Do your planetary placements reside on cusps in your natal astrology chart? Maybe you’re unsure of what exactly a “cusp” is. In this post, we’re going to explain the idea of cusps in astrology, and if you have one, tell you about yours!
Constellations
In order to understand how the cusps are calculated, it’s important that we take a dive into the zodiac signs and their role.
We all likely know that planets are constantly moving in space clockwise, around our solar system’s sun. The zodiac signs, however, are fixed locations in space, which means that they do not move, relative to our location. Therefore, the planets shift into different areas of the sky, and these areas are the zodiac signs.
If we look at a map of space, as we see it from here on earth, we would see the alignments of stars. Although there are currently eighty-eight recognized constellations in space, twelve of them are zodiac signs. The reason for this is that our sun passes through these twelve signs aka constellations, while our planets move around the sun.
Signs and Their Cusps
Obviously, there is a certain point when the sun or planet moves out of one zodiac sign and into another. In this area, these two signs sort of blend together. Let’s say that if Scorpio were black and Libra were white, the space that divided them would be gray.
In short, a cusp is where two constellations overlap. If we examine this on a linear timeline, a cusp lasts for about three days in each sign. The total time for each cusp lasts approximately six days.
Cusps in Astrology
Now that we understand constellations and the placement of zodiac signs and their cusps, we can examine it through astrology lenses.
In astrology, a cusp is where a planet is located within the first few degrees or the last few degrees of a zodiac sign. For example, someone who is born within two degrees of Gemini would be on the Taurus — Gemini cusp. There are also specific dates that we know the sun is located within each specific cusp, which I’ll share below.
The Astrological Wheel
Now, if we look at the astrology wheel, we can see the lines that divide the signs and houses. Those dividing lines are what separate one sign from another. A tiny slice of the space next to either side of the line is considered part of the cusp.
Each of the signs have a total of thirty degrees. The dividing line at the bottom of the wheel that says 4, for example, is also zero degrees Cancer. Conversely, the line dividing the other side of Cancer with the 5 is actually zero degrees in Leo.
Since we’re already nearby, let’s take a closer look at the area by the 5.
Where To Find Cusps
The 5 represents the 5th house. The 5th house is ruled by Leo. Here, the person has three planets in their Leo 5th house, which are Venus, Jupiter and Pluto. Only one of these planets is on the cusp.
If you haven’t already figured it out on your own, the 5th house planet on the cusp of Cancer and Leo is the planet Venus. The symbol for Venus is ♀. Therefore, this person’s Venus in Leo is on the cusp of Cancer.
Cusp Significance in Astrology
The reason many people find cusps interesting is that they give them a bit more individuality to their sign. Each sign has three decans within it, which gives one Pisces some differences from another Pisces when they’re born in separate decans. Cusps, on the other hand, gives the sign slight qualities of another sign as well.
Each cusp is a blending of two zodiac signs. They bring a special dynamic that makes up the minority of natal astrology charts. Those that have their sun sign in cusps will likely be able to identify with two signs: the one they’re in and the one their sun is close to.
If you are one of those people who’s never fully identified with your sun sign, perhaps yours is on a cusp. If not, remember that you are more than your sun sign! There’s so much to explore in astrology.
Cusp Meanings for Sun Signs
In this post, we’re going to go over the twelve cusps of the sun. Each one has its own unique set of qualities and characteristics. To know if you’re on a cusp, you can simply check the birthdates for each one below. If your birthday falls within the dates of the cusp, then you have a cusp in your natal astrology chart!
Aries — Taurus Cusp
- Birthdates: April 16th — 22nd
- Known As: The Cusp of Power
- Example: Charlie Chaplin
- Those born on this cusp possess both the willpower of Aries and the stability of Taurus. They’re able to contain their ego better than most Aries sun signs, while being lucky enough to have the Martian inertia and stamina. Though they’re quite grounded, they’re hard-working and have a stronger ability to lead than most other Tauruses. Being powerhouses, this cusp knows how to get things in life that they want as they forge ahead with integrity.
Taurus — Gemini Cusp
- Birthdates: May 17th — 23rd
- Known As: The Cusp of Energy
- Example: Bob Dylan
- While Taurus is known for taking it easy, this Taurus has too much of a busy mind to sit idly for too long. With the mental processes of Gemini, this isn’t a passive placement. Curious and adaptive, they’re able to communicate effectively. A great listener like Taurus, they also have the excitable nature of Gemini, making them fun, yet easy-going. Not to mention, they’re also a little mischievous!
Gemini — Cancer Cusp
- Birthdates: June 17th — 23rd
- Known As: The Cusp of Magic
- Example: Tupac Shakur
- While they’re young, this cusp may struggle to express its emotional nature. This is often due to the mixing of mental and emotional processes, not naturally distinguishing between the two sides of themselves. Once they learn not to over-analyze their feelings, they have the potential to become healers, knowing just what to say. Likewise, there is a tenderness in their magical touch, leading them to soothe some of the deepest wounds.
