LIFE

Ok. So you know your star sign and you read your horoscope *every day* with your morning latte. But now you're looking to learn more about astrology.
Let's talk about the stars, darlings.

Astrologists study the effect of the cosmos on humans—basically, astrology says that when we're born determines our personality traits and how we interact with the world around us.

This means that astrology is a great way to self-evaluate and think about how you interact with the world around you! Maybe your sun sign helps you identify key traits about your truest self, while your rising sign helps you figure out how you show yourself to the world.

OK WAIT. I HAVE MORE THAN ONE SIGN?

What you have is a *whole* astral chart. Don't worry, it's not as intimidating as it sounds! It just means that all the planets in the solar system were all in their own specific place the moment you were born, and all of them rule a different part of life.

We know that sounds complicated! For now, all you really need to know is that there are three of these placements that are the most important in astrology: Your sun sign, your moon sign and your rising sign.

HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT MY SIGNS ARE?

You probably already know your sun sign! It's the one we use for all our regular horoscopes.

To find out the rest of your chart, all you need is your birth time and birthplace. You can use a birth chart calculator like the one from Co—Star  (they also have an app if you're super interested!).

I HAVE MY CHART! WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Your sun sign is your truest identity, and explores the core parts of who you are. It also helps determine your role in your life.

Your moon sign explores your emotions, feelings and overall mood, and reflects what you are like when you are on your own.

Your rising (or ascendant) sign is how you respond to the world, and how you present yourself to others. Some people say your rising is like the "mask" you show the world.

What about my other placements? What do they all mean?

There are different aspects of your life that each planet rules over. Mercury rules over communication and thought, whereas Venus determines how you love. Some planets even rule over whole generations more than just you. 

What's important to know is that everyone's chart is their own, and you are a little more complicated than just what your sun sign says about you.

For example, if you and one of your friends are Virgo suns, but you're both really different, it's probably because you have really opposite rising signs!

There is so much more astrology to explore, but we hope this gives you a good headstart to jumping in if you want to keep learning more about the stars.

Fascinated with astrology? Let us know all about your chart on Insta @girlslifemag!

by Erin Sargent | 9/5/2020