Sun, Moon and Rising Sign

Some time ago one of my readers (you know who you are!) asked for an article about three important parts of a birth chart. Well, here it is!

This is an introductory article about the Sun, Moon and Ascendant and will give a brief look at the meaning associated with these parts of the birth chart.

Sun

The Sun Sign is what most people are aware of because it is easy to calculate so it is used most frequently by the general population.

The symbolism associated with this planet shows us how we consciously express ourselves - I liken the process of discovering our 'Sun' to the process of individuation as described by Carl Jung. Depending on the placement of the Sun and its relationship to the other planets this may be a process that is easy or difficult. The actual Sun itself I relate to the animus.

Men tend to associate with the Sun more naturally/easily than woman because it is a masculine energy and psychologically represents the father and authority figures as well as identity and ego. Other keywords associated with the Sun include vitality and purpose.

In a woman's chart the Sun can represent what type of characteristics she finds attractive in a partner or that she experiences through her father and other important men in her life.

Moon

The Moon changes sign roughly every 2 1/2 days, depending on how fast it is travelling at the time. In Jungian terms I feel there is a strong link between the Moon and the anima.

Unconscious actions can be attributed to the Moon as well as feelings and needs. Instinct, emotions, nurturing and the feminine qualities are also represented by this point in the birth chart. The Moon shows us how we instinctively respond on a feeling level when we are being creatures of habit.

While the Sun strives to be different, the Moon symbolises relationship and merging of identity.

Usually a woman will associate with her Moon sign because it is a feminine energy.

Men may experience the symbolism represented by the Moon through their relationship with the mother or nurturing figure while growing up. When it comes to relationships a man usually seeks out the themes represented by the Moon's placement within his birth chart.

Rising Sign (Also Known as the Ascendant)

Since the Rising Sign is calculated using the exact time of birth, ie, the moment a person entered the world, then this point in the birth chart symbolises the environment a person is born into. It can also describe the birthing process itself!