If you’ve been on TikTok within the last year or so, you may have noticed an increase in content about astrology. With the spread of horoscopes and tarot readings, lots of people have been wondering where to even start. After all, astrology can tell us a lot about ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. When I was first getting into my astrological studies, I found it was best to start with finding my Big 3.
Your Big 3, or your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs, are the three zodiac signs that tell us the most about ourselves. This is probably the first thing your astrological newbie friend will ask you. These signs are determined by our date, place, and time of birth. Be sure to call your mom and ask for that time! You can find your own birth chart by accessing an online calculator. My personal favorite is Astro Charts, which you can find at https://astro-charts.com/. This calculator allows you to input your birth information and gives you a written birth chart to follow!
Here is what your astrological Big 3 says about you:
Sun Signs
Your Sun sign is the zodiac sign that you are most-likely already familiar with. This sign is determined by where the Sun is on our birth date. While these are generally the same time every year, dates can vary from year to year. Your Sun sign can display some of your biggest personality traits, and can play a role in what motivates you in your daily life.
Aries: The first sign of the zodiac is our lovely fire sign, Aries. Aries Suns show a lot of energy and passion within their daily lives. They set out to complete anything they set their minds to, and they are quick to achieve it. While impatient at times, Aries live their lives in the fast lane and aim to treat every day as if it is a fresh start.
Taurus: Taurus Suns are some of the most kind, caring, and nurturing people of the zodiac. While being dependable, they choose to live their lives in comfort and leisure. As an Earth sign, they can find comfort in their emotional stability, while others may find frustration in their recurrent stubbornness. Their materialism can act as a driving factor for being such hard workers, as Taurus Suns tend to drift toward the finer things in life.
Gemini: As an air sign, Gemini is one of the social butterflies of the zodiac. Self-motivated and intellectual, Geminis find comfort in stimulating environments and conversation. They are not the type to sit around and do nothing; they seem to always have something going on or someone to talk to. While they have a reputation for being two-faced, Gemini Suns are usually just more impressionable. They want good conversation and a good time.
Cancer: Known as one of the more sensitive members of the zodiac, Cancer Suns have a reputation for being protective and sensitive. As a water sign, Cancers are very in tune with their emotions and the feelings of those around them. This makes them one of the best signs at reading and adapting to others.
Leo: Our second fire sign of the zodiac, Leos are known for their fire and passion. As the Lion, Leos display confidence and are motivated by their big dreams. Leos can put their fire and passion into their hardworking attitude or their flair for the dramatic. They are the life of the party and are usually not afraid to be the center of attention.
Virgo: Earth sign Virgo is known for their natural ability for being prepared. Self-sufficient and curious, Virgo spends time asking “Why?” and will do what it takes in order to find the answers they like. While Virgos have a stereotype for being clean-freaks, they usually do feel some kind of discontent if they are not busy doing something. They value their time and are too hard on themselves. Take a deep breath, Virgos. You’re doing a great job!
Libra: As the harmony makers of the zodiac, Libra Suns are the definition of, “go with the flow.” Sociable and refined, they are the ones making sure everyone else is having a good time, too. While it may be hard for Libras to make decisions, we can depend on a Libra Sun to always listen to and defend us when the time comes.
Scorpio: “Mysterious,” Scorpio Suns are the more dark, poetic side of the zodiac. As the final water sign of the zodiac, Scorpios are known for their intensity. They are not afraid to get their hands dirty and are not afraid of confrontation. They are notoriously hardworkers and have the strength to take on whatever life throws their way.
Sagittarius: Sagittarius Suns are the comedians of the zodiac. Like their element, they are fiery and filled with energy. This energy can go all sorts of places with Sagittarius Suns, which leads to them coming off as energetic and passionate. They love their freedom and fun, and they are generally very easy-going, which can lead to them being manipulated without knowing it.
Capricorn: As the “serious” one of the zodiac, Capricorn is an Earth sign that shows stability, dependability, and self-sufficiency. Capricorns are known for their cynicism and sarcasm, but they are some of the most honest people of the zodiac. Capricorns tend to turn away from the emotions and focus on the facts, which can lead to being hyper critical of themselves and their work. You’re doing great, Capricorn.
Aquarius: As a fellow Aquarius Sun, we are the least populated Sun sign! Aquarius Suns are known for their quirkiness and intellect. Emotionally detached at times, Aquarius Suns find comfort in stimulating conversations, their aloofness, and their wit. In connection with Taurus, Aquarius Suns have also been called the most stubborn sign of the zodiac. Let loose once in a while, my fellow Aquarians. It could be fun!
Pisces: Pisces Suns are imaginative, emotionally intuitive, and they are very adaptable. As a water sign, Pisces may be sensitive to criticism or judgement. To combat this, they are very understanding and good communicators. They have a deep love for humanity and compassion.
