house in the chart is speaking about something that's occurring externally, but the rising sign in the first house is solely attributed to you and your perspective on life.”
Meet the experts: Sav Wilder is an astrologer and tarot reader based in Northern Virginia. Sarah France is a Massachusetts-based astrologer, TikToker, and holistic wellness coach.
As a Taurus rising, I already knew that my ruling planet was Venus, the planet of beauty and love. So when I came across France's videos, it all clicked into place. Adding more beautiful aesthetics into my life could be the key to embracing the best version of myself.
In fact, I realised that, in some ways, I was already embodying my ruling planet without even trying to. I’ve always prioritised high-quality products for my bed, and loved finding the softest sheets available (extra points if they were affordable). This time, though, I started to find joy in transforming the rest of my room into a soft, beautiful space. I started to embrace a holistic body-care routine, not just a skincare one. All in all, I brought intention when it came to looking after myself.
When it comes to embodying your ruling planet, there’s no need to go overboard: Rather, it’s all about refreshing your style, enhancing your home, and even growing certain plants to add intention into your life.
Forget sun signs—embodying your ruling planet might be the actual key to the truest you.
Embodying your ruling planet is more than just an intriguing TikTok trend. Astrologers say making certain tweaks to your daily life—like having certain plants around your home, or styling yourself in a specific way inspired by your ruling planet—can actually enhance your life, specifically by helping you transform into the person you were always destined to become. It just won’t happen overnight.
In fact, you might not feel like your rising sign represents you right now, and that’s part of the journey. During birth chart readings, Wilder always councils her clients about how they can work with their ruling planet's energy, instead of against it.
Just like anything to do with spirituality, how you choose to embody your planet is up to you. If you’re especially witchy, you might choose to set up a ritual-like practice that will help you tap into your ruling planet. But if you’re not, you can think of this practice the same way you might approach astrological life advice—it’s something to keep in mind as you care for yourself and grow as a person.
Here’s what each rising sign can do to embody their ruling planet, according to astrologers.
In order to find your ruling planet, you first have to know your rising sign. Just like most zodiac placements, you’ll need the date, time, and place of your birth, along with a birth chart calculator.
Aries Rising (Ruling Planet: Mars)
Aries is ruled by Mars, the warrior planet of action. Embracing this energy means “embodying that [sense of] initiative, that assertiveness and pioneering leadership,” Wilder says. The red planet is all about grit and passionate determination. So, focusing on independent decision-making is really important for you.
“Aries Rising really needs to lean into that ability to say, ‘This is what I want, and I'm going to go after it, no matter what,’” France says. On a more detailed level, try wearing more red and incorporating anything spicy (like cayenne pepper and ginger) into your cooking or tea time routine, she suggests. If you’re not a fan of spices, try eating or drinking anything that excites the blood, France adds, since Mars is known for its action-packed and hot energy.
Taurus Rising (Ruling Planet: Venus)
Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and luxury. “Taurus Rising came into this lifetime to explore the five senses, the natural world, and all things material—what feels good, what tastes good, what smells good,” France says. You can honor this planet by leaning into what you find appealing and beautiful, whether that’s soft bedding, herbal baths, pink candles, or flowers.
“Surround yourself with sensuality, beauty, nature, and art,” Wilder says. Both Wilder and France recommend a comfort-first mentality and a focus on self-care practices.
Gemini Rising (Ruling Planet: Mercury)
Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication. So, a big part of embodying this planet is expressing your opinions, thoughts, and sense of self. You can even implement this into your wardrobe, says Wilder: “There's always communication when it comes to Gemini. They want to talk about what they're wearing.” Don’t shy away from attention-grabbing conversation pieces.
On a larger scale, “Gemini Risings need to really lean into their curiosity for life,” says France. “If something piques your curiosity, do the deep dive, go down the rabbit hole, and pursue all of the different little niche things that interest you.” (Always wanted to start a super specific podcast? Yap away!)
