Welcome, cosmic warriors. I'm Aliza Kelly Faragher, your resident astrologer, and this is Allure Astrology, a column dedicated to astrology, esotericism, and all things magick. We don’t advise you stare at the sun, but today, we’re zooming in on this celestial flashlight: It’s time shine.
According to the teachings of astrology, your birth chart — that is, a snapshot of the sky at your exact moment of birth — is your celestial fingerprint. Studying the planets sheds invaluable insight into nuanced areas of life: The moon reveals your emotional inner-world, while Venus symbolizes the way you approach courtship. Of course, though some things are straightforward, much of astrology can also seem mystifying, so it’s easy to get lost in the complexities of your birth chart. There are so many cosmic combinations, how can you possibly keep track of everything? Well, cosmic warriors, the anchor of your birth chart is actually pretty unambiguous — it’s your sun sign.
Your sun sign is calculated based on the placement of the sun at your exact moment of birth. This vivid, radiant star is the center of our solar system, and likewise, is the epicenter of our astrological chart. The sun sign reveals your taste, preferences, and proclivities — it’s also used to assess everything from your romantic compatibility, sexual curiosities, and even your worst relationship habits. But with so many planets in the mix, why do we still put so much attention on the sun sign?
In astrology, each planet has a very specific role: Mercury communicates, Saturn constricts, and Uranus innovates. Accordingly, the sun’s responsibility is to expose the truth. There is nothing more important than authenticity, so whenever we feel lost or confused, focusing on your sun sign will help you get in touch with your spiritual core.
The sun serves as a celestial flashlight, shining its light on everything. In fact, in Medieval astrology, planets that were very close to the sun (forming a “conjunction”) were believed to be weaker; their functions believed to be overpowered by the light of the sun. Simply put, within astrology, there is no celestial body more powerful than the sun — it symbolizes life, honesty, and vitality. You know, the most important shit.
By using your sun sign to illuminate your essence, you can tap into your highest vibration. Fundamentally, I believe that astrology is a practice in empathy: When we look at the stars and planets in a birth chart, we reveal how incredibly complex we are as individuals. The sun inspires us to live our best life, and we thrive when we honor our sun. In my newly published book, The Mixology of Astrology: Cosmic Cocktail Recipes for Every Sign, I pair sun signs with the libations that match their intrinsic spirit (pun intended). But whether or not we sip martinis, astrology can help us be ourselves. And in today’s world, so riddled with dishonesty, that actually means something. Ahead, unlock the secrets of your sun sign. It’s time to shine.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
This fire sign glows brightly when making brave, bold choices.
Imagine darkness. Deep, dense, infinite nothing. The emptiness appears endless, but then suddenly a flame appears, like a beacon of hope. A spark of life. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, lights the match that ignites the entire astrological cycle. As such, Aries symbolizes courage, determination, and action. Of course, Aries don’t always know why they do certain things, but ultimately, that’s not Aries's job (hyper-analyzing is reserved for other signs, like Virgo).
Aries know that in order for change to occur, something needs to happen — and they’re not afraid to take that initial plunge. For an Aries to live their truest, most authentic life, these impulsive fire signs need to be able to take risks. Aries are daredevils who dive headfirst into any challenge (and quite fittingly, in medical astrology this sign governs the cranium). Aries should celebrate their flame through bold colors, loud music, spontaneous adventures, and, of course, being number one.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Taurus thrives through shameless sensory indulgence.
After Aries strikes the match, our vision begins to focus. Now, we can clearly see the world around us — we can touch, taste, smell, and listen to the sounds of the newly illuminated environment. Under the Taurus sky, the world is a fresh, beautiful place, and everything is in bloom. As the first earth sign of the zodiac, Taureans are thrilled by anything that tantalizes the senses. Taurus is inspired by its surroundings and, in turn, likes to accumulate physical manifestations of their reality.
In order for Taureans to live their truest life, these earth signs need to fill their worlds with things that bring them joy. But it's not about being materialistic; it’s about embracing the here and now. The sun in Taurus is enchanted by terrestrial magick, and likewise, these celestial bulls should always find new, innovative ways to celebrate their sensory experiences.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Gemini is its most authentic self when sharing knowledge.
As we continue to move across the zodiac, we have now learned to qualify — and quantify — our earthly possessions. While the sun was in Taurus, we discovered the value of material goods; perhaps we've even collected some precious objects of our own. So now, we need to learn how to share. Enter Gemini.
Represented by the twins, Gemini is the first air sign of the zodiac. Gemini energy is curious, sociable, and playful. Governed by Mercury (the messenger planet), Gemini’s primary role is to disseminate knowledge. But in order for Gemini to thrive, it needs to be given information to share. Communication is paramount for this air sign, as it’s fueled by expression. For Gemini to thrive, it requires free-flowing, open pathways of transmission: Clever banter, engaging lyrics, and creative storytelling will always illuminate this air sign’s vivacious soul.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
A safe inner world helps this water sign thrive.
Gemini taught us how to make friends, but after a busy day of schmoozing, we need to return home. Cancer, the first water sign of the zodiac, is associated with the domestic realm, particularly with maternal energy. But this doesn’t need to be taken literally — in fact, not all Cancers are homebodies. The crab (Cancer’s celestial icon) carries its home on its back, and a Cancer's primary sanctuary is internal. A Cancer’s emotional world is sacred, so this sign is very careful with its heart.
For Cancers to thrive, these sensitive creatures must build safety and security from the inside out. When Cancer’s emotional infrastructure is stable, these crabs are delighted to come out of their shells and have some fun in the sun. At the end of the day, Cancers love nothing more than to let loose and have fun.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Leos function at their highest vibration when emanating warmth.
