Once printed on the back pages of glossy women’s magazines, astrology and horoscopes have shrugged off their alternative image and have fast become mainstream players in today’s billion dollar wellness industry.
You only have to scroll through Instagram to find memes about mercury in retrograde, explainers about Taurus season and posts about birth charts to know that astrology is now far from a fringe interest.
Most of us know astrology ascribes meaning to the placement of the sun, but did you know that the moon also plays a major part…
So what is a moon sign and what does it all mean?
What is your moon sign?
Astrologers believe each of us has both a moon and a star sign that can give us different readings about aspects of our lives.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from the traits in your traditional star sign, it could be because you’re overlooking the moon’s influence on your emotional personality.
Your moon sign is different from your star sign as it’s calculated based on the position of the moon at your time of birth. As the moon moves quickly around the zodiac, it doesn’t stay at each sign for too long (around two to three days at most, allegedly), so it’s likely your sun and moon signs will be different.
The moon is considered the second most important influence on your horoscope after the sun; while your traditional zodiac sign reflects your sense of self, your moon reading is meant to reveal the emotional side of you, including how you connect with others in relationships and your intuition.
How can I work out my moon sign?
If you’re interested in your moon sign, it’s a good idea to check out your birth chart, which is a snapshot of the sky at the moment of your birth.
If shares the location of seven planets, the moon and the sun, and the constellation they occupied at the time.
An astrologer can put together your birth chart and there are many websites that offer the same service, such as astro-charts.com – all you’ll need to calculate your reading is your date of birth and the time you were born.
What does the moon sign reveal?
The traits of moon signs are similar the sun signs, but astrologists believe they apply to the way you express your feelings and respond to other people’s emotions.
Experts also say your moon sign can be a better indicator of a good astrological love match than your sun sign.
For instance, if you’re a fiery Aries, you might have trouble controlling your temper and diffusing arguments, but you’re also passionate, unpredictable and spontaneous in relationships.
Virgos meanwhile, are thoughtful communicators who have a tendency to overthink, but always approach other people’s emotions with sensitivity and respect.
The bottom line is, there’s more to astrology than just your date of birth, and whether you believe in the power of the stars or not, experts say taking the time to learn about both of your signs could help you better understand your astrological makeup.