Zodiac Sign Icons: Rulers, Glyphs, Associations

Venus is Taurus' planetary ruler. Through Venus, we learn about our tastes, pleasures, artistic inclinations, love life, money matters, and what makes us happy. Venus also rules the sign of Libra.

Taurus has the peace-loving, sensual, pleasure-seeking qualities of its ruler, Venus.

The Taurus glyph, depicted here, represents the bull's head and horns.

Flowers associated with Taurus are the rose (representing love, beauty, and passion) and the poppy (representing rest and imagination, depicted here).

The constellation of Taurus is depicted here. It's the only constellation crossed by the galactic equator, celestial equator, and the ecliptic.

Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac and is also associated with the second house.

The second house rules the degree to which we are faithful to our values, money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, monetary prospects, speech, the throat, the nape of the neck, our ability to provide for ourselves, and more.

Colors associated with the sign of Taurus are green, yellow, and orange.

Taurus' element is Earth. There are three Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Earth signs are reliable, practical, and sensual.

Taurus' mode is Fixed. There are four signs in the FIXED family: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.

Fixed signs are loyal, steadfast, and stubborn. They tend to resist change and they have excellent follow-through.

The symbol for Taurus is the Bull. The bull is a symbol of strength, tenacity, virility, and power. Left alone, a bull will happily graze; but if it is bothered, it will charge! Similarly, the Taurus personality is thought to be calm and peaceful, but when their anger is aroused, their temper can be wicked.

Taureans are persevering, strong individuals, who can also be quite "bull-headed." They can be dogged and determined when they have a goal in mind. Taureans are also quite sensual and, often, self-indulgent "beasts."

Taurus is associated with a number of gemstones, including the emerald (associated with Venus and thought to preserve love), the rose quartz (fertility, friendship, love), and the diamond (strength, commitment, and endurance).

The metal associated with Taurus is copper.

Copper is the metal of Venus. Copper has enhancing properties, much like the sign of Taurus, and is associated with beauty, love, artistry, and sensuality.

Depicted here, the glyph or symbol used to represent Taurus' ruling planet, Venus.

The Venus glyph reveals spirit (circle) over matter (cross). It is similar to the glyph of Mercury, but minus a crescent, reflecting the evaluation of sensations and experiences through the feelings, as opposed to rational thought.

Mercury is Gemini's planetary ruler, and the planet Mercury is depicted here.

Mercury, the messenger of the gods, is the ruler of both Gemini and Virgo. It is the planet of day-to-day expression and communication. Mercury's action is to take things apart and put them back together again. It is an opportunistic planet, decidedly unemotional and curious. Mercury analyzes, sorts, groups, and makes sense of things -- and so does Gemini!

Gemini's glyph is shown here.

The glyph for Gemini depicts two lines joined together, showing the symbolism of the twins, and the duality of the nature of the sign.

Flowers associated with Gemini are the lily of the valley (which represents love, happiness, and humility, depicted here) and lavender (which represents refinement and elegance).

Gemini's element is AIR. There are three Air signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air signs are intellectual, detached, and fair-minded.

While Air signs share the same element of Air, they each have a different modality: Gemini is Mutable Air, Libra is Cardinal Air, and Aquarius is Fixed Air. Gemini is considered the most adaptable of the Air signs. Gemini takes an intellectual or mental approach to life.

The symbol for Gemini is the Twins.

Geminis are said to have a dual nature, as symbolized by twins. This duality also represents exchange and interaction. The sign of Gemini is closely associated with the exchange of ideas, communication, and trade.

The sign of Gemini is thought to be very adaptable and flexible, sometimes to the point of "being" two different personalities.

Gemini belongs to the Mutable Modality. There are four signs, including Gemini, in the Mutable group: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. Each of these signs is of a different element but share the same mode.

Mutable signs are flexible, adaptable, and changeable. Although they can be inconsistent and lack follow-through, they are ready to make small changes and adjustments to accommodate others.

It can be said that Gemini is a Mutable Air sign, where Mutable is its mode and Air is its element.

The glyph of Gemini's ruling planet, Mercury, is depicted here.

Mercury's glyph, or symbol, resembles that of Venus, with the addition of a semi-circle (hat) at the top. Spirit (circle) over matter (cross), resulting in receptivity (crescent). This suggests the evaluation of the senses through rational thought.

The constellation of Gemini is depicted here.

The metal associated with Gemini is quicksilver.

Gemstones associated with Gemini are the agate (representing strength and said to help reduce stress, dizziness, and headaches, particularly useful for the often mentally stimulated Gemini sign) and emerald (representing love, depicted here).

The color most associated with Gemini is yellow, connected with optimism, cheerfulness, friendliness, lightheartedness, and freshness.

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac and is also associated with the third house.

