HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The Complete Guide to

Zodiac Signs and Their
Meanings
From passionate Aries to psychic Pisces,
unlock the secrets of the stars.

By Maressa Brown | Updated on March 21, 2023

When you )rst dip your toe into astrology,

whether by reading your horoscope or
researching your new crush's zodiac sign,
chances are you're learning all about a
sun sign. The big, bright, gleaming celestial
body spends approximately four weeks in
each of the 12 zodiac signs, and your
birthdate can (usually) guide you toward
the sun sign you were born under.
November 12 babies — solid Scorpios.
Field tons of "HBD" texts on May 4? You're
a Taurus.

Your sun sign can tell you about your

con)dence, self-esteem, self-image, sense
of self, and identity. It'll also inRuence your
life path. But it's just one detail of your
overall astrological pro)le, referred to as a
natal chart (or birth chart). (You can get
one from an astrologer or by plugging your
info into an online service such as
astrology.com.) Your chart serves as a
glimpse of not just the sun but also the
moon and the planets' placements in the
sky at the speci)c moment you were born.
It also takes the vantage point from your
birth location into consideration.

RELATED: What Your Moon Sign Means About

Your Personality and Life Path

All these layers mean, for example, you

could have been born with your sun in
relationship-and balance-loving Libra but
when you were born, Mercury, which rules
how you communicate, was in the sign
that's opposite Libra — argumentative,
competitive Aries. So you might feel a
push-pull between how you express
yourself and your sense of self, and
therefore, you're )ercer and more
assertive than an airy Libra. Rep.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (known as AOC)
is a perfect example of a Libra, as her
moon (astrological emotional compass) is
in Aries, while her Venus (which affects her
relationship style) and ascendant (which
inRuences her outward impression) are in
un)ltered, philosophical Sagittarius.

In short, we each have our own

individualized "astrological DNA," which
features a unique combo of astrology signs
spread across the sky. Here, a complete
guide zodiac sign dates and an overview
of each zodiac sign's meaning, including
characteristics of each astrology sign you'll
want to bear in mind as you explore your
birth chart.

Zodiac Sign Dates

If you're wondering what your zodiac sign
is, see where your birthday falls in the 12
zodiac sign dates below. If you happened
to be born on a day when the sun switches
from one astrology sign to another —
called a cusp — you'll need your birth time
to pinpoint your sun sign.

Aries : March 21 - April 19

Taurus : April 20 - May 20

Gemini : May 21 - June 20

Cancer : June 21 - July 22

Leo : July 23 - August 22

Virgo : August 23 - September 22

Libra : September 23 - October 22

Scorpio : October 23 - November 21

Sagittarius : November 22 -
December 21

Capricorn : December 22 - January

19

Aquarius : January 20 - February 18

Pisces : February 19 - March 20

The Elements,
Quadruplicities, and Houses
First, a quick primer on terms you'll see
pop up when you're reading about each
zodiac sign and its meaning. You likely
already know that every sign falls under
one of the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air,
Water. But did you know that within each
element, there are three qualities (aka
quadruplicities)?

Cardinal: These signs are the big-picture

thinkers of the zodiac, great at
brainstorming and initiating, but might not
be the strongest with follow-through. They
include Aries ()re), Cancer (water), Libra
(air), and Capricorn (earth).

Mutable: These signs are the most

adaptable of the zodiac, however, the not-
as-positive Rip side is that they can be
wishy-washy. They include Gemini (air),
Virgo (earth), Sagittarius ()re), and Pisces
(water).

Fixed: These signs are known for being

really great at digging their heels in —
whether you call that resolute or stubborn
as hell. They include Taurus (earth), Leo
()re), Scorpio (water), and Aquarius (air).

And every planet and element that

astrologers look at in a chart falls within
one of the 12 houses, each ruling a
different area of life — and each ruled by
one of the 12 astrology signs. Check out
each pro)le below to see which house
each sign oversees.

The 12 Zodiac Signs &

Meanings

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Symbol: The Ram

Ruling Planet: Mars

Ruling House: First House of Self

Key Traits: Competitive, energetic,

impulsive, fearless

The cardinal )re sign is known for being

dynamic, athletic, and having an insatiable
appetite for winning. For this reason, they
take great pride in being early adopters of
anything and everything from the hottest
new sneaker drop to the latest iPhone. And
they pretty much live to compete and
argue. Ram people tend to have the
makings of a pro athlete, trend-setting
inRuencer, or lawyer (former prosecutor
and now Vice President Kamala Harris was
born with her moon in Aries).

RELATED: An In-Depth Wellness Guide to the

Aries Zodiac Sign

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Symbol: The Bull

Ruling Planet: Venus

Ruling House: Second House of Income

Key Traits: Resolute, grounded,

tenacious, sensual

The )xed earth sign has quite a reputation

for being the most stubborn one of the
zodiac, but remember, there are )xed
signs in each element! Thanks to their
Venusian inRuence, Taureans are actually
fairly chill. They're known for loving luxury
and indulgence, being super-loyal, and
enjoying art (whether they create or just
appreciate it). (Sound a bit like Ariana
Grande? Although her sun is in Cancer, her
Venus is in sweet Taurus.) They tend to
adore spa days and sweets. They're known
for taking their time — whether that means
having a really long fuse to get )red up,
dragging their feet to take action, or being
lazy and languorous when it comes to
intimacy.

RELATED: An In-Depth Wellness Guide to the

Taurus Zodiac Sign

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Symbol: The Twins

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Ruling House: Third House of

Communication

Key Traits: Witty, curious, charming, Righty

The word "mercurial" might have very well

been created for Gemini, the mutable air
sign that lives for communication in all
forms. They're lovers of sharing whatever is
on their mind, whenever, however. (Amy
Schumer's sun and Venus are in the
loquacious air sign.) Although, don't
assume they're always outgoing. They can
be reserved and shy one minute and
incredibly chatty the next. Given their
innate mastery of language and social
skills, they tend to have a wide, diverse
circle of friends and gravitate to career
paths that allow them to express
themselves and utilize their super-buzzy
brains (think: marketing/PR, politics,
publishing).

RELATED: An In-Depth Wellness Guide to the

Gemini Zodiac Sign

Cancer ( June 21 - July 22)

Symbol: The Crab

Ruling Planet: Moon

Ruling House: Fourth House of Home Life

Key Traits: Compassionate, giving,

sentimental, nurturing

The cardinal water sign, inRuenced by the

shimmering maternal moon, is one of the
greatest dreamers and do-ers of the
zodiac. As the ruler of the Fourth House,
which deals with family and home life,
they're homebodies who prioritize their
connections with loved ones and achieving
a lasting sense of security. But their
crabbiness absolutely will come into play
when they're frustrated, feel put upon, or
are otherwise catapulted into a moody
headspace. They'll go into their self-
protective "shells," requiring time away
from others to take care of themselves
before they can get back to taking care of
everyone else. (Mindy Kaling has a stellium
— her sun, moon, and Mercury — in the
endearing water sign.)

RELATED: An In-Depth Wellness Guide to the

Cancer Zodiac Sign

Leo ( July 23 - August 22)

Symbol: The Lion

Ruling Planet: Sun

Ruling House: Fifth House of Romance and

Self-Expression

Key Traits: Charismatic, generous,

optimistic, dramatic

The )xed )re sign is ruled by the con)dent

sun, which informs their positive, cheerful,
gung-ho vibe. Driven and self-assured
leaders, they tend to be oriented toward
taking action in life, and they're born
feeling like they can accomplish their
wildest dreams thanks to a glimmery
combo of magnetism, luck, and endlessly
believing in themselves. (Former President
Barack Obama's sun and Mercury are in
the charismatic )re sign.) Although they
might struggle to step out of being self-
focused, they can be extremely loyal,
devoted, and adore showering their loved
ones in playful energy and all of life's
)nest things.

RELATED: An In-Depth Wellness Guide to the Leo

Zodiac Sign

Virgo (August 23 - September

22)
Symbol: The Virgin or Maiden

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Ruling House: Sixth House of Wellness and

Daily Routine

Key Traits: Health-conscious, analytical,

service-oriented, detail-focused

The mutable earth sign might very well be

mistaken as an air sign given the inRuence
of Mercury, which means their minds are
pretty much going nonstop. Lovers of lists,
spreadsheets, and blank journals, Virgos
are the go-to researchers, stand-out
organizers, and pretty much A students of
the zodiac. They're also perfectionists who
adore working hard to make the end result
of any pursuit "just right" — whether that's
a recipe, a professional project, or search
for a partner. (Or in the case of Beyonce,
whose sun is in the earth sign, the
entertainment and art we can't get
enough of.) Speaking of partners and
loved ones, they'll often bend themselves
into knots to help and be of service to their
nearest and dearest.

RELATED: An In-Depth Wellness Guide to the

Virgo Zodiac Sign

Libra (September 23 - October

22)
Symbol: The Scales

Ruling Planet: Venus

Ruling House: Seventh House of

Partnership

Key Traits: Romantic, artistic, indecisive,

diplomatic

The cardinal air sign was born to bring

balance, harmony, and justice to their work
and relationships. Given their Venusian
inRuence, they're lovers of art and beauty
who are known for being social butterRies
and the ultimate hosts. And as the ruler of
the Seventh House of Partnership, they
prioritize one-on-one bonds, especially of
the romantic variety. But although they
tend to be interested in achieving serenity
at all costs and connecting with a wide
range of people, they're not sheep. They're
go-getters (Serena Williams is one!) who
will stand up for what they believe in,
dreaming big and putting in the time and
energy to ensure a fair result.

RELATED: An In-Depth Wellness Guide to the

Libra Zodiac Sign

Scorpio (October 23 -
November 21)
Symbol: The Scorpion

Ruling Planets: Pluto and Mars

Ruling House: Eighth House of Emotional

Bonds and Sexual Intimacy

Key Traits: Mysterious, magnetic, power-

seeking, spiritual

The )xed water sign is known for being one

of — if not the — most private sign in the
zodiac. Co-ruled by transformative Pluto
and go-getter Mars, they're able to
command people's attention with their
intense, powerful presence and air of
mystery. They're also very much in touch
with their spirituality and sexuality, but
they hold their cards close to their chest.
(Fiercely private family man Ryan Gosling
has his sun and Mercury in the water sign.)
Even after being in a relationship (platonic,
romantic, or business-related) with a
Scorpio for years, you might not know the
whole story behind their emotional wounds
and at times rough-around-the-edges
tone. But once they're in any kind of
emotional entanglement, the resolute,
razor-focused sign is in it.

RELATED: An In-Depth Wellness Guide to the

Scorpio Zodiac Sign

Sagittarius (November 22 -
December 21)
Symbol: The Archer

Ruling Planet: Jupiter

Ruling House: Ninth House of Adventure

and Higher Learning

Key Traits: Philosophical, free-spirited,

un)ltered, wanderlusting

Ruled by fortunate Jupiter, which brings a

magnifying effect to everything it touches,
Sagittarians are big, life-loving
personalities who adore globe-trotting,
being at the heart of any party, and
exploring as much as life has to offer.
They're also born philosophers who are
endlessly passionate about their beliefs
and have a tendency to hop on a soapbox
frequently in order to share their world
view, often in a way that pulls no punches.
(President Biden has his ascendant in Sag,
which is why he's known for his no-
nonsense rhetoric. "Folks!") They're natural
born comedians, entertainers, politicians,
and/or generally gravitate to career paths
that allow for lots of travel.

RELATED: An In-Depth Wellness Guide to the

Sagittarius Zodiac Sign

Capricorn (December 22 -
January 19)
Symbol: The Goat

Ruling Planet: Saturn

Ruling House: Tenth House of Career and

Public Image

Key Traits: Traditional, down-to-earth,

industrious, disciplined

If you want someone who's perpetually

motivated to achieve on your team, you're
going to want to tap someone whose chart
includes the cardinal earth sign Capricorn.
People born with Cap are on a lifelong
climb up a series of increasingly steep
mountains, as they're driven to put their
noses to the grindstone, succeed, and earn
recognition for their diligent, no-nonsense
work. In fact, it's for this reason that they
have a rep for being workaholics. But
they're also extremely loyal, often exhibit a
gut-busting hilarious dry sense of humor,
and ability to show you exactly what's
possible when you commit to a pragmatic,
steady, grounded approach. John Legend
is a perfect example of an industrious
double Cap (it's his sun and his
rising/ascendant sign).

RELATED: An In-Depth Wellness Guide to the

Capricorn Zodiac Sign

Aquarius ( January 20 -
February 18)
Symbol: The Water Bearer

Ruling Planet: Uranus

Ruling House: Eleventh House of

Networking

Key Traits: Humanitarian, eccentric,

individualistic, cool

The )xed air sign is making plenty of

headlines as we head into what's been
coined the "Age of Aquarius." Quirky,
generally progressive, skeptical, and social
(albeit in a cool, aloof, friends-with-
everyone way), those with the Water
Bearer's inRuence in their charts are wired
to prioritize "we" over "me," gravitating to
causes and activities that hold the greater
good of society as a whole in mind. (Look
no further than Alicia Keys, who has a
stellium, meaning three or more signs, in
Aquarius: her sun, Mercury, and Mars.)
They gravitate to more platonic
relationships than deeply intimate
entanglements and might even opt for
non-traditional arrangements, as they love
to strike out against convention whenever
possible. And given electric Uranus'
involvement, they're tech-savvy and
science-minded.

RELATED: An In-Depth Guide to the Aquarius

Zodiac Sign

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Symbol: The Fish

Ruling Planets: Neptune

Ruling House: Twelfth House of Spirituality

Key Traits: Empathic, artistic, psychic,

dreamy

Imagine not only being super-tuned into

your own feelings but also being wired to
pick up on and take on everyone else's
emotions. Now you're in the headspace of
a person who has the signi)cant presence
of mutable water sign Pisces in their chart.
Incredibly sensitive and intuitive, they are
the healers, the hopeless romantics, the
artists, and the escapists of the zodiac.
While they have an instinct to get swept up
in otherworldly daydreams to get away
from any emotional pain, the healthiest
way for them to channel these deeply-felt
emotions is through creative outlets like
theater, music, or poetry. (The late opera-
loving RBG's sun and Venus were in the
water sign.) And thanks to their Neptune
inRuence, they have keen imaginations
and tend to be up for exploring all things
related to spirituality, the metaphysical,
and psychology.

RELATED: An In-Depth Guide to the Pisces

Zodiac Sign

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