12 Zodiac Signs Astrology Dates Meanings

12 Zodiac Signs

What is your zodiac sign? There are 12 zodiac signs in order: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, these are known as Sun Signs. The zodiac is one of the ancient fields of astrology. As humans, we have wondered for a long time over the mysteries of the universe, looking for signs in the cosmos that can tell us about our destinies, why we are here, and where we are going. Astrology is an ancient practice that tracks the movement of the sun, the moon, and the many stars and planets of the universe beyond our tiny galaxy.

There is much to learn in the field of astrology, but it generally centres around the 12 signs of the zodiac that you may already be familiar with. Over the years, each sign has come to be associated with different ideas, myths, characteristics and even animals - every sign shows an individual approach to life, with its own strengths and weaknesses.

These signs act as the basic blueprint for all astrologers, amateur and professional alike - a person's sun sign is set depending on the date of their birth, and represents their core personality, sense of self, and ideas about the world. It can show our greatest strengths and also our greatest weaknesses. When combined with our nuances of the birth chart, such as the alignment of the other planets and their aspects (relationships with each other) it creates a unique profile about an individual. 

There are four elements that govern the signs: fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), earth (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn), air (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius) and water (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces). These are also known in astrology as triplicities, and provide a general overview of how a sign can be expected to behave; fire signs are passionate and enigmatic, earth signs are grounded and pragmatic, air signs are intellectual and imaginative, and water signs are emotional and empathic. 
There are also quadruplicities that give an overview of a sign's qualities: cardinal signs, like Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn begin the four seasons.

This means they are best at starting initiatives and new ventures. Fixed signs occur in the middle of the seasons - Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, making them steady and consistent forces that keep the ball rolling, so to speak. Mutable signs end each season - Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces - and are best at changes and transformations. 


These are just the broadest descriptions for each sign. Read on to learn about each sign in detail, from their best attributes to their worst! Remember, the better you know yourself and your sign, the better equipped you are to deal with everything life throws at you - and how to cope with your own reactions.

 

Aries Zodiac Sign

Aries (March 21st - April 19th) 

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, the newborn child of the year, and they kick off the zodiac with ambition and bravery. They love to be first - so there's no surprise there that they are competitive, bold, and always up for a challenge.

They're associated with the ram, the head, and are a fire sign. This makes them confident, passionate, and 'fiery' individuals who make great leaders and exceptional members of a team or community. Individuals with Aries as their sign are uncomplicated and direct, and will often be irritated by having to pay attention to detail - they prefer a broad view of life and work. They are very determined people, usually very cheerful, and will get things done fast and well. 
Aries is also a cardinal sign, kicking off the zodiac year and the spring season. Since they are the first sign, they don't 'inherit' anything from the sign that came before them - instead, they lead with optimism and somewhat blind faith. They can be impulsive, thinking after they jump, which may lead to them learning life lessons the hard way. 

On the downside, Aries are very individualistic - they have no great love of teamwork or a sense of 'leave no one behind.' For Aries, their philosophy is very much 'every man for themselves.' This can be seen in two ways - they are either selfish or self deterministic. That is, they can easily make decisions for themselves, but may not consider the greater good when doing so. 

Lastly, Aries can have a very fiery temper. They are ruled by Mars, the red planet named after the Roman god of war, and thus are always ready for battle - they tend to flare up quickly and cool down just as quickly, rarely holding grudges. When they're not angry, the ram Aries is a positive, energetic and fun individual to be around, and will often be found organising activities and leading the group. 

Zodiac Sign Tauras

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Taurus is the first earth sign and their animal representation is the bull-like their spirit animal, a Taurus is steadfast, dependable and strong. They also greatly enjoy relaxing in nature, being surrounded by pleasant scenery and sounds. 
The planet of Taurus is Venus, making them the most sensual of all the signs - they love sensory pleasure, beauty and comfort. A Taurus will love being pampered and enjoys luxury. Left to their own devices, a Taurus might spend all day in a bubble bath sipping wine, but they also know the value of work and are excited to reap the rewards. A Taurus can be focused and steady in their employment if they see the potential to earn big rewards - they can play the long game in their career and personal lives. 

