Yahoo Finance Know Your Zodiac Sign? Next Step: Learn Your “Big Three”
If you’re just getting into astrology, the first thing you’ll probably learn is your Sun sign—that’s the one determined by your b-day, the one what people mean when they ask, “What’s your sign?” The second and third things you’ll probably learn are your Moon sign and Rising sign.
Taken all together, your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs are often called your “Big Three.” Each of these signs plays a v. important role in your birth chart, and each describes a different part of your personality and life story. Let’s talk about the differences between them!
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First, a birth chart calculator
Don’t know your Big Three yet? No worries. Just grab your time, date, and location of birth and enter them into this birth chart calculator.
This birth chart calculator was created by www.astro-seek.com in collaboration with astrologer Narayana Montúfar. Learn more about Narayana's work on her website www.naramon.com.
Your Sun sign
Your Sun sign is determined by which zodiac sign the Sun was in when you were born, which changes every month-ish and occur during roughly the same dates from year to year (the start and end dates can shift by a day or two). For example, Aries season is typically March 21 to April 19, so if you were born within those dates, you’re probably an Aries.
In astrology, your Sun sign describes your core identity, ego, motivations, and fundamental personality traits. It’s what makes someone say “She’s such a Leo!” or “They’re the most Gemini-y Gemini I've ever met.” Here’s a bit more about each Sun sign:
Aries Sun
Aries Suns are courageous, bold, and playful. They’re passionate and unafraid to try new things. As the first sign of the zodiac, they’re a natural leader, but they can also be a little bit immature (they’re the “baby” of the zodiac, too). Aries Suns have a bit of a temper thanks to their ruler Mars, but don’t worry, they get over it pretty easily.
Taurus Sun
Calm, cool, and collected, Taurus Suns are a lot like the animal that represents them, the bull: They’re hard-working, dependable, and stubborn AF. They can also hold a grudge for a lifetime…at the very least. Taurus is ruled by Venus, which means that Taurus Suns have a natural love of art and beauty, and as earth signs, they have an appreciation for nature.
Gemini Sun
Quick-witted Gemini Suns are witty, playful, and above all, fun. Represented by the twins, some say Gems are two-faced, but really they just change their minds and their interests all the time. They’re incredibly curious and intelligent, and since they’re represented by Mercury, the planet of communication, they have a gift for gab.
Cancer Sun
Ruled by the Moon, water sign Cancer Suns are one of the most emotional and intuitive people you’ll ever meet. They’re naturally homebodies who take care of their loved ones. They tend to be a bit introverted and prefer a close circle of trusted friends rather than a ton of acquaintances.
Leo Sun
Step into the spotlight! Leo Suns are the celebs of the zodiac—they were born to shine. Represented by the lion, Leos know how to roar, and they’re natural leaders. Although people often joke about Leo’s ego, what people don’t know is that they’re also incredibly caring friends, and they have an impressive artistic side.
Virgo Sun
Virgo Sun is practical and a bit persnickety. These earth signs are detail-oriented, well-organized, and maybe a little bit neurotic. Ruled by Mercury, they’re very intelligent and tend to learn things quickly. They tend to be more introverted and they’re interested in all things related to health and wellness.
Libra Sun
Flirtatious Libra Suns fit the “popular kid” trope. They’re naturally stylish, outgoing, witty, and romantic. They can also be a little (okay, a lot) indecisive. They’re represented by the scales, so they take their time to weigh their options before making a decision. Ruled by Venus, they’re artistic and relationship-oriented.
Scorpio Sun
Moody Scorpio Suns are interested in sex, death, and the occult. Represented by Pluto, the planet of death and transformation, and Mars, the planet of sex and ambition, they’re the witchiest sign of the zodiac, hands down. They tend to be a little more introverted, watching and waiting before striking like the scorpion they are. Oh, and they hold a grudge like no one else (except for maybe Taurus).
