When most individuals think of astrology, their solar sign is often the first thing that comes to mind. After all, that’s the sign you’d check up when reading your horoscope or researching your cosmic compatibility with your crush. Understanding the differences between your sun, moon, and rising signs is a crucial place to start if you’re ready to delve deeper into your own astrology.
In astrology, your “big three signs” are your sun, moon, and rising sign.
Consider them your most important astrological data. These three signs are quite essential in your horoscope, and each is in charge of a different aspect of your personality and total self. While the sun represents your core self and the moon your inner self, you might consider your rising sign to be reflective of your outward self.
Even if you don’t believe in astrology, it’s just a matter of time before someone asks you for your big three, so now is the time to practice. Let’s go through the basic meanings and differences of the sun, moon, and rising signs so you may start looking into your birth chart and using astrology to your advantage. Continue reading to learn more about this crucial astrological trifecta.
In This Article...
What are my various astrological signs?
If you’re a lover of astrology, you’re probably aware that each of the 12 zodiac signs is associated with one of four elements: fire, water, earth, or air. That isn’t the only way to categorize the signs of the zodiac! In reality, each of the 12 zodiac signs is divided into groupings of traits or modalities, which is another way of describing each sign’s personality and vibe. The modalities also indicate when each zodiac sign is at the beginning, middle, or finish of the season.
Cardinal, changeable, and fixed are the three modalities. Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are the four changeable signs; Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are the fixed signs; and Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are the cardinal signs. Have you noticed anything? Each element is different for each sign in the same modality, and vice versa. That is, there is only one cardinal air sign (Libra), one mutable water sign (Pisces), one fixed earth sign (Taurus), and so on.
Let’s get started with changeable signs! The mutable signs, which include Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces, are the zodiac’s intellectuals and philosophers. They signify the end of a season or the end of a cycle (depending on your perspective): The Gemini season begins when the spring season ends, the Virgo season begins when the summer season ends, the Sagittarius season begins when the autumn season ends, and the Pisces season begins when the winter season ends.
Mutable signals are appropriate for signs that appear towards the end of a season and indicate that change is on the way. They put forth a lot of effort to prepare us all for the shift, and they have the flexibility and open-mindedness to see things from multiple perspectives. These thoughtful thinkers will wait until all of the facts are revealed before passing judgment, and even then, they will not be harsh. Consider them philosophers with an open mind. They aren’t as decisive as the other indicators, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility that they have opinions. Because they’re so cautious, it takes them a while to decide what they think! They’re also open to change their views once they’ve made a decision. Yes, it’s annoying when you’re trying to decide where to dine, but it’s fantastic when you need someone to bounce creative ideas off of.
Can you have two zodiac signs?
No, not at all. People born on the zodiac cusp are unique individuals whose date of birth combines the energy and attributes of two distinct signs together, forming a separate astrological personality with blended qualities, rather than formally being born under two signs.
What exactly do your Big Three imply?
Do you think your zodiac sign is a perfect match for you, or do you think it’s a complete mismatch? Read on to learn how to decode your Zodiac sign and the surprise significance behind your big three from guest bloggers Mathilda and Amanda from the Swedish wellness and personal development podcast Holy Crap… The Holy Crap Podcast contributed to this article.
Who is a rising Scorpio?
The Scorpio rising person has powerful, seething emotions that are typically hidden. Others find you intriguing and secretive if this describes you; you appear to purposefully turn on the charm for them. On the birth chart, someone born under this zodiac sign is at the ascendant.
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.
What is your ascension?
Your rising or ascendant is the sign that was ascending on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth. It refers to the picture you put out into the world, or the mask you wear, and it provides insight into your abilities, talents, and tactics for navigating life. If you’ve ever felt like people don’t recognize you as your sun sign right away, it’s because they’re probably seeing your rising.
What are the signs of the zodiac that I belong to?
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.