Moon Signs
Moon signs make up the second part of our Big 3. Our moon signs can tell us more about how we deal with our inner feelings and emotions. This sign can also inform us on ways to improve our mood. In order to do this, connect with the element of your moon sign: fire, earth, air, or water. For example, Fire Moons can find comfort in lighting candles or incense, while Water Moons may find comfort in taking a bath or shower. What does your moon sign say about you?
Aries: As a fire sign, Aries Moons can have very fiery emotions. Known for their hot-headedness, Aries Moons can channel their inner fire into their passions. They know what they want in life – so much that their wants can feel like needs to them. In relationships, an Aries moon will communicate well with another fire moon sign or an Aries Sun.
Taurus: Taurus Moons are known to be one of the best moon sign placements. Being an Earth sign, Taurus is grounded and stable. In terms of emotions, these two traits can come in handy. Taurus moons rarely worry about the anxieties of what other people think and instead focus on their own comfort and needs. When emotional, Taurus can be quiet, reserved, or closed off. They value their alone time and frequently spend time getting to know themselves.
Gemini: Having your moon in Gemini can mean that you do not always know how to feel. Since Geminis are so open-minded, Gemini Moons often spend a lot of time battling themselves over their emotions. They are able to see both sides to a story, which in turn can make them feel like they are invalidating themselves. Use this ability to see multiple perspectives as an advantage and not as a weapon against yourself.
Cancer: Cancer Moons have a reputation for being the “crybabies” of the zodiac. It is okay to cry! Having a Water Moon can prove to be difficult at times because they wear their hearts on their sleeves. Cancer Moons are sensitive and caring, which makes them some of the best people to come to in times of emotional need.
Leo: As a Leo moon, I formally apologize to anyone I have ever been mad at. The Lion of the zodiac likes to roar! Our emotions are not only strong and fiery, but we definitely love the drama of it all. Leo Moons are known as the children of the zodiac: they feel their emotions hard, but they usually get over it pretty quickly because they want to move on to the next thing.
Virgo: Virgo Moons are very overly critical of their emotions. Being meticulous in nature, Virgo Moons find comfort in labelling what they are feeling. If they do not know what they are feeling, they may see it as invalid. Emotions do not have to have a label, Virgo. Remember it is okay to let the emotion come and pass.
Libra: Libra Moons still retain the harmonious, peace-keeping nature that Libra Suns do. Having your moon in Libra shows that you prioritize the feelings of others as much as you prioritize your own feelings. This could be due to the fact that Libra Moons very easily pick up on the energy of a room and can tell when something is not right. They will always have your back, no matter what.
Scorpio: Scorpio Moons are the type to suffer in silence, so to say. They think that talking about their emotions will only amplify the feelings of them. These feelings, however, are felt very strongly and can be turned into beautiful works of passion if the energy is applied. Talking about our emotions can help make them go away instead of bottling them up.
Sagittarius: Free-loving, Sagittarius Moons do not take life so seriously. They focus on the fun aspects of life rather than the negative, and they do not spend a lot of their time focusing on anything but the positive and what they are currently doing. They are very fast-paced and can change their mind and mood frequently. As a fire moon, Sagittarius Moons can feel their emotions in a more dramatic tone, but they get over it more quickly than other moon placements.
Capricorn: As a Capricorn Moon, you can expect to be rather level-headed on emotions. You can see things through an objective lens, which helps to evaluate if something is worth getting upset about. Additionally, Capricorn Moons do not focus on the lingering feelings an event may have on them; they feel there are other things to put their energy toward.
Aquarius: Like their Sun counterparts, Aquarius Moons can come off as detached from their emotions. Like Capricorn, Aquarius has the ability to see their emotions from an objective lens. However, they are also very deep-thinkers. This can lead to overthinking, and in certain emotional situations, Aquarius Moons have to work to stop thinking about the “What Ifs” of a scenario.
Pisces: Pisces Moons are known as the most imaginative placement in the zodiac. Pisces Moons like to spend their time daydreaming and thinking. They are very emotionally intuitive and sensitive to energy. In their daily interactions with others, Pisces Moons value the people and the environment they are interacting with.
Rising Signs
Your Rising, also called the Ascendant, sign is commonly called “the most important sign in your birth chart.” This sign is determined by which sign was on the horizon at the time of your birth. This changes every two hours, so try to be as accurate as possible! Your Rising sign can display your public persona, first impressions, and even how you look physically. Rising signs help to determine your “chart ruler”, which is one of the most prominent zodiac signs in your birth chart.
Aries: Ruled by Mars, Aries Risings are fiery, enthusiastic, and ready to be a leader. They are in tune with their spontaneity and are no stranger to standing up for themselves. They may have quick judgement, but they are known as the most independent of the Rising signs. Physically, Aries Risings may display quick movements and have a strong, athletic build. To find an Aries Risings chart ruler, locate the Mars placement.
