What do the stars have in store for *you*?
Astrology = your guide to life. Each of the 12 zodiac signs are perfectly unique, and we love it! Knowing the zodiac signs that make up your birth chart can give you the insight you didn’t know you needed to stargaze your way through life. Let’s start with the celestial basics.
What Is the Zodiac?
The zodiac wheel comprises the 12 different zodiac signs—each correlating with a specific, 30-degree section of the ecliptic plane. This zodiacal belt represents the zone of the sky that contains the sun’s path, extending about 8 degrees north or south of the ecliptic. Your astrological sign is determined by your birthday and the constellation present in the sky at the time of your birth.
The zodiac system is said to have developed in ancient Egypt and was later adopted by the Babylonians. The development of astrology’s effect on life and spirituality was essential knowledge to Greek and Egyptian civilizations. Eventually, western ideals of the zodiac continued to spread across Europe.
The zodiac wheel starts with Aries and ends with Pisces. Learning about these 12 signs can shed light on your life, personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses.
What Are the Ruling Elements?
The zodiac wheel is divided into four elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Each of the 12 signs falls into one of these four elements, meaning the same element will rule three signs. Knowing which element rules over your zodiac sign can give unique insight while helping you understand more about your sign.
The fire element houses Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo. Fire signs possess intense personalities. They are passionate, charismatic, and confident.
The earth element houses Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Earth signs are organized individuals who thrive on being grounded, stable, and down-to-earth.
The air element houses Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These lofty, open-minded individuals value intellect, creativity, and wit.
The water element houses Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio. Water signs are emotional, feeling individuals. These signs value compassion and are inherently empathic toward others.
Cardinal, Fixed, or Mutable?
The 12 zodiac signs are divided into three modalities: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. Since there are only three modalities, four of the 12 zodiac signs will share the same modality. Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are cardinal signs, which means they welcome us into each new season. These signs mark new beginnings and are well-known leaders and trendsetters!
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are fixed signs, meaning these signs fall in the middle of each season. These signs are rooted in stability and working hard for what they want. (Spoiler alert: they always make it happen!) Lastly, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are our mutable signs or the signs that close every season. These signs are professional adapters preparing us for the changing seasons.
Wait, What’s a “Big Three”?
Ahhh, the infamous big three. Whether you’ve heard about the “big three” on social media or from one of your spiritual besties, we bet you’re wondering: What is my big three? And why does it matter? Your big three consists of 3 signs, arguably the most vital in your chart. The big three includes your sun, moon, and rising signs.
Your sun sign is determined by where the sun was at the time of your birth and is probably the sign you most often regard as your primary zodiac sign. Similarly, your moon sign is determined by the moon’s position in the sky when you were born. Your rising sign, or ascendant, represents the zodiac sign on the horizon during your birth. Your exact birth time is crucial to discovering an accurate rising sign.
Simply put, your sun sign represents where your core personality, your moon sign depicts your true emotional nature, and your rising sign is how you present to the outside world.
Okay So, What Are the 12 Zodiac Signs?
Now it’s time to find your sign (and your crush’s).
Aries♈️ (March 21 – April 19)
As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries are natural-born leaders. These headstrong rams are passionate, independent, and highly competitive. Not only does Aries kick off the entire zodiac wheel, but they’re also the sign that welcomes the spring season. Obviously, these signs loveee to take charge.
If you’re crushin’ on an Aries, we totally get it; their confidence and electric energy are irresistible. Flattery will get you everywhere with this sign.
Mode + Element: Cardinal Fire
Ruling Planet: Mars
Symbol: The Ram
Tarot Card: The Emperor
Perfect Match: Sagittarius
Crystals: Ruby, Tiger’s Eye, Carnelian
Taurus♉️ (April 20 – May 20)
Much like their bull counterparts, a Taurus is stubborn and hard-headed. Yet, these warm and charming individuals love harder than any other zodiac. For a Taurus, to live is to love. As the very first fixed earth sign, these green goddesses appreciate nature and celebrate being down-to-earth.
Taurus also has an appreciation for the finer, material things in life. What can we say? Everyone loves a little luxury now and then!
