Whether we rewind to ancient secret societies thousands of years ago or fast-forward to modern society as we know it, humans look to the night sky for inspiration, spiritual connection, higher wisdom, and powerful introspection. Who hasn’t confessed their secret longings or troubles to the stars at one point or another? Read on to discover the ultimate guide to the zodiac signs in astrology, backed by expert astrologers. Explore what the zodiac signs mean, their modalities, elements, planetary associations, compatibility basics, and more.
What Are the Zodiac Signs?
The zodiac consists of 12 distinct signs, each aligned with the Sun’s apparent path across the sky, known as the ecliptic. Initially, these signs were named after the constellations they corresponded to. However, due to the shifting of cosmic skies, the constellations are no longer the primary reference point for astrologers. Each zodiac sign reflects unique traits and qualities that resonate with the characteristics of its associated season, providing insights into personality and behavior. As the Earth orbits the Sun, these star signs help us understand the cosmic influences on human life.
Zodiac Sign Dates and Order
The zodiac signs are listed in the following order. However, it’s important to note that the start and end dates of each zodiac sign’s season can vary by a day or two from year to year. As a result, those born on these transitional dates are often referred to as cusp signs. However, expert astrologers have addressed this topic, as discussed in the following section.
- ♈︎ Aries: March 21 – April 19
- ♉︎ Taurus: April 20 – May 20
- ♊︎ Gemini: May 21 – June 20
- ♋︎ Cancer: June 21 – July 22
- ♌︎ Leo: July 23 – August 22
- ♍︎ Virgo: August 23 – September 22
- ♎︎ Libra: September 23 – October 22
- ♏︎ Scorpio: October 23 – November 21
- ♐︎ Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21
- ♑︎ Capricorn: December 22 – January 19
- ♒︎ Aquarius: January 20 – February 18
- ♓︎ Pisces: February 19 – March 20
Are Cusp Signs Real?
In short, no, cusp signs aren’t real. “There is no such thing as zodiac ‘cusp signs’” because the sun cannot be in two signs at once, so you do not have two sun signs, ever. However, there are other cosmic explanations for why you might feel like you’re a blend of zodiac signs,” expert astrologer Lauren Ash notes. LEARN MORE: Are Cusp Signs Real? What It Means if You Were Born on the Cusp
The Four Elements in Astrology: Fire, Earth, Air, Water
The 12 zodiac signs are made up of four elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Each element reflects fundamental aspects of the signs’ purposes, personalities, and traits. LEARN MORE: Zodiac Signs and Their Elements: Full Guide to Fire, Earth, Air & Water
- Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are made up of passion, bold moves, and individuality.
- Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are practical, responsible, and grounded.
- Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are social, communicative, and dynamic.
- Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are emotional, intuitive, and led by soulful longing.
The Three Modalities: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable
Expert astrologer Lisa Stardust notes, “The zodiac signs are classified into three categories that define their personalities: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. Here’s what they mean and how each sign expresses its energy. Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) are the initiators of the zodiac. Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) are the doers, while mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) are the completers.” LEARN MORE: The Modalities in Astrology: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable Zodiac Signs
The Meanings of The Planets in Astrology
In astrology, the planets hold a vital significance in shaping our lives and personalities. Our natal, or birth charts—calculated from the precise date, year, and location of our birth—illustrate a cosmic snapshot of the heavens at that moment. Each planet is situated in distinct signs, houses, and areas of our lives, contributing to a rich tapestry of astrological influences. These celestial bodies interact with one another, creating unique aspects that affect different facets of our existence, from our emotions to our relationships and life paths.
Here is the basic meaning and symbolism of each planet. Click the hyperlink for each planetto learn more about its astrological significance, mythological origins, and what its position means in your astrological chart.
