What Your Moon Sign Says About Your Personality

Existing as an emotional being can be hard — often, it seems like your feelings have a mind of their own with little regard to what you’ve got going on in reality. Have an exciting job interview tomorrow? Perfect time to start questioning all your life choices! Got a hot date on Saturday night? Why not get that fear of commitment back in full swing right now! We all approach and deal with our emotions differently, but one thing’s for certain — we all have ’em. And while it may seem like your emotions are coming out of nowhere, astrology may actually offer some insight into why you feel the way you do. And it all comes from the moon.

Before we go further, head to Alchemy With Ambi to get your free natal chart so you can learn your moon sign before figuring out what it all means.

moon sign — your emotional Inner self

Your moon sign is determined by the moon’s position in the sky the moment you were born. It’s meant to reveal your emotional essence — kind of like your soul, or subconscious. Your moon sign sheds light on how you handle mood changes, personal relationships, and instinctual decisions, and it controls characteristics that come out when you’re alone or with people you’re closest to — your fears, dreams, desires, and deepest feelings. Understanding your moon sign gives you awesome insight into those reactions and emotions that seemingly come out of nowhere.

the meaning of each moon zodiac sign

Aries: Arians are known for their independent, often aggressive nature, which translates into a hot temper and impulsive emotional core for an Aries moon. Not that this is a bad thing — your friends and family can be certain they always know where they stand with you. And since you’ve got action-based Mars in your corner, if you are upset, you’re willing to work it out immediately and move on. You’re completely at ease being alone, and even when you’re in a relationship, you crave an emotional independence from your S.O. Just take the time to verbalize these needs or they can be misconstrued as distance or uncertainty.

Taurus: Home is where the heart is, Taurus moon. You feel happiest and most secure with your creature comforts around you — feeling uprooted or displaced is your worst nightmare. As a fixed Earth sign, you’re constantly seeking out stability and security by focusing on tangible, concrete ways to support your emotional well-being. This means you’re good at enjoying life’s pleasures, and nothing brings you greater joy than being at home, surrounded by loved ones, eating and drinking all night long. Just don’t let this turn into complacency and neediness when it comes to your motivation and relationships.

Gemini: Ever the curious cat, you feel your best when you’re learning something new, meaning your emotional side is inextricably linked to your mind. You’re interested in what makes people unique and find your emotional worth by connecting with others. People often tell you they feel comfortable sharing anything with you because you have an innate ability to put them at ease with your understanding and openness. You like to work through your problems in your head and react thoughtfully rather than impulsively. A word of caution — you’re sometimes compelled to play mind games if you’re feeling bored in a relationship, so try to slow down and savor each moment as it comes.

Cancer: Sweet, caring Cancer moon — as a water sign ruled by the moon, you’re often ruled by your feelings. You’re intensely emotional and let those emotions dictate your decision making — you’re forever “going with your gut.” And just as the moon’s phases are constantly in flux, so too are your moods, and you’re easily influenced by your environment. Indeed, you’re super sensitive but will hide in your crab shell if your feelings get hurt. With that said, you’re naturally nurturing and are so supportive of your loved ones. You find balance by surrounding yourself with family and friends who understand your shifting emotional needs and won’t take advantage of your empathetic nature.

Leo: Lion-hearted and generous, you’re a fiery moon sign with lots of energy and a flair for the dramatic. You’ve got a gravitational pull that draws people to you, seeking out your warmth and fun-loving nature. As a fixed sign, you’re fiercely loyal and will protect your loved ones with everything you have. There’s a passionate intensity to your emotions that, when channeled correctly, leads to incredible bursts of creativity. You’re often able to work through negative feelings by expressing yourself through art, music, writing, or acting.

Virgo: Virgo knows the value of routine, plans, and structure, which means your moon-ruled emotions are often seen through a rational lens. You’re a natural-born problem solver and don’t let fleeting feelings get in the way of making practical decisions. You tend to overanalyze everything and can be super critical of yourself and others. Because of this, it’s important for you to find ways to meditate and relax on the regular. You feel emotionally fulfilled when you’re giving back to others who appreciate your generous nature, which makes volunteering for a charity or working in the non-profit sector right up your alley.

Libra: With Venus’s strong influence over your Libra moon, you’re all about beauty, love, and truth in your environment and your relationships. You’re a naturally sociable and gracious person and are one of few people who feel energized by small talk. With a cardinal air sign that’s nicknamed “the sign of the scales,” you favor fairness and will do whatever you can to maintain that harmony — often putting others’ needs before your own just to keep the peace. Try to find balance in your emotional give and take, and let your loved ones take care of you too.

