The Basics of Astrology: Understanding the 12 Zodiac Signs
The 12 zodiac signs are the foundation of astrology, and understanding them is key to interpreting your birth chart and understanding your personality. Each sign is represented by a symbol, such as the ram for Aries or the scales for Libra, and is associated with certain characteristics and traits. The signs are divided into four elements: fire, earth, air, and water, with each element representing a different personality type and approach to life.
The zodiac signs are also divided into three modalities, Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. The signs that are Cardinal are: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, they are considered initiators and are able to take action. The signs that are Fixed are: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, they are considered maintainers, they like to keep things as they are. The signs that are Mutable are: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, they are considered adaptable and able to go with the flow. Understanding the element and modality of a sign can help you understand its strengths and weaknesses, as well as how it interacts with other signs.
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ARIES : March 21st - April 19th
“I am”
Aries is the first astrological sign in the zodiac, represented by the ram. People born between March 21st and April 19th are considered Arians. Arians are known for their natural leadership and independent nature. They are also known for their energy, courage and determination. They are always eager to take on new challenges, and they are not afraid to take risks. Arians are confident and assertive, and they are not afraid to speak their minds. They are also known for their impulsiveness, and their desire for immediate results. Arians are very independent and self-reliant, but they also have a strong sense of loyalty to their friends and loved ones. They are also known to be very passionate and enthusiastic, and they have a strong desire to live life to the fullest.
Symbol: The Ram
Element: Fire
Modality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet : Mars
Energy: Courageous, Initiative, Confident, Independent, Ambitious,
Headstrong, Natural leader
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TAURUS : 20th April - 20th May
“I have”
Taurus is the second astrological sign in the zodiac, represented by the bull. People born between April 20th and May 20th are considered Taureans. Taureans are known for their strong will and determination, as well as their practical and reliable nature. They are also known for their love of comfort and luxury, and their appreciation of the finer things in life. Taureans are hardworking and patient, and they value stability and security in their lives. They can be stubborn at times, but they are also very loyal and dependable friends and partners. They have a strong sense of self and are not easily swayed by others. They are also known to be very sensual and enjoy the pleasures of the senses.
Symbol: The Bull
Element: Earth
Modality: Fixed
Ruling Planet : Venus
Energy: Practical, Reliable, Responsible, Supportive, Stubborn, Enduring, Consistent
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GEMINI : 21st May - 20th June
“I think”
Gemini is the third astrological sign in the zodiac, represented by the twins. People born between May 21st and June 20th are considered Geminis. Geminis are known for their intelligence, adaptability and versatility. They are curious and always eager to learn new things. They have a great sense of humor and they enjoy socializing and interacting with others. Geminis are great communicators and they are able to express themselves well, both verbally and in writing. They are also known for their ability to see both sides of a situation, which makes them great at problem-solving. Geminis can be a bit indecisive, as they are easily swayed by different perspectives, but they are also known for their ability to multitask and juggle multiple projects at once. They are very curious, and they enjoy exploring new places, people, and ideas.
Symbol: The Twins
Element: Air
Modality: Mutable
Ruling Planet : Mercury
Energy: Communicative, Curious, Adventurous, Capricious, Clever, Restless, Dual-natured
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CANCER: June 21st - July 22nd
“I feel”
Cancer is the fourth astrological sign in the zodiac, represented by the crab. People born between June 21st and July 22nd are considered Cancers. Cancers are known for their emotional depth, empathy, and strong intuition. They are very family-oriented and place a high value on home and security. They are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, and they are also known for their nurturing and caring nature. They are intuitive and can read people's emotions easily. They are also known for their moodiness, as their emotions can be changeable and at times overwhelming. They are fiercely loyal and protective of their loved ones, and they will go to great lengths to keep their loved ones safe and happy.
Symbol: The Crab
Element: Water
Modality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: The Moon
Energy: Nurturing, Emotional, Protective, Sensitive, Caring, Sentimental, Family- oriented
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LEO: 23rd July - 22nd August
“I express”
Leo is the fifth astrological sign in the zodiac, represented by the lion. People born between July 23rd and August 22nd are considered Leos. Leos are known for their confidence, courage and leadership abilities. They are natural born leaders and often excel in positions of authority. They are outgoing, warm-hearted and generous, and they enjoy being the center of attention. They are also known for their creativity and self-expression, often expressing themselves through the arts. They have a strong sense of self and are not easily swayed by others. They are also known for their loyalty, and they have a strong sense of pride and a deep need for recognition and validation. They can be a bit arrogant, but they are also very generous and big-hearted.
Symbol: The Lion
fire - fixed
Ruling Planet - The Sun
Regal, Proud, Loyal, Fierce, Brave, Charismatic, Strong
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VIRGO: 23 August - 22 September
“I analyze”
Virgo is the sixth astrological sign in the Zodiac, represented by the symbol of the virgin. People born between August 23rd and September 22nd are considered to be Virgos. This sign is known for its intelligence, attention to detail, and practicality. Virgos are often referred to as perfectionists and are known for their hardworking and methodical nature. They have a great ability to analyze situations and are often known for their problem-solving skills. Virgos are also known for their reliability and loyalty, making them great friends and partners. They tend to be quite reserved and can be shy, but they are also known for their good communication skills. They are often drawn to careers that involve helping others, such as healthcare or education.
