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The planets - Following the movement of the planets through the zodiac and how they interact with each other is more or less the basis for astrology. Their influence over our birth charts is hugely significant. Some astrologers would say that the planets are the heart and soul of each zodiac sign.

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Moving through the zodiac - Each planet has its own unique energy and “personality.” Although they move throughout the zodiac, each planet has a point where it feels most at home and best able to express itself. This is the point where it becomes associated with a particular zodiac sign, and is known as its ruling planet.

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Why is it important? - Astrologer Corina Crysler explains the importance of our ruling planets this way: "The ruling planet can show you how to fully embody your life with wholeness and purpose. Your birth chart can tell you so many different things about your soul's mission and who you are, but your planet ruler can be used as the starting point of understanding what that means for your journey."

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Aries -

Let's start with Aries. It's the first sign of the zodiac and a fire sign to boot! It's ruled by Mars, the red planet of war, which symbolizes passion and drive. It brings focus to what motivates you and what you'd be willing to fight for.

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Mars -

It's an appropriate planet for the Aries who is known as the fire-starter in the zodiac world. Aries are innovative go-getters who spark new ideas and know how to motivate and inspire. These warrior spirits might be a little bit hot-headed!

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Taurus -

Taurus is ruled by the planet of love and divine femininity: Venus. They are heavily influenced by this sensuality and have a taste for luxury and whatever earthly pleasures they can avail of.

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Venus - Taurus has a flair for decadence, and, being an Earth sign, focuses on the resources, material things, and sensory experiences. They like to have money and spend money, but only on the very best.

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Gemini -

Geminis are known to be chatty and quick-witted, so, of course, they are ruled by the planet of communication. Mercury was known as the clever son of Zeus who had the gift of being able to travel between Mount Olympus, Earth, and the Underworld.

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Mercury - Like Mercury, Geminis are gifted in communication and are able to articulate themselves well. They are curious and inquisitive, and have a skill for sharing new information and ideas.

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Cancer -

In astrology, the Moon is considered to be the planet that governs our moods and our emotions. Cancer is a sign that's known to be very emotionally sensitive and vulnerable. Their best traits are that they're maternal, nurturing, and empathetic.

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The Moon -

Cancers are intuitive and tend to move through the world based on feelings. The Moon is also associated with moodiness, so they can also fall into more melancholy emotional waters.

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Leo -

Leo is the second fire sign and, appropriately, it's ruled by the Sun. The Sun's influence on this sign is clear because Leos have a unique way of shining their light on the world, and pass on warm, positive energy to those they meet.

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The Sun - The Sun is also the center of our solar system, so the Leo is like astrological royalty. Or at least they might think so at times... Leos have a strong influence and they definitely know it!

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Virgo -

Virgos are the perfectionists of the zodiac world. They are a highly practical Earth sign and are known for being observant, organized, and excel at planning and scheduling.

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Mercury -

Like Gemini, Virgo is ruled by Mercury, which is one of few planets to rule two zodiac signs. While Geminis benefit from Mercury's communication skills, Virgos are linked with the analytical side.

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Chiron -

Some astrologers would point out that Virgo is also often linked to Chiron. Chiron is a small body in our solar system named after a centaur in Greek mythology. Chiron was known as a master healer and a carrier of pain, so this may come through for Virgos too.

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Libra -

Libra is another sign ruled by the planet of love. Libras are associated with Venus' beauty and are known for their focus on aesthetics. They are usually the most fashionable person in any situation! If this trait is not expressed in their personal style, it may show up in their desire to create beauty.

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Venus -

They might have a keen sense of style, but being ruled by Venus, Libras are also romantics who are always looking for love and relationships. Libra is associated with balance in love, and their romantic sensibilities often have them searching for their other half.

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Scorpio - Scorpios are the deep, esoteric thinkers of the zodiac. They are preoccupied with that which lies below the surface, matters of the subconscious mind. Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, which is named after the god of the Underworld.

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Pluto -

In addition to their tendency to delve into the darker corners of the human experience, Scorpios are also associated with transformation. Their ability to dig deeper and reach further leads to change and revelation.

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Sagittarius -

Sagittarius is another fire sign of the zodiac. They are known for being free-spirited, optimistic, and uplifting. This is perfectly in line with Jupiter's joyful energy.

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Jupiter - Sagittarius is thought to be the luckiest sign in the zodiac, and Jupiter is a planet associated with personal expansion. Those who are ruled by Jupiter might feel like the world is theirs for the taking!

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Sagittarius rising -

Those who have Sagittarius as their rising sign may feel this influence as a desire to travel the world. 

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Capricorn -

The diligent and hard-working Capricorn is ruled over by the strict planet Saturn. Many people dread the Saturn return in astrology, but it's usually a necessary period of growth and change.

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Saturn - Capricorns are used to this way of life and already have the maturity and focus to put in the work. They know how to create structure and order in their lives and their commitment allows them to accomplish big things.

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Aquarius -

Aquarius is an air sign ruled by Uranus, which is the god of the sky. This might explain the fact that they often have their head in the clouds! Aquarius is known to be quirky and creative, experiencing bursts of inspiration and sudden changes.

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Uranus - An Aquarius can be eccentric and forward-thinking. They challenge the status quo and can even spark revolutions! Uranus is known as the oddball of the solar system, so the two are perfectly aligned.

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Pisces - Pisces is symbolized by two fish, and its ruling planet Neptune is named after the god of the sea. Pisces truly is a water sign to the core. Pisces are sensitive, emotional, poetic, and spiritual.

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Neptune -

Neptune is associated with illusion and dreams, an influence that can clearly be seen in the otherworldly nature of the Pisces.

Sources: (Well+Good) (Bustle)

See also: What does the new Age of Aquarius mean for you?

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