Sun, Moon and Rising Sign: What Each One Means

When people say "I'm a Leo", they usually mean their Sun sign, which comes from your birth date. A birth chart has more than that. The Sun, Moon and Rising signs are the three most talked about, and each describes a different side of you.

Sun sign: how you shine

The Sun sign is your core identity in astrology. It's what you're growing into, what motivates you, and how you tend to show up. It changes about once a month, so it's easy to find from your birth date alone.

Moon sign: how you feel

The Moon sign describes your emotional side: what you need to feel safe, how you react when you're stressed, and what comforts you. The Moon changes sign roughly every two and a half days, so to find yours you need your birth date and, ideally, your birth time.

Rising sign: first impressions

The Rising sign, or Ascendant, is the sign that was on the eastern horizon at the moment you were born. It describes how you come across and how you approach new situations. It changes about every two hours, so your exact birth time and birth city matter a lot.

How to use all three

• Sun: what you're here to become.
• Moon: what you need.
• Rising: how people first meet you.

People often find that they relate more to their Moon sign than their Sun sign when it comes to everyday feelings. That's normal.

How to find yours

You need your birth date, birth time and the city you were born in. Your birth certificate usually has the time. In Sussa you add them once and see your Sun, Moon and Rising sign, plus a full birth chart wheel.

Tip: Astrology is for reflection and entertainment. It's a way to ask yourself questions, not a way to predict what will happen to you.