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What Is My Sun Sign?

Your Sun Sign, AKA your star sign, is likely the first piece of Astrological knowledge you come by. Most people, whether or not they are into Astrology, generally know if they are a so-called Gemini, Leo, or Scorpio.

These are easy to calculate because the Zodiac Sign the Sun is in changes regularly and consistently roughly every 30 days, returning at more or less the same time every year. If you are born between 21st March and 19th April, for example, you are likely to be an Aries. This represents the place on the Zodiac wheel that the Sun is figuratively in during this period.

There may be a slight distinction in days between years which we’ll get into why below.

In general, your Sun Sign points to your core identity and persona, where you shine. As the most famous piece of the Natal Chart that people know, it is very important. However, it is also extremely important to know that you have ten so-called Planets in your Natal Chart, and your Moon Sign along with your Rising Sign are just as, if not more so, important in an analysis of your Chart.

The aspects your Sun makes in your Chart and which House it is in are also extremely important factors to take into consideration. However, for now, let’s get into the basics of Sun Signs:

The Meaning Of Your Sun Sign

Due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, when the Babylonians, and eventually Mesopotamians and Greeks and Romans, were developing the origins of Western (Tropical) Astrology over 2500 years ago, that we practice today, the Zodiac Signs originally lined up with the constellations were they get their name from.

However, they were already aware that roughly every 72 years the Signs shift forward by 1º. This doesn’t matter because Western Astrology is seasonal, meaning it follows the seasons and begins with the Spring (Vernal) Equinox as the start of Aries Season.

Again, once upon a time, Aries Season happened to line up with when the Sun was actually in front of the Aries constellation, which in turn gets its name from the myth of Greco-Roman God Ares, but this was just coincidental (they knew that eventually these two would no longer line up). Eastern Vedic (Sidereal) Astrology, however, is based on the fixed constellations. Eastern Astrology is constellational, Western Astrology is seasonal.

Hence, when we say that the Sun is in Aquarius, for example, we mean it is in the place of Aquarius on the order of the Zodiacal Wheel, which lines up with the Seasons. Spring in the Northern Hemisphere begins around the 21st March Equinox, this is the start of Aries Season; Summer begins towards the 21st June Solstice which is the start of Cancer Season; the Autumn Equinox is around the 21st September and signals the Start of Libra Season; and the Winter Solstice is usually towards 21st December which signals the start of Capricorn Season.

The rest of the Signs follow in Zodiacal order in between these place markers, listed below. Again, thousands of years ago these temporal placeholders used to align with the constellations of the same name, but Western Astrology is not based on the constellations, it is based on the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere and the Planets that rule them, which we’ll get into next (as well as potentially to some extent in which House each Planet had its “joy”).

The Zodiacal order is: Aries - Taurus - Gemini - Cancer - Leo - Virgo - Libra - Scorpio - Sagittarius - Capricorn - Aquarius - Pisces. The Sun moves through in order starting with Aries Season on the Spring Equinox, March 21st roughly, as the beginning of the Astrological year and cycle, changing Sign every 30 days. So in 90 days it will have moved into Gemini on the order of the Zodiacal Wheel, and we will say “it’s Gemini Season”.

Once upon a time when the Sun had moved into Gemini Season, it was also aligned with the Gemini constellation, now it no longer does, and will keep shifting further the more time goes by. The Sun will still move through one Zodiac Sign every 30 days, in the Zodiacal Order listed above. The ancients chose two divide 360º (of a circle) into 12 so that each one would have 30º each equally (which can in turn be divided down into 3 decans each for more information).

The ecliptic, the apparent strip along which the Sun seems to orbit from our vantage point on earth, actually contains 13 constellations (and there are 88 recognised constellations in the sky in general). These 12 were chosen as the most significant based on 2000 years of observation and because it is an easier number to divide than 13.

Just like all the other “Planets” (Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto), where each of them are in our Natal Chart has something to say about how that Planet acts out its functions. Each of the Planets plays a part, like actors on stage.

The Sun ⊙ represents what our basic identity is, what our default mode of being is, where we can shine, what lights us up, our unique personality traits, and our sense of vitality. It can sometimes represent the father figure, as well as our ego and soul. It is our life force, will, and consciousness. The Sun shows us the archetype we are learning to step into.

two-wander-planetary-characteristics-in-astrology

Sun Sign Astrology in a way is deserving of its popularity because the Sun really is such a key component of our characteristics, however it is important to note that it is just one part of our Natal Chart of which we have a whole plethora of information to glean from.

In this way, the ubiquity of Sun Sign Astrology, in particular superficial “pop” Astrology, can also act as a deterrent, swaying skeptics into disregarding the potential for deep inquiry and self-introspection it offers because how could everybody born under the same Sign have the same characteristics right? This is where I believe Astrology gets a bad rap from (it certainly did for me)! And as a former skeptic turned professional Astrologer, I think it’s a crying shame that the potential and power Astrology has for self-discovery and growth is reduced to simply your “star sign”.

