The magical and nuanced world of astrology seems to always be evolving, and the concept of a zodiac signature, aka TikTok’s latest astrological trend, is proof that there’s always something new to learn. But what is a zodiac signature? And why are you seeing it all over TikTok?
According to some astrologers on the social media app, your sun and rising signs aren’t the only key astrological elements in your birth chart that define you. Apparently, it’s your zodiac signature, too. Your zodiac signature takes into account the average of all of the planets in your birth chart, and it actually says a lot more about your personality than anything else in your birth chart, some astrologers say.
In astrology, your sun sign is what you look for when you thumb through to the horoscope section. It’s defined as your core personality and the traits that people most recognize you by. Your rising sign, on the other hand, is the way you express your flow of energy to the world. These are two out of the three signs that make up your big three, which basically summarizes your key personality traits. Per TikTok astrologers, however, you should also consider the mean of your entire birth chart.
“What defines you the most is your zodiac signature,” says astrologer Joshua Pingley in a now-viral TikTok video. But does averaging your chart really take precedence over your sun and rising sign? POPSUGAR spoke to astrologer Lauren Ash to look more into what your zodiac signature is and how important it is compared to the rest of your birth chart.
@unfilteredastrology No, your sun and rising signs do NOT inherently define you. Let’s talk about the SIGNATURE sign…🙏🏼 #astrology #spirituality #horoscope #learnontiktok
What Is a Zodiac Signature?
Put simply, your zodiac signature, also referred to as your signature sign, “is a chart point used to find the dominant energy of your birth chart,” Ash tells POPSUGAR. “It reveals the energy in the zodiac most specific to you,” says Ash. It’s discerned by finding the average of each element (fire, earth, air, water) and modality (cardinal, fixed, and mutable) of your birth chart placements.
If you don’t totally relate to the traits of your sun or sign — or feel like you ascribe to a totally different zodiac entirely — it might be worth taking a look at the qualities of your zodiac signature. It’s important to note, however, that not everyone has one, says Ash. In that case, “When there is no distinct astrological signature, or there are two energies that both dominate your birth chart, it’s referred to as an ambiguous signature sign,” Ash explains.
How to Find Your Zodiac Signature
The easiest way to find your zodiac signature is by using an online calculator like AstroSeek that can calculate your zodiac signature. But if you want to calculate it yourself, you’ll just need to tally the corresponding element and modality of your birth chart placements in your birth chart, explains Ash. “The most frequent modality and element in your natal chart will then combine as your signature sign,” says Ash. Here’s a quick refresher on each sign’s element and modality to help you get started.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
- Element: fire
- Modality: cardinal
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
- Element: earth
- Modality: fixed
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
- Element: air
- Modality: mutable
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
- Element: water
- Modality: cardinal
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
- Element: fire
- Modality: fixed
Virgo (Aug. 21-Sept. 22)
- Element: earth
- Modality: mutable
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
- Element: air
- Modality: cardinal
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
- Element: water
- Modality: fixed
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
- Element: fire
- Modality: mutable
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
- Element: earth
- Modality: cardinal
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
- Element: air
- Modality: fixed
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
- Element: water
- Modality: mutable
What Does Your Zodiac Signature Reveal?
Your birth chart maps your values, personality traits, and how you express yourself in the world. Your zodiac signature, per astrology, averages the zodiac sign that’s most specific to you. “It reveals the qualities and quirks of the zodiac sign you feel most connected with,” Ash says. But it also influences the kind of energy that pulls you in, too, Ash says. “Your signature sign shows you things like your temperament, how you get along with people, the personality types you’re most drawn to, and more,” she says.
Why Is Your Zodiac Signature Important?
From an astrology POV, each planet, house, and transit in your chart reveals different parts of your essence, so they’re all worth taking into consideration when breaking down your chart. It’s important to understand the energy of your signature because it discerns the zodiac sign that’s distinct to your unique natal chart. “Your zodiac signature is a great tool for optimizing your life path and getting to the core of what makes you happy,” Ash says.
Is Your Zodiac Signature Better at Predicting Your Personality Than Your Sun or Rising Sign?
Because your signature sign denotes the dominant energy that encompasses your entire birth chart, some astrologers believe that it says more about your personality than your sun and rising signs are. But Ash explains that’s not exactly the case. “It’s just another lens to view your personality through,” says Ash. When it comes to your birth chart, think of it as a cosmic puzzle, and every element — your zodiac signature included — is an important piece to consider.