Everyone has a Sun sign, determined by the sun’s placement, or position, at the time of birth. In astrology, the Sun sign is the determinant of basic personality—a person’s characteristics and basic nature. Of course, analysis of a person does not end at the Sun sign; if someone finds that they do not exactly fit the description of their Sun sign, looking at the house placement as well as their other signs, such as the Moon and Rising sign, will provide much more insight.

   The zodiac signs that many people are familiar with, such as Aries or Taurus, exist in the sky as constellations, divided into equal parts of 30 degrees. The Sun passes through each constellation at a certain time every year; for example, if someone was born from March 21 to April 21, they would be an Aries, as the Sun was passing through the Aries constellation at that time. If one does not know their Sun sign, entering birth information on a website such as this one can calculate it. Knowing a time of birth is unnecessary for calculating Sun sign as it is based on a date, however for calculating other signs it may become necessary; using 12 p.m. if the time of birth is unknown is usually the safest bet.

   Starting off the zodiac wheel, Aries brings fiery action to the table. Just like the ram, this sign’s symbol, Aries charges forward with unmatched passion. This is the “jump now, look later” sign. Aries is inspiring and spontaneous, lighting a fire under the passions of others with their vigorous and competitive physical energy. On the other hand, those born under this sign can be arrogant and aggressive as a consequence of their constant desire for movement. This sign is ruled by Mars, a planet of impulse and action, highlighting Aries raw passion behind chasing their goals.

   After Aries comes Taurus season, which is much more practical and easy-going. Taurus follows Aries blazing trail and puts the plan into action; they can see an entire project through where Aries cannot. Taurus finds its comfort in natural and artistic pleasures; however, they tend to desire the material. They also require emotional security while being somewhat emotionally guarded themselves. The Taurus is most known by its symbol, the bull, and its unrivaled stubbornness. On the other hand, Taurus is extremely loyal and a great person to have in your circle, especially when it comes to love and creativity as this sign is ruled by Venus.

   Following the slower path of Taurus, Gemini loses the paved trail left for them. Their curious mind leaves them wandering, looking for something exciting. Gemini is at home in social environments where they can be their usual big-talking and exuberant selves. This sign is probably the best person to be with for those looking for constant fun and spontaneity. Gemini likes to always be on the move, making them vulnerable to starting but not finishing projects. They may also be duplicitous and unreliable as a result of their general curiosity and tendency to move on quickly. This sign is ruled by Mercury, the communicator of the planets, which highlights Gemini’s social capability.

   Next comes Cancer, who brings new imaginative and creative ideas to the plans of Aries and Taurus. Cancer has a reputation for being the most emotional of all the signs, with a strong and palpable depth of feeling. They are homebodies and are usually artistic people. Cancer is a friend you want to have, with their warm energy and a strong sense of loyalty. They can come off as cold and rejecting, but once they are warmed up to someone, they are clingy and affectionate. These people may need a lot of reassurance and explicit reciprocity. Cancer is ruled by the moon, which is the symbol of emotion and feeling in astrology.

   Perhaps the opposite of the big-hearted Cancer is the prideful Leo, ruled by the sun. Leo is similar in the way that they are both natural leaders that light up any room they walk in. However, where Aries runs off and chases their own desires, Leo may demand others to do a lot of the work. They require attention and admiration, fueling their notorious pride. Leos are spontaneous and creative, giving them excellent ideas that they can be passionate about, though their desires can be selfish at times. Leos may present themselves as if they are always walking on the red carpet. On the other hand, they are loyal and compassionate which makes them the natural-born leader they are known to be. At times, however, they can become a difficult person to deal with when their ego or pride is threatened.

   Virgos, bring the plan back to its core, with their critical analysis and high standards. Virgos enjoy a sense of rhythm and routine, which may make them come off as perfectionists. Providing a stark contrast to Leos, Virgo is cautious with others and tends to be blunt, making them less of a sociable person. Though a Virgo can appear to be unemotional and unforgiving, they are sincere people with a strong sense of service. They portray love and appreciation through small acts. These are also the kind of people that like to take care of living things, whether it be animals, plants, or even other people. Though unrelated, it is said that Virgos also tend to be good cooks; my own experience can vouch for this, strangely enough.

   Next is Libra, who works out any wrinkles in the plan with their optimal problem-solving skills. The Libra is a peacemaker, the perfect mediator for when disagreements get heated. They also have a strong sense of justice, always looking to find balance in every situation. Where Virgo will brush off the help of others, Libras will happily welcome others. Collaborating is their strong suit, and they usually lead the conversation with their inspiring intelligence and quick-witted mind. However, with a natural affinity for peacemaking comes issues with confronting their own problems. Libras can be intensely non-confrontational, which makes them develop negative coping mechanisms. They can be total isolationists when it comes to vulnerability.

   Where Leo presents themselves as if they are always on the red carpet, Scorpios are truly the center of attention. They have a compelling and attractive presence, and they come off as mysterious and cold. The Scorpio is fierce, courageous and a go-getter. One would almost think that this is a fire sign, however, once trust and affection are earned (which may prove to be very difficult), Scorpios are extremely loyal and sometimes even possessive. They have intense emotions that fire signs do not. They are critical and secretive and prefer to observe others rather than interact with them.

   Circling back to the last fire sign of the zodiacs, Sagittarius’ are innovative and spontaneous, bringing new depth to the plans of Aries and Taurus. Typical of a fire sign, a Sagittarius will trail ahead without thought and expect someone else to pick up the pieces and work out the details. Sagittarius’ has an emotional depth that allows them to easily connect with others, which is why they may seem to have lots of friends; they are very empathetic and compassionate people. However, they are constantly craving adventure and new experiences, which may make them careless when it comes to considering the feelings of others. They are able to understand how the people around them are feeling, but their carelessness can make them neglectful.

   Following in the footsteps of the other earth signs, Capricorn likes to strategize before moving ahead. They want to know what is coming, and thus probably do not like surprises. These are the best people to have in a workplace, as they are independent, ethical and always prioritize goals over fun. Capricorns are able to put themselves before others, indulging in whatever it is that they desire. This is another sign that comes off as cold, but in a Capricorn’s case, it is not just appearance; they are not the vulnerable type and will take their time when making commitments. They tend to be pessimistic, which can make it difficult to get in their circle.

   Like Libra, Aquarius’ has a strong sense of justice and wants to spread positive change to the people around them. They are bright and sociable people and crave freedom. These people are free-spirited, carefree and enjoy attention from others. This is also an intelligent sign that likes to analyze others in an attempt to understand them. An Aquarius is also innovative and is known for being able to think outside the box. However, because Aquarius takes a more intellectual approach to think about things, they tend to neglect the emotional, which prevents close relationships with other people. They can also be condescending as a result of being fixed in their own ideas.

   Pisces brings the zodiacs to a close, finally bringing the goals of Aries to a close. They retreat back into solitude, where they indulge in artistic desires, as Pisces tend to be artistically inclined. However, they always leave their door open and set no boundaries, which tends to let the wrong people in. Because they are so empathetic and flexible, they are easily victimized and manipulated. Pisces are some of the best friends to have as they are extremely caring, forgiving and loyal people.

   A person’s Sun sign is not absolutely definitive of personality, but it can provide a basic outline of someone’s inner workings. Not all of the information about a zodiac will resonate with someone born under that sign; there are so many other factors in astrology that the Sun sign simply cannot be the end-all-be-all. Nonetheless, if not insightful, it can be interesting to find similarities and differences between someone’s personality and their sign’s stereotypes.