In the world of astrology, your natal chart is the key to everything. Your chart maps out the position of the stars at the moment of your birth, and, according to astrologers, it offers unique insight into who you are as a person. Everything from your personality to your romantic tendencies to your future path is thought to be hidden within your chart.

The first step in understanding your natal chart is your sun sign. As astrologist, tarot reader and aura photographer Agne Aurelia tells us: “Your sun sign is considered to be the main placement in astrology. It embodies your core identity and ego.”

Whether you’re new to astrology or you simply want to go back to basics, we’re going to take you through the concept of the sun sign: what does it mean? What can it tell you? How do you find out yours? 

We’ve got you covered.

What is a sun sign?

The sun sign, also commonly referred to as a star sign or zodiac sign, is the main sign in a person’s astrological chart. When someone asks you what your sign is, they’re probably referring to your sun sign.

According to Aurelia, the sun sign is thought to determine our sense of self. All of the things we typically associate with the self – the personality, the identity – is wrapped up in our sun sign. “The sun in astrology represents our core identity, conscious self, creative abilities and core personality,” she says. “It shows how we shine and what our authentic talents are.”

There are other elements of each individual’s astrological chart that contribute to the individual’s horoscope. Most commonly, you’ll probably hear people talking about the moon sign, which is associated with emotions, and the rising sign, which is associated with how you present yourself to the world. “Interpreting astrology, all planets and asteroids need to be taken into consideration, as the sum of all makes up our unique personality,” notes Aurelia.

How do you find your sun sign?

Your sun sign is determined by the position of the sun in relation to the stars on the day you were born. Here’s how the twelve zodiac signs are broken down:

• Aries: 21 March–19 April 
• Taurus: April–20 May 
• Gemini: 21 May–20 June 
• Cancer: 21 June–22 July 
• Leo: 23 July–22 August 
• Virgo: 23 August–22 September 
• Libra: 23 September–22 October 
• Scorpio: 23 October–21 November 
• Sagittarius: 22 November–21 December 
• Capricorn: 22 December–19 January 
• Aquarius: 20 January–18 February 
• Pisces: 19 February–20 March 

What does your sun sign say about you?

The zodiac signs are classified into four types of signs: earth, fire, air and water.

The earth signs – Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn – are thought to be the most grounded, measured signs.

The fire signs – Aries, Leo and Sagittarius – are the firecrackers of the zodiac.

Air signs – Gemini, Libra and Aquarius – are associated with thoughtfulness and thinking.

Finally, water signs – Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces – are said to be the most empathetic and emotional of the zodiac.

Here, Aurelia takes us through each sun sign one by one:

Aries

March 21-April 19

Fire sign

Ruled by Mars, planet of action. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. These fire babies are natural self-starters, never taking no for an answer. Aries brim with infectious energy, enthusiasm and childlike joyful spirit. They crave to express themselves, but are not known for their patience and can occasionally suffer from short tempers.

Taurus

April 20-May 20

Earth sign

Ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and love, Taureans are like a Renaissance painting: beautiful, hedonistic and sensual. They love to slow down and experience life through the senses. These earth signs are strongly rooted in their values, they are grounded and patient. They lead their lives with a motto: slow and steady wins the race. But they can also dig in their heels and resist change.

Gemini

May 21-June 20

Air sign

Mercurial twins of the zodiac, Geminis are sharp, intellectual and forever curious. These air signs are masters of communication and expert wordsmiths. Geminis are social butterflies craving mental stimulation. They can have a knack for accents and can be stellar performers and actors. However, when bored Geminis can be scattered, flaky or unfocused.

Cancer

June 21-July 22

Water sign

Ruled by the moon, Cancers are sensitive, nurturing and emotional. They know how to make a house into a home and crave physical and emotional safety. Just like the crab, Cancers conceal their sensitive nature under a protective shell. But do not be fooled by their emotional nature; this water sign is known to be shrewd and driven as they seek to provide safety and nourishment to their loved ones.

Leo

July 23-August 22

Fire sign

The kings and queens of the zodiac, ruled by the sun, Leos need an audience and know how to hold attention in the room. Incredibly open-hearted, generous and warm, Leos need admiration like they need oxygen. When ignored, these astrological felines can get sour fast. However, the affection you give to a Leo will be returned tenfold with the best gifts, gorgeous compliments and a cheerleader for life.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Earth sign

This Mercury-ruled earth sign is the skillsmaster of the zodiac. Virgos are devoted perfectionists who need to serve a higher purpose. Connected to health, Virgos are often found in the medical field or social services. They operate like a clock, always striving for ultimate productivity; they are masters at getting things done. However, they can struggle with an overactive mind. Their remedies are pets, plants, healthy eating and yoga.

Libra

September 23-October 22

Air sign

These Venusian air signs are the ultimate charmers of the zodiac. Masters of attraction, Libras are always surrounded by admirers and can have a hard time choosing a perfect match. In love with love, Libra is romantic at heart and the ultimate people person. Being an air sign, they are incredible negotiators, and in constant pursuit of balance. Libras are known for their networking skills and bringing people together.

Scorpio

October 23-November 21

Water sign

Mysterious, sexy Scorps! Ruled by Pluto, planet of power and the underworld, Scorpios are masters of human psychology. They are private, passionate and powerful individuals able to withstand any challenges thrown at them. Scorpios are the alchemists of the zodiac, taking stale energy, they have transformative abilities to heal. Unafraid of the darker side of life, Scorpios can often be found in therapeutic professions.

Sagittarius

November 22-December 21

Fire sign

Ruled by the planet of luck and expansion, Sagittarians are larger than life, wildly optimistic and adventurous spirits. It’s impossible to miss a Sagittarius: just look for the person with the widest grin and the slightly unruly appearance. Always choosing to see the brighter side, Sages love to explore the world. Freedom is non-negotiable for these Jupiter natives and they cannot stand the feeling of being caged. Oh, and did I mention they have an incredible sense of humour?

Capricorn

December 22-January 19

Earth sign

Ruled by Saturn, Capricorns are the grown-ups of the zodiac. Experts in business, these earth babies are resilient, ambitious and driven. Their archetype is the mountain goat, which climbs the steepest mountain, feeds on salt and sleeps in harsh winds. Capricorns are built to achieve; they are strategic and have a good understanding of structures. Often, these Saturnian natives can be hard on themselves and need to be reminded of how much they already have achieved.

Aquarius

January 20-February 18

Air sign

The wild card of the zodiac, Aquarians are the most rebellious, non-conforming and freedom-loving sign of all. Ruled by Uranus, planet of shock and progress, these air signs are known for their adorable eccentricities, quirks and unpredictability. Aquarians are community-focused and make great friends. Due to their kooky and occasionally disruptive nature, Aquarians can be mislabelled as detached, but just like their sister sign, Leo, they crave to be accepted and loved.

Pisces

February 19-March 20

Water sign

Ruled by Neptune, planet of imagination and illusions, Pisceans are sensitive, idealistic and creative. The Fishes see the world through rose-coloured glasses and often contribute in the form of art, spiritual guidance or counselling. However, they can struggle with everyday realities and might be prone to escapism. Both childlike and yet wise beyond their years, Pisceans are empathetic and great listeners but need to work on protecting their boundaries.

Images: Getty