Astrology Corner: Beginner's Guide to the 12 Zodiac Signs
An essential guide to exploring the astrological signs and their applications in life
“Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, OH
Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius
I love all y'all” - Beyonce ft. Missy Elliot x Signs
THE ZODIAC SIGNS EXPLAINED
Skip to: Modalities | Cardinal Signs | Mutable Signs | Fixed Signs
Astrology is one of my FAVORITE topics to discuss with my peers; it studies the cycles, movements, and positions of the stars and planets and how they’re interpreted to affect human lives and the natural world.
I’d like to emphasize that astrology is NOT about predestination or fate; we all have free will and control over our lives. Astrology is a field of study and a range of divinatory practices. It is not a belief or religion. However, many belief systems compromise it, and most scientists have rejected it as a science. Scholars believe astrology was invented by different cultures- Babylonians, Mayans, Chinese, Arabic, Indians, and Greeks- independently of each other and have used astrology nearly since the beginning of mankind, with most evidence strongly predating at least the 3rd or 2nd millennium BCE.
I use astrology mainly for personal analysis, to determine the best time to make certain decisions or embark on new ventures (it guided me to start this blog!), to know when, where, and what to focus my energy on, observe compatibility with family, friends, and romantic prospects, etc.
The most popular questions you’re asked regarding astrology are usually, “What’s your sun sign?”, “What's your moon sign?” and “What rising sign are you?”. These questions refer to the 12 zodiac (or astrological) signs reflected throughout Earth’s 360-degree orbit around the sun. Each sign has unique traits, and researching them can help you gain insight into your personality as you’ll have multiple of these signs in your astrological chart influencing you. Here are the basics of what you need to know about the zodiac signs’ strengths, weaknesses, and how they think.
THE MODALITIES
The modalities are the categories of the astrological signs and reveal the energies in which they hold. There are three modalities, each with a sign representing one of the four elements: Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), and Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).
As we see in nature, life cycles follow a beginning, middle, and end process. Each modality corresponds to one of those stages, mirroring life's inner and outer experiences.
THE CARDINAL SIGNS
Aries | Cancer | Libra | Capricorn
For those in the world's Northern Hemisphere, the cardinal signs begin their respective seasons: Aries is the beginning of Spring, Cancer kicks off Summer, Libra begins fall, and Capricorn starts winter. According to Astrology Zone, “These signs are restless, active, self-motivated, ambitious, and they often are the leaders in their communities. They can be a bit domineering, but that comes part and parcel with their best qualities of being enterprising, independent, creative, spontaneous and forceful.”
ARIES
Dates: March 21 - April 19
Symbol: The Ram
Element: Fire
Ruler: Mars
Day: Tuesday
Greatest Compatibility: Libra, Leo
Strengths: courageous, determined, confident, honest, passionate, energetic
Weaknesses: impatient, short-tempered, impulsive, aggressive, selfish
FUN FACT: Ares (Aries) is the Greek God of war, and the ruling planet of the zodiac sign, Mars, was named after his counterpart and the Roman god.
Source: ZodiacSign.com
CANCER
Dates: June 21 - July 22
Symbol: The Crab
Element: Water
Ruler: Moon
Day: Monday, Thursday
Greatest Compatibility: Capricorn, Taurus
Strengths: Intuitive, loyal, nurturing, sympathetic, persuasive, sensitive
Weaknesses: Moody, pessimistic, manipulative, insecure, bossy, suspicious
Source: ZodiacSign.com
LIBRA
Dates: September 23 - October 22
Symbol: The Scales
Element: Air
Ruler: Venus
Day: Friday
Greatest Compatibility: Aries, Sagittarius
Strengths: Cooperative, diplomatic, social, gracious, fair-minded
Weaknesses: Indecisive, unconfrontational, self-pity, carries grudges
Source: ZodiacSign.com
CAPRICORN
Dates: December 22 - January 19
Symbol: The Goat/ Sea-goat
Element: Earth
Ruler: Saturn
Day: Saturday
Greatest Compatibility: Taurus, Cancer
Strengths: Responsible, disciplined, practical, determination, perseverance
Weaknesses: Condescending, pessimistic, projection, unappreciative, tough love
Source: ZodiacSign.com
THE MUTABLE SIGNS
Gemini | Virgo | Sagittarius | Pisces
Mutable signs mark the end of the season or completion of a cycle: Gemini ending spring, Virgo ending summer, Sagittarius ending fall, and Pisces ending winter (in the Northern hemisphere). These signs tend to handle change well, embodying the beauty of transformation, and are the open-minded “philosophers of the zodiac.” They aren’t very decisive but think very deeply.
