Debunking the Myth of Astrological Cusps: Insights from an Accidental Astrologer
As a certified Tarotist and accidental astrologer, I’m here to clear up some common misconceptions about cusps in astrology. My mother, for example, was born on January 22 and always considered herself to be on the cusp of Capricorn and Aquarius. She’d say she was “on the cusp,” as if she embodied the grounded, practical energy of Capricorn along with the innovative, forward-thinking nature of Aquarius. You might relate to this if you were born near the time the Sun shifts from one sign to another and proudly identify as being “on the cusp.”
However, here’s the truth: Cusps aren’t real! As much as I understand the appeal of identifying with a blend of traits from two signs, astrology doesn’t support the idea of hybrid signs. I’ve teamed up with some trusted astrologers to break down why this concept, while intriguing, is simply not accurate.
What Are Cusp Signs?
From my research, cusps are a relatively new buzzword in astrology. Over the last few decades, the term "cusp" has provided those who don’t fully resonate with their sun sign a way to explain feeling "in between" signs. Cusps, as commonly understood, refer to the days when the Sun transitions from one sign to the next. For example, someone born between February 16 and 21 might identify as being on the Aquarius-Pisces cusp.
Commonly Held Cusp Dates
You might think you were born on the cusp if your birthday falls between these dates:
Aries-Taurus: April 16–22
Taurus-Gemini: May 17–23
Gemini-Cancer: June 17–23
Cancer-Leo: July 19–25
Leo-Virgo: August 19–25
Virgo-Libra: September 19–25
Libra-Scorpio: October 19–25
Scorpio-Sagittarius: November 18–24
Sagittarius-Capricorn: December 18–24
Capricorn-Aquarius: January 16–23
Aquarius-Pisces: February 15–21
Pisces-Aries: March 17–23
But here’s the thing—while these dates are often referenced, astrologers agree that cusps don’t really exist.
Why Astrologers Say Cusps Are Impossible
From my research: Your Sun sign is your Sun sign. Period. There are no in-between or hybrid signs because astrology is based on precise degrees. Every planet in your birth chart falls within a specific degree, ranging from 0 to 29, in a given sign. If someone were born on the Aquarius-Pisces cusp, it would imply that the Sun is in both Aquarius and Pisces simultaneously, which is impossible. You are either an Aquarius Sun or a Pisces Sun—and trust me, being fully in one sign is powerful enough!
But There Is Some Value to Cusp Energy
From my research: Even though cusps aren’t real in the way many people think, there is a phenomenon that can create a cusp-like effect. In the 12 hours before or after the Sun changes signs, energy can “leak” from one sign to the next. So, while the term “cusp” might not be technically accurate, there’s a brief window where the energy of both signs can be felt.
Additionally, personal planets like Mercury and Venus often travel close to the Sun, influencing how people express themselves. For example, if you’re a Leo with your Mercury in Virgo, you may think like a Virgo even though you act like a Leo. This blending of planetary energy can create the impression of being “on the cusp.”
Look at Degrees, Not Just Dates
From my research: Instead of focusing on being “born on the cusp,” it’s more important to pay attention to the exact degree of your Sun sign. If you’re born at 0 degrees of a sign, you fully embody the fresh, new energy of that sign, which astrologers refer to as a "pure" expression. If you’re born at 29 degrees, your Sun is at the end of its journey through the sign, carrying the wisdom and maturity of that sign’s energy.
You’re More Than Your Sun Sign
Another reason cusps can be misleading is that they put too much emphasis on your Sun sign. In reality, your birth chart contains so much more than just your Sun sign. Each planet in your chart represents a different aspect of your personality and influences how you express yourself. Your Moon sign, for example, governs your emotional world, while your Rising sign affects how others perceive you.
Let’s say you’re an Aquarius Sun at 29 degrees, but many of your other planets are in Pisces. You might feel like a more intuitive, emotional Aquarius because of those Piscean influences. Or, if you’re born with a 0-degree Pisces Sun but have a lot of planets in Aquarius, you could display more intellectual independence than the typical Pisces.
My Personal Belief in Cusps
While astrologically speaking, cusps may not be “real,” as a Tarotist and accidental astrologer, I do personally believe in the concept of cusp energy. To me, those born near the Sun’s transition from one sign to another can indeed embody qualities from both signs. Even though the Sun is either in one sign or the other, I see the energies of neighboring signs as influencing one another, especially for individuals born during that delicate shift.
From my research, there’s a kind of “leakage” in energy during the 12 hours before or after the Sun enters a new sign. I often notice that people born during these times exhibit traits from both signs in a way that feels natural and seamless. Additionally, personal planets like Mercury and Venus, which tend to be positioned close to the Sun, can enhance this blending of characteristics. So, even though cusps aren’t strictly astrological, my experience as both a Tarot reader and accidental astrologer shows me that people born on the cusp carry a unique mix of energies that truly makes them stand out.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, everyone has a unique blend of energies in their chart, so the idea of a cusp personality isn’t necessary to explain why you may not fully resonate with your Sun sign. By diving deeper into your full birth chart, you’ll see a more complete picture of who you are in astrology—beyond just your Sun sign.
Thank you for taking the time to read my insights! I appreciate you stopping by, and I look forward to exploring the cosmos together with my "Marvelous Tribe."
