Even if you’re not a diehard fan of astrology, there’s still a good chance you know what your zodiac sign is. And while many people easily identify with (and therefore, like) their sign, there are many individuals who don’t – maybe even including you.

The reasons for this vary. Maybe your sign seems inaccurate or vague. Maybe you don’t like the stereotypes associated with it. Or, maybe it feels like your sign puts you in a box. And because your zodiac disappoints, you think astrology has zero credibility. But consider that there’s more to your zodiac sign than meets the eye.

 Your zodiac is only *one* sign

In simplified terms, your zodiac sign indicates which of the 12 zodiac signs the sun was in at the time of your birth. Do you only pay attention to your zodiac? If so, it’s no wonder you’re disappointed. For one thing, the sun sign is only one of the many stars and planets that influence the amazing person that you are.

For another thing, there’s a limitless range of expression for each of the 12 sun signs. Unfortunately, most of us are only familiar with popular and general stereotypes. They’re superficial and too black and white.

For example, Capricorns are girl-bosses. Pisces are sensitive artists. Leos have a big ego. And Virgos? Well, you better watch out for Virgos!

Zodiac signs are often misrepresented by overreaching stereotypes, and there’s little to no room for nuance, sophistication, and depth. However, that’s exactly what you are: nuanced, sophisticated, and far more than meets the eye. So, it’s no wonder you’re not impressed with your zodiac sign.

But don’t discount astrology just yet. The popular tropes can be limiting, but they shouldn’t limit you.

You and the sky

If your engagement with astrology starts and stops with a weekly reading of your sun sign, we suggest you trade that in for your birth chart.

Your birth chart is a snapshot of the sky at the time you were born. It’s based on your birthdate, which includes the date, month, year, and location of your birth. These unalterable facts match with specific positions of the planets and stars.

It’s as though you came into this world, laid unto your back and looked up at the big, beautiful sky. The arrangement you see is unique to you.

You can think of your birth chart as your personal user’s manual while you’re here on earth. It helps you understand your strengths, as well as your challenges. It can also support you in fulfilling your special mission here.

Your birth chart doesn’t determine the projection of your life. Nor does it take away your agency. You will always have free will, and the ability to make choices. You also bring to your earthly experience consciousness, and a profound ability to learn and grow.

You shouldn’t be a victim of your birth chart. You should be empowered by it.

And perhaps this is why it can be really frustrating when people project their assumptions on you because you have such and such zodiac sign. It can also be frustrating when you don’t feel as though you can be yourself because your behaviors, emotions or desires seem at odds with your sign.

Allow this resistance to evaporate because here’s the thing about astrology. We often fall into the trap of reducing life down to an idea, or in this case, down to astrological ideas.

But the truth is, it should be the other way around. People and their behaviors have shaped what these signs mean over thousands of years. Therefore, in a sense, we give meaning to astrology, and not the other way around.

For example, Pisces may apply to countless people, but it can never be embodied by anyone the way it is embodied by you. So, if you feel like astrology boxes you in, remember that that is not its function. When astrology starts to feel like a cage, it’s being misused.

It should enable you to become even more self-aware so you can make choices that enable you to live your best life. Use your signs as a powerful, starry tool.

What’s in your chart?

You shouldn’t limit yourself to your zodiac sign, but what else should you pay attention to?

This article can’t cover the depth and breadth of an astrology/birth chart, but there’s definitely enough space (no pun intended!) for three main components: planets, signs, and houses.

A fun way to understand planets, signs, and houses is to compare them with a theater.

  • Planets are the actors
  • Signs are the roles which the actors play
  • Houses are the set or stage

Let’s explore each of these components more deeply.

#1: Planets

Planets are like the actors in a play, and they represent your nature. We have two categories of planets: inner planets and generational planets.

Inner planets include the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars, and they each represent different aspects of your nature. For example:

  • The Sun is often what we refer to as our “zodiac” because the sun is in 1 of the 12 zodiac signs at the time of your birth. The sun is like a book cover. It’s what you see first, but it’s not necessarily representative of all your complexities.
  • The Moon reflects your inner, emotional world. If your sun sign doesn’t seem accurate, look to your moon sign. It can start to answer questions you might have.
  • Mercury is involved with how you communicate and socialize
  • Venus has to do with love, style, and beauty
  • Mars is connected with your motivation and desires

Each of these “planets” is at a specific location at the time of your birth. This shapes your birth chart and offers insight into your own, unique experience here on earth.

Next, there are generational planets, which take longer to travel around their orbit. Each planet is followed by a very brief description below, but please know that there is so much more than this.

  • Jupiter: Luck
  • Saturn: Discipline
  • Uranus: Rebellious
  • Neptune: Being deceived
  • Pluto: Power dynamics and even abuse
  • North Node: What you’re come to earth to learn
  • South Node: What you’ve already learned in past experiences

With inner and generational planets, your astrology chart becomes more complex, doesn’t it?

#2: Zodiac signs

If the planets are actors, the zodiac signs are the roles which characterize and modify the actor. The 12 zodiac signs are divided into four categories: fire, earth, air, and water.

FIRE SIGNS

  • Aries
  • Leo
  • Sagittarius

Keywords: Action-oriented & dynamic

EARTH SIGNS

  • Taurus
  • Virgo
  • Capricorn

Keywords: Grounded & Security

AIR SIGNS

  • Gemini
  • Libra
  • Aquarius

Keywords: Communicators & spreading ideas

WATER SIGNS

  • Cancer
  • Scorpio
  • Pisces

Keywords: Empathetic & intuitive

This is the area of your chart where people usually get stuck. For example, people who have a Gemini sun, stop there, along with all of the stereotypes that come with it.

Yes, your zodiac is important, but it’s one piece of the puzzle. Or, one star in the sky.

#3: Houses

There are 12 houses in astrology, and they’re the stage or set where the action happens. In real life, houses are areas of your life where a lot of energy and action accumulates.

The houses are ruled by each of the 12 zodiac signs, adding yet another layer to your complex and intricate chart.

Together, the planets, zodiac, and houses all come together to create a unique constellation that belongs to you.

What to do if you don’t like, or identify with your zodiac sign

If you’re not jiving with your sun sign, remember that the sun sign is not meant to stand alone. The stars and planets don’t live in a vacuum; they are constantly dancing with one another.

The question you need to ask yourself is, what position were the stars and planets in when I stepped onto the stage? You can figure this out by creating a birth chart, which you can easily do using one of the many birth chart calculators.

If you experience resistance to your sun or moon sign, or any other celestial body, ask yourself why. Is it because this area of your life is a struggle? Is this an area that you ignore? Was it an area where you did not receive support as a child?

Remember, your zodiac sign, along with the other stars and planets, is meant to help you live life to the fullest. So, if something feels off, consider that this dissonance can signal an area of your life that needs some TLC or some tough love.

If you don’t like or identify your zodiac sign, don’t write off astrology just yet. That’s like judging a book by its cover. Instead, get to know your moon sign. Get to know the other planets and houses in your chart.

You may find clarity and explanations you’ve always needed. Turns out, they were in the sky all along.

Still, need assistance with your zodiac sign then click on the link below for some insight…

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