Cancer — Leo Cusp
- Birthdates: July 19th — 25th
- Known As: The Cusp of Oscillation
- Example: Meryl Streep
- With the emotional and sensitive nature of the crab and the heart of the lion, this cusp has an ability to shine. A problem they may sometimes struggle with is being uncertain of whether they want to. Secretly, they may face demons of poor self-worth. Even when they don’t always believe in themselves, everyone else sees a star. If they can harness a sense of security within themselves, they can turn dreams into reality.
Leo — Virgo Cusp
- Birthdates: August 19th — 25th
- Known As: The Cusp of Exposure
- Example: Tim Burton
- There is a tendency for those with this cusp to frequently feel nervous and anxious, especially in social situations. Something about their lives, however, tend to push them toward making an effort in being seen. Desiring social activity, they may attempt to escape it anyway, as they’re highly concerned about the way they come off to others. Yet, they have talents that are meant to be shared with the world. Therefore, the universe will continue to push them into the spotlight one way or another.
Virgo — Libra Cusp
- Birthdates: September 19th — 25th
- Known As: The Cusp of Beauty
- Example: Twiggy
- Having the meticulous nature of Virgo paired with the fondness for beauty of Libra, this cusp has a knack for transforming settings, environments, and appearances. Fashion gurus, designers, make-up artists, hair stylists, and sometimes architects, they have an expert eye for detail. Naturally knowing just how to turn shabby into chic, they also help to restore confidence in others and enhance their loveliest qualities.
Libra — Scorpio Cusp
- Birthdates: October 19th — 25th
- Known As: The Cusp of Drama
- Example: Pablo Picasso
- With the desire for harmony of Libra and the transformative nature of Scorpio, this cusp feels all aspects of life with great intensity. Others may not fully understand these individuals, and perceive them as dramatic. Truthfully, they sense things within themselves and others buried so deeply that no one else is aware it exists. Oftentimes, it’s the very things that stand in the way of the harmony they long for.
Scorpio — Sagittarius Cusp
- Birthdates: November 18th — 24th
- Known As: The Cusp of Revolution
- Example: Jimi Hendrix
- Although it may seem that darkness calls on these souls, in reality, they have a natural inclination to guide others toward the light. As if they’re born already knowing what’s important, they will seemingly stir trouble in order to create something better. They are change-makers and trend-setters. They’re the embodiment of the wisdom and philosophy of death and rebirth.
Sagittarius — Capricorn Cusp
- Birthdates: December 18th — 24th
- Known As: The Cusp of Prophecy
- Example: Nostradamus
- With the wisdom and philosophical approach of the archer paired with the ambition and awareness of the sea-goat, this cusp is gifted with foresight. They may have dreams that end up coming true in some way or oftentimes just have this sense of “knowing” things that others don’t. Somehow, they’re able to see the outcome of events before they occur. Othertimes, they may have flashbacks of lifetimes lived a long time ago.
Capricorn — Aquarius Cusp
- Birthdates: January 16th — 22nd
- Known As: The Cusp of Mystery
- Example: Dolly Parton
- Not only is this cusp highly ambitious and hard-working, but they’re also inventive and ecclectic. Of all the cusps, this one follows the route of others the least. They set the pace for others to jump on board with them, making it all up as they go. All who watch them as they work are impressed and inspired by their ability to stand out in a crowd and follow the beat of their own drum. No one knows how they have aquired such a healthy dose of confidence in their own abilities, creating an alluring and elusive presense.
Aquarius — Pisces Cusp
- Birthdates: February 15th — 21st
- Known As: The Cusp of Sensitivity
- Example: Galileo
- This cusp is truly from a land from far, far away. Yet, they’re highly in-tune with all that surrounds them, from the tiniest grain of sand to the furthest star. Incredibly sensitive and profoundly compassionate, they feel it all. Oftentimes, they’re told to grow thicker skin and that they need to stop being so sensitive. Others are ignorantly oblivious to the frequent bouts of suffering of this cusp as they move through the world learning how to use their empathy without being martyrs.
Pisces — Aries Cusp
- Birthdates: March 17th — 23rd
- Known As: The Cusp of Rebirth
- Example: Jewel
- Generally having a rough upbringing that the weak could not survive, this cusp is the caterpiller that eventually turns into a beautiful butterfly. Having a difficult past, it takes them a while to grow into who they’re actually meant to be, while they’re not ashamed of what they’ve gone through. At some point, they share an amazing come-up story that sends shivers down our spines to hear where they’ve been. They are the ugly duckling that turns into the majestic swan, where all who can hear will stop to listen.
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