Do you ever feel like a contradiction of yourself? Or wonder why you keep on attracting the same kinds of relationships or work scenarios? The answer could lie in your birth chart—a visual interpretation of the sky the moment you were born.
We’re made up of much more than the one zodiac sign you might be familiar with (this is usually your sun sign), and your birth chart can help show you the connections and complexities that are completely unique to you.
As a Leo Sun and Cancer Rising, I have often felt like the usual descriptions of my sun sign didn’t apply to me. Because Leo is ruled by the sun and Cancer by the moon, the energies are opposed, creating a more complicated picture than any magazine horoscope could touch on. And this doesn’t even skim the surface of all of the aspects that go into a chart.
Astrology offers a more in-depth perspective on others and yourself. Learning someone’s sun sign—and hopefully their moon and rising signs—is a fun and fascinating way to cut to the core of who someone might be and how they express that in the world. Even if they don’t “believe” in it.
Astrology is the study of the way the cosmos affects us as individuals on Earth. Where the Earth is in relation to constellations of stars (these are the zodiac signs) and the planets in our solar system impacts the energies at play at any given time.
Astrology is thought to be roughly 2,000 years old (although some sources claim it’s as much as 10,000). It was the first form of the study of the stars and celestial bodies and was long considered a respected science until astronomy became the standard, but the two are closely linked.
Today, astrology is a beautiful blend of science, intuitive interpretation, and personal insight. It can guide us through the cycles of the year and of our lives, through external relationships and the relationship we have with ourselves. Astrology isn’t necessarily a belief system, but a tool for self-examination and acceptance. It can help us get to know ourselves on a new level if we use it for self-knowledge and self-care.
Astrology isn’t going to tell you what to do or what’s going to happen in any certain terms, but it can show you the energies at play and guide you on your path. Ultimately, you have free will as a human being on this planet. There is plenty of information written in the stars, but it’s what you choose to do with that information and energy that counts.
By learning your own personal astrology through your birth chart (see page 74), you can reach a better understanding of your core essence and get another perspective on how to best take care of yourself. Learning about the major aspects of your chart can show you how to work with, instead of against, the unique energies present within you.
Astrology can help you live your most authentic expression through having awareness and compassion for yourself and your unique abilities.
The Signs
I’ve pulled together a list of the zodiac signs and their super-powers, shadows, and a few other defining traits. This isn’t an exhaustive look at each of the signs, but a helpful overview.
Every sign has things that they’re notorious for—these tend to be the imbalanced or shadow aspects of the signs. But there is also the more balanced, higher expression of every sign that can be considered the strengths or super-powers. I’ve included both. See page 72 for an explanation of the elements and qualities.
ARIES Mar 21–Apr 19
Element: Fire
Quality: Cardinal
Super-Powers: Independent, excited, initiative, leadership, entrepreneurial, inspiring, direct, decisive, trailblazer
Shadows: Hot-headed, reckless, selfish
Ruling Planet: Mars
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20
Element: Earth
Quality: Fixed
Super-Powers: Self-worth, groundedness, the senses/sensual, dependable, deliberate, pleasure, sustainability, stability, generous
Shadows: Stubborn, overindulgent, self-doubt
Ruling Planet: Venus
Element: Air
Quality: Mutable
Super-Powers: Social, intelligent, expressive, connectors, story tellers, multifaceted, learning and teaching, witty, versatile
Shadows: Duplicitous, gossip, unreliable
Ruling Planet: Mercury
CANCER June 21–July 22
Element: Water
Quality: Cardinal
Super-Powers:: Intuitive, empathetic, receptive, nurturing, creating a home, supportive, unconditional love, gentle
Shadows: Moody, suspicious, closed off, defensive, mommy issues/insecurity
Ruling Planet: Moon
LEO July 23–Aug 22
Element: Fire
Quality: Fixed
Super-Powers: Loving, heart-centered, warmth, creativity, playful, passionate, self-expression, courageous, giving
Shadows: Self-centered, attention-seeking, dramatic
Ruling Planet: Sun
VIRGO Aug 23–Sept 22
Element: Earth
Quality: Mutable
Super-Powers: Organized, hard working, healer, thoughtful, attention to detail, discerning, improving, good habits
Shadows: Perfectionistic, judgmental, uptight
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Quality: Cardinal
Super-Powers: Beautifying, balance, harmony, social, artistic, objectivity, diplomacy, ideas, considerate, romantic
Shadows: Codependent, dishonesty, indecision
Ruling Planet: Venus
SCORPIO Oct 23–Nov 21
Element: Water
Quality: Fixed
Super-Powers: Deep connection, magnetic, brave, magical, powerful, transformative, passionate, intensity
Shadows: Obsessive, controlling, secretive
Ruling Planet: Mars and Pluto
