When diving into the realm of moon signs in astrology, you’ll be focusing on your emotional landscape. Your moon sign helps you understand how you express your emotions, deal with them, and react to the world. It can help to show how we “mother” or “baby” ourselves, some of which come entirely subconsciously. Your moon sign can help you to find answers to questions like, How do certain experiences impact you? What are your comfort zones, and what does your sense of security look like? How do you show you care, and how do you process your emotions?
As you’re reading this article, you’ll find yourself wondering why the characteristics of the moon signs are practically the same as the sun signs, and you’re right; they are. The characteristics of the zodiac signs do not change; what changes when it comes to how the moon influences them is where and how they reveal themselves in your life, which is different. It’s important to note that when exploring your moon sign, you need to know not only your date of birth but also the time you were born because the moon changes every two and a half days, and without the time, your reading might not be as accurate.
Understanding your moon sign is the next puzzle piece to help better understand your birth chart, so let’s jump right in!
The 12 Zodiac Moon Signs
Aries
March 21st until April 19th
Lunar Aries possess more intense fire than those with their sun in Aries. They’re very impatient, but that is because they want instant gratification! Waiting and focusing on anything long-term is not their strong suit. It is like an inner child screaming to get what they want. Those with their Moon in Aries are ruled by their emotional needs, and because of this, they have a hard time caring about others’ emotional needs, meaning they come first.
Taurus
April 20th through May 20th
Those with their Moon in Taurus are very romantic, sentimental, and warm people, and they’re committed when it comes to their relationships. They will always work to avoid dealing with anything messy and focus on what is reliable. Like those with their sun sign in Taurus, they are stubborn, strong-willed, and thoroughly enjoy material comforts. They are happiest with good food, in a comfy environment, surrounded by the few people they’ve chosen to open themselves up to.
Gemini
May 21st and June 20th
Those with their moon sign in Gemini are charming and curious individuals. They’re social people but often feel misunderstood by others. They can talk about their feelings; however, dealing with them is another story. They are also not good at dealing with the complex emotions of others, either. They tend to be nervous and worrisome and can be impressionable. They’re also very imaginative and pleasant, and they want to be able to do it all! Communication is very important to them, and they are happiest when they can have an outlet for self-expression. Oh, and they are always happy when they have someone’s attention!
Cancer
June 21st through July 22nd
Cancer Moons are often described as peace-loving souls! They have a great sense of humor and are very dependable. As the moon is the natural ruler of this sign, they can deeply get in touch with their feelings; however, it can come across to others as if they’re too wrapped up in themselves. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth because they strongly need to look after everyone else. They are caretakers at heart and need to feel safe and supported to be happy.
Leo
July 23rd through August 22nd
Those with Leo as their moon sign enjoy entertaining others. However, they only like to be in the spotlight around people they’re already comfortable with. They are not great with change, and they require a lot of love. When they feel slighted or hurt, they will cause a scene, but only if they’re in private. They care too much about their public image to risk that. Lunar Leos are very creative, or at least want to be, and have a strong sense of social justice. They like to oversee things being done in all aspects of their lives, but this can come across as being bossy or controlling.
Virgo
August 23rd until September 22nd
Virgo moons are commonly early risers who love to feel useful and needed by the people in their lives. Some lack self-confidence, but they will always be the first to offer to help anyone in need. They can be easily overstimulated but also appreciate the simple things life has to offer. They require a steady routine and are happiest when they can micromanage or closely analyze something. They are happiest when they can please others and are satisfied by logic.
Libra
September 23rd through October 22nd
Those with Libra as their moon sign require a partner, as they find that strength comes with numbers. They have an idealistic outlook, enjoy socializing, and are considered to be very charming. They’re gentle people who love peace and harmony, but they also love a good debate, and more often than not, they’ll win. As they always require a partner, you’ll find them go from relationship to relationship fairly quickly.
Scorpio
October 23rd and November 21st
As a Scorpio moon sign, there is an all-or-nothing approach to things. They don’t do anything halfway, and when they’re committed to you, no one will be more loyal and protective. They lead emotionally driven lives, and those emotions are usually very intense. They can easily see beyond people’s facades and are brilliant people. When it comes to never doing anything halfway, that also includes people’s emotions. They need to work on creating boundaries to protect themselves from soaking up too much of other people’s negative energy and hurting themselves. They are happiest when they can form deep connections, but they’ll only open up to a few people.
Sagittarius
November 22nd through December 21st
A Lunar Sagittarius, much like a sun sign Sagittarius, cannot be caged. They need space and freedom and are otherwise easy-going people. They always want to be doing something, whether exploring new places, meeting new people, or doing new things. They like to wing it with no plans because they genuinely believe life will work itself out. They always come across as upbeat and optimistic, and they are very adaptable people. However, they’re also prone to forgetting things. They feel fulfilled through intellectual expansion and philosophy and are always itching to embrace the unknown!
Capricorn
December 22nd through January 19th
Lunar Capricorns take a certain kind of pride in being very cool-headed regarding their emotions. They can still have mood swings like anyone else, but overall, they’re steady people. They like to set clear boundaries and realistic goals and focus on their safety and security instead of taking risks. They can be very hard on themselves and use sarcasm to offset anything they feel sensitive about. They like to be structured and organized and appreciate authority and tradition. They connect their emotions to their accomplishments. Therefore, success in all their lives is required for true happiness for this moon sign.
Aquarius
January 20th through February 18th
Those with their moon sign in Aquarius are prideful, observant, and charming people. They will be sociable but, deep down, loners at heart. They have shy personalities but are strong in their feelings of acceptance or leaving them alone. They are highly independent but definitely have a stubborn streak. They see themselves as students of human nature, naturally tied to humanitarianism and pretty idealistic and progressive. They are said to be a little unpredictable and flighty, but this comes with their intense need to be independent. They respond to things based on their values, not their emotions, and it’s common for them to be confused about why others cannot do the same.
Pisces
February 19th through March 20th
Just like a Pisces sun, because Pisces is the last zodiac sign, they hold a little bit of everyone in them. As Lunar Pisces, they are very complex people and are often considered “old souls.” They have a strong intuition, high empathy, and a strong sense of compassion. They have a lot of love to give and have a habit of losing themselves in others, such as taking on too much of other people’s feelings, which can cause them to suffer. They don’t mind people; they like them but must have time to recharge in solitude. This moon sign is soft-hearted and sweet, has a great sense of humor, and loves being able to express themselves through various artistic endeavors.
Final Thoughts
When working to put together your birth chart and determining your sign placements, understanding your moon sign is an essential second step! Maybe your sun sign’s characteristics didn’t fit you, but after learning about your moon sign, you found that you connected to many of those traits! This happens! Astrology is a lot about interpretation.
For example, I’m a Sagittarius Sun and a Pisces Moon. Many things under a Sagittarius sun don’t fit me as firmly as one might think. However, once you mix in the characteristics of a Pisces Moon, things begin to make more sense. You might also find yourself relating to your moon sign more than your sun sign; I certainly do! This is very common because the moon focuses so much on your feelings and reactions on a strong emotional level!
The next puzzle piece is determining your Ascendant sign, also called your rising sign. Be on the lookout for that article coming up next, and if you missed the article on understanding your sun sign, you can check that out right here!
