How to Use This Book

by Kim Rogers-Gallagher

Hi there! Welcome to the 2024 edition of Llewellyn’s Sun Sign Book. This book centers on Sun sign astrology—that is, the set of general attributes and characteristics that those of us born under each of the twelve particular Sun signs share. You’ll find descriptions of your sign’s qualities tucked into your sign’s chapter, along with the type of behavior you tend to exhibit in different life situations—with regard to relationships, work situations, and the handling of money and possessions, for example. Oh, and there’s a section that’s dedicated to good old-fashioned fun, too, including what will bring you joy and how to make it happen.

There’s a lot to be said for Sun sign astrology. First off, the Sun’s sign at the time of your birth describes the qualities, talents, and traits you’re here to study this time around. If you believe in reincarnation, think of it as declaring a celestial major for this lifetime. Sure, you’ll learn other things along the way, but you’ve announced to one and all that you’re primarily interested in mastering this one particular sign. Then, too, on a day when fiery, impulsive energies are making astrological headlines, if you’re a fiery and/or impulsive sign yourself—like Aries or Aquarius, for example—it’s easy to imagine how you’ll take to the astrological weather a lot more easily than a practical, steady-handed sign like Taurus or Virgo. Obviously, astrology comes in handy, for a variety of reasons. Getting to know your “natal” Sun sign (the sign the Sun was in when you were born) can most certainly give you the edge you need to ace the final and move on to the next celestial course level—or basically to succeed in life, and maybe even earn a few bonus points toward next semester. Using astrology on a daily basis nicely accelerates the process. Now, there are eight other planets and one lovely Moon in our neck of the celestial woods, all of which also play into our personalities. The sign that was on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth—otherwise known as your Ascendant, or rising sign—is another indicator of your personality traits. Honestly, there are all kinds of cosmic factors, so if it’s an in-depth, personal analysis you’re after, a professional astrologer is the only way to go—especially if you’re curious about relationships, past lives, future trends, or even the right time to schedule an important life event. Professional astrologers calculate your birth chart—again, the

“natal” chart—based on the date, place, and exact time of your birth— which allows for a far more personal and specific reading. In the meantime, however, in addition to reading up on your Sun sign, you can use the tables on pages 8 and 9 to find the sign of your Ascendant. (These tables, however, are approximate and tailored to those of us born in North America, so if the traits of your Ascendant don’t sound familiar, check out the sign directly before or after.)

There are three sections to each sign chapter in this book. As I already mentioned, the first section describes personality traits, and while it’s fun to read your own, don’t forget to check out the other Sun signs.

The second section is entitled “The Year Ahead” for each sign. Through considering the movements of the slow-moving planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto), the eclipses, and any other outstanding celestial movements, this segment will provide you with the big picture of the year—or basically the broad strokes of what to expect, no matter who you are or where you are, collectively speaking.

The third section includes monthly forecasts, along with rewarding days and challenging days. These pages provide information about each month of the year related to your sign. They are a general interpretation based on solar charts, but they may not address the actual activity in your birth chart, which is based on your time, date, and location of birth. If you are interested in learning more about how the current cycles affect you, consult your astrologer for clarification via a personal consultation or a coaching session.

At the end of every chapter you’ll find an Action Table, providing general information about the best time to indulge in certain activities. Please note that these are only suggestions. Don’t hold yourself back or rush into anything your intuition doesn’t wholeheartedly agree with— and again, when in doubt, find yourself a professional.

Well, that’s it. I hope that you enjoy this book, and that being aware of the astrological energies of 2024 helps you create a year full of fabulous memories!

Kim Rogers-Gallagher has written hundreds of articles and columns for magazines and online publications and has two books of her own, Astrology for the Light Side of the Brain and Astrology for the Light Side of the Future. She’s a well-known speaker who’s been part of the UAC faculty since 1996. Kim can be contacted at KRGPhoenix313@yahoo.com for fees regarding readings, classes, and lectures.

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This table will give you an approximation of your Ascendant. If you feel that the sign listed as your Ascendant is incorrect, try the one either before or after the listed sign. It is difficult to determine your exact Ascendant without a complete natal chart.