It is important to note that we don’t always see ourselves as others see us. I might suggest you ask someone who has known you well for some time to give you their honest opinion. That said, however, your birthday only identifies which zodiac sign the sun was in on that date. Although that sign usually gives a general indication of a person’s character traits, a full natal chart, based on the exact time and location of birth, needs to be drawn up to determine all the pieces that make up an individual’s full personality picture.

 

Not only are there twelve zodiac signs within a calendar year, there are twelve houses and at least eight planetary bodies that must be taken into account as well. Each planetary body governs a particular area of life, such as surprises, communication or love.  Houses represent the different aspects of our individual lives, such as relationships, careers or karma. Certain planets in certain houses at the time of a person’s birth can have great influence on her personality.

 

Also, the time of one’s birth is used to determine one’s ascendant, or rising, sign, found in the first house, which holds the true self. The strength and characteristics of this sign can complement, enhance or even counter the traits of the sun sign. Situations like yours often occur when the ascendant is “stronger” than the sun sign or when several planets are clumped together in one house or sign, in which case, both the sun and ascendant can seem to be outweighed. However, it should be kept in mind that the sun sign character traits are still there, even if other aspects tend to cover them up.

 

Strictly reading a sun sign profile can also prove to be inadequate for someone born on the cusp of two signs or for a twin. However, for the majority of people, a sun sign profile provides very worthwhile insight.