SAGITTARIUS Nov 22–Dec 21
Element: Fire
Quality: Mutable
Super-Powers: Joyful, explorer, big ideas, search for meaning, philosopher, honest, optimistic
Shadows: Restless, overzealous, blunt
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
CAPRICORN Dec 22–Jan 19
Element: Earth
Quality: Cardinal
Super-Powers: Reliable, integrity, structure, determined, powerful, achiever, impactful, building something that serves others, creating a harmonious family
Shadows: Rigid, workaholic, harsh, daddy issues
Ruling Planet: Saturn
AQUARIUS Jan 20–Feb 18
Element: Air
Quality: Fixed
Super-Powers: Innovative, visionary, hopeful, progressive, collective improvement, revolutionary, individual, equality, technology
Shadows: Aloof, extreme, self-righteous
Ruling Planet: Uranus and Saturn
PISCES Feb 18–Mar 20
Element: Water
Quality: Mutable
Super-Powers: Empathy, deep wisdom, spiritual, psychic, imaginative, adaptable, uplifting, compassionate
Shadows: Escapist, martyr, can dissolve into relationships, isolationist
Ruling Planet: Neptune
ELEMENTS
Fire: Creative energy, spark, confidence, essence, action, straightforward, putting yourself out there, masculine/Yang
Water: Emotions, feelings, psychic abilities, intuition, our inner world, flow, alignment, release, receiving, healing, dreams, feminine/Yin
Air: Thoughts, brain chemistry, mental and social connection, communication, language, stories, ideas, core beliefs/the stories we tell ourselves, masculine/Yang
Earth: Self-worth, the body, purpose, abundance, work, groundedness, refining, security, pragmatic, the senses, feminine/Yin
QUALITIES
Cardinal: The beginning of a season, initiatory energy, the leaders, excitement, creativity, dynamic movement
Fixed: The middle or height of a season, stabilizing energy, the makers, powerful, persistent, resistant to change
Mutable: The end of a season, flexible energy, the chameleons, easily adaptable, wise, comfortable with change
The houses represent areas of life. The planets and the signs that are contained within the houses are the aspects of ourselves that we embody in these areas of our lives.
There are 12 houses of the zodiac and each is ruled by one of the signs (known as the natural ruler), which can help you figure out the meaning of the house. Unless you’re an Aries rising, your houses will typically not be ruled by the natural rulers.
First (natural ruler: Aries): Self, identity, style
Second (natural ruler: Taurus): Worth, security, possessions
Third (natural ruler: Gemini): Communication, education, siblings
Fourth (natural ruler: Cancer): Home, family, roots, inner self
Fifth (natural ruler: Leo): Creative expression, pleasure, children
Sixth (natural ruler: Virgo): Rituals, health, routines, work
Seventh (natural ruler: Libra): Partnership, marriage, shadow self
Eighth (natural ruler: Scorpio): Healing, renewal, sex, death, inheritance
Ninth (natural ruler: Sagittarius): Philosophy, adventure, teachers
Tenth (natural ruler: Capricorn): Responsibility, recognition, career
Eleventh (natural ruler: Aquarius): Community, groups of friends, hopes, goals
Twelfth (natural ruler: Pisces): Spirituality, subconscious, psychic abilities, escapism
For example, you could have your 11th House in Taurus, meaning that your community and friendships are built up over time and tend to be long-lasting (maybe you’ve maintained the same close group since high school). You might enjoy hosting lavish dinners for friends filled with good food, music, and ambiance.
PLANETS
The planets represent different parts of our personality. They can look different depending on the sign and house they show up in in your chart.
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Mars: Motivation, action, assertion, sexuality |
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Venus: Self-worth, love, abundance, values, attraction |
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Mercury: Communication, thoughts, intellect |
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Saturn: Lessons, structure, accountability, ambition |
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Jupiter: Surprises, expansion, abundance, search for meaning |
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Uranus: Revolution, change, inspiration, uniqueness |
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Neptune: Dreams, spirituality, healing, unconditional love |
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Pluto: Transformation, life and death cycle, surrender |
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Moon: Intuition, emotions, internal world, needs |
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Sun: Expression, being seen, truth, the Self |
Your birth or natal chart is a map of where the stars and planets were in the sky at the exact moment of your birth. It’s a map of where you’ve been, what energies will play out in your life, and how you’ll relate to challenges. I often hear the birth chart described as a blueprint of your soul or who you are—your strengths, weaknesses, and the potential you possess.
I love thinking about it as a guide or key to how we can become our highest selves. It shows us how we can shine, express, evolve, and find contentment. Seeing a professional astrologer is a great way to get the full picture. See page 139 for some of my favorites.
