The 12 zodiac signs: dates and traits
What defines each sign, which element and modality it belongs to and which planet rules it. And why your Sun sign is only one part of your birth chart.
4 min read · Updated
What the zodiac signs are
“Twelve different ways of expressing energy.”
The zodiac is the band of sky through which the Sun, Moon and planets move. In Western astrology it is divided into twelve signs of 30 degrees each, starting with Aries at the March equinox (the tropical zodiac).
Your "sign" is where the Sun was when you were born, but in your natal chart every planet and the ascendant sit in a sign. That is why two people with the same Sun sign can be very different.
- Four elements: fire, earth, air and water
- Three modalities: cardinal, fixed and mutable
- Each sign has a ruling planet
Fire signs: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius
Enthusiasm, initiative, passion and confidence.
♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Cardinal sign ruled by Mars. Brave, direct, impulsive and pioneering: loves to start, compete and lead the way.
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Fixed sign ruled by the Sun. Generous, creative, proud and charismatic: needs to shine, express itself and be recognized.
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Mutable sign ruled by Jupiter. Optimistic, adventurous, honest and philosophical: seeks meaning, freedom and new horizons.
Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn
Realism, consistency, practicality and stability.
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Fixed sign ruled by Venus. Patient, sensual, loyal and persevering: values security, comfort and the pleasures of the senses.
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Mutable sign ruled by Mercury. Analytical, detail-oriented, helpful and perfectionist: likes to improve, organize and be useful.
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Cardinal sign ruled by Saturn. Ambitious, responsible, disciplined and patient: builds for the long term and seeks solid achievements.
Air signs: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
Ideas, communication, relationships and curiosity.
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Mutable sign ruled by Mercury. Curious, witty, versatile and communicative: needs to learn, talk and keep things varied.
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Cardinal sign ruled by Venus. Diplomatic, sociable, fair and aesthetic: seeks harmony, balance and partnership.
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Fixed sign ruled by Saturn. Original, independent, humanitarian and visionary: thinks about the future and the group.
Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
Sensitivity, intuition, empathy and emotional depth.
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Cardinal sign ruled by the Moon. Protective, sensitive, family-oriented and loyal: needs a home and secure emotional bonds.
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Fixed sign ruled by Mars. Intense, magnetic, private and transformative: always gets to the bottom of things.
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Mutable sign ruled by Jupiter. Compassionate, imaginative, intuitive and spiritual: feels and dreams easily.
Zodiac elements and modalities
Fire
- Cardinal (initiates)
- Aries
- Fixed (sustains)
- Leo
- Mutable (adapts)
- Sagittarius
Earth
- Cardinal (initiates)
- Capricorn
- Fixed (sustains)
- Taurus
- Mutable (adapts)
- Virgo
Air
- Cardinal (initiates)
- Libra
- Fixed (sustains)
- Aquarius
- Mutable (adapts)
- Gemini
Water
- Cardinal (initiates)
- Cancer
- Fixed (sustains)
- Scorpio
- Mutable (adapts)
- Pisces
| Cardinal (initiates) | Fixed (sustains) | Mutable (adapts) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire | Aries | Leo | Sagittarius |
| Earth | Capricorn | Taurus | Virgo |
| Air | Libra | Aquarius | Gemini |
| Water | Cancer | Scorpio | Pisces |
Sign dates are approximate: the day the Sun changes sign varies by a day or two depending on the year.
Zodiac signs FAQ
The most common questions about the zodiac.
Your Sun sign is where the Sun was at birth (your horoscope sign); your Moon sign, where the Moon was; and your rising sign, the sign rising on the eastern horizon. They are the big three of the natal chart.
The Sun can only be in one sign. Calculating your chart with date, time and place tells you exactly whether it was at the end of one sign or the start of the next.
Generally, signs of the same element and of compatible elements (fire with air, earth with water). But real compatibility is studied by comparing full charts with synastry.
Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, tied to the seasons, which does not shift. Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, tied to the constellations, which is now offset by about 24 degrees.
Your Sun sign is just the beginning
Find out which signs your Moon, rising sign and other planets are in with your free birth chart.
Find my signs for freeNo credit card required. The natal chart is included in the free plan.