Symbol: The Maiden
Element: Earth
Modality: Mutable
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Energy: Analytical, Perfectionist, Helpful, Detail-oriented, Efficient, Simplicity
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LIBRA: 23rd September - 22nd October
“I balance”
Libra is the seventh astrological sign in the Zodiac, represented by the symbol of the scales. People born between September 23rd and October 22nd are considered to be Libras. This sign is known for its charm, diplomacy, and sociability. Libras are often referred to as "people pleasers" and are known for their ability to balance and harmonize different perspectives. They are great at bringing people together and are known for their ability to see both sides of an argument. Libras are also known for their love of beauty and art, and they often have a great sense of style. They are very friendly and outgoing, and they enjoy being around other people. They make great partners and friends, as they are known for their fairness and sense of balance. They are also known for their indecision and can struggle with making decisions. Libras are often drawn to careers in the arts, design, and justice.
Symbol: The Scales
Element: Air
Modality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Venus
Energy: Diplomatic, Balanced, Charming, Compromising, Harmonious
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SCORPIO: 23 October - 21 November
“I transform”
Scorpio is the eighth astrological sign in the Zodiac, represented by the symbol of the scorpion. People born between October 23rd and November 21st are considered to be Scorpios. This sign is known for its intensity, passion, and resilience. Scorpios are often referred to as mysterious and are known for their strong emotions and powerful personalities. They are known for their determination and resourcefulness, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Scorpios are also very private individuals and can sometimes come across as distant or aloof. However, they are also known for their loyalty and devotion to those they care about. They are also known for their sharp intuition and ability to read people well. They can be quite jealous and possessive in relationships, but also very loving and protective. Scorpios are often drawn to careers in research, investigation, and psychology.
Symbol: The Scorpion
Element: Water
Modality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Mars and Pluto
Energy: Passionate, Secretive, Sexual, Intense, Deep, Powerful, Transformative
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SAGITTARIUS: 22 November - 21 December
“I see”
Sagittarius is the ninth astrological sign in the Zodiac, represented by the symbol of the archer. People born between November 22nd and December 21st are considered to be Sagittarians. This sign is known for its adventurous spirit, optimism, and sense of humor. Sagittarians are often referred to as free-spirits and are known for their love of travel, exploring new cultures, and seeking new experiences. They are known for their positive outlook and can-do attitude, and they approach life with a sense of excitement and curiosity. They are also known for their independence and dislike of being tied down. They are very honest and direct, sometimes to a fault, and can come across as blunt or tactless. They are also known for their love of philosophy and religion. Sagittarians are often drawn to careers in travel, education, and writing.
Symbol: The Archer
Element: Fire
Modality: Mutable
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Energy: Philosophical, Truth Seekers, Visionary, Independent, Honest, Optimistic
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CAPRICORN: 22 December - 20 January
“I utilize”
Capricorn is the tenth astrological sign in the Zodiac, represented by the symbol of the goat. People born between December 22nd and January 19th are considered to be Capricorns. This sign is known for its ambition, practicality and determination. Capricorns are often referred to as hardworking and disciplined, they are known for their drive to achieve success and status in their career. They are known for their determination to reach their goals and their ability to maintain focus and stay the course. They can come across as serious and reserved, but also dependable and reliable. They value tradition and responsibility, and often strive for a sense of stability and security in their life. They are also known for their good sense of humor and ability to laugh at themselves. They are often drawn to careers in business, finance, and politics.
Symbol: The Goat
Element: Earth
Modality: Cardinal
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Energy: Hardworking, Calculating, Responsible, Achieving, Ambitious, Realistic, Authoritative
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AQUARIUS: 21st January - 18th February
“I know”
Aquarius is the eleventh astrological sign in the Zodiac, represented by the symbol of the water-bearer. People born between January 20th and February 18th are considered to be Aquarians. This sign is known for its individuality, intelligence, and non-conformity. Aquarians are often referred to as "free thinkers" and are known for their unique perspective, open-mindedness and originality. They are known for their independent spirit and dislike of being tied down by conventional norms and expectations. They value freedom and individuality, and have a strong sense of social justice and equality. They are also known for their ability to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to problems. They are often very sociable and enjoy being around other people, but can also be quite eccentric and unpredictable. They are often drawn to careers in science, technology, and social activism.
Symbol: The Water Bearer
Element: Air
Modality: Fixed
Ruling Planet: Saturn and Uranus
Energy: Social, Revolutionary, Innovative, Detached, Unconventional, Rebellious, Intellectual
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PISCES: 19th February - 19 March
“I believe”
Pisces is the twelfth and final astrological sign in the Zodiac, represented by the symbol of two fish tied together swimming in opposite directions. People born between February 19th and March 20th are considered to be Pisceans. This sign is known for its sensitivity, empathy, and creativity. Pisceans are often referred to as "old souls" and are known for their deep emotions and intuition. They are known for their vivid imagination and artistic talent, and they often have a strong connection to music, dance, and other forms of artistic expression. They are also known for their compassion and understanding towards others, and they make great listeners and counselors. They can be quite intuitive and able to pick up on the emotions and thoughts of others. They can also be quite dreamy and can sometimes struggle with staying grounded in reality. They are often drawn to careers in the arts, poetry, and spiritual pursuits.
Symbol: The Fishes
Element: Water
Modality: Mutable
Ruling Planet - Jupiter and Neptune
Energy: Compassionate, Dreamy, Empathetic, Creative, Sensitive, Evasive, Spiritual, Romantic