Getting to know your birth chart
The three biggest aspects of your birth chart are your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. The Sun sign is what people usually read their horoscope for. (But your rising sign horoscope can be more relevant to you!)
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SUN SIGN What it is: The Sun is what sign or season of the zodiac the Earth was moving through at the time of your birth. It changes every month. What it means: Your Sun is how you shine, the authentic expression of yourself, your identity and inner focus. Reflection: How can I come back to my core self in the present moment? |
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RISING/ASCENDANT SIGN What it is: The sign on the horizon the moment you were born. It changes every couple of hours. What it means: How you’re seen by others, first impressions, how you show up day-to-day and the outer shell you present. Related to the Shadow and the Soul’s purpose, and what you’re here to cultivate. It’s the key to your soul self. Reflection: What balance do I need to cultivate? |
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MOON SIGN What it is: The sign the moon was in the moment you were born. It changes approximately every two-and-a-half days. What it means: Your emotional nature, instinctual behaviors and reactions, safety, the unconscious. It’s how you find comfort and contentment. Look to the moon for self-care. Reflection: How do I nourish myself? |
How these three work together
Our Rising Sign is kind of a big deal. It determines the house system in our chart, with the rising/ascendant line of our charts marking where the first house begins. It shows us what we’re here to learn about, to embrace more, and to balance out. If you can embrace your Rising Sign, it will steer you toward your purpose. If your Sun and Rising signs can work together and you can work to embody balanced versions of each, you’ll be able to find your flow and encounter less resistance. The Moon Sign supports you on this journey to your purpose and freedom. I think of her as a guide for parenting yourself on your path to working with your shadow self (see Chapter 9) and unbalanced aspects. She’s here to comfort you, but also give you the medicine you need.
JUMP IN: Look up your birth chart
To look up your birth chart, you’ll need your birth date, time, and location and an internet connection. Unfortunately, if you don’t have your birth time and location, you won’t be able to get an accurate chart with your Rising Sign but you can still find your Sun Sign and get an estimated chart.
Plug this information into a website like Astro.com, which will draw you a free chart. You’ll get a circular diagram, like the one below, divided into pie-like slices with a bunch of symbols, numbers, and lines. The chart is made up of three main systems working together to create a complex web of information that’s unique to you. The three systems include:
12 Signs
12 Houses
10 Planets (Sun and Moon are counted as planets)
Once you get your birth chart, identify your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. What’s your first reaction to these, given what you know about each? Does anything really make sense or are you resistant to one or all of these aspects? Think about how these three things relate to one another and to you personally.
This birth chart shows an Aries Sun, Aquarius Moon and a Cancer Rising. The lines drawn between the planets shed light on how they interact.
Creating the right ritual for you: Moon Sign Self-care
The moon reflects our emotional body and internal world. It helps us feel comforted, safe, and content, making our individual moon sign a great guide for self-care.
Really good self-care is individual and specific to you. That being said, there are a few simple things that I think we can all benefit from regardless of our astrology:
Some form of meditation
Screen-free time
Getting outside, preferably near trees or bodies of water
Below is a list, by moon sign, of ideas for feeling comforted, balanced, and restored. But if anything on the below list calls to you go for it—no matter what your moon sign is. Listen to your intuition and do what you’re drawn to. Note: Many of these self-care practices are covered throughout this book so I haven’t explained them in detail below.
Aries Moon
Needs: Freedom, expression, movement, energetic release, steadiness.
Try: Candle magic, dancing, going on an adventure to a new neighborhood, physical exercise (running, hiking), sex magic, a cooling face mask, scalp massage.
Reflection question: How do you connect to your wildness? What helps you stay grounded?
Taurus Moon
Needs: Nature, connecting to the body, sensual pleasures, luxury, predictability.
Try: Creating a morning routine, cooking a meal using a few of your favorite ingredients, long walks outside, walking barefoot in the grass, cleansing your home (clutter clearing and/or vibe clearing), intimate time with yourself or a partner, getting a massage.
Reflection question: Does your routine include something that connects you to the Earth and your body? How does your environment impact your mood?
Gemini Moon
Needs: Good conversation, socializing, grounding, calming the mind.
Try: Group exercise, journaling/stream of consciousness writing, reading a novel, story medicine, focused breathing or breathwork, EFT tapping, finding a few essential oils you love, working with your hands—knitting, baking, crafting.
Reflection question: How do you calm your mind? Can you get to a quiet enough place to let your intuition be heard?
Cancer Moon
Needs: Alone time or time with the people closest to you, time at home, mood release, communicating feelings and emotions.
Try: Cooking nourishing meals for yourself and/or friends and family, meal prepping, cleansing your home, spending time near the ocean or water, crying it out, taking a salt bath, inner child and shadow work, embodiment breathing, EFT tapping, reiki.
