Astrology is a complex science. I don’t imagine that many of you who actually read this are super anti-astrology, but, just in case you’re a hater, astrology is totally a science. Most simply put, it is the alignment of the planets on your given birthday, time, location. That is all fact. It is when one gets into the interpretation that people begin to scoff. Planets don’t control anything, that’s a load of garbage.
For today’s collab, I have carefully researched all of Our Trust Fund’s writers’ charts and created an astrology quiz, where one matches a description with the person and their sign. Some of us did better than others, but the point is to acknowledge the complexities. Someone’s Moon and Rising signs are harder to pinpoint since they’re usually less discussed.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the three main components of one’s chart, the Sun, the Moon, and the Ascendant.
S U N S I G N S
The Sun's position in your chart shows your style, life purpose, and—some might say—your destiny. It is your Ego. The Sun usually shines through in our careers, life paths, and our future. You can look to the Sun for answers on who and what you are learning to be in your lifetime. When you accept your Sun—and all that comes with it—happiness will come more easily to you. When you deny your Sun and its traits, you likely won't know where you're going in your life and will feel directionless. The Sun is your track; it is you when you are at your best.
Think of your Sun sign as the boss of your personality. It micromanages, controls, and assesses before adapting and evolving as it sees fit. Your Sun sign is your "adult" self: the part of you that knows responsibility and is able to make decisions. Usually, this entails silencing your "child" self or your Moon sign.
M O O N S I G N S
The Moon's position in your chart shows how you emote and respond to your environment. The Moon reveals much about our habits, reactions, and instincts. It shows how we express, and deal with, our emotions. Most obvious in our homes or in private, our Moon sign reveals our innermost needs. The Moon sign most likely manifests in one’s journal entries and heartfelt conversations had over Zoom.
While the Sun is rational, the Moon is irrational. Habitual behaviors and prejudices are ruled by the Moon. Prejudices may not be acted out, as our Sun may censor them, but the Moon rules our spontaneous reactions and feelings. Astrologer Grant Lewi said: “When you ‘know what you mean but you can’t say it,’ it is your Moon that knows it and your Sun that can’t say it. ‘Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears’” are the thoughts of your Moon’s nature.
R I S I N G S I G N S
The Ascendant (or rising sign)’s position in your chart shows your natural defenses and how you cope with day-to-day issues. Your Ascendant represents your natural and personal defense mechanisms that you use to adapt to and cope with your environment. It is often considered the mask one wears when meeting others. It defines the first impression we make on others in a personal sense, rather than professional which is usually led by your Sun sign. Your Ascendant shines through in how your high school friends describe meeting you for the first time.
The Ascendant also shows our first impressions of the world around us, and reveals our expectations of the world around us—whether we are naturally hesitant or enthusiastic, for example. How we begin new projects, and our attitude towards new experiences come under the rule of the Ascendant.
Shelby [05/25]
🌞 : Gemini // 🌚 : Sagittarius // 🔺 : Leo
Astrology quiz points: null
This person's Sun means they never shut up. Their Sun shines through their ability to spark conversations and they are at their peak when they're bringing people together. Why waste time on something that isn’t doing anything? Impatience is a virtue this person subscribes to. This person’s Moon sign means they thrive on freedom and space; they almost certainly have a fear of commitment. This constant moving is a double-edged sword, though, because this person is likely to run when shit gets tough. Leaving things unsaid and undone, they find themselves often asking "What if?" This person’s Rising sign means they can’t help but be noticed—they are magnetic. Perhaps they feel as if they are on stage, even in the privacy of their homes. To them, their life is a performance, to hide the other aspects of their chart. This person’s Ascendant probably materializes through their unusual need to be admired and social media is something they wish they could be blasé about, but simply aren’t.
Sydney [08/25]
🌞 : Virgo // 🌚 : Aries // 🔺 : Aries
Astrology quiz points: 5 / 18
This person’s Sun sign means they have an acute attention to detail. When something interests them, it does not take long for them to become obsessed, learning the ins and outs of the subject until they are an expert. This person’s Sun sign shows through the sisterhood they extend. Sometimes they extend it to the wrong people, but they’re true optimists and will go above and beyond to be there for someone. This person’s Moon sign means they possess intense inner passion and fire. They live in the moment and have a hard time waiting for things to happen. They’re also prone to have many crushes and other short-lived yet intense desires. In the end, they might take things very personally but their goal is to deal with problems by facing them right away so they can get on with other things. This person’s Rising sign means they are direct and quick. They do rather than think. While they are direct, there is zero malice in their intent. Their past was hard, undoubtedly, but it has made them significantly stronger and they are a rock to many.
Aimée [11/16]
🌞 : Scorpio // 🌚 : Taurus // 🔺 : Leo
Astrology quiz points: 11 / 18
This person’s Sun sign means they are usually more comfortable concealing some aspects of their power—they have an incredible poker face—and most people don’t even know they’re being fooled. Determination runs through them, almost to a fault. Because they do not fear the difficult, their lifestyle choices are most likely quite taxing, but all the more rewarding. They live and breathe for what they’ve built for themselves. This person’s Moon sign means familiarity is critical. They are planners and usually not spontaneous, or into surprises. One might describe them as slightly anal, but really it’s a compliment. This person most likely has their routine down to a T and lives easily because of it. Those with their Ascendant in this sign are most likely authoritative and strong—you know you can go to them with any problem. While they do have a flair for presentation—and love a good selfie—they use this tool to teach and support. They will always help in bettering others and find strong connections when expanding knowledge.