A lover of stability, a Taurus will feel most comfortable when they have plenty of savings in their bank account. Security is a top priority for a Taurus, so they will rarely take risks when their finances, family or friends are involved. Being a fixed sign, Taurus is very loyal to their nearest and dearest. As noted, the prize security and stability above all else - they will be consistent and reliable friends, lovers, and employees. On the other hand, they can be very stubborn and their steadfast behavior may be regarded by others as an inability to adapt and bend with the wind. A Taurus might not be able to move on when they know they should - be that from a job, relationship, or friendship. Stubbornness aside, Taureans are truly wonderful people to have around, their trustworthy and reliable nature making them devoted partners and friends. 

Gemini

Gemini (May 21- June 20)

Has there ever been a sign as infamous as Gemini? Yet for all their bad press, Geminis aren't that bad - they're just very, very busy! Geminis are symbolized by the twins, which often leads them to have a reputation as two-faced. The truth is, they're just so interested in so many things, they had to double themselves to ever hope of getting everything done! Actually, a Gemini is often a playful and curious individual, rather than one with hidden agendas. They'll be juggling multiple hobbies, careers, and social circles just to make sure they satisfy all of their interests. 

Geminis are also the social butterfly of the zodiac - they will never have any shortage of friends, and will be able to talk to anyone about anything. Having the gift of the gab, Geminis are often the joker in a friend group, being quick enough to come up with comebacks and jokes long before anyone else. 

Geminis begin the summer season and are great at creating new projects, pioneering new ideas and enacting change. However, their rather hyperactive personalities may cause them to get bored of ideas quickly, and their short attention spans mean they're not always the best person to get a job done thoroughly. 

Ruled by Mercury, the messenger planet, Gemini's are all about communication - whether in real life or over Whatsapp, Gemini's are great at expressing their emotions externally and will rarely brood over any problems. Instead, they prefer to communicate openly about everything they are thinking and feeling! If you have enough energy for them, a Gemini will be a true friend or partner, challenging you intellectually and making you laugh with their quick-wits.

Zodiac Sign Cancer

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Cancer the crab - easily one of the most emotional and complex signs, Cancers are intuitive individuals in touch with their emotions and everyone else's! Cancer can pick up on the energy in a room and, as empaths, can sense what other people are feeling. They are great with children and animals, being very protective of those who are most vulnerable. 
However, like crabs, Cancers have a hard external shell - they may first be perceived as emotionally cold or distant before you get to know them. In time, they will reveal their sensitive and kind nature, great compassion and psychic abilities. 
Ruled by the moon, Cancers are instinctively maternal and caring people.

They are happiest when creating a cosy and safe space for themselves and their loved ones. They care deeply about their families, partners and friends and will often be found in caregiver roles such as nurses, childminders or teachers. On the downside, this nurturing behaviour can slip into becoming overly controlling and overprotective. Moreover, rather than facing conflict directly, they can be passive-aggressive - it can be hard to get a Cancer to talk directly about what is bothering them! 

Cancers will attract friends and lovers throughout their life because they truly care about the people around them. If you win their trust, you will have an invaluable companion in the form of a Cancer! 

Leo Zodiac Sign

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Leo the lion is a well-known zodiac sign that typically loves to be the centre of attention! The star of the show, Leo is a fire sign and represented by the lion, the royalty of the animal kingdom! Theatrical, over the top and passionate, Leos love to be celebrated and will typically excel in artistic and creative pursuits. They're also natural leaders, dramatic lovers, and party animals - decadence and luxury are what Leos are all about! 

Ruled by the sun, Leo's are similarly loyal, consistent and positive. They put their heart and soul into everything they do, from friendships to work, and they love to see others succeed, too. The one snag is if their ego is hurt - if they feel their central role is being ousted, their injured pride and jealousy can make them formidable matches. Leos should remember that it's not, really, all about them and other people's successes will not eclipse their own! 
As a fixed sign, Leo's are also known for their determination, ambition and bravery. They are typically very strong characters who never accept failure - their greatest problem is their own pride!

