Astrology 101: A Beginner’s Guide to the Stars

The Slow Lane: ASTROLOGY 101. Your Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

So, you want to get into astrology but don’t know where to start? Buckle up, cosmic explorer, because we’re diving into the celestial basics—your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. If astrology feels like a whole other language, don’t stress. By the end of this series, you’ll be reading birth charts like a pro (or at least faking it really well at parties).

Your Big Three: Sun, Moon & Rising

If astrology were a reality show, your Sun, Moon, and Rising would be the people you bothered to follow on TikTok. Each plays a crucial role in shaping who you are, how you feel, and how the world sees you. So let’s break it down.

Sun Sign: Your Core Personality

The Slow Lane: ASTROLOGY 101. Your Sun SIgn is Your Main Character Energy

Think of your Sun Sign as your main character energy. It’s the sign everyone knows because it’s based on your birth date. This is the essence of who you are—your ego and conviction. 

  • Represents: Identity, ego, life purpose, core personality.
  • Example: Leo Suns? Born to shine. Virgo Suns? Organized icons. Scorpio Suns? Mysterious masterminds.

Quick Takeaway: Your Sun sign is your essence. It’s the main character in your life movie.

Moon Sign: Your Inner World & Emotions

The Slow Lane: ASTROLOGY 101. Your Moon Sign is the Script Writer for your life.

We all know the moon is the master of the tides. The human heart and brain is roughly 80% water so is it any surprise that it is also the master of our inner world?

If the Sun is your main character, the moon is the scriptwriter. It governs your emotions, intuition, and how you react when no one’s watching.

  • Master of: Feelings, emotional needs, inner self, comfort zone.
  • Example: Cancer Moon? You feel everything. Aquarius Moon? Detached but secretly deep. Aries Moon? Passionate and impulsive.

Quick Takeaway: Your Moon sign is your emotional blueprint. It’s how you process feelings and seek comfort

Rising Sign: Your Vibe

The Slow Lane: ASTROLOGY 101. Your Rising Sign is Your VIBE!

Your Rising sign (Ascendant) is all energy baby. It’s your vibe, the first impression you give when people meet you. It’s your social filter, aesthetic, and how people perceive you at first glance.

Unlike your Sun and Moon signs, your Rising sign is based on the exact time and place you were born. Your rising is important as it dictates your 1st House signs (more on that) and the planet that shapes your life. 

  • Master of: Vibes, energy, outward personality and personal style.
  • Example: Libra Rising? Effortlessly charming. Capricorn Rising? Business mode activated. Gemini Rising? Life of the party.

Quick Takeaway: Your Rising sign is the Instagram bio version of you—snappy, curated, and attention-grabbing.

How to Find Your Big Three

Okay, you’re sold on the idea, but how do you find your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs? Easy. You’ll need:

✅ Your birth date (obviously).
✅ Your exact birth time (to the minute, if possible).
✅ The place you were born.

Pop that info into a free birth chart calculator (Astrodienst), and boom—you’re off to the stars.

Why Your Big Three Matter

Knowing your Big Three isn’t just for fun astrology memes (though those are a perk).

It helps you:
🌟 Understand yourself better —your strengths, quirks, and emotional needs.
🌟 Navigate relationships—why you click with some people and clash with others.
🌟 Embrace your authenticity—owning your cosmic energy is a power move.

Final Cosmic Thoughts

Astrology isn’t about putting yourself in a box—it’s about self-discovery, self-acceptance, and having fun dragging your friends for their chaotic Moon signs. 

Go forth, cosmic babe, and own your chart like the star you are.

Brush up with our other Astrology 101 articles or journey into some more slow self-discovery pieces.  

author avatar
rebeccajcbs
Connection that enriches people’s lives drives me. Open-minded, open-hearted and curious about everything. I have twenty-plus years of experience in marketing and communications and over a decade in the fashion supply chain industry. My passion is in finding and sharing ways to thrive with purpose, live harmoniously with our environment and express ourselves authentically.

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