When it comes to astrology, the most common sign we tend to focus on is the Sun or star sign – this is the sign that you typically identify with based on your birthday, although your astrological chart is actually comprised of multiple signs that rest with the 12 houses of a birth chart. Astrology is multifaceted and contains many instances of duality – one of them being the cusp sign.
While no one can truly have two Sun signs, many people are born in a grey area that hovers very near the transition of one sign to the next. For instance, someone born on March 21st is an Aries, but they might portray several Piscean characteristics.
It can be harder for those with a cusp birthday to feel they fit neatly within one sign when they identify with many traits of the bordering sign.
Controversial Cusps
If your birthday falls around three days before or after the shifting of zodiac signs, you might feel a pull from each sign that surround you. Yet, astrologers maintain that this is a mistake made frequently.
Most astrologers do not recognize the influence of cusps because the birth chart is already so detailed and apt at accurately discovering the deepest components of someone’s personality and path. The idea of recognizing the cusp seems to stem from a minimal understanding of astrology itself. Yet, many people who fall within the cusped category still feel the pull between two signs and desire better explanation of the phenomenon.
Astrology is systemic and follows certain rules. People who are just beginning to study astrology might mistakenly believe they feel more like one sign over another when in truth, regardless of how close in juxtaposition to another sign you were born, your natal Sun will only ever truly fall within one sign. What is often overlooked regarding astrology on the surface level are the many other signs that encompass an individual’s chart and influence one’s personality and life path. There may be minimal influences that slightly sway the personality from the hovering sign, but your Sun sign will always be your Sun sign.
Sometimes people see characteristics in their sign that they feel don’t fit or that they might not like but identifying more deeply with a different sign will not change your zodiac.
The Cult of Cusps
You might be asking yourself how the idea of cusped signs became so ubiquitous if they are not astrologically factual.
Astrology is an ancient system and a subject that requires a great amount of studying and focus to properly interpret the maps of the stars. Some of the more complicated aspects of astrology include the fact that the sun shifts from one sign to another on differing days every year. Because of the speed at which the Sun travels, someone born a certain day might have a different sign from someone born on the same day 30 years later.
A further complication in the astrological world involves someone who doesn’t know the exact time that they were born, a component that is paramount for casting an accurate chart. Some might be tempted to simply guess or to claim a cusp sign, but a better idea would be to find an astrologer able to rectify your chart – a process that involves creating a map of your major life events thus far and working backward to discover your approximate time of birth. This can be useful for discovering your rising sign, which often provides clarification for those who do not feel they identify with their Sun sign.
At a certain point, the idea of cusps was born as a response to a desire to simplify astrology for mainstream markets; the problem is, the rules of astrology cannot be changed.
Another problem with how cusps is typically referred to is an idea of someone with more than one Sun sign. Someone with a cusp sign only has one true Sun sign but may very well exhibit characteristics from each sign. However, the reason for this is more than likely due to a placement of that sign elsewhere in your chart.
What Are Decans?
Another aspect of astrology not often addressed in more mainstream astrology is that of decans. Decans are the segments within which any Sun sign is divided. There are three segments, and each is 10°:
- The first decan is 0° to 9° 59”
- The second is 10° to 19° 59”
- The third is 11° to 29° 59”
Decans are utilized in many ways, one of them being their connection to cusps.
Those born within the first decan are said to have an influence from both their Sun sign and the sign right before it. Each sign has three decans, and each decan has a separate ruler which rules alongside the Sun sign’s natural ruler.
Decans are cusps are uniquely different, yet both reflect the inherently complex nature of astrology.
I Identify With 2 Signs – What Now?
Despite the fact that no one has two Sun signs, it can be useful to explore the cusps and traits that are typically associated with them. If you truly feel that two signs influence your personality or life path, keep reading to learn more about each cusp – just remember that your sign will still be the same, and the only way to find out the exact degree that the Sun was in during the time of your birth is to learn to cast your chart or have it cast by an experienced astrologer.
A Detailed Look at Each Cusp
Aries/Taurus Cusp (Approximately April 16th to 22nd)
This is a dominating personality, powerful, hard at work and play. You are charismatic yet often stubborn and possess a headstrong energy that can benefit from meditation. You’re great at problem-solving and remaining determined in the face of challenges.
Does this describe you? There’s more to learn about the Aries & Taurus Cusp.
