How to Find Your Sun, Moon, & Rising Signs: A Guide to Your “Big Three”

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Learn how to read & understand your unique birth chart
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In astrology, your sun and moon signs reflect your key traits and motivations. Along with your rising sign (aka ascendant), these signs are known as the "big three" because they reveal so much about your core identity, emotional expression, and outward appearance. While you only need your birth date to figure out your sun sign, we'll walk you through how to use a birth chart calculator to find your moon and rising signs with the help of expert astrologers Stina Garbis and Angel Eyedealism. Read on to find your sun, moon, and rising sign and understand how they affect your personality!

How do you find your sun, moon, and rising sign?

Expert astrologer Stina Garbis recommends using an astrology website that prepares birth charts, like Cafe Astrology or Astro-Seek . Simply enter your birth date, time of birth, and place of birth to find your sun, moon, and rising signs. Or, use an ephemeris or consult a professional astrologer.

Section 1 of 4:

Finding Your Sun Sign

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  1. The sun sign is probably the easiest sign to find, which is why most people know theirs. All you need to know is your birth date! Since you only have 1 sun sign, just use this list to find the sign that correlates with your birthday: [1]
    • Aries : March 21 to April 19
    • Taurus : April 20 to May 20
    • Gemini : May 21 to June 20
    • Cancer : June 21 to July 22
    • Leo : July 23 to August 22
    • Virgo : August 23 to September 22
    • Libra : September 23 to October 22
    • Scorpio : October 23 to November 21
    • Sagittarius : November 22 to December 21
    • Capricorn : December 22 to January 19
    • Aquarius : January 20 to February 18
    • Pisces : February 19 to March 20
    EXPERT TIP

    Stina Garbis

    Psychic Astrologer
    Reverend Stina Garbis is a Psychic Astrologer and the Owner of Psychic Stina. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in providing personal and professional advice through astrology and tarot card readings. Reverend Stina has experience working with high-profile celebrities, sports figures, politicians, and CEOs. She has been featured in many publications, including Bustle, Vice, The New York Post, and Readers’ Digest and she also has a 200k+ following on TikTok. Stina holds an Ordained Minister License from The International Metaphysical Ministry University Seminary.
    Stina Garbis
    Psychic Astrologer

    Double-check your sun sign if you’re born between the 18th and 23rd of the month. The starting date of each sun sign can change from year to year. So, it’s a good idea to do a chart if you are on the cusp, or transition, between 2 signs.

  2. Most astrologers, like Garbis, agree that your sun sign reveals personality traits that can tell you how you interact with the world and others. In other words, it describes your core identity and essential traits. Do a web search for your sun sign to come up with a detailed zodiac profile. [2] Here are some common sun sign traits for each sign: [3]
    • Aries : You have leadership skills along with courage and competitiveness. You have a temper, but you're kind and trusting.
    • Taurus : You're practical and stubborn, but you value luxurious things. You're loyal to those you trust and you love routine.
    • Gemini : You're a great communicator, but you can be erratic. Your fun personality and curiosity keep you interested in life.
    • Cancer : You're intuitive and emotional, but you keep a tough shell to protect yourself. You're a caring person, but you'll make others earn your trust.
    • Leo : You love being the center of attention and you're pretty competitive. Your friends are rewarded with your fierce loyalty and warm personality.
    • Virgo : You're known for being practical, logical, and a bit of a neat freak. While your perfectionism can make some signs anxious, you're a supportive, kind person.
    • Libra : You're all about balance and being fair. You work toward justice and finding the equilibrium in all things.
    • Scorpio : You're mysterious and intense with strong energy. You might appear reserved or standoffish, but you keep your emotions close.
    • Sagittarius : You love to travel and you have a fun, adventurous personality. You're known as the philosopher of the zodiac since you thrive on intellectual stimulation.
    • Capricorn : You're a hard worker with an ambitious personality. You're also known for your patience and dedication, so you're a loyal friend.
    • Aquarius : You're the humanitarian of the zodiac. You're caring, eccentric, and progressive, so you love trying new things.
    • Pisces : You have a sensitive nature and are creative. You're caring and known as a bit of a dreamer.
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Section 2 of 4:

