Zodiac Cusp Signs and Dates: What Is a Cusp in Astrology?

Co-authored by Stina Garbis and Kira Jan

Last Updated: March 30, 2022 References

If you’ve ever felt like your zodiac sign doesn’t totally represent you, you might’ve heard that cusps are the cause. Zodiac cusps represent a mixture of sign traits that gets created as the sun leaves one sign and enters the next when you’re born. How do you figure out your zodiac cusp? We’ll show you what your cusp means and tell you what astrologers really think about cusps in your natal chart.

Section 1 of 4:

What are cusps?

1
Cusps are the dividing lines between signs or houses on a natal chart. Zodiac cusp signs occur if you’re born during the transition period when the sun moves from one sign to another. This transition period usually takes place over 2 days—the sun’s last day in one sign or the sun’s first day in the next sign. However, because the sun changes signs on different dates each year, you may see longer time windows listed for cusp dates.^{[1]
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People born on a cusp might feel like they have traits from 2 zodiac signs. In fact, the sun’s shifting energy can often highlight the best qualities of both traits while leaving out the less positive elements of each. The overall nature of change and forward momentum makes cusps a time of fortune and possibility.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 4:

Cusp Date Chart

- Capricorn-Aquarius Cusp - Cusp of Mystery: 1/16 - 1/22
- Aquarius-Pisces Cusp - Cusp of Sensitivity: 2/15 - 2/21
- Pisces-Aries Cusp - Cusp of Rebirth: 3/17 - 3/23
- Aries-Taurus Cusp - Cusp of Power: 4/16 - 4/22
- Taurus-Gemini Cusp - Cusp of Energy: 5/17 - 5/23
- Gemini-Cancer Cusp - Cusp of Magic: 6/17 - 6/23
- Cancer-Leo Cusp - Cusp of Oscillation: 7/19 - 7/25
- Leo-Virgo Cusp - Cusp of Exposure: 8/19 - 8/25
- Virgo-Libra Cusp - Cusp of Beauty: 9/19 - 9/25
- Libra-Scorpio Cusp - Cusp of Drama: 10/19 - 10/25
- Scorpio-Sagittarius Cusp - Cusp of Revolution: 11/18 - 11/24
- Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp - Cusp of Prophecy: 12/18 - 12/24

Section 3 of 4:

Are cusp signs real?

Most professional astrologers think cusp signs are a myth. Since the sun can only be in one place at a time, astrologers stick by the logic that only the sun’s position at the exact moment of your birth can determine your zodiac sign. When elements of your personality don’t align with your given sign, it’s likely due to planet placements rather than cusps.^{[3]
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- For instance, if you’re a Libra but have four planets in Scorpio, your Libran social butterfly tendencies might be overpowered by Scorpio’s air of mystery and need for intensity.
- You can also look to your ascendant (or “rising”) sign. The ascendant sign represents the way we present ourselves to others, so your ascendant’s influence could be the underlying reason you feel like you're a mix of signs.^{[4]
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Section 4 of 4:

