It’s very beginner friendly, I promise
Whether you’re an astrology aficionado or unfamiliar with the zodiacs, chances are you’ve noticed content about the language of the stars on social media. It’s everywhere —over the last few years, astrology has embarked on a renaissance. And this isn’t the first time the practice has cemented itself in popular culture. Astrology was a big part of the New Age movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
At its core, that’s what astrology offers: understanding. Like generations before us, Millennials and Gen-Zers are obsessed with figuring out what makes us tick. Astrology, to a certain extent, offers answers.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Before we get into the practice, let’s — to borrow lyrics from Hilary Duff — go back, back to the beginning. Read on for a very beginner-friendly guide to astrology.
What is Astrology
According to April Elliot Kent, astrology is “the study of the connection between celestial activity phenomena and earthly events. Those who practice astrology are called astrologers.”
According to In Style, every celestial body in our solar system has meaning and purpose. For example, your sun sign speaks to your sense of self and identity. Your sun sign (AKA your zodiac sign) is the one of the three most significant planetary points. And it’s our first stop in understanding astrology.
What Is Your Sun Sign?
I like to think of it as who you are objectively, without bias or under nuanced circumstances. As aforementioned, sun signs are more often referred to as zodiac signs.
Why? Because the zodiac is a belt within around 8° either side of the ecliptic (AKA a circle that defines the path of the sun among the constellations over the period of a year) thats broken up into 12 equal signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, In Style reports.
Each zodiac sign is associated with its own unique traits, desires, and shortcomings. And they’re categorized by elements: water, earth, air, and fire. For example, I’m a Cancer, meaning the sun was in Cancer when I was born. Cancer is a water sign, and is assigned to those born between June 22 and July 22. We’re known for our creativity and sensitivity (guilty)
But the sun is just one piece of who you are. Your moon sign plays an integral role in your personality, and understanding it’s interaction with your sun sign may clue you in on why you are the way you are.
What Is Your Moon Sign?
I like to think of your moon sign as who you are behind closed doors, when you’re comfortable and feel safe. Your moon sign is typically the side of you that may hide from the world, and only a select few get to see.
If your moon is an air sign (Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius), you approach change analytically and with good judgment. You feel your best when you’re expressing ideas and interacting socially.
And if your moon sign is a fire sign (Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius), change is thrilling for you. You feel your best when you’re strong and confident.
With an earth sign (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo) as your moon, you’re steady as a rock when things change in your life. You feel A1 when you’re working towards a goal.
Last but not least, for those with a water sign as your moon, change is a little tough for you. You feel your best when your feelings are at the forefront, so don’t forget to prioritize self care!
At this point you know the drill — your sun and your moon are just a fraction of who you are.
To complete our exploration of the top three significant planetary points, we need to look at your rising sign.
What Is Your Rising Sign?
According to In Style, your ascendant sign (or rising sign) refers to the constellation created on the eastern horizon at the time of your birth. It reveals how the world sees you, and your skills, talents and strategies you may employ in your life.
I’m a Capricorn rising, which means that I give off a steadfast and grounding energy to the world, The Enso reports. Fire sign rising folks are known for their bluntness and being action-oriented. Their energy is infectious, but can also be a little overwhelming.
If you’re rising is in a water sign, you’re sensitive and empathetic, and may be easily swayed by the people around you. Life for you is all about the feels. And if your rising sign is an air sign, your wit is razor sharp and you’re incredibly intentional about how you move.
We’ve finally reached the end of our journey through the stars, and whether astrology is your passion or you’re a naysayer, I hope this guide gave you a newfound appreciation for the practice.
