Do you know what your zodiac sign is? Chances are you’ve looked it up at some point, whether out of curiosity, for a personality quiz, or to read your horoscopes. It’s easy enough to discover – just compare your birthdate to the chart, right? But, you may have realized that maybe your sign doesn’t really describe you or feels inadequate. There’s a reason for that: when you are using your birthdate, what you’re really finding is solely your sun sign.

Your sun sign is just one of what is known as your Big Three signs. The full trio includes your moon sign and your rising/ascendant sign as well. Each of these signs plays a distinct role in shaping who you are. However, even these are not all of the signs that define you. Another important group of astrological signs are the Big Six. In addition to the Big Three signs, this group also includes your Mars, Mercury, and Venus signs. While your sun sign can be discovered using your birthdate, a full natal chart requires information about your exact time of birth, and where you were born. Using this information, many websites can provide you with a full natal chart, which includes all of these signs and more.  

Your sun sign, which is the most well-known in Western astrology, is arguably the most important sign in determining your personality. It is determined by which constellation in the sky that the sun was in when you were born. It represents who you are at your core and what your heart desires. It also constitutes how you express yourself to the world. If you don’t feel like it represents you yet, it may be because you have yet to grow into it. 

On the other hand, your moon sign represents the more hidden parts of your personality, just as the moon is often overshadowed by the sun. It is determined by which constellation the moon is facing when you are born. This is the part of you that most of the world doesn’t know, but it has a huge impact on your emotions and how you handle them. As such, your moon sign is thought to also impact your relationships with others.

Conversely, your rising/ascendant sign reflects the part of yourself that you show the world, and as such, how others perceive you. It is determined by which sign is on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. It also describes how you act in the moment, and how you react to unexpected events. 

The rest of the Big Six signs are not as prominently used in astrology, but are important nonetheless. Just as Mars is the Roman god of War, your Mars sign represents how you handle yourself in situations with conflict. It is also related to other strong emotions, such as anger and passion. Mercury is the Roman god of commerce, and consequently, your Mercury sign represents how you communicate. It also affects how you process the world. Finally, Venus was the Roman god of love so your Venus sign represents your romantic life. 

Whether or not you believe in the power of astrology, it is certainly intriguing to think about what makes you who you are. By discovering your own natal chart, you may even learn something new about yourself. 

 

written by Srisha Nannapaneni

edited by Kashvi Ramani and Sarasi Rout

 

References:

Ash, L. (2021, October 12). Understanding your big 3: What is my sun, Moon, and Ascendant? Lunar and Lilac Astrology – Astrology and Monthly Horoscopes. Retrieved December 31, 2021, from http://lunarandlilac.com/astrology-big-three/

Ash, L. (2021, October 13). How to find your big 6: Lunar and lilac astrology. Lunar and Lilac Astrology – Astrology and Monthly Horoscopes. Retrieved December 31, 2021, from https://lunarandlilac.com/big-6-astrology/

Brezsny, R. (2021, January 13). FREE WILL ASTROLOGY: Jan. 14-20. Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved December 31, 2021, from https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/free-will-astrology-jan-14-20/Content?oid=18728912

Clark, N. (2021, September 8). The Clog’s Guide to Understanding Your Zodiac Big 6. The Daily Californian. Retrieved December 31, 2021, from https://www.dailycal.org/2021/09/07/understanding-your-zodiac-big-6/

Kelly, A., & Darling, C. (2018, February 3). Each zodiac sign’s unique personality traits, explained by an astrologer. Allure. Retrieved December 31, 2021, from http://allure.com/story/zodiac-sign-personality-traits-dates

Thomas, K. (2021, December 30). Sun, Moon, rising signs: What they mean and how to find your big three. New York Post. Retrieved December 31, 2021, from https://nypost.com/article/sun-moon-rising-sign-meaning/

Tracey, A. (2019, April 15). What does your sun, Moon, and Rising sign really mean? Mindbody. Retrieved December 31, 2021, from https://explore.mindbodyonline.com/blog/wellness/what-does-your-sun-moon-and-rising-sign-really-mean