Taurus/Gemini Cusp (Approximately May 17th to 23rd)
This cusp is hardworking, charming, grounded and intellectual however you may struggle with saying “no.” You are excellent at communication yet distracted when listening to others. You possess a youthful energy that could benefit from discipline and direction.
Want more? Learn all about the Taurus & Gemini Cusp.
Gemini/Cancer Cusp (Approximately June 17th to 23rd)
This cusp is sensitive yet gregarious. You are friendly and sociable, but mysterious and sometimes cryptic when expressing themselves. You have a romantic and intuitive personality that has a rich inner world mixed with emotional depth and intellectual heights.
Discover the Gemini/Cancer Cusp.
Cancer/Leo Cusp (Approximately July 19th to 25th)
You’ve got a larger-than-life personality that sometimes attracts or seeks drama. This cusp desires physical and impassioned, emotional activity. Balance and centeredness greatly help to stifle emotional rollercoasters and keep you calm and relaxed.
Discover more about the Cancer & Leo Cusp.
Leo/Virgo Cusp (Approximately August 19th to 25th)
This cusp possesses a blend of fastidiousness and passion. You make excellent leaders with great social skills, but you must learn to share their inner dialogues with others. You have a tendency toward secrecy but learning to open up will help your persuasive personality succeed in intimate relationships.
Learn more about the Leo Virgo Cusp.
Virgo/Libra Cusp (Approximately September 19th to 25th)
With this dynamic, perfectionism meets a love for all-things-aesthetically-pleasing. You have a creative, charming personality that possesses an impressive intellect. You’re empathetic and kind with an appreciation for refined pleasures. There is a tendency for superficiality, so strive to look deeper than the surface.
Want more? Discover everything about the Virgo & Libra Cusp here.
Libra/Scorpio Cusp (Approximately October 19th to 25th)
This cusp is sensual and honest, if not brutally so. Despite your frankness, your personality is magnetic and funny. You are a romantic but a potentially jealous one, which can be avoided by carefully examining the ego. Your determination is palpable and leads to success.
Scorpio/Sagittarius Cusp (Approximately November 18th to 24th)
Yours is an intense energy that meets with optimism. You are unique and independent, not afraid to take the path less traveled. Objectivity is necessary for you to avoid being overly emotional. You have a tenacious personality that might be best suited for self-employment.
Learn about the Scorpio Sagittarius Cusp.
Sagittarius/Capricorn Cusp (Approximately December 18th to 24th)
This cusp possesses an intense intuition and a bubbly and sensible personality. You are incredibly adept at sensing what is needed to solve a problem and makes an excellent partner. You are optimistic yet somewhat emotional and have a need to control surroundings. Learn to trust your inner voice.
Capricorn/Aquarius Cusp (Approximately January 16th to 22nd)
Yours is a cusp with a rich and mysterious inner life that you tend to keep private. In fact, your imagination is so enlivened that you may get distracted and bored with reality. Work on integrating the two through creativity to avoid feeling underwhelmed.
More about the Capricorn & Aquarius Cusp awaits.
Aquarius/Pisces Cusp (Approximately February 15th to 21st)
This is a cusp that is naturally attuned to psychic energies and gifts. Yours is a compassionate personality that enjoys company but sometimes overindulges in solitude. You have so much to give, try not to let your sensitive nature talk you into keeping it all to yourself.
Discover the magical Aquarius/Pisces Cusp.
Pisces/Aries Cusp (Approximately March 17th to 23rd)
You are a daydreamer with an impulsive nature. You aren’t willing to sit back and wait for life to happen, nor are you constricted by the boundaries of social norms. Unconventional and warmhearted, you love giving of yourself. Just don’t be too hasty with your actions, learn to stop and smell the roses from time to time.
Everything you need to know about the Pisces Aries Cusp is here.
A Cusped Conclusion
Like astrology itself, there is a duality inherent in cusps – controversial, yet informative, better understanding cusps can nevertheless sometimes help us better understand ourselves.
So, don’t shy away from cusps or learning more about them, as long as you understand that your Sun sign will never truly be two-fold, although our personalities might. Try reading your daily horoscope for both the signs you straddle and see how you can apply a mixture of both throughout your day.
Related Article: Moon Sign Astrology: Your Guide to Your Emotional Personality