In astrology, your “Big 6” or “Big 3” refers to the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and your rising sign, which are the most important planets in your natal chart.
These planets, together with the rising sign, work together in your birth chart to describe your self-expression. Each of these celestial bodies has its own distinct meaning, and when combined with the zodiac signs, they add to your astrological compass (also known as your birth chart) and provide insight into a variety of your behaviors.
While the rising sign isn’t a planet, it is in the sign that represents the start of your consciousness. The sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars all reflect various elements of your life, personality, and how you connect with others, among other things.
Because these are the nearest celestial bodies to Earth, they have a greater impact on us than the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto). The sun and moon are the “mom and dad” of the sky, working together to transform light and being the only planets that never station retrograde.
Mercury, Venus, and Mars, on the other hand, station retrograde on a regular basis and have an impact on how we interact, connect, and express ourselves based on their direct or retrograde movement, as well as the signs and houses in which they are positioned in our birth charts.
In This Article...
What method do I use to keep track of all of my zodiac signs?
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces are the 12 zodiac signs in order. Each zodiac sign has a symbol that dates back to Middle Ages Greek manuscripts. Let’s look at the zodiac symbols, constellations, and qualities in more detail.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
The ram is the constellation that represents Aries, the first of the twelve zodiac signs. You are adventurous, active, ambitious, and competitive if you were born under this sign. Aries are recognized for their agility and leadership abilities, as well as a tendency to be impetuous and blunt (due to the “fire” aspect).
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Taurus is the second of the twelve zodiac signs, and the constellation Taurus represents it. You are dedicated, dependable, focused, and creative if you were born under this sign. Tauruses are noted for their intelligence, trustworthiness, and stubbornness (the sign is a bull, after all). Tauruses are notorious for questioning authority and seeking pleasure.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The constellation Gemini, which is made up of the Dioscurithe twins, Castor and Pollux, represents Gemini, the third of the twelve zodiac signs. You are active, expressive, intellectual, and playful if you were born under this sign. Geminis are recognized for their gregarious personalities and diverse interests, yet they have a (probably undeserved) reputation for being duplicitous.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The constellation Cancer, which is most typically pictured as a crab, represents Cancer, the fourth of the twelve zodiac signs. If you were born under this sign, you are brave, empathetic, protective, and perceptive. Cancers are noted for their tendency to be remote and passive-aggressive, as well as their caring nature.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
The lion is the constellation that represents Leo, the fifth of the twelve zodiac signs. You are vivacious, extroverted, and fiery if you were born under this sign. Leos are recognized for their warm personalities and great self-esteem, although they can be proud or jealous at times.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
The virgin is the constellation that represents Virgo, the sixth of the twelve zodiac signs. You are practical, analytical, and sophisticated if you were born under this sign. Virgos are recognized for their generosity and meticulous attention to detail, yet they may also be introverted and have unrealistic expectations for themselves and their loved ones.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
The scales, the only inanimate constellation, represents Libra, the seventh of the twelve zodiac signs. You are thought to be balanced, social, and diplomatic if you were born under this sign. Libras are recognized for their selflessness and camaraderie, although they can be overly pragmatic and insecure at times.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Scorpio is the eighth of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the scorpion constellation. You are loyal, resourceful, and dedicated if you were born under this sign. Scorpios are recognized for their boldness and pioneering spirit, but they may be abrasive and walled off to strangers.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
The archer is the constellation that represents Sagittarius, the ninth of the twelve zodiac signs. If you were born under this sign, you are cheerful, self-reliant, and intellectual. Sagittariuses are noted for their magnetic qualities and generosity, yet they can also be arrogant and direct.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Capricorn is the tenth of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the sea goat constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are patient, hardworking, and disciplined. Capricorns are recognized for their tenacity and fondness for boundaries and regulations, but they may be stubborn and too concerned with perfection.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Aquarius is the eleventh of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the water carrier constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are thought to be creative, loyal, and unique. Aquariuses are recognized for their rebellious temperament and ingenuity, but they can be aloof and unyielding with loved ones.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces is the last of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the fishes constellation. You are intuitive, artistic, and sympathetic if you were born under this sign. Pisces are famed for their empathy and artistic abilities, yet they can also be overly sensitive or delusional.
What method do you use to locate your rising sign?
To identify your rising sign (and your crush’s), you’ll need to know your exact birth time. Don’t rely just on your parents’ recollections. Each state in the United States has its own format for birth certificates, however obtaining a “long-form birth certificate” will ensure that you receive your proper birth time. “Because the position of the horizon changes so quickly, astrologers require the precise time of birth to cast a chart,” Viera explains. “On a circle chart, identify the line that runs horizontally through the center and follow it to the left to discover your rising. Your rise is the evidence that that line breaks through.”
What is your ascension?
The majority of us are aware of our own and our friends’ star signs, also known as sun signs. Isn’t it how we all make passive aggressive judgments while bigging ourselves up on Instagram with zodiac memes? Our moon signs are also known to us. But did you know you have a RISING SIGN that’s just as important?
The planetary influence that was rising, i.e. on the Eastern horizon, when you were born is your rising sign. It usually reflects how others perceive you in real life and can predict your gut reactions to situations. It is, however, yet another potential personality flaw to consider.
Because of its connection to the rising sun, your rising sign is also known as your ascendant, and many people associate it with your social nature, it’s possible that if someone is guessing your sign, they will get your rising sign before your sun sign! It’s how other people perceive you, which is something you’ll never have. This makes it a fascinating aspect of your birth chart to investigate: discovering who you are in the eyes of others.
What are the signs of the moon?
Your moon sign is the zodiac sign in which the moon was at the time of your birth. It’s the soul of your identity, the hidden part of yourself that you may keep hidden from others (unlike your outwardly appearing sun sign), and it accounts for a significant portion of your emotional side.