Mode + Element: Fixed Earth
Ruling planet: Venus
Symbol: The Bull
Tarot Card: The Hierophant
Perfect match: Virgo
Crystals: Tiger’s Eye, Emerald, Green Aventurine
Gemini♊️ (May 21 – June 20)
Don’t worry, Gemini! The stars are on your side today. These intelligent, sociable air signs often get a bad rap, but we promise they’re just complex creatures. Geminis can’t help their easily bored, naturally dual-powered nature. These social butterflies know how to work a room and can get along with practically anyone.
Trying to impress a Gemini? Brush up on your quick wit and learn how to go with the flow. These mutable air signs are lofty and ready for anything!
Mode + Element: Mutable Air
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: The Twins
Tarot Card: The Lovers
Perfect Match: Aquarius
Crystals: Agate, Black Tourmaline, Aquamarine
Cancer♋️ (June 21 – July 22)
These gentle crabs are sensitive, empathic, and just a littleee bit clingy. (But you like cuddles, right?) As a cardinal water sign, Cancers have oceans of emotions and value sentimentality over anything. Chivalry is NOT dead in a Cancer’s book, and if you’re trying to get in their good graces, you better not forget it.
These timid crabs may take some time to come out of their shell, but it’s always worth it once they do.
Mode + Element: Cardinal Water
Ruling Planet: Moon
Symbol: The Crab
Tarot Card: The Chariot
Perfect Match: Scorpio
Crystals: Rose Quartz, Amythest, Citrine
Leo♌️ (July 23 – August 22)
Leos—you know ’em, you love ’em, you want to be them. (Or at least raid their closet). These cosmic cats love a good roar. Confident, bright, and beautiful, Leos are determined to leave a long-lasting impression on anyone they meet.
These fixed fire signs are reliable and ready to throw themselves head-first into whatever life crisis, last-minute work presentation, or BFF emergency that presents itself. (And obviously, shine brighter than ever).
Mode + Element: Fixed Fire
Ruling Planet: Sun
Symbol: The Lion
Tarot Card: Strength
Perfect Match: Sagittarius
Crystals: Ruby, Sunstone, Fire Agate
Virgo ♍️ (August 23 – September 22)
Who run the world? Virgos. These critical perfectionists do not accept anything less than their (very high) standards. Often a little judgmental and definitely stuck in their routine, you don’t want to mess with a Virgo’s peace (not that they’d let you, anyway).
This mutable earth sign thrives on organization, keeping themselves busy by juggling work, friendships, romance, and self-care. It’s Virgo’s world; we’re all just living in it!
Mode + Element: Mutable Earth
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: The Maiden
Tarot Card: The Hermit
Perfect Match: Capricorn
Crystals: Malachite, White Opal, Brown Jasper
Libra♎️ (September 23 – October 22)
Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, rules over this cardinal air sign; how could they not be made for the spotlight? Libra energy is majestic, airy, and seriously gorgeous. To a Libra, life is all about balance, balance, balance (the scales of justice are making more sense now).
Often overcome by their outward beauty, we forget that Libras are passionate peacemakers that believe in equal opportunity and social justice. Talk about beauty and brains!
Mode + Element: Cardinal Air
Ruling Planet: Venus
Symbol: The Scales
Tarot Card: Justice
Perfect Match: Aries
Crystals: Lapis Lazuli, Aquamarine, Opal
Scorpio♏️ (October 23 – November 21)
How does having the same sun sign as SZA, Kris Jenner, and Penn Badgley feel? Yup, you’re superior. These fixed water signs are vengeful, protective, andddd just a little bit *spicy*. These possessive scorpions are most likely spending their Friday night internet stalking your ex and wondering why you haven’t deleted that photo of them from 2012.
Scorpios love an air of mystery, butyou better skip the small talk because this water sign wants to get deeep. Scorpios are alluring, in and out of the bedroom. Their emotional depth, irresistible energy, and moody tides will pull you in again, and again.
