The 12 astrological signs and what they mean—your future is written in the stars
Astrology is an ancient science that studies cycles.
It looks at the unique configuration of the stars and the planets on the day you were born to give you cosmic insight into different areas of your life, including your personality, relationships, career, challenges, and more.
“[Astrology] helps us decipher the more difficult questions of our lives; What is our purpose in this world? How do we best deal with problems? How can I be my best self? And while these questions are extremely nuanced, and often require lots of introspection and self-understanding (which is the most difficult and simultaneously rewarding task we can achieve in our lives), it means that we cannot rely on astrology to give us all the answers.”
If someone asks you what your sign is, they are asking for what astrologers call your "sun sign." In astrology, you also have signs in every planet, including your "moon sign" and your "rising sign," but today we're going to keep it simple for you. To find your sun sign below, look for the date of your birthday. We'll tell you a brief description of what it means!
Aries: The Ram
March 21 - April 19
Aries is a Fire Sign. Its ruling planet is Mars, named after the Roman god of war.
Positive traits: Driven, passionate, curious, bold, ambitious, confident leader, enjoys a challenge
Negative traits: Impulsive, competitive, impatient, arrogant, selfish
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac wheel, which starts off with a bang of fire. Aries are high energy people with a thirst for life, and are incredibly dynamic. Their energy is intense, which can manifest as intense passion -- or at times, as an explosive temper. Aries are often rebellious and like to do things their own way. They dive headfirst into everything, including challenges -- and are brilliant at rallying community around them to accomplish a goal. Overall, Aries are powerful people who enjoy living life to the fullest... and like to show up, full of energy, fire, and confidence!
Taurus: The Bull
April 20 - May 20
Taurus is an Earth Sign. Its ruling planet is Venus, the planet of love and beauty.
Positive traits: Dependable, persistent, down to earth, sensual, stable, generous, patient, focused
Negative traits: Stubborn, lazy, materialistic, self-indulgent, rigid
Taurus people are goal-oriented, practical, loyal people with a deep love of beauty. They enjoy sensual pleasures such as food, wine, physical touch, and beauty. Those born in the sign of Taurus seek comfort and pleasure, and also aren't afraid to work hard to earn money. As an earth sign, Taurus is resilient, ambitious, and patient as they work towards their goals. They much prefer moving slow and steady on the path towards their desires, often to the point where they can be stubborn or rigid. This can also mean that they may spend longer than necessary lingering in situations which are no longer healthy for them, such as jobs, homes, or relationships. Overall, Taurus people are patient, dependable, down-to-earth people who love to enjoy life's most sensual pleasures.
Gemini: The Twins
May 21 - June 20
Gemini is an Air Sign.
Positive traits: Adaptable, articulate, expressive, curious, imaginative, intellectual, clever, playful
Negative traits: Indecisive, inconsistent, restless, evasive
Geminis are people who love to talk, are intellectually inclined, and love deepening into relationships -- both social and romantic. Because they are an air sign, they can change their mood quickly, based on a whim. They have a wild imagination, love seeking information, and possess a quick-wit. Geminis are curious and clever people with a youthful spirit -- they love to play and have fun. If you meet someone that is adaptable, expressive, intellectual, curious, talkative, and the life of the party... they're likely a Gemini. However, because this sign is "the twins," it is sometimes said that Geminis have two sides to them. One can be nice, and the other, quick to snap. One can be innocent, and the other, a bit shadowy. Either way, one thing is certain: They are never boring!
Cancer: The Crab
June 21 - July 22
Cancer is a Water Sign, ruled by the Moon.
Positive traits: Nurturing, sentimental, empathic, affectionate, caring, dependable, intuitive, responsive, in touch with their emotions
Negative traits: Overly reactive, possessive, evasive, moody, crabby
Cancers are open-hearted people who wear their heart on their sleeves. They are expressive in their emotions not by choice, but by the virtue of their powerful feelings -- and this can be both a strength and a weakness. When Cancers feel secure, grounded, and surrounded by the comforts of home and family, they are as nurturing and affectionate as can be. Cancers are kind and gentle, and have the wonderful gift of being the first to help others. They have a deep intuitive inner-knowing, and as introverts, they usually prefer being alone in their home. On the other hand, when Cancers feel threatened or panicked in any way, they protect themselves and allow their tidal wave of emotions to flow. They can sometimes be overly sensitive because they are easily hurt. Because of this, they tend to avoid confrontation.
