“What’s your sign?”
How understanding the role of the sun can help you better understand yourself.
Often, people’s introduction into astrology is their Sun Sign. Reading weekly or monthly horoscopes in newspapers or magazines. Or in conversation, we might hear “I’m a Leo” or “I’m a Pisces,” and a set of traits comes to mind.
Then comes the arguments of the skeptics. Honestly, they are not wrong— when we consider Astrology by only looking at the sun sign.
Here, I am going to address two common arguments against the validity of Astrology.
One of these arguments is the generalizations and broad descriptions provided in publications that could pertain to almost anyone. Being able to see parts of ourselves in the descriptions of the different signs. A very valid experience we will touch on more later.
The other argument is the complete opposite reaction with people not relating to the description of their sign.
They might be a Leo sun who is introverted and shy, not connecting with the descriptions of an ego-centric Leo who wants to be in the spotlight. Which by the way is a misrepresentation of the true essence of the sign. Or maybe they are a Scorpio sun who is playful and lighthearted, a contrast from the deep, transformative descriptions of Scorpio.
If either or both of these statements are making you nod your head in agreement, thinking yes, that is me. You are not wrong; you just have not delved into the true depth of the astrological chart. It’s not that the astrology is wrong. It is that by looking solely at the sun sign you are not seeing the entire picture.
Here's a description of why this is.
We all have all twelve signs showing up in our charts. This is one reason why we see parts of ourselves in the various archetypes or descriptions of the signs. It is also important to remember that the information provided in weekly or monthly horoscopes gives an overview of information about what it means to have the sun in a particular sign.
While it provides a summary it is not giving us all the details.
With these descriptions of the signs making generalized assumptions. Failing to take into account the entire story of a personal Sun Sign placement. While these generalizations provide us with a good overview they cannot get to the true essence of a person. Because they are not considering all the different ways that person is being impacted. One way to think about this is two people can live in the same city or town and have vastly different experiences.
There is a lot to consider when thinking about our sun signs.
First, let’s look at what the Sun represents in our astrological charts.
It is the center of our identity, our sense of self, vitality, and conscious ego. It also represents our father or primary authority figure in our early lives. It is just one aspect of ourselves; every planet shows up in our charts and represents a different part.
The reason why a simple sun sign description can feel impersonal is because it is.
It is ignoring all the things that is making that Sun uniquely yours.
Three big factors that are being ignored in these descriptions are:
What house is the sun in?
What aspects or connections is it making with various planets and asteroids?
What is its relationship with the moon and rising sign? Or commonly referred to as the big three: Sun, Moon, and Rising.
Let’s look again at the shy, introverted Leo. Leo is ruled by the Sun.
The archetype being one of creative expression, radiant self-confidence, and leadership. But what happens if that Leo Sun sits in the 12th house? The 12th house representing the subconscious, spirituality, solitude, and work we do behind-the-scenes. It is the parts of ourselves that we keep hidden, sometimes even from ourselves. A person with a Leo Sun in the 12th house is meant to shine their light in a much quieter, subtle way. Not in a flashy, spotlight way of a Broadway musical, but through a softer approach.
They may not even know how their quiet decisions, their poem they wrote and posted quietly online, has brought light to others. Their radiance is being shared in a much more subtly.
Another example is a Capricorn Sun, often thought of as serious, reserved, authority.
This Sun, placed in the 5th house of creativity and Romance, Leo’s natural location, may be the light of the party. Using the Capricorn energy to host events or perfect their craft as an artist. The house that the sun is placed in completely changes its expression.
Secondly, the aspects or connections that the Sun is making add to the story, telling us about the dynamics at play.
The sun and all the other planets are in a conversation with each other. Sometimes these conversations are supportive and harmonious and others they are contentious and challenging.
Think of our lighthearted Scorpio. Scorpio is known for its depth, intensity, and transformative power. But what if this person’s Scorpio Sun is forming a beautiful trine (a harmonious 120-degree angle) with Jupiter, the planet of expansion, joy, and optimism? This aspect would infuse their core Scorpio nature with a sense of humor, faith, and a bigger-picture perspective. They still possess that Scorpio depth, but it’s expressed with a Jupiterian laugh and a philosophical outlook.
They can explore the shadows without getting lost in them.
On the other hand, someone with a Libra Sun (seeking harmony and balance) in a tense square with Saturn (the planet of restriction and discipline) might struggle to feel light and social. They may feel a deep-seated insecurity or a heavy sense of responsibility that makes forming easy partnerships—a core Libra theme—a significant life challenge they must consciously work to overcome.
