Each zodiac sign has one (or two) ruling planets that exert greater influence over it than other planets.
The ruling planet is also known as the dominant, governing, or rising planet of the sign, as well as the astrological domicile of the zodiac sign.
In this article, we will take a deeper look at Leo’s ruling planet Sun, its energy & nature, and the influence that it exerts over Leo in everyday life.
So if you want to:
- Know more about the Sun, the ruling planet of Leo
- Understand the nature & energy of the Sun, as well as the positive and negative traits that it has
- Learn when it’s best to use the influence of the planet to your benefit
Then read with attention. Important truths are often hidden in small details.
Ready? Let’s get started…
Leo’s Ruling Planet Sun In Astrology
Leo is the only zodiac not ruled by a planet—it is ruled by the sun. Here’s how it impacts Leo:
Short summary: Leo’s Ruling Planet Sun
Leo is ruled by the sun. Being the source of light and all life on Earth, it holds immense power and influence.
The sun represents the self. It has an authoritative and independent energy and represents every individual’s core self. It has a royal aura and exudes brilliance and vitality. Since it is at the center of the universe, it has a lot of power in all 12 zodiac signs.
Leo has a very powerful and masculine aura. Represented by the lion, Leo has an authoritative nature and strong-willed, fierce energy.
The sun’s influence on Leo is quite apparent. It bestows a strong sense of self, the gift of strong will, confidence and leadership skills.
Sun In Astrology: Quick Facts
- Color: White
- Nature: Courageous, strong, creative, energetic, authoritative
- Metal: Gold
- Precious Stone: Ruby
- Ruling Planet Of: Leo
Sun Rules The 5th House
The Sun is the ruler of the 5th house, which chiefly governs pleasure. This is the house that dictates how you like to spend your time, what your life’s purpose is and all your hobbies and pastimes.
It creates a strong connection to drama, acting and theater for Leo. The sun also nurtures the inherent creativity in Leo and motivates them to follow their heart.
Sun Positive Traits
The Sun has a vibrant, positive energy that inculcates a lot of positive traits in people. Strength, courage and an adventurous spirit are the most common characteristics borne from the influence of the sun. It also bestows the following qualities:
- Loyal
- Confident
- Creative
- Authoritative
- Loving
All these traits are complementary to Leo’s natural tendencies. Since the Sun is the primary celestial body in our universe, it makes Leo an authoritative, almost royal figure. Confidence and self-esteem are enhanced in Leo through the Sun’s influence.
Sun Negative Traits
It is needless to say that there are a few negative traits associated with the sun too. The sun’s influence often makes people:
- Overbearing
- Hotheaded
This is because the strength and strong will bestowed by the sun can overshadow other people, making you overbearing and hard to please.
These qualities are especially adverse for Leo, as they can make them misuse their position of power and bring grief to the people around them.
Energies of Sun: Electric
The sun is the source of all life on Earth. It has immense energy and it symbolizes the very foundation of our identity.
It is the Sun’s energy that drives us towards our life’s purpose and inspires us to achieve our goals. Our intensity, passion and drive are all a result of the Sun’s energy.
The powerful energy of the Sun adds fuel to Leo’s fire. It enhances all the dominant traits in Leo and propels them towards success.
Sun Keywords: Ego, Vitality, Stamina, Character, Self-Expression
Here are 5 qualities most associated with the sun and how they impact Leo:
- Ego: Ego is always associated with the Sun. Occupying a position of supreme importance creates a sense of self-importance, making people egotistical.
For Leo, this means extremely high self-esteem and an almost aristocratic nature. No matter their actual standing in life, they develop a royal aura around themselves.
- Creative: The sun also influences you to be creative and playful. Being the source of creation, it inspires people to be creative and reach for new heights.
The sun’s influence on Leo is quite apparent, manifesting as an affinity for drama, theater and acting.
- Stamina: The sun has immense power and has sustained life for many millennia. It nurtures the strength and durability of people under its influence, motivating them to persevere and work harder.
Leo’s strong-willed nature and brute physical strength are a result of the sun’s influence.
- Character: Character refers to the primal sense of self. Who we are as individuals and what sets us apart from others has always been influenced by the sun.
This trait is very prominent in Leo, as they always have a very strong sense of individuality, which is precisely what makes them such good leaders.
- Self-Expression: Self-expression is governed by the sun. The means we choose to express ourselves, our creative pursuits and how we like to spend our free time are all influenced by the sun.
This quality is especially beneficial to Leo. It enhances their already strong and distinct ways of self-expression. It is also worth noting that this quality of the Sun motivates Leo to find a sense of purpose in their life.
Sun Domicile/Home Position
The home position of a planet is where it has the most influence. The sun has the most influence over Leo, so it is said to be the sun’s domicile. When the sun is positioned in Leo, it is said to have domal dignity. This is the strongest dignity a planet can have.
Sun Detriment
Detriment, also known as exile, is when a planet is situated in the zodiac sign opposite to its home position. This position reduces the influence of the planet and reduces its astrological strength. The sun is in detriment when it is in Aquarius.
Sun Exalted
Like domal dignity, exaltation is also one of the 5 core dignities of the planets. A state of exaltation means that the celestial body is at its strongest and most comfortable position. It holds the most influence during this time. The sun is exalted in Aries.
Sun Fall
A fall is the complete opposite of exaltation. It is when the planet is at its weakest. Its influence and everything it represents is suppressed and subdued. The sun is said to be in fall in Libra.
Frequently Asked Questions [Quick Answers Each]
- What Is a Ruling Planet and What Does It Do, Anyway?
A ruling planet in astrology holds ultimate power over the zodiac it is assigned to. It has vast influence over the key associations of the zodiac and decides how it reacts to other celestial bodies.
If you are wondering what gives a zodiac certain qualities and sets them apart from others, it is the influence of the ruling planet.
- How Are Ruling Planets Assigned?
Ruling planets are assigned on the basis of influence. When a planet is at its strongest and most influential in a zodiac house, it becomes the ruler of the zodiac.
The influence of the ruling planets shapes the traits, energies and life paths of the zodiacs.
- When Does a Ruling Planet Influence Its Zodiac Sign the Most?
A ruling planet influences its zodiac sign the most when it is exalted. A state of exaltation occurs when the planet arrives at its strongest position. It is also known as domal dignity.
- Why Do Some Signs Have Two Ruling Planets?
When zodiac signs were first assigned ruling planets, some planets had not been discovered yet. Thus, some of the signs shared ruling planets.
With the discovery of new planets and their influence on the zodiac, these new planets were assigned as rulers to the appropriate zodiacs, leaving them with two planetary rulers.
- Ancient vs Modern Ruling Planets
Some planets are the rulers of two zodiac houses because all planets had not been discovered at that time. As new planets were discovered, they were made the rulers of the zodiacs that shared their traits.
The older ruling planets were known as ancient rulers and the newly discovered planets were called modern rulers.
Modern rulers typically share traits and characteristics with their zodiac houses, whereas ancient rulers have direct impact and influence over the zodiacs.
Conclusion & Summary
Leo is ruled by the sun. Since it is at the center of our universe and occupies an all-important position in our lives, it has immense power and influence over every zodiac. It has a special influence on Leo as its ruling celestial body.
It nurtures leadership qualities, confidence and strength in Leo. It can also make them rash, hotheaded or overbearing.
The most important thing for Leo is to develop a healthy sense of self-awareness and to surround themselves with people who ground them to reality. Doing so will bring a healthy balance to their lives.