Mode + Element: Fixed Water
Ruling Planet: Pluto
Symbol: The Scorpion
Tarot Card: Death
Perfect Match: Pisces
Crystals: Orange Sunstone, Red Jasper, Clear Quartz
Sagittarius♐️ (November 22 – December 21)
*Cough* *Cough* Sag can’t come to work because they’re sick (aka going on their 10th vacation this year). These worldly, travel-obsessed mutable fire signs can never stay in one place for too long. And we love that for them! They are optimistic archers who crave adventure, spontaneity, and, above all else, freedom.
Free advice: the key to securing a date with a Sagittarius? Give them space (or book them a solo trip to Europe).
Mode + Element: Mutable Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Symbol: The Archer
Tarot Card: Temperance
Perfect Match: Libra
Crystals: Rose Quartz, Carnelian, Blue Topaz
Capricorn♑️ (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorns are bosses of the zodiac. They play hard, but only because they work even harder. These sea-goats are ambitious workaholics who are determined to be the most successful person in the room.
This cardinal earth sign values luxury and a lavish lifestyle, so they don’t mind a couple of extra hours at the office; they actually enjoy it!
Mode + Element: Cardinal Earth
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Symbol: The Sea Goat
Tarot Card: The Devil
Perfect Match: Taurus
Crystals: Garnet, Emerald, Jet
Aquarius♒️ (January 20 – February 18)
There’s no one quite like them. Yep, we’re looking at you, Aquarius. These air signs love to debate (and win), let their curiosity run wild (you know aliens exist, right?), and are passionate AF about their community (get ready to join the latest revolution).
Aquarius season begins in the middle of winter, which means this sign is somewhat stubborn and “fixed” in their ways. If you’re trying to woo an Aquarius, put down the flowers and pick up a book!
Mode + Element: Fixed Air
Ruling Planet: Saturn & Uranus
Symbol: The Water Bearer
Tarot Card: The Star
Perfect Match: Gemini
Crystals: Amethyst, Moonstone, Garnet
Pisces♓️ (February 19 – March 20)
Pisces is the 12th and final sign of the zodiac. These witchy wonders are intuitive, sensitive, and constantly soul-searching. As a mutable water sign, Pisces is continuously torn between their two ruling planets and can never decide between getting to work or staying in bed all day (relatable).
Romantic and whimsical at heart, sliding up on a Pisces’ insta story won’t impress them. Try planning a thoughtful date night instead.
Mode + Element: Mutable Water
Ruling Planet: Jupiter & Neptune
Symbol: The Two Fish
Tarot Card: The Moon
Perfect Match: Cancer
Crystals: Bloodstone, Fluorite, Jasper
FAQs:
What Is Astrology?
Britannica defines astrology as “a type of divination that involves the forecasting of earthly and human events through the observation and interpretation of the fixed stars, the Sun, the Moon, and the planets.” Astrology studies discover how the stars, planets, and constellations affect our daily lives.
What Is a Horoscope?
A horoscope is an interpretation based on astrology. A horoscope can provide insight into your life, relationships, friendships, work, personality, etc. It’s sometimes regarded as a forecast of the future.
How Can I Find My Birth Chart?
When calculating your birth chart, knowing your exact birth time is crucial. Otherwise, your chart won’t be accurate. Sites like Astro.com make it incredibly easy (and free) to calculate and view your birth chart!
What Are Astrological Houses?
There are 12 astrological houses arranged in chart/wheel formation. The astrological house wheel is entirely separate from the zodiac wheel. While the zodiac wheel is based on the ecliptic plane, the house wheel is based on Earth’s 24-hour rotation around its axis. Planets fall within a specific zodiac sign but also a particular house.
For example, you could have an Aries sun sign (meaning the sun was in Aries at the time of your birth), but whatever house your Aries sun sign falls into can indicate very different traits.
Are Zodiac Sign Traits Accurate?
Yes and no. Obviously, any sign can have any personality trait, and the most common characteristics of your sign may not coincide with you! These are simply the most common traits associated with each sign and may present differently in everyone.
Looking to the stars for more fun? Check out how to Set the Mood Based on Your Zodiac Sign or explore our Ultimate Astrology Gift Guide for the upcoming Virgo szn!
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