Third, “The Big Three:” Your Sun, Moon, and Rising Sign
Your Sun sign is just one-third of your foundational astrological identity.
To get a clearer picture, you must also look at your Moon and Rising signs.
Your Sun Sign: Your core identity, your will, your purpose.
Your Moon Sign: Your inner world, your emotions, your needs, your subconscious.
Your Rising Sign (Ascendant): Your social mask, your physical body, the lens through which you view the world, and how others first perceive you.
An Aries Sun (fiery, independent, impulsive) with a Cancer Moon (sensitive, nurturing, security-seeking) and a Virgo Rising (organized, analytical, reserved) is going to be a fascinatingly complex individual. They may present to the world as quiet and put-together (Virgo Rising), but inside, their heart is soft and deeply sensitive (Cancer Moon), while their core drive is to forge ahead and take risks (Aries Sun). The journey involves integrating all three of these energies.
While the astrological chart does tell us about ourselves and our life experiences, a piece people fail to understand is it is also showing us where we are meant to evolve. This is perhaps the most important misunderstanding.
Your astrological chart is not only speaking to you who you are right now. It is a map of who you are aspiring to be. It is providing a blueprint for your soul's evolution.
Your sun sign is your hero's journey. It is the path you are walking to become the most radiant, actualized version of yourself.
It is what your soul chose to master.
If you have a Sun in Virgo, your journey is about learning to embody healthy discernment, to find the sacred in the mundane, and to be of service without sacrificing yourself. It is an indication that you will do well by putting in the work, organizing yourself, and being in your sovereignty. Your quest is to understand and recognize that you are responsible for creating the light in your own life; you are not to depend on others to make your light shine bright. It is about the work and effort that you yourself are putting in.
If you are a Libra Sun, you are here to learn about harmony, justice, and the beauty of connection with others. Your journey is about finding balance, first within yourself, and then in your relationships. You are here to light up and to feel your vitality through the art of partnership, learning that true connection doesn't mean losing yourself, but finding yourself more deeply through the mirror of another.
If you are a Taurus Sun, your path is one of embodiment, of learning to find security and worth within yourself, not just in the material world. You are here to cultivate patience, appreciate the simple pleasures of the physical realm, and build something of lasting value with your steady, determined hands. Your light shines brightest when you are grounded, present, and connected to the earth.
If you are a Gemini Sun, your quest is to become a Master of Communication, curiosity, and connection. You are here to gather information, share ideas, and build bridges between different perspectives. Your journey involves learning to focus your brilliant, multifaceted mind and use your words not for gossip, but for illumination, weaving together disparate threads of knowledge into a tapestry of understanding.
Once again though these are broad overviews and where and how this shows up for a person will depend on the placement of the Sun in the birth chart.
This is true for every sign.
Your sun sign is not a set of personality traits you were born with. It is set potential you are here to grow into.
Every single sign has its strengths and its shadows, its high and low frequency. We are here to learn about our charts, to experience them, and to consciously choose to embody the higher aspect of what they are bringing forth.
We will all have moments of not being in our higher integrity.
A Leo in their shadow might be arrogant and attention-seeking; in their light, they are a generous, warm-hearted, and an inspiring leader. A Cancer in their shadow might be moody and manipulative; in their light, they are a deeply compassionate, intuitive, and protective nurturer. A Sagittarius in their shadow can be preachy and non-committal; in their light, they are a wise, truth-seeking, and joyfully adventurous teacher.
Understanding how we can be in the higher frequency of our sun signs helps us to shine our own light for others to see.
This is not about being perfect; it's about being conscious. When you feel yourself slipping into the shadow expression of your sign, ask yourself: "What does the highest version of my [insert Sun sign] energy need right now?"
The answer isn’t to become a different sign. The answer is to become a more evolved version of your own.
We are not just naturally inclined to embody our highest potential. We need to strive to be there, to see how these archetypes can help us understand ourselves better.
Your sun sign is your personal invitation from the universe.
It’s a call to courage for Aries, a call to presence for Taurus, a call to communication for Gemini, a call to compassion for Cancer, a call to creativity for Leo, a call to service for Virgo, a call to harmony for Libra, a call to transformation for Scorpio, a call to wisdom for Sagittarius, a call to integrity for Capricorn, a call to innovation for Aquarius, and a call to faith for Pisces.
So, the next time you think about your sun sign, see it as the direction of your growth and power. Your unique light shining bright.
Interested in knowing more about your Sun Sign?
Check out my Offerings page to book a Birth Chart Reading or learn about your Sun, Moon, and Rising +1!
