What’s my star sign? Zodiac dates and characteristics – The Sun | The Sun

WHETHER you're wanting advice on your love life or wanting to know what steps to take at work, we often turn to our star signs.

Our zodiac signs can provide a lot of comfort in our lives. Here's a run-down on yours.

What are the star signs and how do I work out mine?

There is a total of 12 astrological signs, which are also known as signs of the zodiac or star signs. 

They are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

All of the star signs have different traits which are said to attribute to when an individual is born.

These are the dates that line-up with each sign, however, they can not be exact as no one can fully determine the specific dates.

  • Capricorn: December 22 – January 20
  • Aquarius: January 21 – February 18
  • Pisces: February 19 – March 20
  • Aries: March 21 – April 20
  • Taurus: April 21 – May 21
  • Gemini: May 22 – June 21
  • Cancer:  June 22 – July 22
  • Leo: July 23 – August 23
  • Virgo: August 24 – September 22
  • Libra: September 23 – October 23
  • Scorpio: October 24 – November 22
  • Sagittarius: November 23 – December 21

Each star sign belongs to one of the four elements – Air, Water, Fire and Earth.

If you have a firey personality and your star sign is one of these then your element is fire:

  • Aries
  • Leo 
  • Sagittarius

 If you're emotional it might be because your element is water if your star sign is:

  • Cancer
  • Scorpio
  • Pisces 

If you're a thinker and a doer it might be because your element is air if your star sign is:

  • Libra
  • Aquarius
  • Gemini

If you're grounded and structured it might be because your element is earth if your star sign is:

  • Capricorn
  • Taurus
  • Virgo

 

Horoscope traits

What does your star sign mean for you?

Aries – The best and worst characteristics of the head of the zodiac
Aquarius – The traits you need to know for the air sign
Capricorn – What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Cancer – The key traits for the sign include a keen love of food
Gemini – The traits to be aware of for the sign with a symbol of twins
Leo – The best and worst characteristics of the fire sign
Libra – What does the seventh star sign mean for your personality?
Pisces – The key traits for the sign include an interest in the arts
Sagittarius – The traits you need to know for the fire sign
Scorpio – What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Taurus – The best and worst characteristics of the earth sign
Virgo – The key traits for the sign include loyalty and kindness

What are the characteristics of each star sign?

Each zodiac sign has different traits, strengths and weaknesses, and each is represented by a symbol.

Aries ♈︎

Ruling planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Zodiac symbol: The Ram

Aries are natural-born leaders who are bold, ambitious with a strong-minded nature.

They are symbolised by the ram and is famously passionate, fiery and argumentative.

The "V" glyph represents the horns of the ram though it can be interpreted to show a fountain squirting a stream of water upwards.

Aries love to be number one, are always on top of their competition and never miss out on a challenge. 

Water represents a surge of youthful energy, a strong sense of identity and consciousness bursting from Aries.

Aries can tie in with traits such as determination, high energy and acting with conviction.

The sign is compatible with most others are people who are Aries' tend to be easy-going, friendly with a child-like personality making them to be around.

For relationships Aries are most compatible with their fellow Fire signs – Sagittarius and Leo, as well as air signs – especially Gemini.

Get all the latest Aries horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Taurus ♉︎

Ruling planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Zodiac symbol: The Bull

Taurus signs are known for their stubborn nature making the bull glyph perfect for this star sign.

These horns are said to represent extra sensory appendages of the bull, as Taureans are more in touch with their senses than any other sign in the zodiac.

Taurus is ruled by Venus which represents love, beauty and money which means they are the most sensual sign of the zodiac.

If you're a Taurus you might be grounded in hard work, slow and steady perseverance and security, the bull is the persistent provider of the zodiac.

They'll enjoy indulgences, luxuries and physical pleasures and feel most content when pampered. 

Taureans will also have steady, harmonious relationships as they are steadfast and loyal.

They'll be most compatible with other Earth signs – Virgo and Capricorn, or Water signs – Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Gemini ♊︎

Ruling planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Zodiac symbol: The Twins

Geminis are represented by the twin glyph, indicative of the two sides to those who fall under this Air sign.

This means Geminis can see two sides to a situation but it can also cause them to feel conflicted by opposing views.

Geminis are usually seen going a hundred miles per hour, juggling hobbies, work, friendships and romantic pursuits.

They tend to be passionate, playful and intellectually curious.

Geminis are also intelligent, adaptable and charming but possess nervous and indecisive traits.

