Zodiac Signs Dates, Compatibility & Meanings
If you are interested in Astrology and wonder where you should start exploring its numerous fields, it would be good to start with learning about traits of the 12 zodiac signs. Knowledge on their nature, benefits and challenges, will help you greatly in any further astrological research, as you start discovering the world of planets and houses set in these signs.
About The 12 Zodiac Signs
- Zodiac signs represent the division of the zodiacal circle into twelve equal parts, starting from the point where the Sun located at the beginning of spring. This means that no sign is defined by any constellation, but by pure geometrical approach based on the seasons of the year. Each astrological sign takes full 30 degrees of a circle and represents the beginning, the continuity or the end of one season. If you imagine each season as breathing of time, you will see it breathe in where the cardinal sign is set, hold breathe with fixed quality, and exhale through mutable signs.So spring will begin in Aries, find its full bloom in the fixed sign of Taurus, and slowly end in Gemini, followed by the next cardinal sign to represent the first breath of summer – Cancer. The quality of the signs reflects on their character and everything they have to offer to us through planets or house cusps found inside them.
When a certain quality combines with one of the four elements, a special nature is born, specific and unique. Each of the twelve signs represents one attitude, a character’s bunch of desires, and convictions in relation to other people, oneself and life. This is why our Sun sign will tell a lot about our character and will, while in-depth personal interpretations show each human as a unique individual, with numerous traits connected into one whole, different from all others.
The Basics
Astrology is based on planetary positions projected to the ecliptic belt in the moment of birth. It is an analysis of the image of the sky and allows you to figure out one’s fears, flaw, tastes and qualities. Learning about each Sun sign helps us understand the nature of each sign itself and makes it easier to set up a good basis for any sort of personal chart analysis. No matter which celestial body is in a certain sign, knowing the sign’s characteristics through the Sun sign will help us connect any planetary nature with it. To start understanding each individual sign’s nature, it is wise to start with understanding the elements.
There are four basic elements in nature – Earth, Water, Fire and Air. Each one of the twelve signs of the zodiac belongs to a certain element, and each of the elements represents one form of energy that we need to feel and build our character on.
Should We Put Our Faith in Astrology?
It is clear that no person can predict the future with absolute certainty, and it is important to keep in mind that the role of astrology isn’t simply to make predictions to begin with. Its goal is to help one understand their own personality better, with all of its shades and colors. It will help us meet our light and dark side, giving us the ability to recognize our weaknesses and strengths and use them for our own well-being and the well-being of those around us.
Astrology finds its foundation in the law of synchronicity, meaning that it relies on the fact that many levels of existence coincide with one another and intertwine in their meanings and manifestations. Accuracy of predictions in astrology is dependent only on one’s openness and the ability of the human brain to decipher all of the mathematical, geometrical symbolism that goes far beyond our comprehension ability and into a sphere of the unknown. Once you start observing astrology with real depth, it becomes clear that human error is the only error in the way it works.
As a pseudo-science, astrology is often linked to superstition and this is not surprising when you realize that there is no filter in one’s education or intellectual abilities that would help improve its overall image. Most of the information we get from media is superficial at best and in many cases unfounded and unethically written or said. The true value of Astrology hides in its explanation of the way the world “works”, helping us establish patterns that should be changed, and understand that there is no such things as coincidence. Everything in our lives happens for a reason, and if we only use astrology to become aware of this fact, it has already done so much for us.
Astrology Definitions
Zodiac – is another word coming from Ancient Greek’s “zoidiakos kyklos”, meaning “the circle of little animals”. It represents a wheel of twelve signs filled with projections of celestial bodies that can be read with knowledge of the special language of astrology.
Horoscope – is literally translated to “watching of time” or “time-observer”. We use it as a pointer to the zodiacal circle and everything in it, as well as reading of the chart itself and the ability to use astrology. It links astrology to the importance of time, and points to its predictive techniques and our ability to see the balance of all things in time.
Astrology – is a term from Ancient Greek that translates to knowledge, or teaching about stars. It is based on the law of synchronicity and states that planets, the Sun, the Moon and other celestial bodies are all individual forces of life with certain characteristics. They carry information that can help us improve the quality of our lives and understand the ways of the world.
Elements in Astrology
As mentioned previously, there are twelve zodiac signs grouped into four elements that are essential for human life. Each element has its own atmosphere and qualities that will gather three signs of the zodiac into one group to help us understand their characteristics and personality traits
The Element of Air (Aquarius, Libra, Gemini)
In a way, the element of Air can be considered mysterious because it cannot be seen and touched, but our lives depend on it nonetheless and it is essential for every creature on Earth. Its movements are quick and unpredictable, and signs made of this element are free, fast and point to independency and the element of surprise. People born with their Sun in one of the Air signs are social, eloquent and oriented to their mental processes. Their speed will distance them from emotional depth and often make them detached and unrealistic as if earthly matters are too far from them to be handled. We may call these people thinkers, for they rely greatly on the power of their mind. They will enjoy reading, discovering interesting new information and social gatherings. On the downside they can be superficial and too quick to judge.
Aquarius is a fixed Air sign that speaks of inevitability of change. It is a carrier of originality and ideas, one more related to the power of the mind. It speaks of our constant ability to be in touch with the Universe and the field of universal knowledge. People born with the Sun in this sign can be too erratic and unfocused, lost in their constant buzz. They will absorb more than they can metabolize and often turn to any form of humanitarian work just to handle the troubles of humanity in an acceptable manner, for they already see the world the way it should be.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityThe sign of Libra is an Air sign with a Cardinal quality, making people born with the Sun in it potentially innovative and incredibly open for new things. Libras bring balance and harmony into our lives, much faster than their indecisiveness will let you believe. Their main problem is the fall of the Sun in their sign as they need to come to terms with their role of announcers of autumn, the season when all things are dying down. If they accept their personality in all its glory, they become joyful but calm, those few able to mend any relationship or conflict.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityThe sign of Gemini is a mutable sign belonging to the element of Air. This makes it the least stable of all signs of the zodiac and people born with the Sun in Gemini can be hard to follow. They are always looking for something new and exciting, never having enough incredible experiences that will satisfy their craving for information and socializing. Their life seems like a search for something or someone to complete them and excite them enough so they can find peace. They need room to explore and show their intellectual and verbal magnificence daily.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityThe Element of Earth (Capricorn, Virgo, Taurus)
Earth is concrete, visible, touchable and we can even smell it. It employs all of our senses and is composed, fixed and solid. Not prone to change for centuries or under influence of one of the other elements, this is the element of specific, unchangeable things that can be used in our material reality. All signs that belong to it are practical and turned to the material essence of existence. No Earth sign representative will settle for empty words or promises, expecting things to be touchable and real if they are to commit to them. Down to Earth just like their element would suggest, these individuals are good to be around when you need something done. They can be conservative if they lose sight of progress or get scared of time passing by. Loyal friends of substance that will never let you down, these are the exact people you need to put any plan into action and feel secure about the outcome.
The sign of Capricorn is the last Earth sign that opens us up to other worlds, everything that comes “after” and represents our strongest, inevitable faith. Cardinal quality in Capricorn individuals makes them strangely open for change, however closed up they might be for any sort of innovations along the way. Once they find a method that works, they will rarely change it but this doesn’t mean they won’t try many new things, often in secrecy out of fear of failure or making a mistake. Serious workers and career chasers, these individuals know how to reach point B from point A and are valuable as leaders and managers.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityVirgo is a mutable Earth sign, representing soil that is not that tough and stiff as you always expect from Earth. In general, those born with the Sun in Virgo are less set in their ways than other Earth signs, but still have trouble remaining that flexible attitude when it comes to matters of the heart and their own emotional needs. They took the best from the earthly world though, as reliable and caring, while at the same time changeable enough to be fun to be with. They need to let emotions lead the way from time to time in order to achieve true inner state of satisfaction.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityAmong the Earth signs, Taurus is the most stable because of its fixed quality. This can make individuals born with the Sun in it quite rigid, stubborn and unmovable, quite irritating to those marked by the element of Air. These individuals are wise, nurturing and reliable, with a mission to find physical satisfaction in this lifetime. They build a solid foundation for each relationship they commit to and won’t settle for any sort of material insecurity or fear. They need a strong basis to have some fun and enjoy their deeply calm and emotional nature. Seemingly clingy and tied up, they can be perfect companions in the long run.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityThe Element of Fire (Sagittarius, Leo, Aries)
Fire may seem harmful because it burns, but it also keeps us warm and though our fiery Sun – gives us life. Its movements are not easily predicted no more than those of Air, and people born with the Sun in one of the Fire signs are temperamental and let their mind carry their fiery emotions where it may. If they get in touch with finer, emotional nature within, these individuals can use their great energy to create and initiate beauty, love and childish joy in the world. They are passionate and impulsive, often unaware of their sensitivity, and may turn to anger quickly if they get hurt. However, they forgive and forget as fast as they burn and never hold a grudge for too long. Adventurous and energetic, individuals that belong to Fire need to stay on the move, inspiring and sharing their energy and respect with other people. Passionate about everything they do while very self-aware, it is good to have them on your team as you strive for greatness.
The sign of Sagittarius is the Fire that is out of our reach, mutable in quality and really hard to grasp on. People born with their Sun in this sign are idealistic and always striving for more, aiming higher and higher, reaching for the sky. Representing the end of one season, a Sagittarius is the gentlest of all Fire signs, just like fire that goes out slowly, with all the work done and left behind. Philosophic and idealists, these individuals seem to be the closest to the element of Air and often pair with Air individuals for they seem to help them breathe.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityJust like a middle child among the Fire signs, Leo craves to be the center of attention to everyone around. Belonging to the sign of fixed quality, they represent the personality that is proud and constant, with little room for change. This can make Leo representatives a tad difficult, for they have deep seeded, passionate respect for who they are and are often unaware of the requests of society and other people. Ruled by the Sun, Leo is passion and creativity in its most stable unchangeable form, giving balance to the Universe as we know it.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityThat temperamental trait of individuals born with the Sun in the element of Fire is best seen in a young Aries. They are dynamic and full of energy, often forgetting to slow down, look into the past for some answers and learn from their experiences. Filled with enthusiasm and childish, an Aries is a true leader that will be able to spark your inner fire in no time. When active enough and focused on ways to focus their energy on their true goals, these people are representatives of Fire in its purest and controlled form.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityThe Element of Water (Pisces, Scorpio, Cancer)
Water is the element that is a little easier to grasp even though it still holds so much mystery to it. Its movements are more predictable and slow than those of Air and Fire, but its depths are unknown and hard to reach for all of humanity. Water can be dark and silent, but it is also refreshing and cold, filled with emotion and genetic inheritance in its core. People born with the Sun in this element are sensitive and compassionate, capable to understand motives and needs of those around them. When hurt, they tend to close their hearts and can be too dramatic in reflecting on actions of those they see as aggressors. Caring, helpful and empathetic, these individuals are capable of real intimacy and devotion, followed by profound emotions. Be careful around your watery types for they are what helps you grow and supports you on your path for as long as they are nurtured and cherished in return
The sign of Pisces is a mutable Water sign and represents the deepest oceans in their whole glory. Wide, lost, floating on the surface of the seas, those born with the Sun in Pisces often have trouble discovering their mission and their true path in life. This is a sign of hidden talents, those that aren’t approved by one’s family, and as such it can be the cause of suffering and feelings of incompetence. Spiritual and sensitive, these people are great missionaries with a cause to follow and a talent to share with the rest of the world.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityScorpio is a fixed Water sign. Slippery and dark, this is a sign of all dark places, dirty rivers that need to be cleansed and ancestors that brought us where we are today. Those born with this Sun sign are intense as they carry memories of their entire family tree on their skin, and have a task to overcome emotional challenges of those that are long gone. In their “underground activities”, digging through their subconscious, these individuals will find pools of greatest energy this planet has, like rivers of lava that burn their way through the stone.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityAs a cardinal representative of the element of Water, the sign of Cancer is compassionate and caring on first impulse. Without overthinking, those born with the Sun in Cancer will be supportive and caring, with an open mind and heart for all human differences. Once they get hurt, these people close their hearts and become overprotective of those they still love, or their country and their home. Unaware of the lack of danger that lurks around the corner, they can get too attached to their home and even become afraid of leaving it or letting go of their memories.