The third house rules the mind, communication, interactions in our immediate environment, siblings and early environment, neighbors, thoughts, short trips, writing and speaking, our practical thinking, how we classify and examine information, our need to hear news (and/or gossip) and for spreading news, mental dexterity, lungs, airways, hands, letters, emails, documents, telephones, the neighborhood, everyday mental chores and mental activities, means of transportation, getting from point A to point B, speech, and more.

The Sun is Leo's planetary ruler. Through the Sun, we derive our life purpose.

The Sun represents our conscious mind in Astrology. It represents our will to live and our creative life force. The Sun is our ego. It is also our "adult"-- the part of us that censors our "inner child", that reasons things out and makes final decisions. The Sun directs us and can be considered "the boss" of our chart, and, like its ruler, Leo is a proud leader.

The Leo glyph, depicted here, may represent the two valves of the heart since Leo rules the heart; alternatively, it can be considered the mane of Leo's symbol, the lion.

Flowers associated with Leo are the sunflower (depicted here and representing vitality, admiration, strength, and positivity -- all traits associated with Leo), the gerbera (representing happiness), and the marigold (representing passion).

Leo's element is Fire. There are three Fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire signs are spontaneous, reactive, and assertive.

With Fire, we have pride, passion, courage, creativity, and impulse -- all traits associated with Leo. Leo, as a Fixed Fire sign, is passionate and loyal.

The symbol for Leo is the Lion. The majestic lion, the King of the Beasts, is Leo's symbol. The lion symbolizes sovereignty, rulership, and courage.

Leos, like lions, are strong leaders. They have a regal manner that is unmistakable.

Leo's mode is Fixed. There are four signs in the FIXED family: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.

Fixed signs are loyal, steadfast, and stubborn. They tend to resist change and possess excellent follow-through. As a Fixed Fire sign, Leo is passionately loyal.

Depicted here, the glyph or symbol used to represent Leo's ruling planet, the Sun.

The Sun glyph shows the circle of Spirit, indicating potentiality, brought to focus in the central point or dot.

The constellation of Leo is depicted here and is as distinctive as the sign with its many bright stars. 

The metal associated with Leo is gold.

Gold is the metal of Leo's ruler, the Sun. Gold symbolizes purity, perfection, vitality, and prosperity.

Leo is associated with a number of gemstones, mainly the ruby (pictured here, and symbolizing vitality, passion, and energy).

Colors associated with the sign of Leo are gold, yellow, and orange.

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac and is also associated with the fifth house.

The fifth house rules creative self-expression, pleasure and entertainment, all forms of "play", speculation and gambling, pastimes, hobbies, attitude towards romance, romantic relationships, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun, drama, adornments and costumes.

Mercury is Virgo's planetary ruler, and the planet Mercury is depicted here.

Mercury, the messenger of the gods, is the ruler of both Gemini and Virgo. It is the planet of day-to-day expression and communication. Mercury's action is to take things apart and put them back together again. It is an opportunistic planet, decidedly unemotional and curious. Mercury analyzes, sorts, groups, and makes sense of things -- and so does Virgo!

Virgo's glyph is shown here.

The glyph for Virgo is thought to depict sexual organs, with a tail that wraps inwards, closing itself to the world. This is in contrast to the symbol for Scorpio, which is similar, except that the tail points outward and upward.

Flowers associated with Virgo are the morning glory (depicted here), the aster, and the chrysanthemum.

Virgo's element is Earth. There are three Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Earth signs are reliable, practical, and sensual.

The symbol for Virgo is the Virgin.

Virgo is sometimes depicted as a woman carrying a sheaf of wisdom, representing the harvesting of wheat at the time of year of the Virgo (late summer).

Virgo belongs to the Mutable Modality. There are four signs, including Gemini, in the Mutable group: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. Each of these signs is of a different element but share the same mode.

Mutable signs are flexible, adaptable, and changeable. Although they can be inconsistent and lack follow-through, they are ready to make small changes and adjustments to accommodate others.

It can be said that Virgo is a Mutable Earth sign, where Mutable is its mode and Earth is its element.

The glyph of Virgo's ruling planet, Mercury, is depicted here.

Mercury's glyph, or symbol, resembles that of Venus, with the addition of a semi-circle (hat) at the top. Spirit (circle) over matter (cross), resulting in receptivity (crescent). This suggests the evaluation of the senses through rational thought.

The constellation of Virgo is depicted here.

The metal associated with Virgo is quicksilver. Quicksilver has the appearance of aliveness/mobility and is highly reflective, and was associated with the mind. Fluidity and changeability are often connected to Virgo and Mercury.

Gemstones associated with Virgo are the sapphire which represents loyalty and trust, sardonyx which is associated with eloquence, yellow agate which is associated with memory and logic, and peridot (depicted here) -- symbolizing youthfulness and a connection to nature.

The colors most associated with Virgo are beige, navy blue, and grey.

Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac and is also associated with the sixth house.

The sixth house rules work and job (as opposed to career), techniques and methods, daily life, order, self-improvement, health, nutrition, attitude towards food, service, attitude towards service and co-workers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how we refine and perfect ourselves, aptitudes.

The ruling planet of Libra is Venus, depicted here.

Through Venus, we learn about our tastes, pleasures, artistic inclinations, love life, attitude towards money, and desire for harmony and peace.

Libra seeks balance, harmony, and equality. Libra is artistic and has a keen sense of balance and eye for beauty. Libra achieves its goals through the powers of attraction and diplomacy.

Libra's glyph is shown here.

This glyph or symbol can, on the one hand, represent the setting sun. It can also symbolize scales for weighing and is representative of "approximately equal to" -- Libra is constantly seeking balance and equality, measuring and weighing matters carefully.

The scales are a symbol of justice.

Flowers associated with Libra are the rose (depicted here and representing love, beauty, and passion) and the Narcissus (representing rebirth, inner reflection, inspiration, and on the negative side, vanity).

Libra's element is AIR. There are three Air signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air signs are intellectual, detached, and fair-minded.

While Air signs share the same element of Air, they each have a different modality: Gemini is Mutable Air, Libra is Cardinal Air, and Aquarius is Fixed Air.

The symbol for Libra is the Scales.

Libra measures and weighs matters carefully. The scales are a symbol of justice. Libra seeks equality, balance, and harmony. The scales symbol is apt for this fair-minded sign that is especially focused on evening the score and balancing give-and-take. Libra is brilliant at seeing the other side of a situation.

Libra's mode is Cardinal. There are four Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.

Cardinal signs want action! They correspond to the beginning of each of the four seasons.

Depicted here, the glyph or symbol used to represent Libra's ruling planet, Venus.

The Venus glyph reveals spirit (circle) over matter (cross). It is similar to the glyph of Mercury, but minus a crescent, reflecting the evaluation of sensations and experiences through the feelings, as opposed to rational thought.

The constellation of Libra is depicted here.

The metal associated with Libra is copper.

Copper is the metal of Venus. Copper has enhancing properties, much like the sign of Libra, and is associated with beauty, love, artistry, and sensuality.

Libra is associated with a number of gemstones, including sapphire, the smoky quartz , jade, chrysolite, marble and the diamond (strength, commitment, and endurance).

Colors associated with the sign of Libra are pastel green (representing harmony, love, freshness, and vitality), rose pink, and indigo blue.

Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac and is also associated with the seventh house.

The seventh house rules companionship, the alter ego, partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, our “shadow self”, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, and more.

The flowers associated with the sign of Scorpio are the chrysanthemum (depicted here) symbolizing optimism and fidelity, the geranium, and the rhododendron.

The glyph associated with Scorpio is depicted here.

The curves of Scorpio's glyph represent the grounded nature of the sign, ending in an upward-turned arrow, symbolizing the need for action and the striving for something higher. Some believe the symbol represents genitals.

The planetary rulers of Scorpio are Pluto, which represents rebirth and transformation, and Mars, with keywords energy and passion.

Scorpio's element is WATER. There are three water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Water signs are fluid, emotional, and intuitive.

The scorpion is Scorpio's primary symbol.

Scorpions inflict disabling stings with their tails, and Scorpios are thought to be rather cunning and/or vengeful.

Another symbol for Scorpio is the Eagle, symbolizing courage and power, clear vision, and intelligence.

Scorpio's mode is Fixed. There are four signs in the FIXED family: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.

Fixed signs are loyal, steadfast, and stubborn. They tend to resist change and possess excellent follow-through.

The glyphs of Scorpio's ruling planets, Pluto and Mars, are depicted here.

The glyph for Pluto combines the circle (spirit) over the crescent (receptivity) and the cross (matter). This glyph suggests spiritual receptivity to “super-worlds” or the superconscious, placed above the physical world.

The glyph for Mars may represent Mars' shield and spear. It can also be considered the circle of spirit directed outwards and thrust onto the world, symbolizing direction and assertion.

The constellation of Scorpio is depicted here.

The metals associated with Scorpio are steel (depicted here) and iron. Iron is connected to power, courage, and protection.

There are several gemstones associated with the sign of Scorpio: the opal (pictured here and representing faithfulness and confidence), the blood red carnelian, and topaz are some. The topaz symbolizes strength and vibrancy.

The colors associated with Scorpio are deep red, brown, gold, and purple.

Scorpio is the 8th sign of the zodiac and is associated with the eighth house.

The eighth house rules transformation and crisis, our attitude towards crisis and change, sexuality, sex, death and rebirth, personal growth and transformation, regeneration, our partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, others’ money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

The flowers associated with Sagittarius are the carnation (depicted, and representing good luck and pure love), hydrangea (representing earnestness, prosperity, and abundance), and peony (representing honor and abundance).

