Your Sun Sign Has A Huge Impact On Your 'Core Identity' And 'Ego,' Say Astrologers
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ICYMI, the practice of astrology is as complex as the celestial bodies it’s about (well, almost). There is so much more to this field than the run-of-the-mill, brief-ish horoscopes you read on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis. Of course, the most fundamental aspects of astrology are still the 12 Sun signs (a.k.a. your main zodiac sign) and their veeery specific personalities that correspond to different dates.
Your individual Sun sign is based on where "the sun was in the moment you were born," says Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer at Horoscope.com and Astrology.com. "This usually gets determined by the day, since the sun changes signs once a month. However, if a person was born on a day when the sun switches signs, their sun sign will be determined by the zodiac sign that the sun was in at the exact time of their birth." Noted! (And btw, that’s why “cusp signs,” a.k.a. zodiac signs on the cusp of two different signs, don’t really exist.)
But beyond Leo’s unwavering confidence and Aquarius’s penchant for conspiracy theories, there's tons of complexity to these signs, including how they've earned each of their traits.
"Astrology is an ancient art that was born from our ancestors following and studying the cycles of the planets and stars, and how these affect us here on Earth," explains Montúfar. So yeah, even though you may think that astrology is really some kind of "fortune-telling" practice that predicts you how your day's gonna go (thanks, CoStar!), it's actually all based on energies dictated by the quality of light you’re under at any given moment.
That said, knowing your sign and its respective personality traits is more than just a ~fun~, ancient practice. It can actually make you feel better about life. "Astrology’s popularity has always been up and down—but always thriving during periods of great uncertainty, like the one we are currently living in," explains Montúfar. When you think about all the chaos you've dealt with lately, having an increased reliance on astrology definitely makes sense RN.
Now that you've got the essentials down, time to get into the nitty gritty details of each and every sign. For starters, "the basic principles of the zodiac signs relate to the animal sign, myth, and archetype that each one correlates to," says Montúfar. Here's exactly what you should know about the 12 zodiac sign’s dates and corresponding personality traits, according to an expert astrologer:
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Aries signs are symbolized by the ram, and yeah, they loooove being leader of the pack. "Because they're ruled by Mars and are the first fire and cardinal sign, Aries prefer to initiate rather than to complete," says Montúfar. Basically, if you've got a project you need to get done or a recipe you've been dying to try, call an Aries for a kick-start.
Oh, and PSA: Aries is joined by Leo and Sagittarius when it comes to identifying as signs of the fire element. An association with fire means the three of them are a passionate, energetic, and creative bunch.
If you share the same element with another zodiac sign, it indicates that you'll have a positive flow of these specific energies between one another.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
"Ruled by Venus, Taurus is the Bull, an earth, fixed sign whose mantra is 'slow steady wins the race,'" Montúfar says. If you're a Taurus, you're totally a pleasure seeker and genius when it comes to collecting material goods. (AKA, you're a money magnet and have the incredible skill of manifesting.)
Wanna know what being a 'fixed' sign means, specifically? There are things called quadruplicities in astrology. "The concept of quadruplicity refers to the other way the 12 zodiac signs are divided by modality, forming a tense square with each other." says Montúfar. The fixed modality includes Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, all of whom are determined and stable, the signs that follow through on their goals.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini is represented as the Twins and ruled by planet Mercury. "Recognized as the sacred duality present in the universe, Gemini is an intellectual and versatile sign with an endless curiosity and a bright, quick-witted mind."
The mutable modality makes Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces versatile and resourceful, the ones to put the final touches on projects. Each quadruplicity grouping indicates obstacles and challenges between the Zodiac signs that will eventually lead to personal growth, Montúfar explains.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
ICYMI, Cancers are *very* loyal. "Intuitive and tenacious, natives from this sign are 'roots' kind of people who excel at getting what they want to protect their family and loved ones." And BTW? They're ruled by the Moon and their symbol is the Crab.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
King of the jungle, the Leo is the Lion ruled by the Sun and making a good impression is their number one priority. "This sign’s creativity and fiery magnetism put natives from this sign at the center stage of life," Montúfar says.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
"Ruled by Mercury, Virgo is the Virgin, representing the ideal of wholeness and perfection," Montúfar explains. Virgos are literally *made* for being industrious, methodical, and efficient. They're able to get through pretty much any endeavor.
