In astrology, your Sun sign gets a lot of glory. For many, it’s the only planet in their birth chart that they’re familiar with. It’s defined by the Sun’s position on the day you were born (you might know it as your “star sign” or just your ”zodiac sign”), and it represents a lot about you, from your ego to your self-expression. But if you want to take your astrological self-discovery a step further, then you need to dive into your Moon sign.

The Moon dictates your inner emotional nature. That includes the ways you feel loved and nurtured—honestly, just how you operate behind closed doors. It’s linked to your emotional landscape, your fears, and your subconscious mind. This is why exploring your Moon sign is so enlightening when it comes to the types of connections you make. It essentially spells out your needs and nonnegotiables. For all these reasons, many astrologers believe your Moon sign represents the real you.

If you were born at night, or if you don’t identify with your Sun sign for any reason, your Moon sign might be even more on-point when understanding the richness of your inner life.

If you don’t know your Moon sign, check out a free birth chart calculator like those on Café Astrology or Co-Star. Note that since the Moon travels pretty fast in the sky, you’ll get the best results if you have an accurate time of birth.

Here’s what your Moon sign means:

If your Moon sign is Aries

You’re spontaneous and action-oriented when it comes to relationships and emotions! You know who you like and how to go after them. But to stay interested in people, you need independence and action. Otherwise, the romance is short-lived, and you’re on to the next love. Good sex and adventure are your non-negotiables, and you need to deal with issues as soon as they surface. When you’re feeling low, physical activity gets you back on track!

If your Moon sign is Taurus

You’re a strong, reliable creature of habit. Your home is most likely a beautiful den full of features designed to feed your senses. Good food, good wine, and good company are your nonnegotiables, as pleasure takes center stage in your life. You're super sensual, and when you commit to something, you’re in it for the long haul. Whenever your mood is off, creating art and getting rest are great activities to revitalize your energy.

If your Moon sign is Gemini

Curiosity and mental stimulation are key for you because you process emotional material through your mind. You’re a master with words, written or spoken, as they allow you to reconnect with your inner self. You’re charming and can easily adapt to any new situation—in fact, versatility is one of your superpowers. When it comes to love, you need intellectual rapport—an interesting convo is more attractive than anything else!

If your Moon sign is Cancer

Emotions are your specialty. You know what others feel and sometimes can sense what they find difficult to express. You are psychic and peace-loving, and you have strong bonds with your friends and family. Sometimes, however, it’s hard for you to forgive and forget. In all aspects of life, you are tenacious and a fierce defender of the ones you love. When moodiness arrives, self-care is the vehicle for transforming deep emotion into positive action.

If your Moon sign is Leo

You have a huge heart and were born to shine—but you’re picky when choosing your audience. Your incredibly colorful inner life calls for creative self-expression, and your light inspires the way for others. High passion, romance, and sometimes drama are your MO, and you never do things halfway. When it comes to love, you treat your partners like royalty while showering them with the same warmth and attention that you receive.

If your Moon sign is Virgo

Analyzing emotions comes naturally to you, but it’s only when you truly relax that you can understand and fully process them. You thrive when you have a steady routine, as it allows you to organize your life—and maybe even the lives of others. You love to help others, and those around you adore this giving side of yours. When it comes to love and sex, you’re at your peak when you’re less self-critical and more self-confident.

If your Moon sign is Libra

The quest for beauty in your environment and harmony in your interactions is what makes your heart soar. You’re that charmer that everyone likes! You’re beautiful and balanced— and you most likely thrive when balanced by another half. However, when tensions arise, you sometimes hide, which can bring disillusionment. Artistry is your superpower, and your purpose in this world is to beautify everything that you touch.

If your Moon sign is Scorpio

Frankly, you're emotionally intense, and part of your journey is to learn how to manage your inner life. You have a powerful inner night vision that allows you to pinpoint people’s real intentions from a mile away. You can sometimes be shy and hard to get to know, but you’re incredibly strong and street-smart. When it comes to love, you crave real, deep intimacy—or you’d rather be alone.

If your Moon sign is Sagittarius

You're the eternal optimist. You trust and know that things will always work out. And since you’re lucky, most of the time they do! You are a wanderer at heart, and when it comes to relationships, freedom and space are your nonnegotiables. You need a partner who is hungry for adventure and knowledge, just like you. In a way, you came to bring happiness and light to the world—no pressure!

If your Moon sign is Capricorn

You’re ambitious and most likely spend a lot of your energy trying to build something meaningful that will last the test of time. Emotional mastery is your specialty, and you’re dedicated to learning how to express your feelings, as uncomfortable as that sometimes might be. In love, you’re a reliable and dedicated partner who plays for keeps. You don’t mind sacrificing time and energy to keep your bae happy, and they adore you for that!

If your Moon sign is Aquarius

You approach emotions through an intellectual lens. While that might throw some people off, it certainly helps you and others see things from a detached perspective. You are an intellectual and need to surround yourself with like-minded people. After all, you keep others on their toes and enjoy being challenged. You are a social butterfly, but you also need time alone to ponder the mysteries of the universe.

If your Moon sign is Pisces

Fantasy and imagination color your emotional landscape, and you most likely spend half of the time out of touch with reality. You’re an artist at heart, and it’s in these moments that you find your creativity and inspiration. You’re highly perceptive and are the epitome of empathy, as you easily understand someone else’s pain. Having well-defined boundaries, however, is key when it comes to protecting your soft interior.