The glyph for the sign of Sagittarius is depicted here.

As a symbol of the Archer, the Sagittarian glyph resembles an arrow. This glyph symbolizes the desire for direction, a higher purpose, and abundance. It represents the eternal quest.

Jupiter is Sagittarius' planetary ruler.

Jupiter symbolizes reach, broader purpose, and possibilities. Jupiter is a moral, just, and truth-seeking force. The first of the social planets, Jupiter seeks insight through knowledge. Optimism and growth (including mental and spiritual growth) come under its rule. On the up side, Jupiter is associated with a sense of humor, good will, and mercy. The more negative manifestations of Jupiter include blind optimism, excess, and overindulgence. Irresponsibility that results from blind optimism, not ill will, can be displayed.

Sagittarius' element is Fire. There are three Fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire signs are spontaneous, reactive, and assertive.

With Fire, we have pride, passion, courage, creativity, and impulse -- all traits associated with Sagittarius.

The symbol for Sagittarius is the Centaur or Archer.

Sagittarius is symbolized by the Archer–half-man, half-horse. This represents the Sagittarian’s attempt to free itself from man’s animal nature. The centaur is thought to symbolize the development of the human soul. It symbolizes the animal natures and desires of man, as well as its spiritual aspirations. In Greek mythology, centaurs were adventurous, brave, and wise, although also given to brawling and uncivilized behavior.

Sagittarius' modality is MUTABLE. There are four mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

Mutable signs are flexible, adaptable, and changeable. Although they can be inconsistent and lack follow-through, they are ready to make small changes and adjustments to accommodate others.

The glyph of Sagittarius' planetary ruler, Jupiter, is depicted here.

Jupiter's glyph, or symbol, shows the crescent of receptivity rising above the cross of matter. This symbolizes Jupiter’s role in raising our awareness beyond the physical world. Jupiter encourages us to reach, expand, and improve.

This is a depiction of the constellation, Sagittarius.

The sign of Sagittarius is associated with the metal tin, depicted here.

Tin represents knowledge, wisdom, balance, philosophy, and mediation. It's also connected to prosperity.

Gems associated with Sagittarius include the azurite, blue sapphire, and topaz (depicted here).

Sagittarius is associated with the color turquoise, representing calm, wisdom, good luck, joy, and intuition.

Sagittarius is the ninth astrological sign and is associated with the ninth house.

The ninth house rules our personal belief system, our sense of adventure, exploration, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce.

The glyph for Capricorn is represented here.

Perhaps the most odd-looking of the group, this glyph can be viewed as the twisted horns of a goat. Alternatively, the V is thought to depict the goat's beard; and the tail is that of a fish (Capricorn, in ancient times, was associated with the sea-goat).

The flowers associated with the sign of Capricorn are the pansy (depicted here, and representing consideration, carefulness, pondering) and lotus (representing patience and faithfulness).

The ruling planet of the sign of Capricorn is Saturn, depicted here.

Saturn brings structure and meaning to our world as it is fully aware of the limits of time and matter. Saturn reminds us of our boundaries, our responsibilities, and our commitments. It brings definition to our lives. Saturn makes us aware of the need for self-control and of boundaries.

Capricorn's element is Earth. There are three Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Earth signs are reliable, practical, and sensual.

The symbol for Capricorn is the Goat. Goats are considered to be rather hardy animals. Capricorn is most often compared to the mountain goat. Capricorns are thought to be loners at heart, with introverted characters. Mountain goats find security in cliffs and heights–the highest places that can be climbed.

Slowly but surely, a goat climbs the mountain. And, Capricorns are thought to move through life, achieving success slowly but surely. Strength of character is also associated with Capricorn.

Capricorn's mode is Cardinal. There are four Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.

Cardinal signs want action! They correspond to the beginning of each of the four seasons.

Depicted here, the glyph or symbol used to represent Capricorn's ruling planet, Saturn.

Saturn's glyph, or symbol, shows the cross of matter (reality) over the soul, representing the material nature of man reigning. Note that the symbol of Saturn is the symbol of Jupiter inverted!

The constellation of Capricorn is depicted here.

The metal associated with Capricorn is lead (representing durability, strength, endurance, and stability).

Capricorn is associated with a number of gemstones, including the onyx (representing self-control, discipline, spiritual strength, and focus) and amber (representing wisdom and clarity).

Colors associated with the sign of Capricorn are brown (representing steadfastness, dependability, and simplicity) and purple.

Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac and is also associated with the tenth house.

The tenth house rules career and profession, contribution to society, position in society, social standing, reputation, material success and position, how we carve out an identity for ourselves, achievement, authority figures, paternal figures, the father or most “paternal” parent/caregiver, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, attitude towards abiding by the law, desire for achievement.