After we’ve established our domestic foundation, the sun shifts into Leo — the second fire sign of the zodiac. While Aries’s job is to strike to match that ignites action, Leo’s role is to maintain the flame. And in order for Leo to keep the blaze burning, Leo requires an audience.
My mentor and muse, Annabel Gat, refers to Leo's flame as a bonfire. Ultimately, Leos want to create warmth, build community, and set the stage for fabulous entertainment. Leo energy is creative, bombastic, and theatrical, and in order for these celestial lions to shine, they need to perform. Leo’s highest vibration is achieved when this sun sign can inspire others through artistic endeavors. Sure, there may be a bit of drama — but hey, that’s show business.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Problem-solving is Virgo's superpower.
When the sun glides into Virgo, the radiant star is inspired to systematize its creative pursuits. Virgo is the most analytical sign of the zodiac — it can build dynamic workflows in even the most chaotic environments. At the end of the day, Virgo's goal is simple: They want to help.
Virgos are incredible problem-solvers, and in order for Virgo to access its most authentic self, it needs to be able to collect data, process information, and improve situations. But let's be clear: Virgos are selfless, but they’re not martyrs. While these earth signs deeply enjoy acts of service, they also want their hard work to be acknowledged. Occupationally, sun sign Virgos make excellent writers, editors, and critics. In fact, with Mercury as Virgo’s planetary ruler, fluid expression is essential for this sign.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
By celebrating harmony, Libra unlocks its innate gifts.
Libra is a very important sign in astrology: It marks the halfway point of the zodiac. Likewise, Libra's role is to acknowledge, address, and explore alternative perspectives.
Libras (symbolized by the scales of judgment) are always weighing options. Libras are natural diplomats, and in order for the sun in this sign to thrive, it needs equilibrium. Libras are aesthetes — they are obsessed with symmetry and balance, and beauty and design are extremely important to these air signs. Accordingly, Libra activates its highest vibration by embracing harmony in art, fashion, and, perhaps most importantly, interpersonal relationships.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Scorpio accesses it authentic self by celebrating its full emotional range.
Libra teaches us about partnership and harmony, but eventually, we realize that life — even when we’re coupled — isn’t always picturesque. In fact, once we do form meaningful bonds with others, we then have the responsibility to manage not just our own baggage, but others’ bullshit, as well. Cue Scorpio.
Scorpio, the second water sign of the zodiac, is activated through emotional intensity. Scorpio realizes that everything occurs in two dimensions: Our physical realities are always influenced by whatever is brewing beneath the surface. Likewise, Scorpios access their highest vibrations when they’re able to weave seamlessly between darkness and light. At the end of the day, Scorpio knows that sometimes in order to rebuild, things need to be destroyed. Scorpionic energy is powerful; it represents transformation and rebirth. Fundamentally, Scorpio thrives when it can safely celebrate its full emotional range, encouraging others to embrace life's incredible complexities.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
These archers live their best life when they have the freedom to roam.
Sagittarius is the last fire sign of the zodiac. The preceding fire signs — Aries and Leo — contained the blaze, but in Sagittarius's domain, the flame is a wildfire. Sagittarians' spirited energy fuels their passions and curiosities. They’re on a quest for knowledge and nothing will get in their way.
In order for archers to live their best life, they need the freedom and space to roam. Sagittarians learn through experience, so once something sparks their interest, these celestial archers are ready to gallop (fittingly, the centaur is Sagittarius' mythological correspondence). Of course, after so many adventures, Sagittarians always have the best stories. This fire sign lives to tell tales, so at the end of the day, archers cultivate community through spirited narration.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorns thrive when they're actively achieving their goals.
After we've traveled and studied, we’re ready to get to work. Capricorn — the last earth sign — is the boss of the zodiac. These sea goats are all about long-term, professional achievements. Forget odd jobs and money-making schemes; Capricorns are focused on building permanent, lasting legacies.
In order for Capricorns to live their best lives, they always need to be working toward a goal. Capricorns are incredible at manifesting — if they can dream it, it is possible. But, perhaps more importantly, these earth signs aren’t afraid to put in the work to actualize their aspirations. When these sea goats embrace their potential by investing in (and committing to) their greatness, success is truly limitless.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Aquarius's authentic self shines truth on the greater good.
Aquarius — the last air sign of the zodiac — reminds us that while hard work is important, without an audience, our efforts are totally irrelevant. The sun in Aquarius believes that our purpose isn’t simply to indulge our egos; Aquarius believes we are here to actually help others.
Aquarius represents the people (its opposite sign, Leo, symbolized the monarchy), and likewise, this air sign cares deeply about humanity. When the sun is in Aquarius, it shines truth on the greater good, illuminating the ways our individual ambitions fuel positive change for the collective experience. For an Aquarius sun to radiate, it needs to be innovating. Progress is critical for these philanthropists, so Aquarians lives their best lives when they're spearheading change.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Pisces thrive when they embrace their psychic abilities.
Our astrological journey concludes with Pisces. The last sign of the zodiac, this water sign is associated with the infinite sea. Sounds familiar? Pisces marks the last phase of the astrological cycle: It's the endless abyss that exists right before Aries strikes the match. So, what happens when the sun — the bright, radiant star — shines in the deepest, darkest ocean? It reveals incredible knowledge, wisdom, and psychic intuition.
Pisces are the seers of the zodiac. They’re incredible empaths and know that fundamentally we’re all connected in ever-spinning, collective elliptical motion. For Pisces to reach their full potential, they must embrace their incredible sensitivities and psychic abilities. It’s not always easy to have extrasensory skills, but when these celestial fish dive into their clairvoyance, their light illuminates the soul's true magick.
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More on astrology:
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Astrologer Aliza Faragher has the scoop on which sign your sign should date:
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