If you’re new to the world of astrology, you may think that your horoscope is based purely on the zodiac sign you were born under. You might call this your ’star sign’, but it’s also known as your 'sun sign’. However, what you may not have realised is that you also have two other signs that contribute towards your unique astrological chart: the most common are your rising sign and your moon sign.

Today, we’ll be chatting about all things moon signs. While your sun sign is said to indicate your most obvious outward traits, your moon sign is a little different. The moon is associated with intuition and emotion and, as such, your moon sign is thought to be indicative of your inner self.

Once you know your moon sign, you can begin to unlock a little more nuance and depth from your astrological chart and your horoscope, understanding not only how you’ll respond to practical problems, but also how to find emotional balance and security in a way that works for you.

We spoke to astrologer Sade Jackson to find out a little more.

What is a moon sign?

Like your sun sign is determined by the position of the sun in the zodiac on your birth, your moon sign is determined by the position of the moon.

While the sun sign is thought to speak to a person’s personality, value system and life path, the moon sign is a little more spiritual and intangible.

“A moon sign helps describe our emotional make-up, the inner child we carry within us, and the nurturing we inherently need to feel safe, secure and whole,” says Jackson. 

Knowing your moon sign can help you understand your deepest self. “Your moon sign often helps you understand your emotional boundaries and how you tend to your needs, supporting you in finding relationships that can tenderly give you the TLC that makes you feel seen, heard and understood,” she says.

How do you find your moon sign?

While sun signs are determined by the date on which you are born, moon signs are a little more complicated. The sun sign changes roughly once a month, however, because the moon revolves around the earth, the moon sign changes every two to two and half days, so you’ll need to know the time and location of your birth as well as the date to determine which moon sign you were born under. (Yes, you’ll probably have to check with your parents for this one.)

“You can use a cosmic calculator such as astro.com to find out your moon sign,” says Jackson.

What does your moon sign say about you?

Jackson takes us through each moon sign to find out what it says about your inner child.

• Aries: As your noon sign is ruled by fire, you feel your emotions on a primal level. Whether it’s excitement or anger, you feel the entire spectrum of your emotions in a matter of minutes.
• Taurus: Nothing beats comfort on both a material and internal level for you, but as an earth sign, you need a sense of routine and familiarity to keep you grounded.
• Gemini: Talking about your emotions is a need for you. You tend to dissect them like a scientist, often intellectualising your emotions more than feeling them.
• Cancer: As your sign is ruled by the moon itself, you are incredibly intuitive. Feeling like you have a strong sense of belonging is non-negotiable for you.
• Leo: This moon sign screams ‘theatre kid’, and to feel open and expansive, you have a secret need for life to feel like a big adventure.
• Virgo: You feel most comfortable when you have a certain level of control over your environment. Being in spaces that don’t overstimulate you is essential.
• Libra: Libra is a sign of justice, relationships and grace. You feel at your finest when you look your best and are surrounded by people who you can bond with on an intellectual and emotional level.
• Scorpio: Known for your intensity, you need to feel intimately connected to those around you. Trust in yourself and life is a good measure of being on good (emotional) footing.
• Sagittarius: Travel, wisdom, learning, and adventure are your emotional medicines that nurture your inner child spirit, making you feel larger than life and expansive.
• Capricorn: There is often a pattern of feeling more emotionally mature than your peers. You tend to process emotions on your own or appear as if you always have them under control.
• Aquarius: As an air sign, you tend to have a detached nature with your emotions, but it also helps you spot the nuances in your immediate environment.
• Pisces: You tend to be intimately in touch with the vastness of your emotional range, often feeling not only your emotions but those of others as well. It’s important that your unconscious material is filtered through activities such as meditation, walking or qi-gong.

Images: Getty