When you first explore 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 large, radiant, gleaming celestial body spends approximately four weeks in each of the 12 zodiac signs, and your birthdate can (usually) guide you towards the sun sign you were born under. November 12 babies — solid Scorpios. Receive a multitude of “HBD” texts on May 4? You’re a Taurus.
Your sun sign can inform you about your assurance, self-worth, self-image, sense of self, and identity. It will also influence your life path. However, it’s merely one aspect of your overall astrological profile, referred to as a natal chart (or birth chart). (You can obtain one from an astrologer or by inputting your information into an online service such as astrology.com.) Your chart serves as a glimpse not only of the sun but also of the moon and the positions of the planets in the sky at the specific moment you were born. It also takes your birth location into account.
All these layers mean, for instance, you could have been born with your sun in relationship-and balance-loving Libra, but when you were born, Mercury, which governs how you communicate, was in the sign that’s opposite Libra — argumentative, competitive Aries. So you might experience a tug-of-war between how you express yourself and your sense of self, and as a result, you’re more intense and assertive than an airy Libra. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (known as AOC) is an ideal example of a Libra, as her moon (astrological emotional compass) is in Aries, while her Venus (which impacts her relationship style) and ascendant (which influences her outward impression) are in unfiltered, philosophical Sagittarius.
In short, each of us possesses our own personalized “astrological DNA,” which features a unique combination of astrology signs scattered across the sky. Here, a comprehensive guide to zodiac sign dates and an overview of each zodiac sign’s significance, including characteristics of each astrology sign you’ll want to keep in mind as you explore your birth chart.
Zodiac Sign Dates
If you’re curious about your zodiac sign, examine where your birthday falls in the 12 zodiac sign dates below. If you happened to be born on a day when the sun transitions from one astrology sign to another — known as a cusp — you’ll need your birth time to determine 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
- Symbol: The Bull
- Ruling Planet: Venus
- Ruling House: Second House of Income
- Principal Traits: Resolute, grounded, unwavering, sensual
The Components, Quadruplicates, and Dwellings
Firstly, a fast overview on terminologies you’ll encounter while perusing about each zodiac sign and its connotation. You probably already apprehend that every sign falls under one of the four elements: Blaze, Soil, Atmosphere, and H2O. However, were you aware that within each element, there exist three qualities (also known as quadruplicates)?
Starting: These signs are the expansive thinkers of the zodiac, exceptional at ideating and starting, but may not be the most proficient in completion. They consist of Aries (blaze), Cancer (H2O), Libra (atmosphere), and Capricorn (soil).
Mutable: These signs are the most adjustable of the zodiac, however, the less positive flip side is that they can be indecisive. They consist of Gemini (atmosphere), Virgo (soil), Sagittarius (blaze), and Pisces (H2O).
Fixed: These signs are recognized for their exceptional determination — whether you label it firm or stubborn as all get out. They consist of Taurus (soil), Leo (blaze), Scorpio (H2O), and Aquarius (atmosphere).
Additionally, every planet and element examined by astrologers in a diagram falls within one of the 12 dwellings, each governing a distinct aspect of life — and each ruled by one of the 12 astrology signs. Explore each profile below to identify the dwelling overseen by each sign.
The 12 Astrology Signs & Definitions
Aries ♈️ (March 21 – April 19)
Symbol: The Ram
Ruling Planet: Mars
Ruling House: First House of Self
Principal Traits: Competitive, dynamic, impulsive, intrepid
The leading blaze sign is renowned for being vigorous, athletic, and possessing an insatiable craving for triumph. Consequently, they take immense pride in being early adopters of everything and anything from the trendiest fresh sneaker release to the most recent iPhone. And essentially, they live for competition and disputes. Individuals born under the Ram sign usually exhibit the potential of a professional athlete, influential trendsetter, or lawyer (former prosecutor and current Vice President Kamala Harris was born with her moon in Aries).
Taurus ♉️ (April 20 – May 20)
The resolute soil sign has quite a reputation for being the most obstinate among the zodiac, but keep in mind, fixed signs exist within each element! Thanks to their Venusian influence, Taureans are genuinely easygoing. They are recognized for adoring luxury and indulgence, being fiercely loyal, and appreciating art (whether as creators or just enthusiasts). (Does Ariana Grande come to mind? Although her sun sign is Cancer, her Venus is in sweet Taurus.) They typically adore spa days and sweets.
They are recognized for their inclination to take their time — whether that implies possessing an exceptionally protracted ignitable cord to become enthusiastic, lingering to initiate movements, or exhibiting indolence and lethargy in matters of closeness.
Gemini ♊️ (May 21 – June 20)
Synonym: The Twins
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Ruling House: Third House of Communication
Key Traits: Clever, inquisitive, captivating, fickle
The term “mercurial” might have very well been created for Gemini, the changeable air sign that thrives on communication in all forms. They’re admirers of sharing whatever is on their mind, whenever, however. (Amy Schumer’s sun and Venus are in the talkative air sign.) However, don’t assume they’re always outgoing. They can be reserved and shy one minute and incredibly talkative the next. Given their inherent mastery of language and social skills, they tend to have a broad, diverse circle of friends and gravitate towards career paths that allow them to express themselves and utilize their super-buzzy brains (think: marketing/PR, politics, publishing).
