What is my sun, moon, and rising sign?

In astrology, your sun, moon, and rising sign form what is often called the “big three.” These three elements give a deeper and more complete picture of who you are than your sun sign alone. While most people know their sun sign, understanding your moon and rising signs adds emotional depth and helps explain how others see you, how you feel inside, and how you move through life.

Your sun sign is based on the position of the Sun on the day you were born. It represents your core personality, your life force, your goals, and the qualities you naturally radiate. It shows where you shine, what drives you, and how you express your individuality. For example, someone with the sun in Leo might feel most alive when creating or performing, while a Capricorn sun may feel best when achieving goals and building long-term success.

The moon sign and your emotional world

The moon sign reflects your emotions, instincts, and subconscious needs. It’s based on the position of the Moon at the exact moment of your birth, which changes signs every two to three days. Your moon sign reveals how you feel, how you respond emotionally, and what you need to feel safe and nurtured. A person with the moon in Cancer may be highly sensitive and nurturing, while someone with the moon in Aquarius may approach emotions with more distance or intellectual understanding.

The rising sign and how others see you

The rising sign, also called the Ascendant, is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at your exact time of birth. It governs how you appear to the world, how you begin new experiences, and how you present yourself in social situations. Unlike the sun and moon signs, which speak to your inner life, the rising sign shapes your outer personality. A Scorpio rising might seem intense or mysterious, while a Libra rising may appear charming, balanced, and diplomatic.

How the big three work together

Together, the sun, moon, and rising sign create a dynamic portrait of your character. The sun represents your identity and conscious goals. The moon shows your inner world, habits, and emotional responses. The rising sign is your outer layer—how others see you and how you respond to life’s first impressions. Sometimes these three signs align harmoniously, and other times they seem to pull you in different directions. Understanding this mix can help you better understand your personality, your needs, and the way you navigate the world.

Why birth time and place matter

To accurately determine your moon and rising signs, you need to know your exact time and place of birth. Without that information, it’s impossible to calculate the rising sign and difficult to confirm the moon sign. Even a small difference in time can change the results. Once you have your complete birth data, you can create your natal chart and discover your full astrological profile.

The deeper insight of a full natal birth chart

While your sun, moon, and rising signs offer a powerful foundation, a full natal birth chart reveals much more. Based on your exact birth date, time, and location, this chart shows the position of all the planets in zodiac signs and astrological houses. It uncovers your strengths and weaknesses, your natural talents, emotional patterns, and areas of growth. A birth chart helps you understand yourself on a deeper level and shows how to work with your unique potential in daily life and long-term development.

Explore Your Birth Chart Reading