If your rising sign is Aries, Mars is your chart ruler. Mars represents your drive, courage, and need to define yourself as an individual. Where it lies in your birth chart will influence your character and desires in life. As your chart ruler, it will help affect how you present yourself to the world.
Keep reading to learn more about how your chart ruler, Mars, could help to shape the way you leave your mark, how it helps mold the mask you wear, and what this may mean for you!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Your chart ruler, Mars shapes the version of yourself you show others.
- Mars’ courage and competitive nature may shine through to others.
- The sign of your chart ruling Mars will also influence your personality.

Table of Contents
- Mars Chart Ruler: Meaning
- Mars Chart Ruler: Traits and Desires
- Mars Chart Ruler Through the Zodiac Signs
- Mars Chart Ruler in Aries
- Mars Chart Ruler in Taurus
- Mars Chart Ruler in Gemini
- Mars Chart Ruler in Cancer
- Mars Chart Ruler in Leo
- Mars Chart Ruler in Virgo
- Mars Chart Ruler in Libra
- Mars Chart Ruler in Scorpio
- Mars Chart Ruler in Sagittarius
- Mars Chart Ruler in Capricorn
- Mars Chart Ruler in Aquarius
- Mars Chart Ruler in Pisces
Mars Chart Ruler: Meaning
In astrology, your chart ruler is the planet that rules your rising sign, the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth.
It represents the persona or facade that you present to others and your approach to the world.
If your rising sign is Aries or Scorpio, Mars is considered your chart ruler.
Mars is Aries’ only ruler, so its only chart ruler. Scorpio has two rulers with Pluto as its modern ruler and Mars as its traditional one. So with Scorpio, Mars shares its role as chart ruler and Pluto’s position should also be taken into consideration.
As chart ruler, Mars is connected to how you express your rising sign. Its placement in your natal chart can provide further insight and nuance to the persona or mask that you wear in the world.
So, what kind of vibe does your Mars as chart ruler bring to your outward persona?
Before you go further, we created a Mars as chart ruler worksheet, emailed to you FREE when you sign up for our newsletter below!

Mars Chart Ruler: Traits and Desires
In astrology, Mars represents that thing inside of us that pushes us forward even when the situation is scary or stressful.
Mars represents the principle of action and drives us toward courage and asserting our place in the world.
With an Aries or Scorpio rising sign, Mars helps to shape your personality because these signs are partly shaped by the qualities of this planet, some of which are highlighted below.
- Fiery
- Aggressive
- Enthusiastic
- Assertive
- Action-oriented
- Passionate
- Self-centered
- Strong-willed
- Impulsive
- Brave
- Direct
- Determined
- Competitive
- Physical
- Forceful
- Energetic
Mars Chart Ruler Through the Zodiac Signs
Each Zodiac sign has specific needs and tools that, when used in a healthy manner, can bring greater happiness and fulfillment to one’s life.
Below is a quick overview of how Mars could be influenced by each sign as your chart ruler.
Keep in mind that these aren’t rules written in stone. These descriptions can only begin to offer a glimpse into how each sign could paint your chart ruler in a slightly different way.
Mars Chart Ruler in Aries
With your chart ruling Mars in dignity in Aries, your friends and family may see you as someone who would fight for what’s yours or to protect others no matter what the consequences may be.
You may be unshakable on the outside, even if you know you should be terrified on the inside.
Others may describe you as a brave soul and someone with passionate, intense energy about you that couldn’t be contained even if you tried.
You may have a stubborn streak, and there may be times when you act before fully thinking it through, but this spontaneous attitude, along with your zest for life, also inspires others to follow where you may lead.
With your chart ruling Mars in Aries, those around you know that you will always be straight with them, speaking from your heart and not making things overly complicated or playing games.
Saying exactly what you feel also includes speaking words in anger, so be careful not to let your quick and hot temper boil over onto those around you.
Aries shapes Mars to be:
- extra enthusiastic
- very intense
- independent
- physical
- quite assertive
- impulsive
- even more passionate
Mars Chart Ruler in Taurus
If your chart ruling Mars is in Taurus, others may see you as someone who may take a while to think about which direction you want to go, but once you get going are unstoppable.
Perseverance is the name of the game for a chart ruling Mars in Taurus. Once you start, you may have the tools needed to keep pushing toward your goal for the long haul.
Your friends and family may see you as someone who may have a fiery temper, but who needs to be pushed pretty far before you let it come out.
With Taurus shaping your Mars chart ruler, you may have an internal battle between wanting peace and wanting to fight.
This holds true for stability in your everyday life as you may be drawn to both the safe and secure path and also the new, exciting path at the same time.
