The Planets in Esoteric Astrology
The Rulership of the Signs 

(Artwork by Jean Luc Bozzoli)

As each sign has an exoteric ruler, considered to be the pure outer expression of the signs characteristics, it also has an esoteric ruler which bestows the spiritual support for the Life Force/Personality. 

The esoteric ruler of the Ascendant offers spiritual opportunities through the house it occupies. The natal ascendant holds the spiritual destiny, the signature of the soul’s purpose. It uplifts the soul’s consciousness and describes by its sign and degree the purpose of the soul. Exoterically, acting as the vehicle for the soul and esoterically describing its expressions and needs. The esoteric ruler of the Sun sign offers spiritual support for the life force and personality. 

Aries

In Aries the exoteric Mars puts forth great thrusts of action; what is felt by inclination is immediately acted upon. The fiery independence is easily excited. When the esoteric ruler Mercury is in Aries, the mental body is sensitive to the needs of others. The individual is able to impregnate others with his divine ideation and to put them first. 

Taurus

Venus, exoteric ruler of Taurus, appreciates the gifts of Earth, and that appreciation acts as a target for their attraction. Esoteric ruler Vulcan bestows a will of iron, unrelenting once the purpose is fixed and executed with faithfulness. The individual has the power to teach others to help themselves, to stand alone and be detached.  

Gemini

Mercury the exoteric ruler of Gemini communicates in a multi-faceted manner. His versatility is channelled specially for outward reward and often dissipates into restlessness. Esoteric ruler Venus loves and appreciates the intangible side of life, when in Gemini, and usually disliked being touched {tangible}. It bestows love for the path (chosen goal). Here we find feelings for ideation. 

Cancer

Moon, the exoteric ruler of Cancer, wants to build forms. A hard shell hides the deep emotional nature. All changes stir him, often to a negative reaction. Esoteric ruler Neptune bestows inspiration of a high order and the invisible assistance to bring it into reality. His impressions manifest a vivid imagination, and are nourishment for the soul if this frequency is constructively used. 

Leo

In Leo the royal sun sign the Sun is both exoteric and esoteric ruler. Its outer expression is kerneled in self-conscious activity; it has yet to leave the personal center of existence. Esoterically the Sun-in-Leo’s purpose is to heal others, to illuminate them. His is the might in behalf of the Almighty. After conquering self, he leads his followers into the light. 

Virgo

Exoteric ruler Mercury in Virgo is analytical power. Reasoning is channelled into practical avenues, wherein he learns and then uses that knowledge and the logic he develops for material advantage. Esoteric ruler Moon in Virgo (the Moon is a blind and it is the sign we concentrate on here) inclines to service for good and God. Here is purity of instinct and intellect. As if one were mentally pregnant, he develops an ever-increasing power for thought, and finally Christ consciousness. 

Libra

Exoteric ruler Venus in Libra appreciates the beauty of life with all of its cultural advantages. He loves to share his interest with someone close. Uranus is the esoteric ruler. In Libra the pacesetter is progressive in his decisions. What must be dealt with is done justly with progress in mind. Here is the awakening of the other self to beauty, to idealism, and to intuition. 

Scorpio

Mars is the exoteric ruler of Scorpio, Pluto is sub ruler. Mars provides intense motivation to participate with others. Pluto suffers complications after the initial starts. Esoteric Mars will fight under any condition for his cause. His is the igniting spirit for the chosen cause. The outer expression and spiritual inclinations are much the same, except for the goal. Both expressions are intense. The exoteric is material, the esoteric projects for spiritual and intangible causes. 

Sagittarius

Benevolent Jupiter in Sagittarius seeks truth through exoteric expression, recognising how the spiritual manifests on the material. Earth is the esoteric ruler; here we find the material cushioning spirituality. Earth provides the only means of gaining wisdom. Only on Earth can we gain an understanding of how to intuit rather than learning on logic. 

Capricorn

When Saturn, exoteric and esoteric ruler of Capricorn, is in the chart, patience lays practical foundations. Lilith in Capricorn causes interruptions and frustrations along the uphill climb toward outer success. Esoterically, Saturn is capable of soul service for humanity. Having gained the knowledge that set him free, he then uses his wisdom to supply the needs of others. 

Aquarius

The exoteric rulers of Aquarius are Saturn and Uranus (the sub ruler). Both will provide the know how to bring an abstract vision into reality. Esoteric ruler Jupiter expands the possibilities. Here we have the cosmic ruler who pumps wisdom into humanity; he has become a humanitarian for the multitudes, leading the lost and intimidated into the light. 

Pisces

Jupiter and sub ruler Neptune rule the outer expression of Pisces, the sign of sympathetic service. His exoteric idealistic reasoning is to save the sorrowful from prodigality (Jupiter) helping them onto spirituality {Neptune}. Esoteric ruler Pluto in Pisces renounces the emotional body and is thereby reborn a powerful intellect. He there after becomes highly motivated for humanity and its survival. Previous limitations {self set} no longer exist. 

Note. No-one in our time has Pluto in Pisces, yet some have Pluto in a Piscean decan of Cancer or Scorpio, which will evoke the same response. 

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