Sun, Moon, and Rising

As someone who has studied science and spirituality, I wholeheartedly believe in the alignment of the stars and astrology. We live in a time where chaos is common, and people come to their own conclusions as to why things are the way they are, in the most logical way they can manage to think. However, the universe is not a coincidental atmosphere, there is a deeper reasoning behind everything - from the way we live our lives, connect with others, and perceive things. Each zodiac sign obtains its own set of distinctive characteristics, and is further differentiated by their placements on an individual’s birth chart. The moment we take our first breath, the universe assigns us with a unique “Big Three.” I was born on the evening of November 13th, and the stars were aligned accordingly: Scorpio Sun, Leo Moon, and Cancer Rising.

I dabbled into the cosmic decoding of my personal journey around the age of fifteen, mainly out of curiosity. I didn’t become fully invested in the science until I was twenty-three, and experienced things that helped me develop the maturity to dig deeper, internally. After twenty-five trips around the sun, I have discovered that my core traits align reasonably well with the characteristics of my “Big Three.” The Sun sign is the most common sign for individuals to utilize when looking up daily horoscopes or researching astrology; because your Sun sign is classified as your identity, as it is projected into the world outside of your body. The Moon sign is typically ranked as the second most important aspect of your astrological identity, solely due to the fact that it provides the reasoning for your internal feelings. Tying it all together, the Rising sign reflects an individual’s social personality. The combination of the “Big Three” has great influence on how individuals operate in the world physically, emotionally, and socially: ultimately providing the framework for each person’s personality.

Scorpios are typically classified as one of the most intense, yet intrinsic, signs in astrology, which definitely connects to my strong and competitive, yet empathetic nature. Professors, colleagues, coaches, friends, and family have all described me as an influential individual, with a strong will, and great tenacity. My Scorpio Sun sign is placed in the fifth house, which represents charisma and creativity. Although I am quiet by nature, I take pride in my ability to connect with others fluidly. I have always been able to read the room and act accordingly, step on to the stage and influence the energy of those surrounding me - from the dinner table, to classrooms, in the locker room, and one on one with a friend in need. From experience, I have learned that it always works in my favor to embrace my power and intensity, rather than shy away from opportunities, just as most people that know who I am would likely describe me. I enjoy pushing the limits, but I know my boundaries. I seek adventure, but I understand stability. I dislike confrontation, but I thrive in adversity. I credit my Scorpio Sun for making me strong but adaptable, independent but relatable, courageous enough to take risks, and witty enough to solve problems creatively.

Astrology enthusiasts have claimed that Sun and Moon signs are two sides of the same coin, and with this knowledge I have been able to truly discover myself. On the flip side of Scorpio Sun, Leo Moon highlights the less intense side of my personality. Placed in the first house, my Moon sign represents affection and kindness, as well as high self-awareness and a strong emotional presence that can be projected into the world as great sensitivity. I have discovered that these astrological influences can make me moody. The empathetic side of my personality sometimes turns against me - subconsciously carrying the weight of other people’s problems, and making it difficult to focus on my own personal responsibilities. Being strong yet sensitive is a strange combination for me at times, it becomes internally conflicting, but when I am able to balance out the influence from each sign, I appreciate the receptive and intuitive qualities - which also flow into the last star included in my “Big Three.”

The Rising Sign, also known as the ascendant, represents my social personality - outward style and physical body. As a Cancer, I am naturally protective and nurturing, and this ties into my tendency to be moody. What intrigues me most about this placement, is the fact that it is ruled by the moon, whose phases are connected to the changes of my emotions and feelings. Since I was a little girl, I have always been drawn to the moon, but I could never pinpoint how it was affecting me. The position of the moon, in relation to my Rising Sign, holds great power over me emotionally. I used to be in denial of this, until I started journaling and making note of different instances that stood out to me - every full moon has a tendency to charge me with several different feelings: the good, the bad, and the ugly. When I am surrounded by negative energy or pessimistic people, I feel drained, unmotivated, and can’t seem to accomplish anything. I have learned that as a Cancer Rising, I naturally tend to reflect the moods of those surrounding me. With this knowledge, I have been able to make the conscious effort to protect my peace, by actively maintaining an environment of serenity - which also means paying attention to the placement of the moon and how it is affecting me. Although it seems like a tedious task, the great payoff is remaining true to myself - living healthy and happily.

Learning my astrological birth chart has helped me genuinely embrace every aspect of who I am. I plan on continually evolving and learning more about myself in relation to the cosmos, because I wholeheartedly believe it has made me more connected to the universe, and it allows me to keep an open mind and a unique perspective on things.