Episode 118. When an astrologer refers to the house ruler, they are talking about the planet that rules the sign that is sitting on the house cusp - and not just the Ascendant. We’re talking about every house. Every house has a ruler. For example, if you have Sagittarius on your 2nd house cusp, it means Jupiter is the ruler of that house. If you have Virgo on the 8th house cusp, Mercury rules that house. Got it?
The house ruler gives a clue as to how you “act” with the issues that are associated with that particular segment of the chart. Using our example, the 2nd house connected to money and values. Jupiter as the ruler of this house would indicate a person who is lucky with money - and generous too. They might invest their money in educational or spiritual goals - or travel. Broadening their horizons is part of their values.
Once you’ve determined the ruler of the house, look to see where the planet sits in the natal chart. This links the houses - and depending on the aspects, could determine the strength of the house and planet. I've got some examples of house rulers in this episode!