I'm not sure if this is an actual fact or an alternative fact, but, I bet I can guarantee that almost every person in the Western world can name their zodiac sign whether or not they believe in astrology. As soon as I learned my birthday, I learned that my sun sign was a Cancer (the best sign of the Zodiac).

Even though most people know their sun sign or read their horoscope, I'm pretty sure that's where most of their knowledge of astrology ends. However, astrology and the zodiac is so much more than just the sun sign. People not only have sun signs, they have a moon sign, a rising sign, and planets that were in specific locations at the time they were born that play a significant role in how people are as individuals.

Astrology is such a vast and broad subject, so I can understand why some don't take the time out of their lives to really study it. However, if you are interested in learning a little more about astrology but don't know where to start, here is what I call the "Big 3" of astrology that can help jumpstart your astrological journey.

1. Sun sign

Like I said previously, you more than likely know your sun sign. I am a Cancer and I can honestly say that I strongly identify with my Cancer sun. Your sun sign dictates your core personality. It is also the sign that steers your interests and explains why you are interested in those interests and it's based on what day you were born on. Here is a list of all 12 zodiac signs in which your sun may fall.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

2. Moon Sign

So, if your sun sign controls your personality, then your moon sign controls how you express that personality. Our moon sign is what forms our emotions and even deeper than that, our soul. If you ever thought that you didn't match up with your sun sign all the way, then that may be because you display characteristics of your moon sign. A person's moon sign has great influence over how they express their sun sign. For example, my moon sign is Gemini and my sun sign is Cancer. Cancers are known to be homebodies who prefer to hang out with close friends in intimate settings, which is an aspect of Cancer that I do display, however, I also have a very adventurous side and I love meeting new people and learning about new things and that is an aspect of Gemini. If you are curious to know where the moon was when you were born and want more information on how your sign influences you then check out AstroStyle!

3. Rising/Ascendant Sign

Our rising sign isn't a "planet" like our sun and moon sign are, it is actually the sign that was ascending over the eastern horizon when we're being born. The rising sign has an effect on one's appearance, attitude and how people may perceive you. If you have ever talked to someone and told them your zodiac sign but they can't believe that you're what you are, then that's because they are seeing aspects of your rising sign. Your rising sign is based upon the time of day or night you were born. For example, let's say that a set of twins were born on January 1, 2017, but one twin was born at 1 pm and the other twin was born at 3 pm. The twins would have the same sun and moon sign, however, they both would have different rising signs.

Knowing your sun, moon and rising signs only scratches the surface of astrology but this information is crucial to know so you can begin diving deeper! Even if you're an astrology skeptic, it is fun knowing all of this as conversation starters and it even can explain to you some parts of your personality that you have always been curious about. I know my Cancer sun, Gemini moon and Scorpio rising self, and I definitely encourage you to learn as much as you can!