- ☉ Sun: Identity, Vitality, Ego
- ☽ Moon: Emotions, Intuition, Nurture
- ☿ Mercury: Communication, Thinking, Learning
- ♀ Venus: Love, Beauty, Harmony
- ♂ Mars: Action, Desire, Courage
- ♃ Jupiter: Growth, Luck, Wisdom
- ♄ Saturn: Discipline, Structure, Responsibility
- ♅ Uranus: Change, Rebellion, Innovation
- ♆ Neptune: Dreams, Illusion, Spirituality
- ♇ Pluto: Transformation, Power, Rebirth
Ruling Planets of the Zodiac Signs
The ruling planets of each zodiac sign play a crucial role in shaping their unique personalities, destinies, and life paths. These celestial bodies not only govern the characteristics and tendencies of those born under their influence but also weave a deeper narrative of fate and purpose throughout their lives. Each planet imbues its corresponding sign with distinct traits, guiding individuals on their journeys and reflecting their innermost qualities. LEARN FROM OUR EXPERTS:The Ruling Planet for Each Zodiac Sign, According to Astrologers
- ♈︎ Aries: Mars
- ♉︎ Taurus: Venus
- ♊︎ Gemini: Mercury
- ♋︎ Cancer: Moon
- ♌︎ Leo: Sun
- ♍︎ Virgo: Mercury
- ♎︎ Libra: Venus
- ♏︎ Scorpio: Pluto (modern), Mars (traditional)
- ♐︎ Sagittarius: Jupiter
- ♑︎ Capricorn: Saturn
- ♒︎ Aquarius: Uranus (modern), Saturn (traditional)
- ♓︎ Pisces: Neptune (modern), Jupiter (traditional)
The Big Three: Sun, Moon, and Rising Signs
Astrologers often tell beginners to first learn about their “big three” – their Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. While your Sun sign is the one you probably already know (your zodiac or star sign), representing your individuality, your Moon sign relates to your inner emotional world, as your Rising sign points to your life path. LEARN MORE: Your Sun, Moon, Rising Signs Explained
Zodiac Sign Compatibility Basics
When it comes to star sign compatibility, remember that all couplings and pairings can work well together. Astrology is a tool, not a death sentence to cosmically incompatible pairings. As a general rule of astrological compatibility, look for someone who is a harmonious element to yours (read above for more on the elements in astrology). LEARN MORE: Your Guide to Astrological Compatibility, According to Astrologers
- Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) get along with other Fire signs or Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius).
- Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) get along with other Earth signs or Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).
- Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) get along with other Air signs or Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).
- Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) get along with other Water signs or Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn).
The Best and Worst Zodiac Sign Matches
Astrologer and author Lisa Stardust shares, “While understanding the traits of your sun sign can be a helpful starting point, navigating relationships with cosmic awareness is a much more intricate process. Think of this as a foundational approach to understanding your interactions with the world, as it influences the energy you emit and the connections you form.”
Your ideal love match is ultimately determined by you and your own choices. However, it’s beneficial to understand which zodiac sign is most likely to be compatible with you. To discover more about the zodiac sign that makes your ideal match (and who makes your head spin), consult our expert astrologers. LEARN MORE:Your Best Zodiac Sign Love Match, According to Astrology
Dating the Same Zodiac Sign As You
Is dating someone with the same zodiac sign a good idea? Many astrologers believe that being with someone who shares your Sun sign can be fun, entertaining, and relatable. However, there may be conflicts if your astrological charts or synastry lack other balancing or opposing forces to balance the energy. LEARN MORE – Hot Take: Dating The Same Zodiac Sign Is a Power Move
Each Zodiac Sign’s Ultimate Compatibility Guide
Our zodiac sign compatibility guides take a fun look at how each of the 12 astrological signs interacts in love, friendship, and work relationships. Each guide breaks down the unique traits and behaviors of the star sign, showing how they connect, communicate, and get along. Plus, we dive into specific compatibility analyses for all zodiac pairings, giving you the lowdown on the strengths and challenges that can arise in these connections.
- Aries Compatibility: How Does Aries Relate to Each Zodiac Sign?
- Taurus Compatibility: How Does Taurus Relate to Each Zodiac Sign?
- Gemini Compatibility: How Does Gemini Relate to Each Zodiac Sign?
- Cancer Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac
- Leo Zodiac Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac
- Virgo Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac
- Libra Zodiac Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac
- Scorpio Zodiac Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac
- Sagittarius Zodiac Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac
- Capricorn Zodiac Compatibility: Synastry With Each Star Sign
- Aquarius Compatibility: How They Get Along With Each Zodiac Sign
- Pisces Zodiac Compatibility: Their Energy with Each Star Sign