Cusp Personality Traits

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Capricorn-Aquarius Cusp: You possess a mixture of introversion and extraversion combined with a talent for abstract thinking. Capricorn and Aquarius are radically different signs. Saturn’s logical influence as Capricorn’s ruler gives you a practical outlook on life, while the open-minded rule of Uranus lends you creativity.
- You’ll do well in situations where you get to network with other people and move between social groups.
- You’re focused on the future, and you’ve got a plan to help you achieve your goals.
- When it comes to art, you might prefer practical media like architecture and documentaries over opera and painting.
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Aquarius-Pisces Cusp: You’re compassionate—almost to a fault—and you’re deeply introspective. In this sensitive cusp combination, the intellectual side of Aquarius gets softened by Pisces’ artistic nature. As a result, you might feel drawn to spiritual and philosophical interests rather than purely scientific pursuits.^{[5]
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- You might resonate with the term “empath” and deeply feel other people’s pain.
- You’re open-minded and willing to listen to everybody’s point of view.
- You’re likely fascinated by questions about life’s purpose and the meaning of existence.
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Pisces-Aries Cusp: You’re driven to help others with your Pisces compassion and Aries strength. This is a water-meets-fire combination that brings out the best in each sign. The peace-loving nature of Pisces helps to calm the headstrong nature of Aries, while the ambition of Aries adds drive to Pisces’ theoretical side.
- You’re the first one to sign up for projects, and you take the lead in social settings.
- You follow your intuition rather than purely relying on hard facts.
- You try to always consider the impact of your actions on other people.
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Aries-Taurus Cusp: You’re fearless and have a talent for leadership. The keyword for this cusp is “strength.” Aries’ fiery nature and Taurus’ down-to-earth work ethic combine for a personality of innate drive and courage.
- You stick to your beliefs (even though some people might call you stubborn).
- You’re independent, and sometimes, you feel like you don’t need other people.
- You can work harder than anyone else and you love a good challenge.
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Taurus-Gemini Cusp: You’ve got power and charm with a “never quit” attitude. Whether you’re tackling a project or meeting a bunch of new people, you bring an unparalleled sense of energy to the space around you. Earth and air signs combine in this cusp to give you a stable yet flexible mindset.
- You’re the life of the party! People gravitate to you in social settings and listen to what you have to say.
- You’re always ready to go out and meet new people, and you can connect with pretty much anyone.
- Even though you like to play hard, you’re able to lock onto tasks and get them done with your intense work ethic.
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Gemini-Cancer Cusp: You’re a bit of a daydreamer, but relationships take center stage in your life. From romantic relationships to friendships, you like to put people first. Gemini’s sensitivity combined with Cancer’s intuitive nature means you’re able to express how you feel and make the people around you feel comfortable.
- Other people turn to you when they hit a rough patch because they know you can offer amazing advice.
- You love any chance you get to share your thoughts—from heartfelt talks to lively debates.
- You put other people’s needs first, and sometimes, you forget about what you truly need.
7
Cancer-Leo Cusp: You’re no stranger to strong emotions. Cancer’s sensitivity mixed with Leo’s flair for drama means you might find yourself getting caught up in squabbles or drawn to extremes. On the plus side, Cancer’s empathy and Leo’s courage can make you a skilled communicator and good leader.
- You’re the “cheerleader” of your social circle since you have a talent for motivating others.
- You care deeply about what other people think about you. That’s not a bad thing! Just remember to take a step back and not let negative comments throw you off.
- You love small acts of kindness, but you’ve got your eye on making bigger waves in the world, too.
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Leo-Virgo Cusp: You’re able to accomplish whatever you put your mind to. Virgo is a naturally hard-working and pragmatic sign, while Leo brings energy and passion. The grounded earth-sign influence of Virgo mixed with the fiery drive of Leo can make you an outstanding leader who knows when to take input from others.
- You’re a mentor to others, both in your professional and personal life.
- You’re modest and approachable, so people feel comfortable talking to you about pretty much anything.
- You’ve got high expectations both for yourself and others.
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Virgo-Libra Cusp: You have a strong need for balance in your life. From your aesthetic tastes to interpersonal relationships, you value symmetry and equilibrium. You care deeply about the other people in your life, and you’re driven to try and help them out however you can.
- You take your time to build trust with other people, but once you let them into your life, you give that relationship your all.
- You’re drawn to activism, and you’ve got a talent for explaining your point of view to others.
- You have a tendency to see right and wrong in terms of black and white, which can make it hard to change your mind.
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Libra-Scorpio Cusp: You’re right between a love of beauty and a love of mystery. This cusp combination throws together both the light influence of Venus and the dark influence of Mars. As a result, you’ll possess a dark magnetism that draws other people to you.
- You feel comfortable being yourself, and you’re not afraid to be blunt and share your opinions.
- You might not be super affectionate with other people, but you care deeply about the people you love.
- You have a strong moral compass, and you’ll stand up for what you think is right.
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Scorpio-Sagittarius Cusp: You chase after power, and you’re driven by passion. The outgoing, adventurous nature of Sagittarius combined with the intensity of Scorpio means that you throw yourself into projects and relationships. No matter what you’re pursuing, you’re a thrill-seeker and you’re not afraid to try new things.
- You love a good competition. In fact, you’d turn everything into a competition if you could!
- You like to be on the move, whether that means exercising or checking out new places.
- You can spend hours thinking about where you fit into the world.
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Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp: You’re an organized, thoughtful planner. In fact, you’re so good at thinking things through, that it can sometimes come off as uncanny intuition. Your Sagittarian nature lends you optimism, even when things don’t look like they’ll turn out your way, while Capricorn gives you a goal-oriented approach to keep you on target.
- You’re good at seeing both the big picture and the small details.
- People turn to you when they need a fresh perspective.
- You love to get in the zone and you can get completely lost in your thoughts.