Did you know that each of the traditional planets has a sign (or two) where it feels at home? It’s true — these pairings are called “domiciles.”
When a planet is in a sign that it rules (aka “in domicile”), it has all of the tools and resources it needs to do what it does best, with plenty of fuel to spare. And if a planet was in domicile when you were born, that means you’ve got an extra boost of help, momentum, or ease in this part of your birth chart.
Read on to learn where each planet is in domicile and how these placements can support you.
A cheat sheet: the planets and their domicile signs
Every sign has a planetary ruler, and every planet rules two signs — except the Sun and the Moon, which rule one sign each.
- The Sun is in domicile in Leo
- The Moon is in domicile in Cancer
- Mercury is in domicile in Gemini and Virgo
- Venus is in domicile in Taurus and Libra
- Mars is in domicile in Aries and Scorpio
- Jupiter is in domicile in Sagittarius and Pisces
- Saturn is in domicile in Capricorn and Aquarius
How to find out if you have planets in domicile in your birth chart
Great question. Pull up your birth chart in the CHANI app or with our online chart tool and check if you have any planets in the sign placements listed above. If so, those planets are in domicile. Once you’ve located these placements in your chart, reflect on how you find ease or support in these areas of your life.
Now, let’s unpack what that means…
The real-world magic of the planets in their domiciles
The Sun in Leo and the Moon in Cancer
Because the Sun and Moon shine the brightest, they rule the signs that correspond to summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun’s home turf is Leo, and Sol’s vitality and creativity are perfect matches for this expressive fire sign. This placement reminds us that it’s always worthwhile to be yourself, lead with an open heart, and follow the paths that energize and inspire you.
Meanwhile, the waxing and waning Moon finds a homey place to relax in Cancer’s crab shell. In this nurturing water sign, Luna delights in cozy comforts, yummy treats, and the company of loved ones. The Moon in Cancer knows just how important it is to rest, decompress, and even cry to feel safe and secure.
Mercury in Gemini and Virgo
Mercury is at home in the mutable signs of Gemini and Virgo, which is very on-brand for the famously changeable trickster planet. In airy Gemini, Mercury has the freedom to play with words, puzzle out ideas, and effortlessly flutter from topic to topic.
In earthy Virgo, Mercury thrives on analyzing information, organizing absolutely anything, and plunging into the most micro of micro-details. Here, the messenger planet shines when tasked with completing a writing assignment, tackling an elaborate recipe, or breaking down a big, complex project into small, simple pieces.
Venus in Taurus and Libra
Venus’ two home signs — Libra and Taurus — are where the planet of love can enjoy all kinds of sensory and aesthetic pleasures. In Taurus, Venus adores basking in earthly delights. It’s less interested in superficial flirtation and more concerned with displaying affection through everyday acts of care, and it’s invested in building sustainable connections that are grounded in reality. Whether it’s taking a nap in the sunshine, slow-roasting a meal in the oven, or greeting a loved one with a bouquet of wildflowers, Venus in Taurus knows a thing or two about savoring the here and now.
In Libra, Venus excels at all things that require a strong sense of harmony and beauty. Venus in Libra knows how to navigate a tricky conversation as gracefully as possible, and it can transform any environment into a lovely, tastefully designed space. Venus in Libra is all about grand romantic gestures, and it’s not afraid to flaunt its undeniable charms.
Mars in Aries and Scorpio
Mars’ domiciles are the signs of Aries and Scorpio. Mars’ bravery and daring are in step with Aries, the fast-paced fire sign that needs to arrive at its destination five minutes ago. In Aries, the warrior planet is always revved up and ready to go, and it dives into the action with plenty of courage to spare. It’s all about going for it — immediately. And it’s willing to put off cleaning up the mess until later.
In Scorpio, Mars prefers to play the long game. With a flair for scheming and the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, Mars in Scorpio has a strategic edge. It’s incredibly skilled at crafting a clever plan and following through, no matter how long it takes to reach the finish line. It’s got a sharp BS radar, and it’s usually five steps ahead of everyone else. It’s also undeniably magnetic — think of Mars in Scorpio as the brooding, mysterious stranger who captures your attention from across the room.
Jupiter in Sagittarius and Pisces
Jupiter’s two home signs are Sagittarius and Pisces. In its fiery domicile of Sagittarius, the planet of generosity and abundance is all about believing in the best-case scenario. Jupiter in Sagittarius is an unapologetic optimist with a thirst for adventure, and it’s always eager for opportunities to grow. It thrives on traveling, exploring, and making meaning through all the lessons learned along the way.
In watery Pisces, there are no limits to the blessings that the fairy godmother planet can pour out. Pisces’ boundless compassion and imagination complement expansive Jupiter’s desire to dream bigger. This placement is all about stretching our faith in the unknown and daring to lead with vulnerability.
Saturn in Capricorn and Aquarius
Finally, Saturn is at home in the two signs that are farthest from the domiciles of the Sun and Moon. In Capricorn, the planet of structure finds a sturdy place to land, and it’s willing to dedicate long hours of serious effort to get things done according to its very high standards. While Saturn’s strong work ethic and unshakable persistence shine in this earth sign, it also needs to pace itself and pencil in breaks to let off steam along the way.
In airy Aquarius, Saturn is more concerned with shaping ideas, systems, and institutions for the greater good. This forward-thinking sign brings out the intellectual side of Saturn, which isn’t afraid to plunge into philosophical discussions and take apart illogical arguments. Saturn has an independent streak in this placement, and it needs plenty of breathing room to contemplate its lofty goals. But in socially conscious Aquarius, Saturn also benefits from embracing the warmth of human connection.
Want more?
If you’re ready to learn more about your birth chart and how to work with it, check out our other Astro 101 articles.