Sagittarius Sun
Ruled by a centaur-archer, Sagittarius is one of the most adventurous signs of the zodiac. Sometimes called the sign of travel, Sagittarius Suns are always on the go. They’re not only exploring the world, they’re also ~expanding their minds~. This endlessly curious fire sign is interested in big-picture ideas, like philosophy. They also have a tendency to speak before they think and put their foot in their mouth, and they can be noncommittal.
Capricorn Sun
Ambitious earth sign Capricorn Sun is the CEO of the zodiac. They’re comfortable when they’re in charge; they have strong opinions and they know it; and they work harder than almost anyone. Caps are diligent, responsible, and practical. But don’t mistake this as saying they’re boring. They also have a hilariously dry sense of humor and are incredibly loyal to their friends and loved ones.
Aquarius Sun
Aquarius Suns are a bundle of contradictions. They’re incredibly well-liked and involved in their community, but they can also be a bit of a loner. In fact, Aquarius Suns sometimes seem standoffish and aloof to those who don’t know them well. They’re interested in science and technology, but also have a strong creative side. They’re a rebel with a cause.
Pisces Sun
Sensitive Pisces Suns are incredibly creative, intuitive, and emotional. They’re *very* in touch with their feelings and their artistic side. In fact, some see them as *too* sensitive. As the last sign of the zodiac, they’re sometimes characterized as a wise elder, someone who gives amazing advice and is a bit of an “old soul.”
Your Moon sign
Your Moon sign is—you guessed it—determined by which sign the Moon was in you were born. The Moon changes signs much more frequently than the Sun—every two to three days. You won’t be able to find your Moon sign by just looking up your b-day, you’ll need to include the year and time as well.
In astrology, your Moon describes your emotional side, your inner world, and your intuition. It’s the side of yourself that you don’t show to just anyone. Only your nearest and dearest get to see this side of you. Here’s a bit more about each Moon sign:
Aries Moon
Aries Moons are fast and furious when it comes to feelings! They fall in love hard and fast. They have hot tempers but will forgive and forget just as easily. They’re passionate about ev-er-y-thing and can seem a little bit immature.
Taurus Moon
Taurus Moons are careful and considerate. They tend to like to take their time to process their feelings rather than acting impulsively. It takes a lot to get them angry, but once they are, watch out, because they’ll hold a grudge for life.
Gemini Moon
Gemini Moons are naturally lighthearted and playful. They don’t take much seriously, and they love to joke around and laugh. Their moods are as fast-changing as their interests, and they’re always seeking new mental stimulation.
Cancer Moon
Cancer Moon is one of the most emotional placements you can have. They’re sensitive and tender-hearted, and incredibly caring towards their loved ones. They tend to be homebodies and introverts, preferring plenty of time for self-care and nurturing their closest relationships.
Leo Moon
Leo Moons are sociable, outgoing, and optimistic. They’re extroverts who thrive when they’re in social situations and parties, which make sense because they’re so charming and charismatic. They’re also very artistic and creative, as well as passionate and romantic.
Virgo Moon
Virgo Moons are introverted and analytical, tending to look at their emotions through a logical lens. They thrive on routine and drive comfort from organization. They’re naturally nurturing and like to “take care of” their loved ones.
Libra Moon
Libra Moons are drawn to beauty, art, and relationships; they’re natural romantics and total flirts. Libra Moons charming and charismatic, thriving in social situations. They tend to attract drama like a reality star; even if they don’t win, they know they’ll be the fan favorite.
Scorpio Moon
Scorpio Moons are DEEP. They’re alway thinking about big things like sex, death, and the meaning of life. They tend to be reserved, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re shy; they’re just private. Scorpio Moons tend to trust their emotions with only a select few, and they hold a grudge for life.
Sagittarius Moon
Sagittarius Moons thrive off of travel and learning. They’re always planning their next trip or immersing themselves in a new hobby. They’re naturally lucky, thanks to their ruling planet, Jupiter, and optimistic, too. Sagittarius Moons value their independence and freedom; they’ll only commit to a relationship if it's someone they *really* like.
Capricorn Moon
Capricorn Moons are all about security: Emotional, financial, physical, relationship, etc. They’re very ambitious and career-focused, and they thrive in a committed relationship. They tend to prefer a small circle of loved ones rather than a wide group of acquaintances. Capricorn Moons aren’t the best at expressing their emotions, but they do feel very deeply.
