Basics, Basics, Basics

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A sun sign in Leo, above, would indicate
an individual that was loyal, proud, and
extremely friendly. But what if they had a
rising sign in Scorpio, a sign known for
being moody and anti-social?

One’s sign, or sun sign as it is also called, tells only the very minimum about them. There are also other aspects that come into play as well. An individual’s rising, moon, mercury, venus, and mars sign are a part of their astrological make-up as well, which gives others a more accurate view of them. It seems confusing, but actually quite simple once understood. The rising sign represents a sort of mask an individual wears when first meeting new people. It is how they immediately respond to new situations and strange environments. If a person has a Virgo rising, for example, they might come off as stand-offish and cool upon first meet, because Virgo is, as you recall, quite reserved and quiet. Even a friendly fire sun sign can throw others off with an earthy rising sign such as Virgo. The moon sign is how an individual is internally; it is the ways they feel secure, their needs, and what makes them feel happy emotionally. For instance, a Pisces sun sign with an Aries moon sign might appear rather unmotivated and dreamy, as most Pisces usually do, but within be completely driven and willing to do anything to succeed (a character trait associated with Aries).

 Mercury represents communication; this sign exemplifies how one speaks and the manner in which they do. A normally quiet sun sign such as Virgo could come across as extremely social with mercury in Leo, a fire sign that is known for being talkative. Venus, of course, is how one reacts in not only a romantic relationship, but all relationships as well. Aquarius, an air sign known for not being particularly faithful in partnerships, would very likely be the opposite if their venus was placed in a sign such as Pisces, Capricorn, or Taurus, all considered to be completely committed to a relationship. Finally, mars, is considered how one uses their energy. It also represents an individual’s sex-drive. An Aries, normally assertive and determined, could be completely different with a mars sign in Pisces. Their energy might be considerably more scattered; they might be completely dreamy and lazy, unwilling to fight for what they truly want. When it comes to sex-drive, they would also be more romantic and laidback, traits not normally associated with Aries. These more individualized aspects are not only determined by the day and month one is born, but the year and time as well. Again, all it means when an astrologer says a person’s venus is in, for example Libra, is that that was the position the planets and stars were in at the moment they were born.

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The above picture represents the synastry between the planets
and moon that helps to create a more complex individual. The
sun, moon, venus, mercury, and mars are perhaps the best
indicators of a person's characteristics and overall personality.

These multiple signs give a greater perspective of who a person truly is. Here is an example: an individual with sun sign in Sagittarius, rising sign in Virgo, moon in Virgo, mercury in Sagittarius, venus in Libra, and mars in Sagittarius. If just looking at the sun sign one might say this person is loud, friendly, stubborn, and care-free, all traits associated with Sagittarius. But because the rising sign is in Virgo, they may appear quiet and stand-offish to others upon first meet. The moon in Virgo represents the need to feel secure by tending to detail and organization. All of this Virgo can make the Sagittarius appear rather subdued compared to how they usually are. The mercury in Sagittarius indicates a strong ability to communicate, the venus in  Libra emphasizes the ability to seek balance in a relationship, and the mars in Sagittarius represents an energy that is strong, direct, and assertive. Combined, this creates an individual that is much more real than just the general sun sign indicates. If you wish to see what signs make you who you are, click here.

Astrology 101: What Does it Really Mean?



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The term, "What's your sign," is ultimately derived from astrology, the study of the movement of the stars in the sky and how those positions can affect humans. One's sign is determined by the way in which the stars were positioned in the sky when they were born. There are 12 signs that last about a month, depending upon the year. For example, a person born April 6th would be an Aries, the first of sign of the zodiac. Above is a chart of each astrological sign, the corresponding dates, the symbol associated with each, and the season in which they occur. If one is born between a sign, for example, April 20th, (which would be right at the end of Aries, but the beginning of Taurus) then they are said to be on the cusp. This means they could very well possess traits of each sign.

All signs, from Aries to Pisces, have corresponding traits that give a general, let me emphasize, general idea of what a person will be like upon meeting. Of course, these traits can vary depending on other factors, which I will get into at a later time. For instance, Virgos are known for being analytical and reserved, Cancers for being moody and emotional, and Libras for being friendly and fair. Again, these are very general and do not detail the many facets of one’s personality. Each sign is also divided into an element group: earth, fire, air, and water. There are three signs in each element; the signs in these elements share common characteristics and usually understand and get along with each other very well. 



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Pictured above is the symbol for Pisces, which is two intertwined fish.
Each sign has a corresponding symbol that details a certain quality it
possesses. It makes sense that fish would be used as Pisces is a water sign.



The element of fire contains Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. All are known for being outgoing, freedom-loving, temperamental, and are feelers more than thinkers. This simply means they are not analytical and go with their emotions and a sense of skin; they do not rationalize. Earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, are the rationalizers. Unlike fire signs, they are not usually emotional, viewing emotion as a weakness. They are reserved, calm, practical, patient, and reasonable. The element of Air is comprised of the signs Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra, which are also analytical, but in a way different from Earth.  These signs are very communicative and social; they are objective and rational and crave their freedom above all else. Water signs, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, are described as quite emotional; these signs are marked by a moodiness that is caused by their ever-changing emotions. They tend to put the needs of others before themselves and can often retreat into their own private worlds when the life becomes too much for them. They can also be social, but not to the extent of a fire or air sign.