And when it comes to cultivating a self-nourishing environment via plants, France recommends embracing anything from the mint family (lavender, spearmint, rosemary), parsley, and cilantro, since they are associated with Mercury.
Cancer Rising (Ruling Planet: Moon)
Cancer is ruled by the moon, which represents nurture and intuition. “The moon is all about the wilderness and the wild woman archetype,” France explains. “[Those stories about women] being free to connect with the natural cycles of life, and living in this very cyclical way, that’s very Cancerian in nature.”
The moon’s cycles affect everyone, but they affect Cancers in an amplified way. For example, when it's the new moon, invite in new opportunities and start new journeys in love, career, and more. When it’s the full moon, let go of old habits, relationships, and ideas holding you back. So, part of embodying the moon is simply embracing changes, like breaking up when a relationship doesn’t feel right or starting a new career endeavor even though you’re scared.
When it comes to style, Wilder suggests dressing based on your emotions. “It's so important to make your style ritualistic,” she says. Channel Marie Kondo: Everything you have in your home (and life) should make you feel good. If it makes you feel bad or nothing at all, it’s not for you.
Leo Rising (Ruling Planet: Sun)
Leo is ruled by the sun, which represents creative expression and confidence. And much like their ruling planet, Leo risings are meant to be seen, says Wilder. So, don’t shy away from that spotlight—it’s where you belong. But it’s important to help others shine, too. “Their purpose is really to inspire and illuminate other people,” she says.
If you ever have a low day and feel like you have nothing to share with the world, try to remind yourself that’s simply not true. “Understand that you've come into this lifetime to take up space, and you've also essentially made the agreement that the gift you bring to the world is existing,” France says. To embody your ruling planet, simply surround yourself with people you love, whether that’s a big group of friends or your close-knit family. Connection with others energizes you. On the more aesthetic level, incorporate sunflowers and anything yellow—and well, sunny—into your space and routine, recommends France.
Virgo Rising (Ruling Planet: Mercury)
Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication. While it shares a ruling planet with Gemini, Virgo embodies the planet in a completely different way. Airy Gemini is intellectual about their pursuit for communication, but earth sign Virgo is much more grounded and practical about it. Word to the wise rising sign: Speak your truth. “Serve as the mouthpiece to the rest of the world, where you find people not able to communicate their truth—step in and say it for them,” France says.
When it comes to style, build a routine around thrifting and look for sustainable brands—or even make your own clothing, Wilder suggests. “When we think of a Virgo Rising, it's all very ethical. There's almost this want to help the world,” she says. Virgos love to be of service to others, and dressing sustainably is one way of doing that without people-pleasing or overworking.
Libra Rising (Ruling Planet: Venus)
Libra is another sign that shares a ruling planet—this time, with Taurus. Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty, love, and romance. “Libra is so much more of a relationship-driven sign than Taurus,” Wilder says. While Taurus seeks comfort and care in solitude, Libras are all about doing it with others—whether that’s romantic or platonic partnerships.
Still, for all Venus-ruled signs, embodying their planet comes down to embracing pleasure. “No matter what, for both Taurus and Venus Rising, it's all about what feels good in the heart,” France says. Libra Risings are often drawn to traditionally “feminine” aesthetics, she adds, but you don’t have to force the frills if you don’t want to.
Scorpio Rising (Ruling Planet: Pluto)
Scorpio is traditionally ruled by Mars, but ruled by Pluto in modern astrology. Both Wilder and France prefer to consider Pluto the ruling planet for Scorpio, though, since it’s the planet of death, rebirth, and transformation—all which are very Scorpio-like. “When I use a metaphor for Pluto, it's like a volcano. So, it's all of these things that are bubbling under the surface, and then they all explode in this huge display of power, destroying everything in its path—and then, things are reborn,” France says.