Like dark and light, yin and yang, neither opposing side of the Gemini can exist without the other.

Their duality and adaptivity can sometimes be misrepresented as two-faced, but Geminis make loyal friends who will want to improve their relationships.

Gemini is ruled by Mercury, a planet representing communication meaning Geminis are talkative, expressive and sociable. 

Geminis' most compatible signs are Aries, Aquarius, Libra and Leo.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Cancer ♋︎

Ruling planet: The Moon

Element: Water

Zodiac symbol: The Crab

If your star sign is Cancer you're most likely highly intuitive, emotional, sensitive with a gentle and empathetic nature.

Cancer has two parallel symbols that come together to resemble a sideways  '69'.

The glyph is thought to represent a crab's claws or a women's breast.

Cancerians don't let go of things easily once they have grabbed onto something such as an idea, goal or relationship.

Like the crab, Cancerians are guarded by a hard shell which they will need time and comfort to come out of.

They're homebodies and family-oriented and make great chefs and caregivers.

Cancers make a great match with people who people who understand and appreciate their emotional nature such as those whose star signs are Taurus, Virgo, Pisces and Scorpio.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Leo ♌︎

Ruling planet: The Sun

Element: Fire

Zodiac symbol: The Lion

Leos are best known for being bold, fierce and wanting to be the centre of attention.

They are represented by the Lion and are often passionate, enthusiastic and ambitious. 

The glyph features a Lion with a circle representing the body and the swooping curved shape representing it's mane and tail.

Leo is ruled by the sun meaning they're full of life and vitality and will never stop pursuing their many passions

Leos have inspiring friendship, drama-fuelled romances but they'll run away as soon as they're bored.

The only signs that can keep up with them is other Fire signs, Sagittarius and Aries

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Virgo ♍︎

Ruling planet: Mercury

Element: Earth

Zodiac symbol: The Virgin

Virgos are great with organisation, communication and have intelligence levels.

They're also logical, pragmatic, systematic and will work hard to achieve their goals.

Virgos have a perfectionist nature often coming across as critical and judgemental often being their own worst critics.

Ruled by the planet Mercury, the planet of communication, but unlike Geminis, Virgos process information by internalising it and organising it into clear concepts.

Centuries ago, Astrologists decided the glyph for Virgo represented an 'unspoiled' virginal woman.

The 'M' shape may stand for 'maiden' but others interpret the crossed loop to represent the closed legs of a chaste virgin.

Their best matches are Taurus, Cancer and Pisces but they should avoid relationships with Gemini and Sagittarius.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Libra ♎︎

Ruling planet: Venus

Element: Air

Zodiac symbol: The Scales

Libras abstract glyph symbolises their charm and charisma. 

They're often easy to get on with and love to find a balance in all areas of their lives.

Libras need to be surrounded by beauty, symmetry and art.

They're flirty by nature, find it difficult to commit to one partner and are people-pleasers.

Libras are also indecisive and it can hold them back in life but they'll make up for it with their drive and ambition.

Libras are most compatible with Gemini, Taurus, Sagittarius and Aquarius.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Scorpio ♏︎

Ruling planet: Pluto/Mars

Element: Water

Zodiac symbol: The Scorpion

Scorpios are a force to be reckoned with as they're often passionate, determined and fierce.

It's said to be the most intense sign with Scorpios often being assertive, clever, cunning and are always a few steps ahead.

Scorpios are also have a guarded, calculating nature that protects their intense inner emotional world. 

This glyph looks similar to the letter 'M' with an arrow coming across from the right.

The shape is associated with the scorpion, with the arrow representing the insect's stinger.

When Scorpios fall in love, they fall hard but they tend to be picky about their relationships.

They get along best with their fellow water signs – Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Sagittarius ♐︎

Ruling planet: Jupiter

Element: Fire

Zodiac symbol: The Archer

Sagittarius are travellers of the zodiac and often are adventurous, curious, intense and adaptable. 

Sagittarians have high-reaching ideals and often shoot for the stars when trying to live their lives in an idealistic fashion.

They're also open-minded and intellectual meaning Sagittarians ponder philosophical questions such as the meaning of life.

Their glyph represents an arrow representing how Sagittarians aim for a goal or ambition and going after their dreams.

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of abundance, Sagittarius is the luckiest sign and is never satisfied, always on the lookout for its next adventure.

Sagittarians value freedom and honesty meaning they find it hard to settle down in a relationship.