Reflection question: Are you taking time to nurture yourself (as opposed to just nurturing others)? What does nourishment look/feel like to you?
Needs: Creative expression, affection, play, affirmation.
Try: Dancing, a daily dressing ritual (what makes you feel like a Queen? Most like yourself?), creating a meal without a recipe, making art, writing what’s on your mind, or taking photos. Getting out in the fresh air to exercise, having heart-centered conversations, offering your time for someone in need (can be a friend or organization), body work, Tarot journaling.
Reflection question: Can you find ways to express yourself daily? Are there ways you can do it that you might not automatically think of?
Virgo Moon
Needs: Purpose, organizing, analyzing feelings, to shut off.
Try: Clutter clearing, journaling, Epsom salt bath, sleeping, cleansing your workspace, acts of service, making a green smoothie, guided meditation, making a gratitude and/or accomplishment list, going on a solo hike, tending to plants, cognitive behavioral therapy.
Reflection question: What gives you a feeling of purpose or satisfaction that’s not necessarily work-related? Can you make more time for this?
Libra Moon
Needs: Peace, beauty, art, equal relationships.
Try: Meditation, altar building, painting, house magic, feng shui, writing poetry or stories, making an at-home honey face mask (à la Cleopatra), yoga, buying yourself flowers, spending quality time with friends and your love, hitting up a museum or gallery.
Reflection question: What do you feel like you’re not getting enough of in your life right now? Can you find a way to make room for it and call it in?
Needs: Inner exploration, transformation, empowerment, release.
Try: Breathwork, meditation, shadow work, Tarot, keeping a dream journal, sex magic, kundalini breathing or breathwork, eating dark chocolate, fire or candle magic, acupuncture, gratitude practice.
Reflection question: What’s your biggest shadow right now? What would it feel like to own it and embrace it?
Sagittarius Moon
Needs: Adventure, nature, travel, philosophical conversation.
Try: Outdoor sports, yoga, traveling, local adventure, getting to the beach or woods, learning something new, acting on intuition, hosting a circle for story medicine.
Reflection question: When do you feel the most free? Can you find a balanced way for freedom to be a part of your everyday life?
Capricorn Moon
Needs: Family, structure, heart opening, levity.
Try: Music, comedy, breathwork, creating a manifestation list, doing a heart opening meditation or breathing exercise, getting a massage, stream of consciousness journaling, stretching, orgasm.
Reflection question: Are there ways you can be nicer to and ease up on yourself? Can you open up to others in a small way today?
Aquarius Moon
Needs: Community, creative work, a cause, expression, rebellion.
Try: Reading Tarot for yourself, a grounding practice (barefoot walking, time outside, or embodiment breathing), volunteering your time, organizing a story medicine group or full moon gathering, giving yourself a free afternoon to adventure somewhere or do whatever you think of at the time.
Reflection question: Do you feel like you have a good community around you? What does a good balance of support and freedom look like to you?
Pisces Moon
Needs: Time by water, spirituality, grounding, strong sense of self-worth.
Try: Embodiment practices like dancing, breathwork, or hip circles; taking photos, painting, drawing, loving kindness meditation, cleaning out your closet, crying, reiki, sleeping, going to a sound bath or finding some meditation music you vibe with, jumping on a trampoline, shadow work, a daily gratitude practice, saying no.
Reflection question: How do you communicate your needs to others? Is there a way that you can do this that feels both empowering and easeful?
Tarot Reflections
Card 1: What can I learn from the tensions or difficult aspects of my chart in this phase of my life?
Card 2: What’s my release valve for these tense aspects?
Card 3: How can I practice self-acceptance?
See page 11 for guidance.
Heart-Opening Reishi Hot Cacao
Reishi is an adaptogenic mushroom known as the queen healer or the mushroom of immortality and is said to reduce stress, promote the body-mind-spirit connection, and enhance emotional balance. Paired with heart-opening cacao, this twist on hot chocolate is the ultimate companion for diving deep into your birth chart and journaling on what you find. Cacao is said to help connect you to your higher self, balance your masculine and feminine energies, and improve clarity around purpose.
Cacao Laboratory (see page 139) makes my favorite blends of ceremonial cacaos with four flavors—each corresponding to the elements—Earth, Air, Fire, Water.
Makes 1 cup
1 cup/250ml boiling water
1 tablespoon cacao powder or ceremonial cacao
1 date or 2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon collagen powder (optional)
1 heaped teaspoon coconut butter
1 teaspoon coconut oil
¼ teaspoon reishi mushroom powder
sprinkle of cinnamon
pinch of sea salt
Combine the hot water with the rest of the ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed until smooth and frothy. Pour into a mug and serve hot.
GEMINI May 21–June 20
LIBRA Sept 23–Oct 22
