Astrology is an ancient cosmic language that has captivated human imagination for centuries, serving both as a way to predict events and to understand ourselves. At its core, this practice involves interpreting the positions and movements of celestial bodies, believing that they influence human affairs.
Looking through this lens, the positions of celestial bodies, such as planets and stars, at the time of one’s birth are thought to shape personalities, relationships, and more. While many of us are familiar with our ‘Zodiac sign,’ meaning our Sun sign, there are many other elements to consider in our birth chart.
This is where our “big six” comes in. Alongside the Sun, the other five major placements in a chart include the Moon, Rising, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. And, as mentioned earlier, they provide more insight into ourselves. If you’ve ever felt that the description of your Sun sign personality doesn’t quite match, this might be the reason why. Check out what each of them means.
The ‘Big Six’ in astrology: Their importance
To many people, astrology is a tool for self-discovery and the best way to do so is using the birth chart. This takes into the date, time and location of a person’s birth to create a map of the planets and their placements. You can find your placements online with a chart calculator.
Sun
According to astrology, the Sun would be our identity and our core essence, as well as one’s personality and ego. This means that our Sun sign is the expression of who we are, as well as our creativity and power. It is also associated with the father, as well as male figures and children. It rules Leo and it has masculine energy.
Moon
The Moon is the ruler of the emotions, and it is also associated with the mother and her relationship with the child. The Moon hangs out in each zodiac sign for about 2 1/2 days, completing a full journey around the zodiac in 28 days. Representing feminine energy, it governs Cancer and the Fourth House.
The moon represents our emotions (Pexels/Alex Andrews)
Ascendant/Rising
Your rising sign is associated with your social vibe. It’s how people see you, based on the zodiac sign that was on the horizon when you were born. This sign represents your physical appearance and how you present yourself to the world. It’s like a mix of your inner and outer worlds, influencing the balance in your life.
Mercury
This planet is associated with expression, communication, intellect and awareness. This means that, depending on the sign this planet is in your chart, it will be an indication of how a person expresses themselves and how they process information. It rules both Gemini and Virgo, and the Third and Sixth Houses.
Venus
Venus is in charge of both love and money, revealing what someone wants in a romantic relationship, as well as friendships and other kinds of links. This planet is also associated with beauty and pleasure. It can also show if a person enjoys studying, traveling, and treating themselves to fancy experiences. It is a feminine energy and rules both Taurus and Libra, and the Second and Seventh House.
Mars
Mars rules over aggression and anger, giving insight into how one uses energy and drive. On the other hand, Mars can help us understand physical attraction. This planet also rules ambition and competition, explaining what will motivate someone. It is masculine energy and rules both Aries and Scorpio, and the First and Eighth Houses.