Pluto represents the underworld, death, and everything that’s hidden. That’s why she recommends tending to carnivorous plants (like the Venus Fly Trap), and having crystals like black obsidian and black tourmaline—which represent protection and absorb negative energy—to help whenever you need a fresh start.
When it comes to personal style, you’re never one to blend into the crowd. “They're the ones that’ll find the smallest indie brands that create the most interesting clothing and jewelry,” Wilder says.
Sagittarius Rising (Ruling Planet: Jupiter)
Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, travel, and luck. If you have this placement, you’re likely pretty adventurous and free-spirited, Wilder says. You weren’t meant to stay still, so stop forcing yourself to! Dress in pieces that inspire you, whether that’s a flowy dress or accessories from your recent travels, she recommends.
If you can’t afford to travel the world, you can still embody Jupiter by staying on the move. Step outside your comfort zone and learn from new environments, cultures, and circumstances, France says, whether that’s learning a new language, going to a club by yourself without knowing anyone there, or diving into a complex fantasy series.
Capricorn Rising (Ruling Planet: Saturn)
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of boundaries and limitations. “They have to take on the responsibility for everybody, and they have to grow up faster than everybody,” France says. Fun, right? But just like anything in life (and astrology), it’s all about perspective.
“It's really leaning into the strengths that [Saturn] gives them, because nobody—absolutely nobody—has the determination, the strength, the longevity, and the staying power that Capricorn placements have,” France says. She recommends incorporating the colour black into your wardrobe or home (since it’s associated with Saturn), as well as plants that help to dry out the body and expel toxins, like mullein, comfrey, horsetail, almond, and holly.
One word to describe you, Capricorn rising, is practical. The key here is to really lean into logic. “Capricorn doesn't have time to think about what they’re going to wear. ‘I look nice. That's all that matters to me,’” Wilder says. In other words, find your signature—whether that’s a scent or a uniform—and stick to it. That might seem a little boring to everyone else, but it's classic and simple—you'll always be in style without really trying. Plus, by keeping these parts of your life streamlined, you'll have more energy to plan out your future, give your all in a relationship, or fill a journal with your self-reflections.
Aquarius Rising (Ruling Planet: Uranus)
Aquarius is traditionally ruled by Saturn, but ruled by Uranus in modern astrology. Saturn is the planet of boundaries, and Uranus is the planet of revolution, change, and originality—very Aquarius. “[Uranus] is unique. It is innovative and unconventional,” Wilder says. “[That planet is] embodied by thinking outside of the box.” She recommends Aquarius risings celebrate their individuality. In other words, let yourself be weird. Who cares?
Everything about you is different, including the way you think about the world. That might feel isolating, but resist the urge to conform. Chances are you’re already connecting with your ruling planet, France says, so you’ve likely got a leg up on the rest of the zodiac. “They're used to feeling like the outsider; they're used to feeling like the outcasts,” she adds. “Anytime they really lean into that persona, they're leaning into that uranium archetype.”
Try incorporating colors like turquoise or lime green, as well as coffee and orchids, into your life. Basically, anything that excites the nervous system or is “out of this world”—that Aquarius alien persona often resonates with this rising sign.
Pisces Rising (Ruling Planet: Neptune)
Pisces is traditionally ruled by Jupiter, but ruled by Neptune in modern astrology. Most astrologers prefer Neptune as its ruler, since it’s the planet of illusion and dreams—which is aligned with Pisces' main personality traits. “[Neptune is] about connecting with all things that are intangible,” France says. “Any time people who have a Pisces rising are connecting with things that are beyond the realm of the material plane, they're really leaning into that Neptune.” Whether that’s a practice of spirituality, tarot, and anything witchy, or just daydreaming on the reg—take this as your sign to stay up in the clouds, babe. It’s where you belong.
When it comes to style and decor, dreamy and soft pastels are where it’s at for you. Wilder recommends gentle, cozy clothing that feels like a hug. And, circling back to the importance of spirituality, Pisces risings might even want to take fashion inspo from their dreams.
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