Finding Your Moon Sign

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  1. If you're not sure of the time, check your birth certificate or ask a parent if they remember the time. In order to see where the other planets were when you were born, you need the specifics of your birthday in order to pull up your birth chart .
    • Not sure when you were born and can't find out? Estimate and try to be as close as you can. For instance, if you know that you were born in the morning, pick a time in the morning and use the calculator.
    • Some calculators will let you skip this information, although your moon and rising sign might be incorrect. Eyedealism agrees, saying that “if somebody doesn't know their time of birth, it's very hard to get an exact ascendant” or moon sign. [4]
  2. Location is important to get an accurate chart of the sky when you were born. Since the stars and planets appear differently depending on where you're at in the world, you need to know what city you were born in.
    • If you're not sure, check your birth certificate or ask one of your parents. If you still can't find the city of your birth, try to use the state you were born in.
  3. To use the calculator, Garbis says to enter your full birth date, birth time (as detailed as possible), and your birth city. [5] It will probably use a drop-down menu so you can select the correct city. If it asks for your name, you can put your real name or a fake name. Then, hit enter and you'll get your birth chart. [6]
  4. Read about your moon sign to reveal your emotional self. According to Garbis, the moon symbolizes your inner self: it represents how you feel or express yourself, your instincts and reactions, and what you need to feel safe. [7] Look for "moon" on your birth chart to find that sign. Then, do a web search for the zodiac sign and read about its emotional characteristics. This helps you learn more about how you react to your emotions and what you need to feel nurtured. Here are the common traits of each moon sign: [8]
    • Aries : You’re direct with your feelings and unafraid of confrontation. You put your feelings into action and are always go, go, go. So, you can be a bit impatient.
    • Taurus : With your strong and unwavering emotions, you’re a true romantic. You’re focused on building a safe, secure, and stable life, so change can be difficult for you.
    • Gemini : Stimulation and communication are critical to your emotional well-being. You’re driven by curiosity and a desire to socialize—you always seem to be doing a million things at once.
    • Cancer : You’re warm and caring, easily getting in touch with your feelings and reading the emotions of the people around you. You like things that are familiar and can be quite nostalgic.
    • Leo : You’re the entertainer of your friend group and love to make people laugh. Loyalty is vital to your relationships—you crave the constant care and attention that you give your pals, too.
    • Virgo : You’re the happiest when you feel needed and useful to your loved ones. With your practical nature and calm composure, you never let your emotions get the best of you.
    • Libra : You strive for harmony, peace, and balance in everything you do, so you’re not really one to rock the boat. Your relationships are very important to you, so you love for a friend or partner to always be around.
    • Scorpio : Depth and intensity are your superpowers: you dig below the surface to see what makes people tick. You seek out people and experiences that make you grow and feel deeply.
    • Sagittarius : You’re a free-spirit who craves excitement, from meeting new people to going on thrilling adventures. You need change to feel your happiest and tend to run from routine and stability.
    • Capricorn : You prefer to keep your cards close to the chest and make your decisions based on facts and logic. Your goals and ambitions guide you and you easily take control to ensure things get done.
    • Aquarius : You’re fiercely independent and aim to rise above your emotions, so you can come off as detached and distant. However, you’re deeply compassionate and driven to change the world.
    • Pisces : You’re deeply empathetic, putting yourself into the shoes of every person you meet. You’re the happiest when you’re dreaming and expressing your feelings through art.
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Section 3 of 4:

Finding Your Rising or Ascendant Sign

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  1. Also called the ascendant sign, your rising sign is usually listed near the sun and moon signs, which is why it's considered to be one of the "big three" signs. You might find that your rising sign is the same as your sun or moon sign, or it might be completely different. [9]
    • Most birth chart calculators provide you with your rising sign when you look up your sun and moon signs. Like your moon sign, you need your birth time and location to get an accurate result.
  2. Do a web search for your rising sign to learn what personality you project. You might have heard your rising sign referred to as the mask that you wear. Eyedealism agrees, saying that your rising sign is your outward or social self and represents “how you're perceived.” [10] Think of it as a combination of the moon and sun—it's the sign that closely represents how other people see your actions, choices, and character. [11] Below are the common perceptions of each rising sign:
    • Aries : You come across as direct, sure of yourself, and a bit aggressive.
    • Taurus : You appear determined, reliable, and quite stubborn to others.
    • Gemini : People see you as witty, talkative, curious, and impatient.
    • Cancer : You’re seen as sweet, caring, and a bit shy.
    • Leo : People see you as outgoing, bold, generous, and sometimes self-important.
    • Virgo : You come across as observant, composed, meticulous, and a bit reserved.
    • Libra : You appear easy-going, friendly, fair, and sometimes people-pleasing.
    • Scorpio : People see you as intense, driven, mysterious, and a bit intimidating.
    • Sagittarius : You’re seen as optimistic, enthusiastic, and brave, if not a bit reckless.
    • Capricorn : You come across as competent, responsible, hardworking, and sometimes overly serious.
    • Aquarius : You appear quirky, independent, progressive, and a bit aloof.
    • Pisces : People see you as peaceful, adaptable, idealistic, and sometimes indecisive.
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Section 4 of 4:

