The Chart Ruler Explained in Easy Terms

Finding the Chart Ruler

What is my Chart Ruler? Many people think that their Sun Sign's ruler is the chart ruler. While that would seem logical, in truth, a person's chart ruler is the planet that rules the sign found on the individual chart's ascendant. The chart ruler is also, sometimes, called the personal ruler.

When we look at the chart, we can develop a better understanding of a person's personality based on the placement of the Chart Ruler.  The ruler of each sign is as follows:

To learn more about the ascendant in astrology, visit The Rising Sign

Once we have found the ruler of the ascendant's sign, then we locate where that planet is situated in the chart.

Chart Ruler Descriptions

If the chart ruler is located in the first house, the individual may be quite adept at initiating activities without needing to be persuaded.

For the chart ruler in the second house, the individual may define his/her self-worth through money and material possessions, or long-term security may motivate his/her activities.

For the chart ruler in the third house, the individual may be drawn to activities involving intellect, travel or communication.

For the chart ruler in the fourth house, the individual may strive to create a solid family base and home life.

For the chart ruler in the fifth house, the individual may find it easier to take risks, especially in relation to love, fun and romance.  Children may also be an important means of defining his/her activities.

For the chart ruler in the sixth house, the individual may tend to be service oriented to the point of being stressed if he/she is not working/helping others.

For the chart ruler in the seventh house, the individual may seek out activities that he/she and a partner can join in together.

For the chart ruler in the eighth house, the individual may actually be most comfortable in working with other's money or resources. Sexuality may also be a defining trait for this individual.

For the chart ruler in the ninth house, the individual may seek out activities involving religion, philosophy, culture or law in an effort to accepted.

For the chart ruler in the tenth house, the individual may work hard to build a reputable expression of his/her role in life.

For the chart ruler in the eleventh house, the individual may strive to associated with humanitarian causes or be involved in social activities that impact his/her life.

For the chart ruler in the twelfth house, the individual may tend to be a very private individual, preferring to build an inner strength while being drawn to activities that stay behind-the-scenes.

* Still not understanding? Refer back to the table above and look for Libra. A person with Libra on the ascendant would have a chart ruler of Venus. Then locate where Venus is in the natal chart. For example, if Venus was located in the 9th house, we might notice that this individual's personality is shining when involved with relationships that are connected or intertwined with 9th house activities.

This is just a starter for understanding the influence of the chart ruler.  We would still need to factor in the sign that the chart ruler is located in, as well as the types of aspects to the chart ruler. Adding in the chart ruler when delineating a chart brings another dimension to understanding the individual's personality and character traits.

Q. Are there other names or terms used for the Ruler of the Ascendant? Yes, read more at the LunarLiving Blogspot.

© 2005, J McCaul - do not copy any portion
of this text without author's permission