Cancer ♋️ (June 21 – July 22)
Symbol: The Crab
Ruling Planet: Moon
Ruling House: Fourth House of Home Life
Key Traits: Compassionate, generous, sentimental, nurturing
The cardinal water sign, influenced by the glimmering maternal moon, is one of the greatest dreamers and achievers 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 crankiness absolutely will come into play when they’re frustrated, feel put upon, or are otherwise thrown into a moody headspace. They’ll retreat into their self-protective “shells,” needing 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.)
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, theatrical
The fixed fire sign is ruled by the confident sun, which informs their positive, cheerful, go-getter vibe. Driven and self-assured leaders, they tend to be oriented toward taking action in life, and they’re born feeling like they can achieve their wildest dreams thanks to a shimmering combination of magnetism, luck, and endlessly believing in themselves. (Former President Barack Obama’s sun and Mercury are in the charismatic fire 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 finest things.
Virgo ♍️ (August 23 – September 22)
Symbol: The Maiden or Virgin
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Ruling House: Sixth House of Wellbeing and Daily Routine
Key Traits: Health-conscious, analytical, service-oriented, detail-focused
The changeable earth sign might very well be mistaken as an air sign given the influence of Mercury, which means their minds are pretty much going nonstop. Admirers of lists, spreadsheets, and blank journals, Virgos are the go-to researchers, distinct organizers, and essentially A students of the zodiac. They’re also perfectionists who adore working hard to make the finale 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 contort themselves into knots to aid and be of service to their nearest and dearest.
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 equilibrium, harmony, and justice to their work and relationships. Given their Venusian influence, they’re admirers of art and beauty who are renowned for being social butterflies 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 outcome.
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: Enigmatic, magnetic, power-seeking, spiritual
The steadfast 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 keep their intentions hidden. (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 manner.
However, once they find themselves in any sort of emotional involvement, the determined, laser-focused symbol is fully committed.
Sagittarius ♐️ (November 22 – December 21)
Symbol: The Bowperson
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Ruling House: Ninth House of Exploration and Advanced Education
Key Traits: Thoughtful, free-spirited, uncensored, yearning for travel
Governed by fortunate Jupiter, which brings an amplifying effect to everything it touches, Sagittarians are significant, life-loving personalities who adore traveling the world, being at the center of any celebration, and investigating as much as life has to present. They are also natural-born thinkers who are endlessly passionate about their beliefs and have a proclivity to climb onto a soapbox often to share their worldview, frequently in a manner that is direct and straightforward. (President Biden has his ascendant in Sag, which is why he is known for his straightforward rhetoric. “Folks!”) They are naturally witty, amusing, politicians, entertainers, and/or generally inclined toward career paths that allow for extensive travel.
Capricorn ♑️ (December 22 – January 19)
Symbol: The Horned Animal
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Ruling House: Tenth House of Profession and Public Image
Key Traits: Conventional, down-to-earth, hardworking, disciplined
If you desire someone who is always motivated to accomplish on your team, you’ll want to select an individual whose chart encompasses the cardinal earth sign Capricorn. Individuals born with Cap possess an everlasting drive to attain success, climb up the ladder, and receive recognition for their diligent, practical work. In fact, this is why they often have a reputation for being workaholics. However, they are also extremely loyal, often possess a side-splitting dry sense of humor, and have the ability to show you precisely what can be achieved when you commit to a realistic, stable, down-to-earth approach. John Legend is a perfect illustration of an industrious double Cap (both his sun and his rising/ascendant sign).
Aquarius ♒️ (January 20 – February 18)
Symbol: The Water Carrier
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Ruling House: Eleventh House of Social Connections
Key Traits: Philanthropic, unconventional, individualistic, composed
This fixed air sign is garnering plenty of attention as we enter what has been labeled the “Age of Aquarius.” Quirky, generally forward-thinking, skeptical, and socially inclined (albeit in a relaxed, detached, friendly-with-everyone manner), those influenced by the Water Bearer in their charts are wired to prioritize collective welfare over personal interests. They are drawn to causes and activities that consider the greater good of society as a whole. (Look no further than Alicia Keys, who has a stellium, meaning three or more signs, in Aquarius: her sun, Mercury, and Mars.) They tend to prefer platonic relationships over deeply intimate entanglements and may even opt for non-traditional arrangements, as they enjoy defying conventions whenever possible.
And considering the participation of electric Uranus, they are knowledgeable about technology and have a strong inclination towards scientific pursuits.
Pisces ♓️ (February 19 – March 20)
Symbol: The Fish
Ruling Planets: Neptune
Ruling House: Twelfth House of Spirituality
Key Traits: Sympathetic, artistic, clairvoyant, whimsical
Picture not only being highly attuned into your own feelings but also being wired to pick up on and take on everyone else’s emotions. Now you’re in the mindset of an individual who has the significant presence of mutable water sign Pisces in their chart. Incredibly sensitive and perceptive, they are the healers, the starry-eyed romantics, the artists, and the daydreamers of the zodiac. While they have an instinct to get carried away in ethereal fantasies to escape any emotional pain, the healthiest way for them to channel these deeply-felt emotions is through artistic outlets like drama, melody, or verse. (The late opera-loving RBG’s sun and Venus were in the water sign.) And thanks to their Neptune influence, they have vivid imaginations and tend to be open to exploring all things related to spirituality, the metaphysical, and psychology.