Virgo Zodiac Sign

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Virgos are earth signs and commonly represented by the goddess of agriculture. Fittingly so, as Virgos are deeply rooted in the material world and very practical people. They are also known as annoying perfectionists, which may be a bit unfair - they are merely committed to improving their skills and abilities through consistent practice. Attention to detail is what Virgo is all about - they are thorough and hard-working people who will not do anything by halves. However, they should be careful not to constantly be chasing perfection - they might miss out on all the beautiful moments imperfection lends to existence. 

Ruled by the planet Mercury, the messenger, Virgo's store information and organise it logically so that others can better process it. This speaks of Virgo's need to help others - gentle, kind and supportive members of a family, friendship circle or community, they will use their intellect and perfectionism for the good of everyone around them. They thrive in positions as doctors, teachers, or researchers. Virgos are always looking to improve things that are faulty or broken, and always striving to improve the world around them. 

Zodiac Sign Libra

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

A perhaps less well-known sign is Libra, an air sign represented by the scales and the only non-animal or human sign of the zodiac. Libra, as the scales suggest, is focussed on creating an equilibrium or balance wherever they are. They want to make harmony between all people and are commonly involved in artistic or intellectual pursuits. 


Relationships are super important for Libras - they need companionship and someone to balance themselves out. They are usually coupled and as friends, try to keep everyone happy - which can lead to them neglecting themselves. People-pleasing Libra need to remember that it's impossible to make everyone happy, and the long sought after harmony may never come to fruition. However, Libras are valuable individuals for their kindness and ability to see the two sides of every coin - they are good listeners, skilled meditators and problem solvers. They thrive in areas of conflict resolution and community building, and also make fantastic parents (for the above reasons!). 

Personally, Libras love luxury - ruled by Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, they enjoy fine art, designs and stunning environments. They enjoy basking in the great things that human civilization has created and are the aesthetes of the zodiac. Less concerned with money than they are with beauty, Libra's will stop at nothing to find other talented individuals to partner with and celebrate. 

As cardinal signs, Libras are also good at starting new ventures - they just struggle with indecision, being so interested and enthused by everything human talent creates! Their conflict-resolving character means they see everything from every perspective, which also leads to problems making decisions. Indecisiveness aside, Libras are charming people with good taste, able to navigate and solve social problems that arise around them by seeking the balance between all parties involved. 

Zodiac Sign Scorpio

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Scorpio is often characterised as moody - but underneath these turbulent moods lies serious passion and incredible power. A water sign, Scorpio is highly emotional and intuitive, like their sister signs Cancer and Pisces. Being a water sign also makes Scorpio have some psychic and clairvoyant abilities, should they choose to explore them. 

An emotional water sign with a venomous sting - that's Scorpio! Like their spirit animal, the scorpion, they will lie in wait for the best time to strike, typically plotting several steps ahead of others in the game of life. This doesn't mean their intentions are bad - just that Scorpios are master-planners and strategic forward-thinkers. They know what they want and may spend their entire life putting the steps in place to make it happen.

Scorpios are also associated with sex more than any other zodiac sign - they are seductive and enigmatic individuals, their mysterious moods making them all the more appealing to other signs! However, Scorpio's aren't all sensual - they too crave the emotional intimacy that sex brings in a partnership.

Ruled by Pluto, Scorpio can be seen as transformative and/or destructive. They are relentlessly ambitious and strategic, but can also be controlling and vindictive. If they become too power-hungry, they risk ruining all of their carefully laid plans - they also lose the intense connection they can have with others. A complex sign, Scorpio's are at their best when with their loved ones - when alone, their dark psyche can cause them to self-destruct.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

Sagittarius is always on an intellectual quest for knowledge - which can make them somewhat hard to get along with at times. A fire sign, they are passionate and energetic, natural travellers and explorers, and can often be found in distant corners of the world seeking new adventures.

Their representation is the archer, and like an arrow, they are direct and focussed in finding their target - whatever it may be. Ruled by the planet Jupiter, the planet of abundance and growth, Sagittarians seek knowledge like it's the oxygen they need to breathe. This can come in the form of intellectual journeys or physical journeys - as long as a Sag is learning, they are happy. With so much knowledge and so many journeys to speak about, they make excellent storytellers and are often the centre of attention without meaning to be so. They attract friends and lovers effortlessly and are also known as the comedians of the zodiac, thrilling everyone around them with their wit and humour. 