Kayla [07/05]
🌞 : Cancer // 🌚 : Libra // 🔺 : Leo
Astrology quiz points: 9 / 18
This person’s Sun sign means they might be more sensitive than others. Being blunt with them might not always be appreciated and their reactions will depend on how thick their shell is. This person's Sun shines through their sweet hospitality, devotion, and the ability to totally fight a bitch for you. This person’s Moon sign means they have a strong need for partnership. They’re quick to commit, and even quicker to make it last as they find strength and reinforcement in and through others. On top of that, they are the debaters. Mental rapport is especially important to them. They constantly see flaws in their relationships, their environment, the world and are not hesitant to point them out. This person’s Rising sign means they can’t help but be noticed. They have a sweet, but regal manner about them that simply demands interest from others. They have a natural flair for presentation and the most charming, warming personality.
Lizzy [07/25]
🌞 : Leo // 🌚 : Leo // 🔺 : Libra
Astrology quiz points: 12 / 18
Those with their Sun in this sign often feel important, but this generally takes the form of wanting to change the world. They want to save the planet from destruction, the monkeys from extinction, and the human race from themselves. Even in the simplest of ways, they plan on making people happy. This person’s Moon sign means they want to create and entertain. They live in color, have a personal connection to the rainbow, and are bursting with sunshine. This person’s Moon means their actions are always based on good intentions and the goodness of the group. This person’s Rising sign means they are extremely likable. They are fair and pleasant, always making excellent first impressions. Their appearance means a lot to them and they are constantly exploring new colors, styles, and aesthetics. Their worst quality is being too nice; not only do they not want to upset their pleasant reputation, they cannot imagine being unfair to anyone. Because of this, they do make great mediators and will constantly accommodate you first.
Blaze [08/30]
🌞 : Virgo // 🌚 : Gemini // 🔺 : Sagittarius
Astrology quiz points: 8 / 18
This person’s Sun sign means they are light and airy. They can usually be seen fresh-faced, braless, and working hard to dismantle the patriarchy. They answer the questions everyone wonders with grace, wit, and hilarity. This person’s Moon sign means they have a way with words and can spin a captivating tale. They are at their best when they have plenty of things to do beyond their routine. Unique moments are their love language and you’ll find a wide variety of events (and people) on their schedule like homemade pasta night or hooking up with celebrities. This person’s Rising sign means they burst with enthusiasm. Those with their Ascendant in this sign often have an opinion for anything and everything and do not hesitate to say so. Their sense of humor is fine-tuned to their setting and experiences, but a goal is to find humor everywhere, even in the dirty places. They ooze cool confidence and are constant normalizers of the “taboo.”
Shit We’re Loving: PEOPLE
Our Pick: Chani Nicholas
I’m almost certain I’ve already talked about Chani Nicholas before, but she’s so great its worth repeating. Simply put, Chani is my go-to for concise, unbiased facts on one’s chart. As I was gathering everyone’s signs and going through the research, I started with Chani’s website. Using their birthdates, times, and locations, I made each writer’s birth chart. For the most part, all of us were already familiar with our Sun sign—which is true for most people. But for the true, fuller understanding of yourself, you have to look at your Moon and Ascendant too. Chani’s chart is best used with her workbook You Were Born For This: Radical Self-Acceptance—this is where everything comes together and you see the pieces fit together.
Chani also has a gorgeous app—Chani app—that I highly recommend (if not for its convenient information on the spot, then for the sheer aesthetic which is on pointe). Be warned though! For anyone with an Android (hi, me) it’s a no-go. Currently, the app is only available for Apple devices.
Also huge shout-out again to OTF guest writer, Maggie Shepherd, for being my friend, manager (that one time), spiritual guide, soundboard, and sister. Everyone go love on Maggie!
Show Your Support: GLAAD
Happy Pride Month! Here at Our Trust Fund, our love for the LGBTQ+ community is palpable. To celebrate our queer-identifying writers and readers, plus all those working on making the world a better place, we’re spotlighting GLAAD as our Show Your Support: June organization.
GLAAD, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. It is a media force that narrows in on discrimination in the media. GLAAD takes tough issues to reshape the narrative and provoke progressive dialogue that leads to cultural change. They stand for protecting everything accomplished for the LGBTQ community and for holding those in power accountable. On their website, you can check out their Accountability Tracker for President Biden. This tracker monitors the Biden administration’s executive orders, legislative support, and speeches that affect LGBTQ people and rights.
Their current campaign is the & Together Movement. This is a pledge to declare you stand with all communities subject to discrimination. For GLAAD, the “&” represents the power of our voices together to accelerate acceptance for all. If you’re interested in learning more and signing up, check out their campaign page.
Daily Intention:
Today I will…
Always continue exploring myself. There are so many great resources to find info on your chart. I’ve already recommended Chani, but for the descriptions of each person, I used Café Astrology.
Here’s some nifty buttons for you to press, enjoy: