Astrology basics
The signs of the zodiac
Twelve signs, four elements, three modalities. A guide to each sign's dates, symbol and ruling planet — and what it brings to personality, love and work.
- Aries21 March – 19 AprilFire · Cardinal · MarsCourageous, Pioneering, Direct
- Taurus20 April – 20 MayEarth · Fixed · VenusSteadfast, Sensual, Patient
- Gemini21 May – 20 JuneAir · Mutable · MercuryCurious, Witty, Adaptable
- Cancer21 June – 22 JulyWater · Cardinal · the MoonNurturing, Intuitive, Protective
- Leo23 July – 22 AugustFire · Fixed · the SunGenerous, Warm-hearted, Creative
- Virgo23 August – 22 SeptemberEarth · Mutable · MercuryDiscerning, Helpful, Analytical
- Libra23 September – 22 OctoberAir · Cardinal · VenusHarmony, Fairness, Diplomacy
- Scorpio23 October – 21 NovemberWater · Fixed · PlutoDepth, Intensity, Loyalty
- Sagittarius22 November – 21 DecemberFire · Mutable · JupiterAdventure, Optimism, Honesty
- Capricorn22 December – 19 JanuaryEarth · Cardinal · SaturnAmbition, Discipline, Responsibility
- Aquarius20 January – 18 FebruaryAir · Fixed · UranusOriginality, Independence, Community
- Pisces19 February – 20 MarchWater · Mutable · NeptuneCompassion, Imagination, Intuition
How the zodiac works
The zodiac is the band of sky the Sun, Moon and planets travel through, divided into twelve signs of 30° each. In Western astrology the signs follow the seasons: Aries begins at the spring equinox, Cancer at the summer solstice, Libra at the autumn equinox and Capricorn at the winter solstice.
Your “star sign” is the sign the Sun was in when you were born. But every planet in your chart sits in a sign too — that’s why your birth chart tells a much fuller story than your Sun sign alone.
Elements
Each sign belongs to one of four elements, which describe its basic temperament.
Fire
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Spirit, courage and enthusiasm. Fire signs act, inspire and warm everyone around them.
Earth
Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Body, patience and practicality. Earth signs build, steady and make things real.
Air
Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Mind, ideas and connection. Air signs think, talk and bring people together.
Water
Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Feeling, intuition and depth. Water signs sense, care and transform.
Modalities
Cardinal
Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
Initiators. They begin each season and like to start things.
Fixed
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
Sustainers. They hold the middle of each season and see things through.
Mutable
Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
Adapters. They close each season and know how to change and let go.