Aquarius Moon
Aquarius Moons are driven by a greater cause. They're likely involved with activism, community organizing, or charity work. But for all they care about others, they also value their alone time. Aquarius Moon are logical and intellectual, but also very creative.
Pisces Moon
Pisces Moons are some of the most imaginative people out there. They're very creative and romantic, and they tend to be people who have their heads in the clouds. Pisces Moons are sensitive, emotional, and intuitive. They're wise and very emotionally intelligent, and they give great advice.
Your Rising sign
Finally, there’s your Rising sign, also called your Ascendant. This sign is determined by which zodiac sign was rising on the horizon when you were born, and it changes every two-ish hours. To find this sign, you’ll need your birth date, time, and location.
Your Rising sign determines the first impressions you make, the way others see you, and your attitude. It’s also very important in astrology because it determines the sign of the 1st House of your birth chart, and therefore all the other Houses as well. (A bit about astrology houses: your birth chart is divided into 12 sections, and these sections correspond with the 12 zodiac signs. Each House describes a different area of life—for example, the 3rd House is the house of communication—and the zodiac sign in this house describes the ~vibe~ that area of life takes on.) Here’s a bit more about each Rising sign:
Aries Rising
Aries Rising is always on the go! They're the friend inviting you on a spontaneous trip, falling in love at first sight, or going out five times a week. Aries Risings are natural leaders; in fact, some might say they're a bit bossy.
Taurus Rising
Taurus Risings are careful and cautious. They have a "work hard, play hard" mentality: They're driven and dedicated, but they also value pleasure and fun. Like Taurus Suns and Moons, Taurus Risings also have a stubborn streak.
Gemini Rising
Gemini Risings are full of energy and curiosity. They're talkative and restless. They make new friends easily thanks to their charisma, though their impulsivity and noncommittal nature might rub some people the wrong way.
Cancer Rising
Cancer Rising comes off as very sweet and caring. Whatever the opposite of RBF is, they have it. Cancer Rising come off as shy and reserved at first, but once they get to know and trust someone, they're an incredibly loyal and nurturing friend.
Leo Rising
Gregarious Leo Risings are always the life of the party. They're outgoing, optimistic, and born for the spotlight. They're also very creative and might be particularly stylish dressers or frequently experiment with their hair and makeup.
Virgo Rising
Virgo Risings are quiet and careful. They're very logical and analytical, and they might prefer minimalistic clothes and jewelry. They come off as reserved and might have a bit of a RBF. But their close friends know that Virgo Risings will do anything for them.
Libra Rising
Libra Risings are the fashionistas of the zodiac. They're social butterflies who are at the center of every party. They're flirtatious and charming and always surrounded by a flood of suitors.
Scorpio Rising
Scorpio Risings just come off as witchy. They have a kind of ~vibe~ about them. They tend to be quiet but intense; they might not say much, but what they do say matters a lot. Those who get to know them more know that they're loyal friends with a dark sense of humor.
Sagittarius Rising
Sagittarius Rising are always on the go, whether they're traveling halfway across the world or just rushing from house party to house party. They're energetic and optimistic, not to mention spontaneous. They also tend to word vomit and can be a bit too blunt.
Capricorn Rising
Capricorn Risings come off as super serious when you first get to meet them, like they're always wearing a business suit, spiritually. They're ambitious, responsible, and hard-working. But once you get to know them, you'll experience their loyalty and sense of humor.
Aquarius Rising
Aquarius Risings are just so *cool*. It's like they're always wearing a leather jacket, spiritually. They're super-smart, kinda weird, and very creative. They're likely to experiment with their sense of style. People who get to know them know that they can be incredibly caring, for their friends and for the world.
Pisces Rising
Pisces Risings go through life with their head in the clouds. They might come off as a little dreamy or ditzy, but they're very wise—they're just also very imaginative. Pisces Risings are very caring towards others and come off as kind and nurturing. They're also very artistic and creative.
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