Sagittarians are direct and blunt - this can be positive, as their 'no-nonsense' attitude helps to get to the core of an issue at hand. Yet it can also be negative, as they always say what they think and their sharp tongues can wound more sensitive sorts. Although they know a lot, they don't know it all and can become arrogant if they're not careful!

As a mutable sign, Sagittarius is very flexible - part of what makes them a natural-born traveller is their ability to adapt to anywhere. They value freedom above all else - the freedom to explore, create and pursue new ventures. They hate boundaries, which can make relationships tough - but if you're ready for an adventure, having a Sag as a lover or friend will surely be a fun ride!

Capricorn

Capricorn (December 22- January 19)

Steadfast Capricorn is represented by the sea goat - that is, a creature with the body of a goat and the tail of a fish. Capricorns are thus able to navigate both the material and emotional arenas, able to climb the hardest mountains and delve into their psychological strengths and weaknesses, too. Caps are strong, dependable and determined creatures, able to overcome anything that stands between them and their goals. This focus often leads them to be seen as cold, unemotional and overly focussed on success. They may forget that success in life cannot always be measured, and emotional intelligence and development is also important!

Ruled by the planet Saturn, the taskmaster, Capricorn's are tough and stoic - they can put up and shut up with just about anything life throws at them. They may face hardship in their youth, causing them to act older than they really are. As they grow older and wiser, they may relax - becoming less serious and more playful as time goes on. So, although they come across as restrained and serious, to begin with, Cap's inner circle know they can be fun and mischievous, too. 

As a cardinal sign, Capricorn's do well at starting new initiatives. Their hardworking nature allows them to get things done and leads them to success in whatever work they choose to do. They can swing into workaholic mode if they're not careful, though. Capricorn's should seek to maintain a good work-life balance and remember the importance of relationships alongside their life's work. 

Zodiac Sign Aquarius

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Although the name suggests otherwise, Aquarius is actually an air sign and is represented by the water bearer, a healer who bestows water on the earth. It is fitting then that Aquarius is the most revolutionary of all the signs and will stop at nothing to change the world for the better. They thrive in humanitarian roles or in positions in which they can affect radical social progress. Usually rebels, Aquarian's hate authority in all forms and despite conventions and traditions. They are often known as the weirdest sign of the zodiac, having eccentric fashion tastes, strange hobbies and a generally free-spirited attitude to life. 

Ruled by the planet Uranus, they are innovators - big thinkers who can forget about the world around them because they are too busy living in their visions of the future! Aquarians may become too focused on implementing changes in the wider world and start neglecting their personal relationships. They should remember that change starts in their own circle, first, and then on a global level!

As a fixed sign, Aquarius can also be very stubborn - they are rarely moved from their conviction that they are right and the world must be changed to suit their vision. They would do well to listen to other voices rather than being motivated by their own righteous conviction. However, most of the time, Aquarius is a great team player, egalitarian and community orientated (as long as the community fits with their worldview!). Equally good in groups or alone, you'll find Aquarius plotting the revolution or enjoying some of their odd hobbies - it's best to not try to dampen their eccentricities and rather just enjoy them for what they are! 

Pisces Zodiac Sign

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

The last sign of the zodiac is Pisces, a water sign, and represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions. This symbolizes that Pisces is often torn between their imaginary world and reality - or a dream realm and the material realm. Pisces have learned from all of the mistakes, pains, joys and hopes of the other signs of the zodiac and are thus the most empathic, compassionate signs. This makes them very vulnerable signs and they can easily be overcome by their emotions.

Ruled by Neptune, the planet of creativity and dreaming, Pisces are best when allowed to explore their imaginations. However, this can easily turn into escapism and delusions. Pisces needs to be careful to keep at least one foot fully on the ground and not to be captivated by illusions - problems are never solved by pretending they don't exist!

As a mutable sign, Pisces can easily adapt to any environment and make sensitive friends, lovers, and colleagues. Their psychic abilities make them great empaths and able to understand the collective unconscious more than any other sign. They are often artists, creators or mystics - their life's work is to explore their own spirituality and that of others.