As a quadruple Scorpio (which I didn’t know at the time because all I knew was that I was born November 6th hence that made me a Scorpio), I did not resonate with the typical old pop Astrology references associated with Scorpio at all. Luckily, Astrology is gaining in popularity, in particular traditional Hellenistic Astrology (which is what I practice), and so people are opening up more to the concept of having more than one Sign in the birth chart (indeed we have them all!), as well as the notion of there being more than one Planet and point of importance.

Having said that, there is definitely value in Sun Sign Astrology, and, again, where your Sun is really is an extremely important part of your Natal Chart puzzle. As a very brief rundown, here is a general overview of the significance of the Sun in each of the Signs:

1. Sun in Aries (21st March - 19th April)

RULED BY: MARS (Diurnal), Planet of drive, ambition, energy, action, and anger

Kicking off the start of the Astrological year on the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the archetype of Aries literally rams out the gate like its namesake symbol. Like the baby, Aries doesn’t even question its right to take up space- the mountain doesn’t and neither should you. Aries is bold and fiery, capable of taking charge and pioneering forth. As Cardinal Fire, it is initiatory and energetic. As a Sign of identity, independence, and ego, the Sun is said to be “exalted” here. A Sun in Aries personality possesses these brave and self-starting qualities.

2. Sun in Taurus (20th April - 20th May)

RULED BY: VENUS (Nocturnal), Planet of values, connection, style, relationship, and money

As Fixed Earth, the archetype of Taurus is resolute, grounded, pragmatic, and sturdy. It moves at the pace of nature, inherently knowing the value of quality over quantity. It indulges the senses and is present what is, tangible reality. Coming in the middle of Spring Season, it is reliable and level-headed. Taurus is associated with the land, with agriculture, with farming, with food. It is fecundity. A Sun in Taurus is in touch with its senses, perceiving the world through a lens of comfort, if it doesn’t feel good- why do it?

3. Sun in Gemini (21st May - 20th June)

RULED BY: MERCURY (Diurnal), Planet of communication, intellect, expression, messaging, diversity

The archetype of Gemini, like its ruling Planet, is fast and curious. It quickly takes in information and dissects it into little boxes, analysing the world. As the Sign of the twins, Gemini is about viewing the world through a mirror, learning and experimenting, trying things out, flitting between ideas and testing what works and what doesn’t. Being Mutable Air, it is flexible, adaptable, and expressive. A Sun in Gemini finds definition through people and in the reflection of the other, constantly taking in data and expressing it in return.

4. Sun in Cancer (21st June - 22nd July)

RULED BY: THE MOON, Planet of the body, emotions, inner world, needs, comfort, safety, mothering

The archetype of Cancer is the nurturer of the Zodiac, the matriarch. It is extremely in touch with its emotions and shows us the power and strength in vulnerability, and that indeed, the bravest thing we can do is to open up. In this, it is also a protective Sign, caring for its loved ones. As a Sign of the home and family, it is also tied in with food and our maternal instinct. As Cardinal Water, it is able to lead from the heart with creativity and intuition. A Sun in Cancer takes these characteristics to the core, identifying with the heart and processing through the body.

5. Sun in Leo (23rd July - 22nd August)

RULED BY: THE SUN, Planet of ego, identity, core values, personality, vitality, soul

The archetype of Leo is the creative performer of the Zodiac, the regal one who knows that everyone is a monarch and has their mission in life to bring joy to the world with their generosity and good humour. As Fixed Fire, Leo has passion to burn and can do so consistently for extended periods of time. Here to brighten up the world, Leo can teach us the pleasure in seeing the world with childlike wonder. A Sun in Leo is here to show us how to shine, it is very at home here and is here to learn how to be comfortable in the spotlight. Like a moth to a flame, people are also invariably drawn to the warmth of the Sun, whether a Sun in Leo is innately comfortable with that or not.

6. Sun in Virgo (23rd August - 22nd September)

RULED BY: MERCURY (Nocturnal)

Here we see what happens when Mercury, diurnal ruler of Gemini, is turned within. It becomes analytical and perceptive, able to discern and differentiate with keen astuteness. Mercury is doubly dignified in Virgo as it has both rulership and exaltation. This makes the archetype of Virgo the most able to take in and process information, as a symbol of the harvest, being able to separate the wheat from the chaff is highly apt. Virgo is also known as the healer, as through this observational skill, it is able to see what can be bettered. As Mutable Earth, it is grounded and in touch with the senses, able to change and adapt. The Sun in Virgo brings an unassuming persona to the Sun’s ego.

7. Sun in Libra (23rd September - 22nd October)*

RULING BY: VENUS (Diurnal)

Here is where we begin to look outward, toward the other. The archetype of Libra is one of partnership, harmony, balance, cooperation, mediation, law, justice, design, and peace. A symbiosis of the qualities of Venus and its symbol, the scales. As Cardinal Air, Libra initiates new ideas and insight, concerned with creating things of beauty and diplomacy. As we are now over halfway through the Zodiac, and the Sun is exalted in Aries, its opposing polarity here in Libra is known to be its “fall”. As the Planet of the ego, the Sun is not always so happy focussing on the other. The Sun in Libra is here to learn how to focus on the other without losing a sense of self, how to show agency, autonomy, and decisiveness. *As with all these placements it can actually vary from year to year.

