How Are Zodiac Signs Determined? Fundamentals of Astrology

Astrology has been a focus of human interest for thousands of years, an ancient science that studies the effects of planets and stars in the sky on human life. So how are our zodiac traits really determined?

Sun Sign: The Starting Point

The "zodiac sign" most of us know is actually the Sun sign. It's determined by which zodiac position the Sun was in on your birth date. For example, if you were born between March 21 - April 20, you're an Aries.

The Sun sign represents:

• Your core personality and ego structure
• Your life purpose and motivations
• How your energy is expressed
• Your creative power and willpower

Rising Sign: First Impression

The rising sign (Ascendant) is the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment you were born. This sign represents:

• The image people perceive when they first see you
• Your physical characteristics and appearance
• Your perspective on the world
• How you begin things in life

Moon Sign: Your Emotional World

The sign the Moon was in at the moment of your birth determines your emotional structure:

• Your inner world and emotional reactions
• Your security needs and comfortable spaces
• The impact of your past and childhood memories
• Your intuitions and instinctive behaviors

The Role of Other Planets

Each planet represents a different area of life:

Mercury (Communication & Intelligence)

• Your thinking style
• Your communication style
• Your learning ability

Venus (Love & Values)

• Your understanding of love
• Your aesthetic taste
• Your money and value judgments

Mars (Energy & Action)

• Your way of taking action
• Your anger management
• Your sexual energy

Jupiter (Luck & Growth)

• Your areas of luck
• Your opportunities for growth and expansion
• Your belief system

Saturn (Responsibility & Discipline)

• Your fears and limitations
• Your areas of responsibility
• Life lessons

Houses and Signs

Your astrological chart is divided into 12 houses, each representing a different area of your life:

1. 1st House (Rising): Personality, appearance
2. 2nd House: Money, values, resources
3. 3rd House: Communication, siblings, short trips
4. 4th House: Home, family, roots
5. 5th House: Love, creativity, children
6. 6th House: Health, daily routines, work
7. 7th House: Relationships, partnerships, marriage
8. 8th House: Transformation, death, inheritance
9. 9th House: Philosophy, long journeys, education
10. 10th House: Career, status, public image
11. 11th House: Friendships, community, dreams
12. 12th House: Subconscious, secrecy, spirituality

Aspects: Inter-Planetary Relationships

The angles planets make with each other (aspects) are also extremely important:

• Conjunction (0°): Intense energy, merging
• Sextile (60°): Opportunity, harmony
• Square (90°): Difficulty, tension
• Trine (120°): Ease, flow
• Opposition (180°): Search for balance, conflict

Conclusion

Zodiac traits are not just about your Sun sign. Your birth chart is a cosmic photograph of the moment you were born and a symphony of all these elements that form your unique personality.

Every person is unique, and so is their astrological chart. Even if two people were born on the same date, when the birth time and place differ, completely different charts emerge.

With AstreamInd, you can create your birth chart for free and get to know yourself more deeply!