Your placements are there for a reason and so be sure you strive for a balance between the two.
Taurus shapes Mars to be:
- peaceful
- simple
- reliant on companionship
- consistent
- stable
- sensual
- seeking comfort
Mars Chart Ruler in Gemini
With a chart ruling Mars in Gemini, those around you may see you as someone who is always lively to listen to.
You may not be shy about starting a conversation with anyone, and sometimes the things that come out of your mouth may surprise even you with their directness and impulsivity.
Your areas of interest may also change rapidly and you may charge ahead to where your curiosities lead you, wherever that may be!
With gusto, you are able to speak about your interests or areas of expertise with confidence. There is a good chance that public speaking doesn’t scare you, or even if it does, you would do it anyway.
Your friends and family may see you as someone who would never back down in a debate. Fortunately, with that Gemini influence, you may come equipped with the sharp mind and breadth of knowledge necessary to win!
Just be sure that you don’t pursue arguments that aren’t necessary, just for the sake of arguing.
Gemini shapes Mars to be:
- curious
- restless
- more adventurous
- a better communicator
- quick-minded
- intellectual
- a bit more intellectual
Mars Chart Ruler in Cancer
If your chart ruling Mars is in Cancer, your friends, and family may see you as the one person that they know would never leave their side no matter what.
You may be an incredibly loyal friend, family member, and partner, and would defend any of them with everything you have, no matter the consequences.
There may be intense emotions that brew inside of you most of the time.
With this Cancer influence, these feelings may need to come out, which should be seen as an act of bravery. Not everyone has the courage to face their emotions, but you may have the tools to do so.
With your chart ruling Mars in Cancer, just make sure that you give yourself enough alone time to deal with your emotions to ensure that your volatile moods don’t spill out onto those you love most.
Cancer shapes Mars to be:
- compassionate
- protective
- more of a homebody
- intuitive
- a bit more selfless
- moody
- imaginative
Mars Chart Ruler in Leo
With a chart ruling Mars in Leo, people who meet you probably won’t be able to forget you.
Others would describe you as full of life, passionate, and generous.
Your confidence may be contagious and could come off in a way that makes others want to follow you as you may increase their confidence, as well.
With your Mars sitting in Leo, you may be courageous when it comes to how you leave your mark on the world, brave enough to make yourself vulnerable and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Your family and friends may know that once you set your mind to something, you will have the drive to get it done and with style!
There is a good chance that you aren’t someone who is afraid to go after what they want, but just make sure that you aren’t bulldozing over others on your way there.
Leo shapes Mars to be:
- larger than life
- organized
- magnetic
- expressive
- appreciative of attention
- generous
- fiery and passionate
Mars Chart Ruler in Virgo
If your chart ruling Mars is in Virgo, your friends, and family may know that you would rarely jump headfirst into something without thinking it through. You jumped, but more than likely had a plan!
Others may see you as someone who works hard, has a great deal of self-discipline, and is able to finish what you start, no matter how intricate or detailed it is.
In fact, it may be very important to you that you are brave enough to be humble and push yourself. You wouldn’t be scared off from a profession or hobby that takes a great amount of practice or time to master.
With your chart ruling Mars in Virgo, other people may appreciate your ambition and perseverance, but it may not be admiration that drives you. It may be an inner need to take your skills where they are and bring them as close to perfection as possible.
Just remember that constant pursuit of perfection could stop you in your tracks and won’t move you forward in life.
Virgo shapes Mars to be:
- concerned with details
- even more determined
- less impulsive
- practical
- seeking improvement
- never satisfied
- sensual
Mars Chart Ruler in Libra
With a chart ruling Mars in Libra, others may view you as someone who is great at pursuing friendships or romantic partners.
Mars in Libra offers you bravery when it comes to relationships, allowing you to really stick your neck out there and be the one who asks an acquaintance if they want to hang out later, or who asks for the first date.
And, once you form a connection, you may be very good at fighting for that relationship and staying committed to it for the long haul.
There is also a good chance that you are skilled at activities that involve strategy, or at least when the strategy involves figuring out your opponent’s next move.
Your friends and family may know you as a charmer, but just make sure that you don’t lose yourself completely in relationships, fighting to keep them going when the other person isn’t putting in much effort.
Libra shapes Mars to be:
- a bit more peaceful
- more diplomatic
- reliant on partnerships
- charming
- indecisive
- strategic
- appreciative of art and aesthetics
Mars Chart Ruler in Scorpio
If your chart ruling Mars is at home in Scorpio, others may see you as someone with an incredible intensity about them.
People may see you as quite passionate, ambitious, and charismatic.
