As stated earlier, when a planet in its home sign it has the easiest time expressing itself because the energies between the two are similar.
Each sign with its ruling planet is listed below along with a description of the characteristics that they have in common:
Aries is ruled by Mars.
Mars is a very energetic planet. It is brave, adventurous, assertive, impatient, impulsive and restless. Aries shares many of these qualities. Aries wants to be first. Like Mars, it is restless, always forging ahead, can be aggressive and is always seeking out new adventures.
Taurus is ruled by Venus.
Venus represents beauty, possessions, sensuality and attraction. Taurus is materialistic and seeks to accumulate many possessions. It wants comfort. Taurus will use its patience and determination to accomplish its desires. Unlike Aries, Taurus will not chase after what it wants. Rather, Taurus will sit back and attempt to attract its desires to itself.
Gemini is ruled by Mercury.
Mercury is communicatative, intellectual, quick, dexterous and restless. Geminis thrive by communicating. They are quick witted, always seeking to learn new things. They do their best when their mind is actively stimulated.
Cancer is ruled by the Moon.
The Moon is emotional, nurturing, perceptive and changeable. It represents the unconscious mind. Cancer is emotional, nurturing and sentimental. It is the sign of motherhood. Cancer is an intuitive and psychic sign. Cancerians are also known for their changing moods.
Leo is ruled by the Sun.
The Sun is powerful, aurthoratative, magnanimous and proud. Leos want to be the king. They are proud, authoratative, natural leaders. They like to be the center of attention and have a need to be noticed. They need to have others show them appreciation and respect.
Virgo, like Gemini, is ruled my Mercury.
While Gemini blends best with Mercury's communicatative characteristics, Virgo blends with Mercury's analytical characteristics. As stated earlier, Mercury likes to learn. It is very intellectual and represents how we take in information through our senses. Virgo uses its intellectual drive to analyze, in an effort to seek perfection in itself and in others. They will use this knowledge in a practical way to serve society through their work. They are very detailed oriented.
Libra, like Taurus, is ruled by Venus.
While Taurus uses Venus' energy in a materialistic and sensual way, Libra utilizes Venus' asthetic and social grace, as well as its drive towards harmonous relationships. Librans need relationships. It is what makes them thrive. They are extremely social. They seek beauty through their physical appearance and through the decor or their environment. They like to throw fancy dinner parties and like to decorate their surroundings. They also seek justice and tend to be great peace makers with their good sense of diplomacy.
Scorpio is ruled by Pluto.
Pluto represents extremes. It is intense and seeks to transform. In its best state, it evolves for the greater good. In it's worst state, it will represent decadence, vengance, and evil. Like Pluto, Scorpio is a sign of extremes and demonstrates a high level of intensity. It seeks to delve into the depths in order to explore and transform into something better. At its best, Scorpio can be an inspirational, positive force which seeks to rise up to a higher realm. In its worst form, it is begrudging, distrustful, controlling and vengeful, seeking to destroy.
Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter.
Sagitarrius and Jupiter are both optimistic, generous, philosophical, and expansive. Sagittarians need a lot of room in order to expand and develop through spontaneous activities.
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn
Saturn represents discipline, caution and perseverance. On the negative it can represent fear and harsh criticism. Capricorns are cautious, serious and reserved. They are determined to reach their goals, are patient and tactful. They will do what it takes to achieve their ambitions.
Aquarius is ruled by Uranus.
Uranus represents innovation, science, freedom, change and rebellion. Aquarians seek to upturn the status quo for the benefit of humanity. They are innovative, eccetric, non-conforming and rebellious. They can be scientific.
Pisces is ruled by Neptune.
Neptune at its best represents spirituality, compassion, healing and idealism. At its worst, it represents deception, delusion, and addiction. Pisceans are dreamy, spiritual and compassionate. They are self-sacrificing and idealistic.