Birth Chart Basics: Your Sun, Moon, and Rising Sign
You've probably been asked, "What's your sign?"—but did you know you have more than one? Your Sun sign is just the beginning. A birth chart is a complete map of the sky at the exact moment you were born, and it reveals a rich, detailed portrait of your personality. The three most important placements are known as your "big three."
This guide will introduce you to your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs and explain what each one reveals about you.
Curious about your own connection? Get a fun compatibility score in seconds!
Try Our Love CalculatorAdvertisement
The "Big Three" Explained
Your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs are the core pillars of your astrological identity. Together, they create a nuanced picture of who you are, how you feel, and how others perceive you.
Your Sun Sign: Your Core Identity
This is the sign most people know. It's determined by the Sun's position on your birthday and represents your ego, your fundamental self, and your life's purpose. It's the "you" that shines brightest and the core of your personality.
Your Moon Sign: Your Emotional World
Your Moon sign reflects your inner self—your emotions, your instincts, and what you need to feel safe and nurtured. It governs your moods and your most private feelings. Understanding your Moon sign is key to understanding your emotional reactions and what you need in a relationship to feel truly connected.
Your Rising Sign (Ascendant): Your Social Mask
Your Rising sign is the zodiac sign that was on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth. It represents your "social personality"—the first impression you make on others and the mask you wear in new situations. It's how you navigate the world and how others see you before they get to know your core (Sun) and inner (Moon) selves.
Why It Matters for Compatibility
Understanding your big three—and your partner's—is a game-changer for relationship compatibility. While your Sun signs might be a classic match, your Moon signs could be in conflict, explaining why you have different emotional needs. A complete birth chart comparison offers a much deeper insight than just Sun signs alone.
Hi, I'm Jig D, a passionate researcher of the patterns that connect us. I created this space to explore the beautiful science of relationships through the fun lenses of numerology and astrology.