Sun Sign Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How to Use It

Whether you’re a die-hard believer in the zodiac who checks their horoscope daily or you don’t much believe in it at all, you can’t deny that the zodiac is fun. It’s a way to connect with friends and new people you meet, and the sun sign is where this unique point of connection starts. 

If you haven’t heard of sun signs, it’s probably pretty difficult to pick up on what they are just by context clues — but don’t worry. We’ve got a full explanation for this phrase, as well as a walk-through of all of the different sun signs that exist. 

Today’s word of the day is “sun sign.” By the end of this short guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of the phrase, its definitions, its etymology, and how to use it. Let’s get started. 

What Is the Meaning of the Phrase Sun Sign?

The phrase sun sign is pretty much synonymous with a zodiac sign or star sign. Here’s a quick definition of the phrase so you can better understand what it means. 

• The zodiac constellation that the sun resides in on the day that you’re born
  

What Are Zodiac Signs?

Essentially, there are twelve different zodiac signs out there.

According to our modern understanding of the zodiac, each constellation (or zodiac sign) presides over an approximately 30-day period. The sun passes through each of these constellations in the sky, and whichever sign the sun is in when you’re born is the sun sign you are assigned. 

People use zodiac signs to learn about each other, see if they have compatibility with new people, and learn about their inner self and inner world. It may seem crazy that a birth chart or natal chart based on the solar system and stars can tell you about a person, but you might be surprised.

What Are the Different Sun Signs? 

Again, there are twelve different zodiac signs, breaking up the year into twelve parts. 

Let’s go through each of these zodiac signs, the time frame they occupy, the planets that rule over them, and what it says about who you are. 

Aries 

The first sign of the zodiac is Aries, The Ram, ruled by Mars. The sun passes through the Aries constellation from March 21st through April 20th. 

If you’re an Aries, you are probably a strong leader and are known to love adventure. You also might be pretty action-oriented and can be a little impatient during times of inaction.

Taurus 

Next is Taurus, The Bull, which is ruled by the planet Venus. Tauruses are born between April 20th and May 20th. They are natural planners and are meticulous in achieving their goals. They’re observant, level-headed, and strong-willed.

Gemini

The next of the astrological signs is the Gemini, or The Twins, representing people born from May 21st to June 21st. Because this mutable sign is under Mercury, they are naturally charismatic and crave deep conversations. They’re very loyal and are definitely never a boring friend to have around!

Cancer

If your time of birth falls between June 22nd and July 21st, you’re a Cancer, or The Crab. 

Cancers are ruled by the Moon and have a wide range of personality types on their surface. However, go past the exterior, and you’ll find Cancers to be sympathetic and caring. They have a great love of the home and family, and they love to care for people.

Leo

Next we have Leo, The Lion, presiding over June 22nd through August 21st, and it’s ruled by the Sun.

Leos are the most charismatic of the bunch and always have large groups of friends. Their influence helps them do great things as leaders, but they can often be a little too optimistic about life. 

Virgo

The position of the sun goes through Virgo, The Virgin, from August 22nd through September 21st. Virgos are perfectionists, doing everything behind the scenes the best they can, but they can often be overly critical of themselves. Virgo is ruled by the planet Mercury.

Libra

If your date of birth is between September 23rd and October 22nd, you’re a Libra, The Scales. Libras are often quite laid back and very charming. 

They’re kind and gentle but are sometimes mistaken as lazy. This constellation is ruled by Venus.

Scorpio

The eighth sign is Scorpio, The Scorpion, ruling over October 23rd through November 21st, which is ruled by Mars and Pluto. 

Scorpios have tremendous integrity and are amazing problem solvers. They have great humor and a strong sense of self but tend to hold on to grudges longer than most. 

Sagittarius

The Archer, or Sagittarius, spans from November 22nd through December 21st and is ruled by the planet Jupiter. 

This fire sign is incredibly loyal and is also impulsive and adventurous. They’re quite talkative but are sometimes a little quick to anger.

Capricorn

Next, we have Capricorn, The Sea Goat, which lasts from December 22nd to January 19th and is ruled by Saturn. They value time above all else, so they’re efficient and resourceful planners. They’re not too flashy, but they do love nice things.

Aquarius

From January 20th to February 18th, we have Aquarius, The Water Carrier, ruled by the planets Uranus and Saturn. They love their freedom and push back against oppressive leaders. They hate injustice and fight for anybody who is oppressed. 

Pisces

The final sign is Pisces, The Fishes, which spans from February 19th through March 20th and is ruled by Neptune. Pisces are intuitive and sensitive to the feelings of others. 

They’re kind and gentle and accepting of all, but they can be daydreamers and get distracted easily. 

What Are Some Examples of  Sun Sign in a Sentence?

Seeing a word in context can help bring more clarity to its definition and how you can use it in your own life. Here are some example sentences that use the phrase sun sign.

• I’m a Pisces. What’s your sun sign?
  
  
• I love sun signs because it’s a great way to learn a bit about a person right off the bat.
  
  
• The idea of sun signs is nice, but I don’t think it’s a very accurate way of determining personality types.
  
  
• Here’s today’s horoscope; what’s your sun sign again?
  

What Are the Synonyms of the Phrase Sun Sign?

Here are some synonyms of sun sign that you might find in a thesaurus.

• Star sign
  
  
• Zodiac sign
  
  
• Horoscope sign
  

The Sun Sign

Now you know the basics about the phrase sun signs, its definition, and how to use it. However, there’s still more to learn about rising signs (ascendant), moon signs, and more.

For now, use this phrase confidently in your writing and your conversation. If you need a refresher on sun signs, come back to this article for the information you need. 

Sources:

HOROSCOPE | Cambridge English Dictionary  

The Ruling Planets of The Twelve Zodiac Signs | Online Star Register 

The Zodiac, The Circle of Life | Beatrice Public Schools