Also important to note: Virgo, Taurus, and Capricorn are all associated with the earth element, making them grounded, dependable, and hard-working.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
You know those Scales of Justice symbols? Yeah, that represents Libra. Libra are an intellectual sign ruled by the planet Venus. They're basically the epitome of beauty, balance, harmony, and a sense of fair play. (Get it? Scales? Balance?)
Along with Aries, Cancer, and Capricorn, when it comes to quadruplicity, Libra is a part of the cardinal modality. This makes each of these signs super quick, ambitious, and the initiators of the zodiac.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio is, yep, the Scorpion. "An emotional and resilient sign, Scorpios are coded to travel to the most mysterious realms to zero-in on essential questions, gleaning the secrets that lie within," says Montúfar. (Oh, and they're ruled by Mars and Pluto.)
Though Scorpions aren't necessarily an aquatic animal, Scorpio are actually associated with the water element, along with Cancer and Pisces. Water makes its signs eloquent, intellectual, and curious.
Saggittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius is the Archer ruled by the mighty planet Jupiter. Sags are fiery, versatile, and (most importantly) truth-seekers. The best way for them to get answers this is to seek out tons of connections with others.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Ever heard of a Sea-Goat? Hint: It's a mythological water creature that represents the Capricorn. "Ruled by Saturn, Capricorns are ambitious and determined initiators," says Montúfar. If you're a Capricorn, you're definitely super tough. (Like, you're at your best when facing the biggest obstacles.)
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarius is the Water Bearer. Ruled by Saturn and Uranus, people of this sign are often humanitarian-focused, visionaries, and progressive souls interested in making the world a much better place. (Can we blame them?)
You should also know that Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra all share a connection to the air element, which makes them an eloquent, intellectual, and curious zodiac grouping.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Ruled by Jupiter and Neptune, Pisces is the Two Fishes (which makes sense, since it's a water sign!). "Dreamy and spiritual, this sign represents the end of the zodiacal journey. Pisces wraps up the qualities of all the previous eleven signs to bring the spirit into a perfect state of wholeness," Montúfar explains.
Now that you're veeery into the astrology hype, read all about your July 2020 horoscope here.
Nowadays, getting asked, "What's your sign?" is as common of an icebreaker as asking what someone does for work. So, whether you’re an astrology expert or novice, you’re *probably* familiar with your zodiac sign, a.k.a. your Sun sign.
This sign is determined by the sun's position in the sky when you were born, so you just need to know your birthdate to figure out which of the 12 signs you fall under: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
If you're interested in astrology, understanding your Sun sign is key to understanding, well, yourself. “The sun symbolizes the core identity and ego needs of the individual that expresses itself through our fundamental character,” says Angel Dawn, a certified professional astrologer and modern mystic based in Los Angeles. Your Sun sign traits manifest in your sense of self and “color all areas of life, including choice of career, partner, interests and more,” she explains.
In relation to your birth chart—which is comprised of multiple planets and houses that guide all the different aspects of your life—think of your Sun sign as the "boss" that determines the placements of the other planets, Dawn adds.
It's worth noting, though, that your Sun sign isn’t the only factor in your birth chart that determines your personality. To really understand how astrology influences your personality, pay attention to your "Big Three"—your Sun sign, Moon sign, and Rising sign. They reflect your self-expression, emotional temperament, and self-presentation, respectively.
So, if your Moon sign is a reflection of your emotional reactions and moods, then your Sun sign is the lens in which you understand your emotions, says Dawn. Meanwhile, your rising sign bridges the gap between your internal world of emotions and the external environment because it represents how you carry yourself in the world, Jasmin Alejandrez-Prasad, an astrologer, Bruja, and creator of The Modern Spiritual Latina Oracle Deck, previously told Women's Health.
However, your Sun and Moon signs may not always complement each other, says Dawn, as “some signs have various degrees of tension with others,” she says. “This helps explain why everyone is different even though they share the same Sun sign.”
And when it comes to astrological compatibility between two people, you actually need to examine of all planetary placements, with a specific focus on your moon, Venus, and Mars signs. But based purely on Sun sign personality traits, the same signs—or signs within the same natural element (fire, earth, air, or water)—can be compatible, says Dawn. However, “the naturally opposing sign, which is the sign opposite yours on a zodiac wheel, can also create an exciting complementary energy,” she adds.
