Domicile (rulership) — Astrology glossary

Domicile, also called rulership, is the condition of a planet occupying the sign it governs, where it is considered most at home and able to operate with full, natural strength. The term comes from the idea of a planet residing in its own house. A planet in domicile expresses its function clearly and comfortably, without the distortion it might suffer in a less suitable sign. Examples include the Sun in Leo, the Moon in Cancer, Mars in Aries or Scorpio, and Venus in Taurus or Libra. Domicile is one of the essential dignities, the framework that grades how well a planet is placed, and it is the strongest of them. In a natal chart, a planet in its own sign is read as a reliable, well-functioning part of the person. For example, Venus in Taurus expresses affection and a sense of value steadily and without strain.