If you’re reading this article, the chances are you don’t relate to your Sun sign.

　　Don’t worry. You’re not alone!

　　I’ll begin with my own experience. Once upon a time, I thought astrology wasn’t for me. I was born a Libra. A harmonious, balanced, graceful, peace-loving Libra who cannot stand conflict and will do anything to keep the peace.

　　But in reality, I’m a rather guarded, defensive sort of person who thinks conflict is just a way of life.

　　I could honestly say that I did not relate to my Sun sign and even felt I had the wrong zodiac sign entirely. I left astrology in the dust for many years before a chance encounter caused me to take an interest once again.

　　

The Importance of the Rising Sign

It was then that I discovered my Rising sign: Scorpio rising, to be precise.

　　Hmmm, I thought as I read through the description. Guarded … strategic … persistent … views the world as a dangerous place … penetrating stare … sits in the corner and broods … Oh my God, I thought, that’s me!

　　In fact, the Rising sign description was so eerily accurate that I wondered why I hadn’t learned all this long before.

　　But it was at that moment that I feverishly delved into my birth chart, discovering more illuminating information that wowed me: Venus in Scorpio … Moon in Cancer … Mars in Capricorn. Why yes! It all made sense now!

　　As the years passed and I learned much more about astrology, I thought to myself about how so many people must be in the same position I was – where they don’t take astrology seriously or don’t relate, because so much emphasis is placed on a Sun sign they don’t relate to.

　　But why is this?

　　It happens far more than we realize. I know Capricorns who don’t feel remotely like Capricorns. I know Leos who don’t feel like Leos. I know Geminis who don’t feel like Geminis. And so on.

　　So what exactly is going on here?

　　Read this next: The Ultimate Guide to Your Rising Sign

　　

What Makes Up My Zodiac Sign?

First, let’s look at the three main signs that make up who we are, also known as the Primal Triad.

　　To properly calculate these signs, you’ll need to complete your natal chart–inputting the exact date, time, and location of your birth provides a snapshot of the sky at the moment you came into the world. Make sure you use our free birth chart generator to find out yours before reading on!

　　

1. Your Rising Sign

First, there is your Ascendant or Rising sign. This is determined by the hour of your birth and represents the image you show to others. In Esoteric astrology, it also represents your soul’s purpose.

　　Chances are if you find out what your Rising sign is, you will probably find you relate to it very well. This is because the Rising sign is the sign you project to others. It is the face you show the world, your appearance, it represents how you deal with external situations.

　　Read this next: Esoteric Astrology: The Soul Astrology You Need

　　

2. Your Moon Sign

Then, there is your Moon sign.

　　This is the sign that highlights your deepest emotions and represents the way you navigate the world via your feelings and emotions. Further, it represents your physical, emotional, and social needs.

　　

3. Your Sun Sign

Finally, your Sun sign is the essence of who you are. It is the vital force within you that compels you to find the highest expression of your true self. This sign guides your actions, like your career and skill development and how you perform in social interactions.

　　Unlike your Rising sign, however, your Sun sign is hidden deep within you.

　　In some astrological circles, it is believed that only when we hit our 30s do we start to identify with our Sun sign. The first 30 years of life or so (before Saturn returns for the first time) is about getting to know ourselves.

　　Generally speaking, you might start to gravitate more towards your Sun sign and what it means to you, and less towards your Rising sign. Of course, it is not always the case for everyone but it is common for this process to take place.

　　This can also explain why some in their 30s, 40s, and 50s can experience a “mid-life crisis,” appearing to take a completely different life path to the one they had been on.

　　

The Importance of Saturn Return

After my first Saturn return, I went through a rather dramatic transformation. My diet completely changed– so did my appearance, to a degree. I became more approachable, less guarded around people, and more willing to build bridges, rather than partake in conflict.

　　Further, my Scorpio rising is still very strong, but my Libra Sun is now showing itself, too. The influence of Venus, which rules over the arts and beauty, is starting to have a more powerful impact.

　　In other words, the essence of who I am is starting to manifest itself into the world, through aspects such as encouraging healthy lifestyles and bringing people together, despite differing opinions.

　　This is Libra Sun (a sign of peace) but it is through Scorpio rising (a sign of conflict) that it manifests. One is ruled by Venus and the other is ruled by Mars–these planets are different as chalk and cheese, but if they can work together, their impact can be a positive one.

　　The same goes for everyone else. It’s about merging the Rising sign and Sun sign together so that you can become the very best version of yourself.

　　

Take Into Account Your Full Birth Chart Before Dismissing Astrology

I am personally of the opinion that astrology in its current state focuses too much on the Sun sign and this in itself is enough to drive people away from astrology before they have had the chance to dig deeper into it.

　　This is an enormous shame because understanding your birth chart can truly help to assist and guide you as you navigate life.

　　Through your Venus sign, you will understand your love style better; through your Mars sign, you will understand your energy levels and what drives and motivates you. Through your North Node, you can understand at a deeper level the lessons your soul came to learn.

　　As for the Rising sign, if any sign is likely to convince more people that astrology is a truly phenomenal topic that can help us understand ourselves better, it’s this one. This is because it is the one sign people can usually relate to the most.

　　So if you too have been wondering why you feel you have the wrong Sun sign, don’t despair. You are not alone.

　　You are made up of many complex aspects, many different vital elements, and a plethora of planetary combinations and each of us is so individual and unique that we cannot possibly be defined by just the Sun sign.

　　Dig into the intricacies of your entire birth chart, planetary configurations, and astrological houses before you dismiss astrology entirely. You’ll be amazed at what you find.

　　Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Birth Charts