And you may use this ambition and charisma to chase power.
You may be someone who is always brave enough to be yourself no matter what social situation or environment you are in.
It isn’t that you couldn’t put the social mask on that you see others wear to make yourself appear “proper,” it’s just that you couldn’t stomach it. Trying to “play the part” can be exhausting for you.
With your chart ruling Mars in Scorpio, your friends and family may know that you are not someone to shy away from the ugly truths in life and may actually pursue them.
Complete honesty may be very important to you, but remember that not everyone is as well equipped to handle the truth as you are.
Scorpio shapes Mars to be:
- more intense
- very passionate
- emotionally deep
- more direct and honest
- moody
- quite tenacious
- empathetic
Mars Chart Ruler in Sagittarius
With your chart ruling Mars in Sagittarius, others may see you as someone who always lives life to its fullest.
You may love nothing more than to experience new things, and you are going to go where ever you need to go and do whatever you need to do, to follow your curiosities.
There is a fire about you that others can feel and it often bubbles out as spontaneity.
Other people may find you to be enthusiastic and passionate in a way that makes them want to follow your lead.
Your ideals may be very strong and your family and friends know that once you have formed an opinion about something, there is no changing your mind.
With your chart ruling Mars in Sagittarius, you may also be someone who fights for your ideals.
Finding meaning in your life may be incredibly important to you, but remember that even if you think you “find it,” others won’t appreciate having it pushed onto them.
Sagittarius shapes Mars to be:
- more adventurous
- fiery and passionate
- restless
- quite independent
- philosophical
- very enthusiastic
- open-minded
Mars Chart Ruler in Capricorn
If your chart ruling Mars lies in Capricorn, your family and friends may see you as a person who is perfect for helping with events or special occasions because you can look at what needs to be done, prioritize, and work at it until everything is done.
Exhaustion? No matter! You will persevere.
Others may see you as a focused person who will show up for them, someone they can trust.
When decisions need to be made, you make them with confidence and you not be scared to push yourself toward your goals with everything you’ve got.
With Capricorn influencing your chart ruling Mars, your ambition may be off the charts and you may be fine with being the “lone wolf,” pushing yourself toward what you want even if no one is behind you.
Just watch that you aren’t neglecting your personal needs in the process.
Capricorn shapes Mars to be:
- very driven
- practical
- more mature
- hard working
- quite independent
- patient
- less impulsive
Mars Chart Ruler in Aquarius
If you find your chart ruling Mars in Aquarius, you may be seen as someone who is going to do things their own way no matter what the consequences may be.
There is no other choice than to be true to yourself. No tradition, and no authority is going to sway you from what you want to do.
Your friends and family may see you as someone who fights for your personal ideals.
Sometimes this opens their eyes to new ways of thinking and at times your ideas may excite, scare, confuse, or even anger them.
However, your loved ones may also find you to be a fantastic and loyal friend.
With your chart ruling Mars in Aquarius, your unique viewpoints are impossible for you to ignore, but just be careful that you aren’t setting fire to traditions just to watch them burn. Not all of them are flawed.
Aquarius shapes Mars to be:
- more self-sufficient
- unique
- concerned with fairness
- idealistic
- imaginative and inventive
- loyal
- quite direct
Mars Chart Ruler in Pisces
With your chart ruling Mars in Pisces, people may see you as a “spiritual warrior” who follows “your gut” with fire and gusto.
You may find that others see you as a leader in faith or spirit and someone who they want to follow.
There may be an internal war within you and you may feel pushed to assert your power in the world while also feeling drawn to drop your ego and seek oneness.
Trying to “feel” your way toward your goals and greatest potential may sometimes not be a straight line which might confuse those who know you, and even yourself at times.
Finding the right direction may feel challenging at times, just be careful to not give up the search.
Pisces shapes Mars to be:
- a bit more compassionate
- instinctive
- devoted
- imaginative
- mystical or spiritual
- less independent
- vulnerable
What does it mean if Mars is my chart ruler?
If Mars is your chart ruler, it means that Mars rules the sign of the Zodiac that your 1st House lands in. Mars rules both Aries and Scorpio, so if either of these signs is your rising sign, Mars is your chart ruler and helps to shape your outward persona.
What are some characteristics of someone with Mars as their chart ruler?
Mars is the planet of courage and ambition. Someone with Mars as their chart ruler may come off as a brave leader in some aspect of life. People may be drawn to their warm and intense nature.
How does the sign Mars sits in affect it as my chart ruler?
Because it is your chart ruler, Mars’ sign will add another level of complexity to the “mask” you wear in the world. This sign’s traits and qualities will help influence how others see you and how you see the world.
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