Putting Your Big Three Signs Together

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  1. Your birth chart gives you information about how your sun, moon, and rising signs affect one another, providing you with a complete look at your personality. Keep in mind that the sun sign represents your core characteristics while the moon sign covers your emotional traits and needs. Then, look at the rising sign to find out what others think when they see you. [12] Read through the personality profile provided by the calculator you used, or do a web search for your big three combination.
    • For instance, websites like Astrology.com allow you to enter your sun, moon, and rising signs and read about how each sign works together.
    • For example, if you've got a Virgo sun and Gemini moon with a Virgo rising, you're probably pretty practical and logistical most of the time. This is also what people think of you since you've got Virgo as your rising sign. Emotionally, you're curious and have a fun attitude.

What Are The Differences Between Your Sun, Moon, And Rising Sign?

Astrological Sun and Moon Calculator

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  • Question
    How do I calculate my sun sign?
    Stina Garbis
    Psychic Astrologer
    Reverend Stina Garbis is a Psychic Astrologer and the Owner of Psychic Stina. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in providing personal and professional advice through astrology and tarot card readings. Reverend Stina has experience working with high-profile celebrities, sports figures, politicians, and CEOs. She has been featured in many publications, including Bustle, Vice, The New York Post, and Readers’ Digest and she also has a 200k+ following on TikTok. Stina holds an Ordained Minister License from The International Metaphysical Ministry University Seminary.
    Stina Garbis
    Psychic Astrologer
    Expert Answer
    Using an ephemeris or any astrology website that prepares charts! Enter your time, place and date of birth to find your sun, moon and rising and the other planetary placements for that day. This way, you will know your signs without a shadow of a doubt.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do you figure out your zodiac cusp?
    Stina Garbis
    Psychic Astrologer
    Reverend Stina Garbis is a Psychic Astrologer and the Owner of Psychic Stina. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in providing personal and professional advice through astrology and tarot card readings. Reverend Stina has experience working with high-profile celebrities, sports figures, politicians, and CEOs. She has been featured in many publications, including Bustle, Vice, The New York Post, and Readers’ Digest and she also has a 200k+ following on TikTok. Stina holds an Ordained Minister License from The International Metaphysical Ministry University Seminary.
    Stina Garbis
    Psychic Astrologer
    Expert Answer
    Many people born on the cusp of signs don’t really know what sign they are, since often the date of the sun moving into a sign changes from year to year. It is good to do a chart especially if you are on the cusp, you may be surprised to find that you are not who you always thought you were!
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    Are Aquarius and Sagittarius compatible?
    Community Answer
    They can be a perfect match as BFFs because they are more committed to freedom and growth.
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      • Want to learn more details of your birth chart? Look at the placements of the other planets in your chart, like Mercury, Venus, and Mars , which tell you about how you communicate and approach relationships. You can also read the houses of your birth chart to learn more about your unique personality.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.horoscope.com/horoscope-dates/
      2. ↑ Stina Garbis. Psychic Astrologer. Expert Interview. 14 February 2022.
      3. ↑ https://www.costarastrology.com/zodiac-signs
      4. ↑ Angel Eyedealism. Astrologer & Performance Artist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.
      5. ↑ Stina Garbis. Psychic Astrologer. Expert Interview. 14 February 2022.
      6. ↑ https://justastrologythings.com/pages/chart/
      7. ↑ Stina Garbis. Psychic Astrologer. Expert Interview. 10 December 2021.
      8. ↑ https://cafeastrology.com/articles/mooninsigns.html
      9. ↑ https://www.astrosofa.com/horoscope/ascendant
      1. ↑ Angel Eyedealism. Astrologer & Performance Artist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.
      2. ↑ https://justastrologythings.com/pages/rising/
      3. ↑ https://cafeastrology.com/articles/planetsinastrology.html

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