Scorpio: You reeaallllyyy feel all your feelings, both good and bad. There’s an intensity to your emotional side that makes you a passionate person, and you’ve always been perceptive to others’ moods. As a fixed water sign, there’s always something going on underneath the surface, and while you may be super sensitive, you’re not keen to show this vulnerable side to many. You feel best with just a few close connections that fulfill your spiritual depth. If you’re not careful, your innate desire to seek out the truth can lead to jealousy and insecurity, which means you have to learn to be patient with uncertainty without making any rash, feeling-based decisions.

Sagittarius: Even in the face of extreme stress or anxiety, you’ve got an innate ability to maintain your naturally sunny disposition, Sag moon. You’re a positive person and prefer to see the glass half full — but that doesn’t mean you’re naïve. You’ll stick up for yourself and prefer to be bluntly truthful because you just can’t sit with any kind of negativity. You love new experiences and crave variety in your life. You’re always up for a new adventure; traveling the world is your happy place, and your genuine interest in others makes you an understanding, non-judgmental friend to everyone.

Capricorn: It’s not that you don’t have any emotions; it’s just that you don’t really understand how indulging them gets you anywhere. And you are always trying to get somewhere — moving forward is your preferred state of being. With cosmic taskmaster Saturn as your planetary ruler, you’re more interested in how to solve problems with a clear mind and no-nonsense logic. And while you revel in solitude and feel most yourself when you’re alone, you’re as loyal as they come and will give your everything to family, friends, and significant others.

Aquarius: If there’s one thing to know about you, Aquarius moon, it’s that you can’t be told what to do. You’ve got a rebellious spirit and have always felt like an outsider, which means you’re often sticking up for those who can’t stick up for themselves. Because you’re so busy thinking up new ways to make the world a better place, you can come across as unemotional and detached. Surrounding yourself with similarly independent, progressive people will help you connect on a deeper level without feeling suffocated or co-dependent.

Pisces: You’re constantly processing your (often intense) emotions, but your empathy means you’re often feeling everyone else’s feelings too. It’s true — you’re probably the most compassionate moon sign in the zodiac. You’re incredible spiritual, and many Pisces moon signs feel they have an extrasensory gift. Since you’re so sensitive to others’ emotions, it’s important you don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of and keep a small, supportive group of friends.

Did learning about your moon sign give you more insight into your personality? Tweet us @BritandCo and tell us what you found out about yourself!

(Photo via Getty)

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.​

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will ​always ​be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

With Mother's Day around the corner, it's time to celebrate moms of all kinds, and step moms deserve some special recognition, too! If you're grappling with finding the perfect gift that expresses your love and gratitude for your step mom, these 20 gifts are the way to go. This curated list of thoughtful step mom gifts for Mother's Day will get you going on a gifting kick and make any step mom's heart swell with joy and appreciation. 💓

Rinna Beauty Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil

The glossiness of this lip oil alone will feel like a total gift! One swipe using the soft, sizable wand delivers a sheer tint of color, all while encouraging plumpness and moisture with its peptide formulation.

The Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil from Rinna Beauty comes in 5 other shades for $24 on Amazon.

Anthropologie Faye Planter

For the step mom with an undeniable green thumb, this decorative purple planter from Anthropologie makes repotting process super fun! Dotted in adorable outdoor creature and plant motifs, the pot is not only practical, but looks good, too. It measures about 8 inches in diameter to fit a variety of small house plants.

The Faye Planter is currently on sale for $31 (was $44) for a limited time.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cotton Checkered Throw

She's gonna want to live in this cozy throw blanket 24/7. It's crafted from a blend of Barefoot Dreams' CozyChic material and a light cotton for added breathability. The light, neutral checkered pattern makes it the perfect match for any space!

This stylish throw, made to last a lifetime, goes for $148 from Barefoot Dreams.

DedCool Room & Linen Spray

Think of this spray as an instant refresh for any bedroom, bathroom, or living room, supplying a saturated scent of bergamot, vanilla, and amber. It's also compatible to spritz on sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a soothing atmosphere every time your step mom comes home!

The DedCool Room & Linen Spray comes in two other scents for $40.

Compartés Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers 20-Piece Truffle Gift Box

When all your other gift ideas fail, there's nothing wrong with chocolate! This truffle box is perfectly elevated to give as a standalone gift – it's impressively decorated and seamlessly packaged for a memorable Mother's Day treat. Some of the spring-inspired flavors included are: raspberry rose, lavender, poppy seed, and passionfruit.

The Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers gift box is $60 and comes with 20 gourmet truffles.

Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer

This moisturizer delivers 24-hour hydration with a dense formula of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. It has a lightweight yet creamy feel, perfect for slathering on under SPF and makeup. Your step mom's skin will absolutely soak this clinically-proven cream up, and she'll be feeling like a new woman every single time she puts it on!

The Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer goes for $32 and is also refillable once it's fully used up.

Little Secret Round Sunglasses

Keep her lookin' so cool with a pair of trendy sunnies! This timeless style from Free People channels the 90's and makes for chic everyday eyewear with any outfit.

The Little Secret Round Sunglasses are shoppable in 5 other colors for $30.

The Pioneer Woman 3-Piece Floral Check Ceramic Lidded Bowl Set

Your step mom's serving, baking, and cooking projects just got such a stylish upgrade! This trio of checkered ceramic bowls designed by The Pioneer Woman make every dish look stunning, plus each one comes equipped with a decorative wooden lid for convenient storage.

This 3-piece bowl set goes for $33 at Walmart.

Sand + Fog Pistachio Dream Eau De Parfum Oil

This perfume oil can be used sparingly – meaning it'll last a long time – and delivers delicious notes of pistachio, vanilla, brown sugar, and cream to make step mom smell like a total treat. She won't want to go a day without putting some on!

This perfume is $13 at Marshall's.

Versed Total Package SPF 30 Body Lotion

This body lotion is really a 2-in-1 deal: hydrating and protective against the sun. It's packed with SPF 30 to give the skin a light shield against harmful UV rays, all while replenishing moisture with a delightfully-smelling mix of cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil. It's not sticky or oily at all!

The Versed Total Package body lotion is $20 at Target.

Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals

These trendy slip-on sandals from Maeve are the epitome of cool girl style for summertime. Your step mom will be stepping out looking so good with these as a gift! The upper is made from durable leather, while the sole is a comfortable rubber material to withstand walking.

The Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals are shoppable in 4 other colors and are on sale for $104 (was $130) for a limited time.

Chamberlain Coffee Strawberry Matcha Latte Mix

Switch up her morning routine with this deliciously sweet matcha mix from Chamberlain Coffee! It's earthy, fruity, and made with oat milk for otherworldly creaminess. All it requires is some hot water, a good froth, and from there, your step mom can customize her sip with more milk or creamer.

This drink mix goes for $19 at Target.

L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote

This classic tote bag from L.L. Bean is the perfect vehicle for carrying work essentials, groceries, clothing, and more! It can be ordered in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes, with the option for short or long straps.

This bag comes in 11 other colors. The small size is $30 and the extra-large is $45.

Ban.do Oven Mitt Pot Holder Set

For the step mom that loves all things colorful, this oven mitt + pot holder set will bring some joy into her kitchen set-up. Both are crafted from cotton with quilted stitching and feature small loops for easy hanging.

The duo is shoppable for $30 from Ban.do.

Auburn Home 3-Piece Glass Taper Candle Holders

These funky candle holders can go together as a set, or spread out around the house for a unique touch. Bundle them with some taper candles to complete the gift!

This colorful trio goes for $25 at Marshall's.

Verloop Raffia Phone Sling

Any on-the-go step mom will appreciate this convenient phone sling for its carrying capabilities, but it's also supremely stylish! The bright colorway is summertime's perfect match, so she can take it along for vacations and outdoor outings alike. The thin shoulder strap is adjustable in length so she can find the best fit for her needs.

The Verloop Raffia Phone Sling is shoppable in three other colors for $38.

Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set

Gift sets are always a good bet if you're stuck on what to get your step mom for Mother's Day. This luxe 4-piece set from Osea comes complete with body butter, body oil, body balm, and body scrub (all inside a cute zip bag) so she can treat herself to a full-on spa day right at home!

The Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set is $52 (a $78 value).

UrbanStems The Parade Bouquet

Flowers are welcome any time of year, but a gorgeous bouquet like this one is so fitting for Mother's Day. With UrbanStems, you can select a specific delivery date, and your step mom will receive a fresh grouping, ready to display at home!

The Parade Bouquet is $60, with the option to add a vase for $15+.

Material Kitchen The Cloud Pitcher

Whether it's used for a batched cocktail or a big serving of iced coffee, this stylish glass pitcher from Material Kitchen is a statement piece to be reckoned with. The glass is surprisingly light for transport, and it's dishwasher-safe for added convenience after the fact!

The Cloud Pitcher comes in three other colors for $95.

Ban.do Meal Planner

This meal planner pad is *the* way to keep track of what she'll make and when she's gonna eat it. It has three lines for each day of the week, plus a roomy list for ingredients she may be missing.

This meal planner is $15 from Ban.do and has 50 sheets.

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