Now, to take your astrology knowledge up a notch, you’ll also want to know about the four triplicities and three quadruplicities. Each zodiac sign falls under one of these triplicities, better known as natural elements, and there are three zodiac signs in each group: Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Every sign can also be categorized under one of the quadruplicities or modalities known as cardinal, fixed, and mutable signs.
Ready to get started with the stars? Here's everything to know about all the zodiac sign dates, personality traits, ruling planets, and more.
Zodiac Signs Dates
Aries: March 21 - April 19
Taurus: April 20 - May 20
Gemini: May 21 - June 20
Cancer: June 21 - July 22
Leo: July 23 - August 22
Virgo: August 23 - September 22
Libra: September 23 - October 22
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21
Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19
Aquarius: January 20 - February 18
Pisces: February 19 - March 20
Triplicities And Quadruplicities
There's more to know about your Sun sign other than its accompanying Rising and Moon signs—there's also your natural element (a.k.a. triplicity) and quadruplicity, which will tell you *even* more info about yourself.
Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius): They tend to rely on their passion, take risks, and worry about consequences later, Erin River Sunday, the resident astrologer for Birthdate Candles Co., previously told Women's Health.
Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn): These signs are practical and methodical, Linda Joyce, a professional astrologer and author of The Star Within: Tapping the Power of The Zodiac, previously told Women's Health.
Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces): This element is symbolic of emotion, dreams, healing, and intuition, as well as the cycles of death and rebirth, says Valerie Mesa, a Miami-based intuitive astrologer, writer, and visual storyteller.
Air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius): These signs have earned the reputation of intellectual socialites and use their communication skills and curiosity to gain new ideas, says Ryan Marquardt, a professional astrologer and cosmic messenger based in West Hollywood, California.
Unlike the triplicities, the three quadruplicities explain how the signs express themselves, as well as the challenges they might need to face in order to grow, says Narayana Montúfar, a senior astrologer at Horoscope.com and Astrology.com and author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power.
Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn): These signs kick off each season and are known to take charge.
Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius): These signs denote the midpoint of a season and tend to be unwavering, loyal, and stable.
Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces): These signs end each season, making them flexible, versatile, and resourceful.
Now that you’ve got the gist of these astrology fundamentals, keep reading to gain a better understanding of each zodiac sign's dates, personality traits, ruling planets, symbols, and more, according to expert astrologers.
Aries: March 21 - April 19
Ruling Planet: Mars
Ruling House: First House of Self
Symbol: Ram
Key Traits: Bold, fearless, competitive, restless
Aries signs are symbolized by the ram, and they loooove being the leader of the pack. Their boldness is one of many strengths that has earned them their rebel reputation. “Aries zodiac signs are willing to try new things and take risks,” explains Imani Quinn, a Quantum Mystic Oracle, speaker, and artist. “Their passion and fire energy can also make them very aggressive, with a hot head, which can wound others because of their hasty and impulsive actions." Not to mention, they usually have to be entertained or they can get restless pretty quickly, and they're v competitive, says Kerry Ward, a tarot reader and columnist at Cosmopolitan. Aries is also associated with the first house of self, which reflects identity, drive, and ego.
Read Aries sign’s full profile here.
Taurus: April 20 - May 20
Ruling Planet: Venus
Ruling House: Second House of Income
Symbol: Bull
Key Traits: Grounded, dependable, hardworking, resilient
Taurus is an earth sign whose mantra is “slow and steady wins the race,” says Montúfar, and this sign's key traits make them built for stable, long-term relationships, adds Ward. Ruled by Venus, Taurus is also a big lover, pleasure seeker, and money magnet, thanks to their incredible manifesting skills. But don't think a Taurus wears rose-colored glasses—this sign's strengths actually lie in their pragmatism. No matter the weather, a Taurus' resiliency and ability to rationalize helps them find a solution. On the flip side, their unwavering loyalty can sometimes manifest as stubbornness, Quinn adds. Taurus is associated with the second house in astrology, which rules values and money.
Read Taurus sign’s full profile here.
Gemini: May 21 - June 20
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Ruling House: Third House of Communication and Thought Processes
Symbol: Twins
Key Traits: Curious, charming, communicative, flighty
Gemini is an air sign with a ton of superpowers, including multitasking, since they’re multifaceted and live outside of the box, according to Quinn. “Recognized as the sacred duality present in the universe, Gemini is an intellectual and versatile sign with an endless curiosity and a bright, quick-witted mind,” says Montúfar. While you most definitely want a Gemini on your trivia team, this sign changes their minds frequently, making them flighty and unreliable at times, says Marquardt. “It takes them a while to settle down because they’re so social and can’t bear to be restricted,” Ward adds. Gemini is associated with the third house of communication and thought processes.
