"What's Your Sign"

By Bill Morin

We have all heard it at one time or another. Whether out at a dance club, a local hangout or at a party where mostly strangers are. It is often conceived as one of the lamest pickup lines of all time. But, I wonder how many people know precisely what they are inquiring about when they ask this question.

Wherever your birthday falls during the astrological year tells what your "Sun Sign" is. On February 4th it is Aquarius, May 19th is Taurus and August 18th would be Leo. What many people don't realize is that the Sun sign of an individual is the power source from which the "native" of that particular sign draws their strength reason for being. It is like the engine of a train or the power source of a nuclear reactor(though infinitely safer).

The actual "Sun sign" may often be masked or cloaked by two other factors within the astrological chart. They are the Ascendant(also called the Rising Sign)and the Moon. The Sun, Moon and Ascendant form what is known as the Triplicity of the chart. If the sun represents the power source then the Ascendant describes the "mask" which each of us wears. It is that which we choose(or not)to show the outside world.

A dear friend of mine has a Virgo Sun. She is extremely methodical and exacting. But in her chart there are four Leo placements(including her Ascendant)which give the illusion of someone who is outgoing, gregarious and carefree. This is not the case. It is like someone wearing makeup for a night out. It changes the appearance somewhat(almost always for the better) but at some point it has to be taken off, so the real person can once again shine through. Many people are more comfortable wearing a comfortable mask rather than bearing their souls. That usually takes place only after getting to know and trust another person.

The Sun energy is masculine(yang), whereas the Moon(yin)is feminine and intuitive. The Moon reflects the light of the Sun. It tends to show the personality and the reflection of the spirit within. It also rules the imagination and creative aspects of the mind. The masculine Sun rules the Spirit(positive polarity) and the day. The feminine Moon rules form(physical),(negative polarity) and night. So as you can see, this triplicity is somewhat involved and multi-layered. So, the next time you ask someone what their sign is, it just might be an astrologer. If so, be prepared to hear a long dissertation on the subject. On the other hand, the next time someone asks you the same question; you can simply retort: Sun sign, Moon sign or Ascendant? If they have any knowledge of Astrology, they will cheerfully answer you(perhaps in great detail). If not, the individual will likely excuse themselves and run screaming out the nearest exit. Think of it this way, either way you win!