Their active, sociable energy needs to be matched meaning Sagittarius is most compatible with Aries and Leo.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Capricorn ♑︎

Ruling planet: Saturn

Element: Earth

Zodiac symbol: The Goat

In ancient mythology, Capricorn is actually represented by a sea-goat, complete with fins and a tail.

The sea goat represents the dual nature of Capricorns.

They are hardworking, stubborn and goal-oriented, typified by the goat 'half' of the glyph but they have an emotional side they conceal from others, represented by the sea goat's hidden fishtail.

Capricorns are patient, materialistic and determined, they don't stop until they get the job done.

In relationships, they'll appreciate someone who is loyal and consistent and can support them in their busy careers.

Capricorns best matches with are Taurus, Virgo and Pisces.

They're usually the most financially stable of the zodiac.

Capricorns are ruled by Saturn which represents tasks, rules and responsibilities.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Aquarius ♒︎

Ruling planet: Uranus

Element: Air

Zodiac symbol: The Water-Bearer

Aquarius are the humanitarians of the zodiac, aspiring to make the world a better place.

The water seen in Aquarius' glyph represents water pouring from the water-bearer's pitcher in the constellation.

This signifies the Aquarian's innate aptitude for understanding the energy around them.

They can be stubborn and abrupt – and need their own space to think and develop ideas.

In a relationship, they are most compatible with Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius, as they need someone clever and opinionated.

Those born in Aquarius's date range are assertive and analytical and can be often perceived as eccentric because of their unusual hobbies and fashion sense.

Uranus, the planet of innovation, technology, and surprising events, makes Aquarians great visionaries and agents of change.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Pisces ♓︎

Ruling planet: Neptune

Element: Water

Zodiac symbol: Two fish swimming in opposite directions

Pisces is the last constellation of the zodiac.

It represents those who are empathetic and compassionate.

Those who have the Pisces star sign can become overwhelmed with emotion, are great empaths and feeling everything deeply.

They're romantic, soulful and intuitive but avoid their problems and confrontation.

Pisces will match well with those who are Scorpians, Cancerians and Capricorns.

The glyph depicts two fish linked together moving in opposite directions.

It's meant to represent the way people under this sign feel connected to those around them.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Why do we believe in Astrology?

Astrologers have been studying astrology for thousands of years.

In order to become a horoscope reader, you need to go into great depths of knowledge of star charts and interpretations.

Astrology isn't backed by science but many people believe its predictions are accurate.

People believe horoscopes determine personality traits, the success of relationships, career goals and aspirations.

Where does the Zodiac come from?

The Zodiac is the term used to describe the circle of 12 divisions of celestial longitude that are centred upon the path of the sun.

The 12 divisions share the names we know as our star signs.

The term zodiac derives from Latin zōdiacus – meaning "circle of animals".

Throughout history, the zodiac has been used to predict or echo characteristics of personality.

What is my moon sign?

Your sun sign describes only parts of yourself, whilst your Natal chart, or the position of the stars in the moment of your birth, will provide the full picture.

Your moon sign represents what zodiac sign the moon was in the day you were born.

Your moon sign represents your hidden inner world.

If you feel your sun sign doesn't fully match your personality then your moon sign might reveal another side of you.

In order to calculate it, you need to know your birth date, time and place.

The more exact these are, the more accurate your natal chart will be.

What is my rising sign?

Your rising sign helps complete the "Big Three" parts of your horoscope, along with the sun and moon signs.

It shows which sign was rising in the east at your birth time.

The rising sign can determines how others see you.

Your birth time is the key to determining your rising sign, as the sign that's rising in the east changes every two hours. You can find your rising sign here.

However, there are endless other factors that complete your particular birth chart.

Love horoscope – Which zodiac sign are you best matched with?

Here is a run-down as to who you are most compatible with depending on your star sign:

  • Libra compatibility
  • Pisces compatibility
  • Capricorn compatibility
  • Leo compatibility
  • Taurus compatibility
  • Aries compatibility
  • Cancer compatibility
  • Gemini compatibility
  • Aquarius compatibility
  • Sagittarius compatibility
  • Virgo compatibility
  • Scorpio compatibility

When is International Astrology Day?

International Astrology Day is celebrated on March 20 each year, which is the start of the astrological year.

The former president of the International Society of Astrological Research Gisele Terry told Astrology Hub: “Astrology is truly a global language.

“We are all under the same sky.

"Sharing both our common and diverse perspectives on how we relate to the stars is the gift of International Astrology Day.”

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