Read Gemini sign’s full profile here.
Cancer: June 21 - July 22
Ruling Planet: The Moon
Ruling House: Fourth House of Home Life
Symbol: Crab
Key Traits: Loyal, protective, loving, well-spoken
One of Cancer’s strongest assets is their capacity for love—and the lengths they’ll go to for the people they care about. “Intuitive and tenacious, this sign sticks to their roots and excels at getting what it wants to protect their family and loved ones,” explains Montúfar. In romantic relationships, a Cancer sign will give you the world, as long as you give it right back, Ward notes. Because Cancers are water signs, they tend to be very in touch with their emotions, which can have its downsides, too. “They tend to have large mood swings,” Quinn explains. “And when they feel scared, they go into their shell." Cancer is associated with the fourth house, which rules over home, family, and origins.
Read Cancer sign’s full profile here.
Leo: July 23 - August 22
Ruling Planet: The Sun
Ruling House: Fifth House of Pleasure, Creativity, and Children
Symbol: Lion
Key Traits: Courageous, charismatic, confident, jealous
This king of the jungle has a lust for life. “Leo can be bold and fearless, allowing them to take risks and pursue their dreams with vigor,” says Marquardt. If you know a Leo, then you probably also know that making a good impression is their number one priority. “This sign’s creativity and fiery magfnetism puts them at the center stage of life,” Montúfar explains. But even the sparkliest gem isn't perfect, and Leo is no different. For one, their self-assuredness can easily come off as cockiness. “They can place too much emphasis on material wealth and status, giving them a sense of entitlement and greed,” Marquardt says. Leo is associated with the fifth house of pleasure, creativity, and children.
Read Leo sign’s full profile here.
Virgo: August 23 - September 22
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Ruling House: Sixth House of Wellness and Routine
Symbol: The Maiden
Key Traits: Industrious, methodical, efficient, stubborn
In astrology, Virgo is “the maiden” or “virgin,” representing the ideal of wholeness and perfection, Montúfar says. So, naturally, you can count on a Virgo for anything from planning your birthday party to coaching you through your next presentation—and their resourcefulness is easily one of their many special strengths. “Virgo is capable of taking on high levels of responsibility, which fills them with a great sense of duty in the world,” says Marquardt. They’re used to wearing multiple hats at the same time and are often under the impression that they’re the best person to do it all. And if that belief gets challenged, they’ll push back and become stubborn (non-Virgos, you’ve been warned!). On the other hand, striving for perfection can often wear this sign down. Virgos are associated with the sixth house of wellness and routine.
Read Virgo sign’s full profile here.
Libra: September 23 - October 22
Ruling Planet: Venus
Ruling House: Seventh House of Partnerships
Symbol: The Scales
Key Traits: Flirty, impressionable, people-pleasing, congenial
Sure, Libras are experts at keeping the peace (they are represented by the scales of justice, after all), but there’s nothing stronger than Libra’s congeniality. This sign "seeks to be a source of joy for others,” Marquardt says, and they’re basically the epitome of beauty, balance, harmony, and a sense of fair play. However, being a people-pleaser can render Libras defenseless as they try to make everyone happy (pssst, you can’t). “They always want to play the devil’s advocate and sometimes need a nudge to choose a side,” says Quinn. They’re also natural flirts and love to be loved, adds Ward. “Many people can get burned by thinking they were special to a Libra…only to discover they were one of several!” she says. Libras are associated with the seventh house of partnerships.
Read Libra sign’s full profile here.
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21
Ruling Planet: Mars (traditional astrology), Pluto (modern astrology)
Ruling House: Eighth House of Sex and Taboo
Symbol: Scorpion
Key Traits: Secretive, eloquent, intellectual, curious
Scorpios are the femme fatale type, and their borderline psychic ability is one of their strongest assets. “They have a keen intuition as a water sign, and their intuition is highly focused,” explains Marquardt. They also have a knack for “zeroing in on essential questions and gleaning the secrets that lie within,” says Montúfar. And while Scorpios love unraveling mysteries, they tend to withhold sharing secrets of their own. Scorpio’s unwillingness to be vulnerable makes them prone to holding grudges, Marquardt says. “Scorpio knows how to trigger other people and push their buttons behind limits.” Yet, they also love hard, so you can expect a Scorpio to fight till the end for the people they care about. As a fixed modality, they tend to be determined and stable, which also makes Scorpios super independent. Scorpios are ruled by the eighth house of sex and taboo.