8. Sun in Scorpio (23rd October - 21st November)

RULED BY: MARS (Nocturnal)

Again, this is the inward expression of Mars, the strategic planning of the God of War. The archetype of Scorpio is deep, intense, and profound. It is a Sign of transformation and substance. It is the only one that has three symbols, other than the scorpio, this is the snake in its higher octave, symbol of spirituality and transmutation, and the phoenix/eagle in its highest expression, symbol to rise from its ashes and pride. These also make it fitting for its modern attribution to Pluto, God of the Underworld. As Fixed Water, it is deeply in touch with its emotions and intuition, able to perceive the darkness and swim in the depths- there’s no superficiality with this Sign! The Sun in Scorpio is here to be the alchemist, to work with its power and learn to surrender and release control in order to emerge reborn.

9. Sun in Sagittarius (22nd November - 21st December)

RULED BY: JUPITER (Diurnal), Planet of wisdom, morals, expansion, growth, abundance, optimism

Known as the archetype of the explorer, Sagittarius is on a constant quest for truth, searching with worldly expansion. It is a natural optimist with a growth mindset, excited to learn about the world and life through experience, voyaging in spirituality, philosophy, and foreign cultures. As Mutable Fire, its passions adapt and get restless, hence it must continually learn and explore. The Sun in Sagittarius is here to experience the world and have a good time doing it! It is here to expand our minds and think broadly, to point its arrow towards our true north and keep on going.

10. Sun in Capricorn (22nd December - 19th January)

RULED BY: SATURN (Nocturnal), Planet of structure, boundaries, contraction, challenge, order, duty

Occurring at the threshold of the Winter Solstice, the archetype of Capricorn is naturally turned within, focussed on preservation and building for the future. It is also the archetype of the matriarch, ambitious with a strong sense of responsibility and respect for tradition. It is mature and reliable, stable and dependable. As Cardinal Earth, it takes charge in grounded, pragmatic ways. The Sun in Capricorn is here to own its sturdy leadership and honour, while also allowing for lightness.

11. Sun in Aquarius (20th January - 18th February)

RULED BY: SATURN (Diurnal)

Known as the unique, independent, authentic, and alternative oddball archetype of the Zodiac even before it became assigned to Uranus by some modern Astrologers, Aquarius knows how to march to the beat of its own drum. It is here to show us how to let our freak flag fly and innovate and restructure on tradition with visionary focus for the future. As Fixed Air, it is capable of sustaining its ideas and rallying around a humanitarian cause. Because this is the Sign opposite the Sun’s rulership, in Leo, it is said to be in “detriment” here because the Sun is about the self, whereas Saturn and Aquarius are more concerned with the collective. The Sun in Aquarius is here to learn how to be an individual as well as a part of the whole.

12. Sun in Pisces (19th February - 20th March)

RULED BY: JUPITER (Nocturnal)

The final Sign in the Zodiacal Wheel, Pisces is said to contain elements of all that preceded it. At the same time, occurring at the finish but before the next cycle (as in all endings are inherent new beginnings), it is like the womb space, pre-birth. The Pisces archetype is said to be not quite of this world. Deeply intuitive, perceptive, and empathetic, it can easily absorb the surrounding energies, as a dreamer and a mystic, it is innately artistic and creative. In these qualities we can see its modern attribution to Neptune. In its faith, spirituality, and belief, we can see Jupiter. As Mutable Water, occurring not only at the end of the (Winter) Season but of the whole cycle, it is the most fluid, adaptable, and flexible of all. The Sun in Pisces is here to learn how to be in the world but not of it, to get present with the body and experience of being human.

If you were born on the cusp of these dates, you may need your birth time as well as your birth date to figure out exactly which Sign your Sun is in, here is a free birth chart calculator.

As mentioned, this is just a very brief overview of what the Sun represents and what it can signify in each of the Signs. The nature of your own personal Sun Sign is highly dependent on which House it is in and the aspects it forms to other Planets, as well as several other factors.

Learning how to make peace with, embrace, and embody the core characteristics of your Sun Sign can be extremely validating and empowering (without over-identifying with it either).

If you were born at night (nocturnal sect), you may identify with your Moon more. Moon signs show us the characteristic of the archetype on an instinctive level, what we need to feel emotionally fulfilled and taken care of, and how we naturally operate. Whereas a Sun shows where we can feel most fulfilled and embodied once we learn to operate and accept the characteristics of the Sign.

two-wander-natal-chart-readings — BOOK YOUR ASTROLOGY READING!

So that’s what your Sun Sign is and the significance of it, I hope it’s useful for you! Let me know if you have any questions about it or anything else to add in the comments section below.

If you would like to explore the importance of your Sun Sign in more detail with me, book in a personalised Natal Chart reading!

If you would like me to personally interpret your Natal Chart for you, I’d be honoured to be of service- you can book in a Soul Reading with me here :)

If you would like to self-study, get our Beginner’s Astrology + Natal Chart Guidebook or our Cosmic Guidance: Astrology 101 Course.

For specific details on each of the Signs, access the magic of our Seasonal Zodiac Workbooks!

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