According to Yoga Journal, “Mutable signs teach us that we are not here to control or hold onto what is around or within us. That means to no longer be in a state of alignment. You are the embodiment of the truth that everything constantly exists in a state of change.”
GEMINI
Dates: May 21 - June 20
Symbol: The Twins
Element: Air
Ruler: Mercury
Day: Wednesday
Greatest Compatibility: Sagittarius, Aquarius
Strengths: Curious, adaptable, clever, social, playful, intellectual
Weaknesses: Indecisive, inconsistent, impulsive, nosy, unreliable
Source: ZodiacSign.com
VIRGO
Dates: August 23 - September 22
Symbol: The Maiden
Element: Earth
Ruler: Mercury
Day: Wednesday
Greatest Compatibility: Pisces, Cancer
Strengths: Loyal, analytical, hardworking, kind, practical, attentive, organized
Weaknesses: Overly critical, anxious, avoids vulnerability, high expectations
Source: ZodiacSign.com
SAGITTARIUS
Dates: November 22 - December 21
Symbol: The Archer (Centaur)
Element: Fire
Ruler: Jupiter
Day: Thursday
Greatest Compatibility: Gemini, Aries
Strengths: Generous, sense of humor, optimistic, care-free, adventurous
Weaknesses: Impatient, no filter, noncommittal, blunt, careless, judgmental
“I’m in my prime, Optimus. Sagittarius so you know I’m a optimist” -Nicki Minaj x Barbie Tingz.
Source: ZodiacSign.com
PISCES
Dates: February 19 - March 20
Symbol: The Fish
Element: Water
Ruler: Neptune, Jupiter
Day: Thursday
Greatest Compatibility: Virgo, Taurus
Strengths: Compassionate, artistic, intuitive, wise, gentle, mystical, playful
Weaknesses: Fearful, overly trusting, victimization, sensitive to criticism, people pleasers
Source: ZodiacSign.com
THE FIXED SIGNS
Taurus | Leo | Scorpio | Aquarius
The fixed zodiac signs maintain the new beginnings gifted by the cardinal signs. Found within the middle of the seasons: Taurus in spring, Leo in summer, Scorpio in fall, and Aquarius in winter; these zodiac signs are the “stabilizers.” They’re loyal, dedicated, and artistic, always coming up with ideas they’ll want to see through til the end. Similarly, this is why they can be just as stubborn and constantly fighting for their beliefs. They love to keep things organized and running smoothly.
TAURUS
Dates: April 20 - May 20
Symbol: The Bull
Element: Earth
Ruler: Venus
Day: Friday, Monday
Greatest Compatibility: Scorpio, Cancer
Strengths: Patient, reliable, practical, devoted
Weaknesses: Stubborn, possessive, uncompromising
Source: ZodiacSign.com
LEO
Dates: July 23 - August 22
Symbol: The Lion
Element: Fire
Ruler: Sun
Day: Sunday
Greatest Compatibility: Aquarius, Gemini
Strengths: Creative, passionate, generous, courageous, adventurous, charismatic
Weaknesses: Arrogant, stubborn, self-centered, sensitive to criticism, impatient
“I don't know what it is
But you Leos drive me crazy
Crazy, baby” - Tyrese x Signs of Love Makin’
Source: ZodiacSign.com
SCORPIO
Dates: October 23 - November 21
Symbol: The Scorpion
Element: Water
Ruler: Pluto, Mars
Day: Tuesday
Greatest compatibility: Taurus, Cancer
Strengths: Resourceful, brave, passionate, powerful, loyal, ambitious
Weaknesses: Distrusting, superficial, holds onto past, jealousy
Source: ZodiacSign.com
AQUARIUS
Dates: January 20 - February 18
Symbol: The Water Bearer
Element: Air
Ruler: Uranus, Saturn
Day: Saturday
Greatest Compatibility: Leo, Sagittarius
Strengths: Authentic, independent, humanitarian, free-spirited, creative
Weaknesses: Emotionally closed off, uncompromising, aloof
“OutKast created their own zodiac sign, a combination of Aquarius (Big Boi) and Gemini (André 3000), for their iconic third studio album, Aquemini.” - Complex.
Source: ZodiacSign.com
To determine your zodiac sign, you will need your:
Birth date
Exact birth time
Birth location (city, state)
Here are some resources I currently use to help you gain further information on the subject:
Use Astro Seek to find a FREE birth chart online.
Download the CHANI app for birth charts, daily, weekly, and yearly horoscopes, meditations, and more!
Follow You, Me, and the Stars, Oh Nati, Indi711, Eva the Virgo, and Evan Nathaniel Grim on TikTok.