Most people know their astrological zodiac "Sun" sign - i.e. the one
determined by your date of birth and the one that most "Your Stars"
prediction columns in magazines refer to.

However, astrologers believe that your "Sun" sign alone is of only
very limited value in predicting your personality characteristics and
your susceptibility to cosmic planetary movements.

Besides our "Sun" sign we each have an "Ascendant" sign, plus
additonal signs (astrological influences) related to the Moon,
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

You can download a free astological chart detailing the influence of
other planets and stars at the time of your birth by going to:
http://www.alabe.com/freechart/
or
http://www.astro.com/cgi/ade.cgi

Both websites also give a free, very useful practical overview of
your probable astrological influences.

Ascendant (Rising) Sign
-----------------------
The star constellation rising over the horizon at the time of your
birth is called the Ascendant, or Rising Sign. This changes every few
hours so you need to know your approximate time of birth for it to be
calculated.

Astrologers believe that The Ascendant or Rising Sign governs our
outer personality, physical characteristics, self-image and how other
people (not close family and friends) perceive us.

The Ascendant sign has been described as "the mask" we wear when
dealing with strangers. It also influences our initial spontaneous
reaction to new people and novel experiences.

The Ascendant or Rising Sign is also believed to be important in
determining our health and what illnesses we will be prone to.
However, our Sun sign is also beleived to have an influence here.

The Moon Sign
-------------
The Moon sign is believed to govern our deepest personal needs (e.g.
security/insecurity issues) , especially the needs of our
unconscious. Also our basic habits and reactions. Hence the
saying "Where the Sun acts - the Moon reacts".

Other Planets
-------------
A handy account of the significance of different planetary influences
can be found here:
http://www.cafeastrology.com/articles/planetsinastrology.html

Have fun!
Mike
http://www.brothermichael.org.uk