The signs of the zodiac

Signs of the Zodiac

The signs of the zodiac, usually simply referred to as signs, are by far the most recognizable symbols of astrology. They represent the characteristics of 12 archetypal personalities that are based on the zodiac (from the Greek, “circle of animals”). The zodiac is a band of 12 constellations (groups of fixed stars) through which the Sun appears to pass in its apparent annual journey around the Earth. Understanding the symbolism of the signs of the zodiac can help you understand your personal style, attitudes, and approach to life.

Symbolism and Characteristics

Each sign takes its astrological symbolism and characteristics from the time of year when the Sun is moving through that sign. For instance, the Sun is in Aries (March 21 – April 19) at the vernal equinox, the beginning of a new annual cycle of planting and growth. As the first sign of spring, and of the zodiac, Aries represents new beginnings. For farmers and gardeners, this is an important time of year to prepare the soil for new seeds with metal implements and hard work; thus, Aries is ruled by the planet Mars, ruler of physical work, and both Aries and Mars have a strong astrological association with metal.

As befits the first sign of the zodiac, Aries people are said to be natural leaders who have the courage to try new things. Aries is the genus name for sheep, and people born when the Sun is in this sign are believed to share the ram’s characteristics of potency and jumping into situations head-first. The symbol used to represent Aries in the astrology chart (see table) looks like a ram’s horns. .

Your Sun Sign

Popular horoscope features in newspapers and magazines are based on the signs of the zodiac, and specifically on the sign through which the Sun appeared to be moving at the time of your birth. This is what is meant when someone refers to “your sign.” The Sun sign is considered important because the Sun is the most powerful single object in our sky, so the sign where it is located at your birth is considered the single most powerful influence in your birth chart and in your life. Understanding your Sun sign is a good place to begin to understand your personality and most powerful motivations.

What Your Sun Sign Means About You

The Sun moves through the entire zodiac in just about one year, staying in a single sign for about 28 – 30 days. The Sun Sign represents the dominant themes of your life. It may describe personality characteristics based on the symbolism and characteristics of the sign that the Sun is in. The prominence of these traits may be modified by the other planets or by the house placement of the Sun at the time of your birth, or especially the sign on the Ascendant of the horoscope.

How to Find Your Sun Sign

You can find your Sun sign by locating your birthday in the table below. If you are born on a day when the Sun enters or leaves a sign, you will have to have an astrology chart calculated for the time and place of your birth to determine which sign the Sun was on the day of your birth. (Calculate your birth chart for free at http://www.astro.com)

Sign	Sun Sign Dates	Symbol	Motto	Characteristics	Ruling Planet
Aries (The Ram)	March 21 – April 19		“I Am”	energetic, impatient, impulsive, athletic	Mars
Taurus (The Bull)	April 20 – May 20		“I Have”	patient, methodical, determined	Venus
Gemini (The Twins)	May 21 – June 21		“I think”	curious, restless, communicative	Mercury
Cancer (The Crab)	June 22 – July 22		“I Feel”	sensitive, protective, indirect	The Moon
Leo (The Lion)	July 23 – August 22		“I Will”	proud, willful, expressive	The Sun
Virgo (The Virgin)	August 23 – September 22		“I Analyze”	analytical, critical, detail-oriented	Mercury
Libra (The Scales)	September 23 – October 22		“I Balance”	strategic, diplomatic, artistic	Venus
Scorpio (The Scorpion)	October 23 – November 21		“I Create”	sensitive, passionate, loyal	Mars/ Pluto
Sagittarius (The Archer)	November 22 – December 21		“I Perceive”	adventurous, independent, trailblazing	Jupiter
Capricorn (The Goat)	December 22 – January 19		“I Use”	responsible, authoritative	Saturn
Aquarius (The Water Bearer)	January 20 – February 18		“I Know”	nonconformist, opinionated, friendly	Saturn/ Uranus
Pisces (The Fishes)	February 19 – March 20		“I Believe”	inutitive, poetic, spiritual	Jupiter/ Neptune