Zodiac Horoscope CompatibilityCompatibility & Relationship Astrology
To start off, the first thing we need to learn when it comes to relationship astrology and compatibility of the zodiac signs, is that there are no incompatible signs. There are those with more or less easy flow of energy, those that have troubles that need to be overcome and those that have an easy way out, but they are all good in their own way. Lack of compatibility won’t necessarily mean that two people aren’t capable to get along just fine, it will just point to their challenges and possible conflicts that need to be overcome. Those that are highly compatible will have less trouble finding one, shared language and understanding each other.
When analyzing compatibility of two individuals, we will rarely stick only to their Sun sign compatibility. To define real potential and challenges of a certain relationship, we need to have two natal charts combined through synastry and other methods, that will help us realize where weaknesses and strengths of the relationship lie. Relationship astrology can help us find a better understanding for a person standing in front of us and has great value in our personal evolution.
Mayan Astrology
Mayan astrology is one of the independent ancient astrology branches, based on the Mayan calendar also called Tzolkin. Determined by the intangible evolution of creation and cosmos’ energy, this calendar has thirteen Galactic numbers and twenty day signs – solar tribes. The calendar has 260 days and astrological interpretations are based on their belief that we have to be aligned with the universal energy in order to obtain harmony and peace in our lives.
Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology is known as Indian or Hindu astrology for it is basically recognized as Jyotisha which represents traditional astronomy and astrology systems of the East. Vedic astrology uses sidereal zodiac, fixed in space and tied to the fixed star Spika that defines the opposing point of the beginning of Aries. This eastern approach can help us discover our inevitable fate and turn us towards better understanding of our karma and our everlasting Soul.
Celtic Animal Signs
A very special astrological approach is seen in Celtic astrology, for unlike any other it is based on the affiliation and prominence of the full Moon inside each segment of a lunar year. Similar to Western approach, Celtic is focused on monthly atmosphere. Honoring the rhythms of Nature, seasons are determining the flavor of the environment represented through a certain animal.
December 24 – January 20 is symbolized by deer or stag.
January 21 – February 17 is symbolized by cat.
February 18 – March 17 is symbolized by snake or adder.
March 18 – April 14 is symbolized by fox.
April 15 – May 12 is symbolized by bull or cow.
May 13 – June 9 is symbolized by seahorse.
June 10 – July 7 is symbolized by wren.
July 8 – August 4 is symbolized by horse.
August 5 – September 1 is symbolized by salmon.
September 2 – September 20 is symbolized by swan.
September 30 – October 27 is symbolized by butterfly.
October 28 – November 24 is symbolized by hound or wolf.
November 25 – December 23 is symbolized by hawk.
Chinese Zodiac Signs
Chinese astrology is a special approach that has been developing independently of other astrology directions in time. It is considered invented by the Han Dynasty because their rule brought it to light and made its development possible. On the other hand, it is considered one of the oldest astrology approaches in the world. In Chinese astrology, there are twelve signs that are symbols for particular years, and those are – Tiger, Horse, Dog, Monkey, Pig, Sheep, Ox, Rooster, Snake, Dragon, Rabbit and Rat. Just like the elements in Western astrology define characteristics of the signs, Chinese approach speaks of five elements – metal, earth, fire, wood and water. The main atmosphere is presented by the year of someone’s birth and each animal has its own set of traits.
Boar is sociable, optimistic, philanthropic, sincere, and honorable.
Dog is diligent, sociable, steady, courageous, and loyal.
Rooster is flexible, intelligent, diverse, flamboyant, and energetic.
Monkey is smart, charming, quick-witted, versatile, and lucky.
Sheep is calm, intuitive, elegant, warm, and sensitive.
Horse is strong, intelligent, courageous, loyal, and adaptable.
Snake is decisive, elegant, intelligent, philosophical, and attentive.
Dragon is charismatic, artistic, eccentric, lucky, and flexible.
Rabbit is sociable, diplomatic, empathic, caretakers, and sincere.
Tiger is charismatic, leadership, courageous, confidence, and enthusiastic.
Ox is determined, reasonable, strong, loyal, and steady.
Rat is artistic, quick-witted, intelligent, sociable, and adaptable.