Taurus: Taurus Risings are known for their naturalistic first impression. They have sensual pleasures, often indulging in personal luxuries, and are generally easy-going. Taurus Risings may also give off the first impression of stubbornness. Physically, Taurus Risings are more likely to be plump in the torso and have overall softer facial features. Taurus is ruled by Venus. To find a Taurus Risings chart ruler, locate the Venus placement.
Gemini: Gemini Risings are known for their natural curiosity and charm. Communication is very important to them, so they may initially come off as talkative and social. Additionally, these people generally love interacting with other people. Physically, Gemini Risings are filled with untamed energy, which can make them out to be fast walkers and talk with their hands. They are ruled by Mercury. To find the chart ruler of a Gemini Rising, locate the Mercury sign.
Cancer: Cancer Risings are soft, caring, and protective of the things they love. As a water placement, Cancer Risings can come off as sensitive and emotional, but they are known for their beauty. Cancer Risings are ruled by the Moon, and their physical characteristics reflect this: they have a moon-shaped face and display natural curves, especially in the waist and hips. The chart ruler of Cancer Risings is their moon sign. See above, Cancer Risings!
Leo: As a Leo Rising, we come off as warm, compassionate, and confident. We display a magnetic personality and can break the ice in any conversation. As one of the louder individuals of the zodiac, Leo Risings are known for being the center of attention and the life of the party. Physically, Leo Risings can display voluminous, big heads of hair (resembling a lion’s mane), and they have exaggerated, drastic mannerisms. Ruled by the sun, the chart ruler of Leo Risings is their Sun sign! This placement is powerful and definitely adds a kick to the traits already displayed by your Sun sign.
Virgo: Virgo Risings are known for their perfectionist tendencies. They, much like other strong Virgo placements, are very overly critical of themselves. They tend to bottle up a lot of their nervous energy and can come off as uptight. Physically, Virgo Risings are well-kept, have a good complexion, and have smaller facial features. Virgo is ruled by Mercury, like Gemini. This means the two share similarities in traits, like how they physically interact with their energy. The chart ruler of Virgo Risings is the Mercury sign.
Libra: Libra Risings are very sensitive to their surroundings and pick up on the energy of others’ without meaning to. In tune with their inner balance and harmony, Libra Risings are sociable, agreeable, and make friends easily. They are known for their physical features, as they are ruled by feminine planet, Venus. Physically, their facial features tend to be symmetrical. As they are ruled by Venus, the chart ruler of Libra is the Venus sign.
Scorpio: Dark in nature, Scorpio Risings are unintentionally intimidating. They are usually suspicious of others and have a reputation for their secrecy. In achieving their goals, a Scorpio Rising will go above and beyond and not stop until they are satisfied. Physically, Scorpio Risings are known for their large, intense eyes. Scorpio Risings are ruled by Pluto, meaning their chart ruler is their Pluto sign.
Sagittarius: The comedians of the zodiac, Sagittarius Risings are known for their humor, spontaneity, and honesty. They are typically a people-person and are always looking for new adventures. Physically, Sagittarius Risings have broad smiles and make grand gestures while communicating. They are ruled by Jupiter, which means Sagittarius Risings can find their chart rulers in their Jupiter sign.
Capricorn: Serious-minded Capricorn Risings are known for their tendencies to be “all work, no play.” They are very career-oriented and determined to succeed. Additionally, Capricorn Risings may have dry, cynical humor. Physically, Capricorn Risings have smaller, sharper facial features and could be prone to having an R.B.F. (No shame here!). Capricorn Risings can find their chart ruler in their Saturn sign.
Aquarius: Lovely air sign Aquarius! They are known for their general aloofness and quirkiness, but value serious conversations. They have the ability to adapt to different scenarios, knowing how they should act in each respective one. This means that Aquarius Risings can either come off as very intimidating or approachable. This can depend on other signs in the birth chart, as well. Physically, Aquarius Risings have quick and unpredictable mannerisms. They are ruled by Uranus, which means their chart ruler is their Uranus sign.
Pisces: Pisces Risings are very easy-going and polite. They are usually soft-spoken and are very in tune with their surroundings, emotions, and energy like other significant Pisces placements. They are rarely aggressive, and their kind-hearted nature can make them vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Physically, Pisces Risings are smaller in build with long, thick eyelashes. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, where Pisces Risings can find their chart ruler.
In summary, your Big 3 says a lot about who you are as a person. Check out the rest of your birth chart to see what it says about you!
References
https://www.yourtango.com/2019328837/what-your-sun-sign-means-astrology
https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/significance-rising-sign-your-birth-chart/