The “zodiac” is an imaginary band of the sky that extends about 8° each way on the elliptic, or, on the sun’s path through Earth’s sky over the course of a year. Each sign takes up about 30° of latitude in the sky and correlates to a constellation.
The zodiac is divided into 12 signs. The zodiac sign symbols each cover roughly the equivalent of a month’s time. But unlike our calendar months, the time for zodiac signs is calculated differently.
According to astrologists, the “cycle” of zodiac symbols is made up of three key components: The actual sign itself, Four elements, Three modalities
Together, your sign, its element, and its modality are believed to play a vital role in your personality.
The four elements of the zodiac refer to air, earth, fire, and water.
These elements, in varying combinations, served to explain the essence of nature and things in our world.
The 12 zodiac signs in order are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each zodiac sign has a symbol dating back to Greek manuscripts from the Middle Ages. Let’s take a closer look at zodiac symbols, the zodiac constellations, and their attributes.
Aries is the first of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the Ram. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be adventurous, dynamic, ambitious, and competitive. Aries are known for their quickness and leadership qualities, as well as a tendency to be impulsive (blame the “fire” element) and blunt.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Taurus is the second of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, Taurus. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be dedicated, dependable, focused, and creative. Tauruses are known for being intelligent and trustworthy, as well as stubborn (the sign is a bull, after all). Tauruses love to seek out pleasure and can be known to question authority.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Gemini is the third of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation Gemini, which is made up of the Dioscuri—the twins, Castor and Pollux. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be energetic, expressive, intelligent, and playful. Gemini is known for its outgoing nature and varied interests, but they have earned a (likely misplaced) reputation for being two-faced.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Cancer is the fourth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, Cancer, which is most often depicted as a crab. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be bold, compassionate, protective, and intuitive. Cancers are known for their caregiving nature, as well as a tendency to be distant and passive-aggressive.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Leo is the fifth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the lion. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be vivacious, outgoing, and fiery. Leos are known for their warm nature and high self-esteem, but they can have a tendency to be proud or jealous.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Virgo is the sixth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the Maiden. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be practical, analytical, and sophisticated. Virgos are known for their kindness and attention to detail, but they can have a tendency to be shy and have unfairly high standards for themselves and their loved ones.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Libra is the seventh of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the only inanimate constellation, the scales. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be balanced, social, and diplomatic. Libras are known for their selfless nature and companionship, but they can have a tendency to be too pragmatic and insecure.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Scorpio is the eighth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, scorpion. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be loyal, resourceful, and focused. Scorpios are known for their bravery and trailblazing nature, but they can appear prickly and closed off to strangers.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Sagittarius is the ninth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the Archer. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be optimistic, independent, and intellectual. Sagittariuses are known for being magnetic and generous, but they can have a tendency to be arrogant and too direct.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Capricorn is the tenth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the sea goat. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be patient, hardworking, and disciplined. Capricorns are known for their tenacity and preference for boundaries and rules, but they can have a tendency to be stubborn and too focused on perfection.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Aquarius is the eleventh of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the water bearer. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be innovative, loyal, and original. Aquariuses are known for their creativity and rebellious nature, but they can have a tendency to be aloof with loved ones and uncompromising.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces is the final of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the Fishes. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be intuitive, creative, and empathetic. Pisces are known for their compassion and artistic nature, but they can have a tendency to be too sensitive or delusional.