Read Scorpio sign’s full profile here.
Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Ruling House: Ninth House of Travel and Spirituality
Symbol: The Archer
Key Traits: Wise, open, optimistic, noncommittal
These thrill-seekers rely on their luck and natural positivity to move them from one adventure to the next “because they’re so focused on seeing the benefits of exploring new places and trying new experiences,” explains Marquardt. They’re also truth-seekers, and the best way for them to get answers is to seek out tons of connections with others. However, Sagittarius is extremely noncommittal because of their need for freedom, says Quinn, which can clash with their other responsibilities. “But if you satiate their need for change and expansion, then they will take to you well,” Quinn notes. Sagittarius is associated with the ninth house of travel and spirituality.
Read Sagittarius sign’s full profile here.
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Ruling House: Tenth House of Career and Reputation
Symbol: Sea Goat
Key Traits: Tough, responsible, hardworking, determined
Ever heard of a “sea goat”? You have now—it’s a mythological water creature that represents the Capricorn sign. “Ruled by Saturn, Capricorns are ambitious and determined initiators,” says Montúfar. If commanding a room with their authoritative presence alone isn’t Capricorn’s biggest strength, their self-discipline just might be. “They comfortably and successfully know how to delegate to others and with the vision to lead,” adds Quinn. But the caveat is that they have no issue throwing people under the bus to get what they want, according to Marquardt. So, balance in their relationships is a must. Capricorns are ruled by the tenth house of career and reputation.
Read your sign’s full profile here.
Aquarius: January 20 - February 18
Ruling Planet: Saturn (traditional astrology), Uranus (modern astrology)
Ruling House: Eleventh House of Community and Friendship
Symbol: Water Bearer
Key Traits: Innovative, courageous, independent, honest
People born under this sign are often humanitarian-focused, visionary, and progressive souls interested in making the world a much better place. As Marquardt puts it, they don’t care about what’s socially acceptable—they’re all about squashing the norms and progressing forward. In romantic relationships, they value their alone time and won’t tie their partner down, which can be frustrating for a quality time-loving S.O. But “where they lack in one-on-one dynamics, they make up for in their passion for the larger global community,” explains Quinn. Aquarius is also very honest—almost to a fault. “Aquarians don’t like conflict, but will speak their mind, often with powerful honesty,” says Ward. “They won’t hold back to spare others’ feelings.” Aquarius is associated with the eleventh house of community and friendship.
Read Aquarius sign’s full profile here.
Pisces: February 19 - March 20
Ruling Planet: Jupiter (traditional astrology), Neptune (modern astrology)
Ruling House: Twelfth House of Subconscious and Dreams
Symbol: Fish
Key Traits: Intuitive, empathetic, caring, loyal
“Dreamy and spiritual, this sign represents the end of the zodiacal journey,” Montúfar says. “Pisces wraps up the qualities of all the previous 11 signs to bring the spirit into a perfect state of wholeness.” This sign feels not only their own feelings, but also those of the people around them, Quinn explains. Pisces is the dream partner for their fellow signs due to their caring and loving nature, adds Ward. However, letting their imagination run wild can manifest in unrealistic expectations and extra scatter-brainedness, according to Marquardt. “Pisces is sometimes forgetful because their own fantastical thoughts can be distracting from their real-life obligations,” he explains. Pisces is associated with the twelfth house of the subconscious and dreams—and yup, that totally checks out.
Read Pisces sign’s full profile here.
Meet the Experts
Angel Dawn is a certified professional astrologer and modern mystic based in Los Angeles, California.
Erin River Sunday is the resident astrologer for Birthdate Candles Co.
Linda Joyce is a professional astrologer and author of The Star Within: Tapping the Power of The Zodiac.
Valerie Mesa is a Miami-based intuitive astrologer, writer, and visual storyteller.
Ryan Marquardt is a professional astrologer and cosmic messenger based in West Hollywood, California.
Narayana Montúfar, is a senior astrologer at Horoscope.com and Astrology.com, as well as author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power.
Imani Quinn is a Quantum Mystic Oracle, speaker, and artist.
Kerry Ward is a tarot reader and columnist at Cosmopolitan.
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