Each planet rules over one or two zodiac signs (constellations) in astrology. As they move through the sky, planets pass through each of the twelve zodiac constellations. Birth charts tell you what constellation each planet passed through during your birth and how that affects your personality. Many planets have “masculine” or “feminine” energy. Still, those are just old-fashioned astrology terms used to describe the type of energy each planet exudes—they don’t mean anything about your gender identity.
By comparison, outer planets deal with broader themes in your life. They affect whole generations more than individuals. You can also tell inner planets from outer based on the asteroid belt, which stretches between Mars and Jupiter. All inner planets fall inside the asteroid belt, and all outer planets fall outside it.
Keep in mind that the inner planets—and astrology in general—have no bearing on your choices in life. Astrology is just a tool that can help you understand yourself, but you can always choose your own path.
The Sun rules Leo. It has masculine energy. It takes the Sun roughly a month to pass through each sign of the zodiac and one year to travel it entirely. The Sun may represent your basic self, but it’s not all that you are. Each planet influences you differently.
The Moon rules Cancer. This planet has feminine energy. The Moon spends 2½ days in each sign and takes 28 days to travel through the zodiac. If your Sun sign isn’t entirely clicking for you, look at your Moon sign next. Because it rules your strongest and innermost feelings, you may even relate more to it than your Sun!
Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo. [5] X Expert Source Angel EyedealismAstrologer & Performance Artist Expert Interview. 8 December 2021. This is one of the few planets (along with Uranus) gender-neutral in its energy. It takes Mercury 3-4 weeks to pass through each sign. When considering compatibility, your Mercury signs can tell you how well you and your love interest will communicate together.
Venus rules Libra and Taurus. This planet has feminine energy. Venus transitions between signs every 4 to 5 weeks. Venus is one of the most important planets to consider when determining romantic compatibility.
Mars rules Aries. Mars also ruled Scorpio before Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were discovered—and, depending on the astrologer you ask, it still does. This planet has masculine energy. Mars passes into a new constellation every 6 to 7 weeks. Mars is also an important aspect of compatibility because it rules passion and sexual desire.