Leo: The Lion
July 23 - August 22
Leo is a Fire Sign, ruled by the Sun.
Positive traits: Charismatic, ambitious, courageous, confident, pleasure-seeking, joyful, generous, encouraging, playful, outgoing
Negative traits: Self-absorbed, prideful, bossy, dramatic, pretentious
Leos are strong, passionate people with a deep love for being center stage. They have a big energy when they walk into the room -- they love to make an impression. Leos are natural leaders so they can sometimes be overbearing or bossy -- yet when they are in their strength, they are the most creative, talented, warm people you'll meet! People born in the sign of Leo are typically very confident, outgoing, and have very strong determination to succeed. They seek out the most fun, high-energy, social settings and when they arrive, they enjoy every moment of it. You'll usually find a Leo at a party in the center of a crowd -- meeting new people, making friends, and getting a few laughs. Overall, Leos are warm, enthusiastic, ambitious people who love to be loved!
Virgo: The Virgin
August 23 - September 22
Virgo is an Earth Sign. Its ruling planet is Mercury, the Roman messenger god and the planet of communication.
Positive traits: Detailed, efficient, helpful, honest, logical, noble, discerning, selfless, practical, gentle, committed
Negative traits: Perfectionist, anxious, worrisome, overcritical, inflexible
Virgos are some of the most pure-hearted and well-intentioned people around, and if they could, they would have a detail-oriented plan of how to share their goodness with the world. They are incredibly practical, logical people who organize information and problem-solve without even trying. It is in their nature to always want to help -- they are gentle and kind people who love supporting friends and loved ones with their honest, earnest hearts. Virgos have the tendency to be efficient perfectionists and they can build upon anything to make it better. However, this can sometimes manifest as being too picky, critical, or worrisome -- especially when others don't share their same vision of how to get something done. Overall, Virgos are deeply committed, practical, and diligent people who have the wonderful gift of a discerning and pure heart.
Libra: The Scales
September 23 - October 22
Libra is an Air Sign. Its ruling planet is Venus, the planet of love and beauty.
Positive traits: Charming, romantic, fair, sociable, cultured, artistic, compassionate, diplomatic, easygoing, balanced
Negative traits: Codependent, impatient, gossipy, complainer, sulky
Libras are all about peace, harmony, and fairness. They are natural beautifiers, bringing an artistic, refined energy into a space for all to enjoy. They are like the 'gel' in any social situation, compassionately listening to the perspectives of all, and weaving everyone together through understanding. They want to keep things balanced and on an even keel, and sometimes can become stressed if the social environment around them is not in harmony -- because they can take it on as their responsibility. Conflict is one of the last things a Libra wants to experience, and they always do what they can to create beauty and organization in relationships and groups. However, at their worst, this can manifest as complaining, gossip, and codependency. Overall, Libras are companionable, sociable, easygoing people. To know a Libra is to love them!
Scorpio: The Scorpion
October 23 - November 21
Scorpio is a Water Sign. Its ruling planets are both Mars and Pluto.
Positive traits: Deep, transformative, intense, powerful, mysterious, magnetic, healing, erotic, tenacious, determined, brave
Negative traits: Competitive, obsessive, aggressive, resentful, manipulative
It's no wonder Scorpio is the most intense sign of the Zodiac -- it has long been reputed as the sign of death and rebirth. The emotions and intuition of Scorpios run deep, and they have an aggression to them that helps them accomplish goals and, at times, trigger transformation in others. Scorpios have a mysterious magnetism to them, and often are charismatic, fierce leaders. The downside to this is that when they act from their shadow, Scorpios can be incredibly obsessive, competitive, and manipulative. They know darkness, and they know how to work with it to get what they want, for better or for worse. When they learn to master their shadow, they often become healers and utilize the regenerative power of their sign to transform the lives of others, and society itself. Overall, Scorpios are decisive, emotionally-intelligent, tenacious people with a strong drive to accomplish whatever they set their mind to. If their darkness doesn't conquer them, they are sure to rise like an alchemical phoenix from the ashes into a powerful and passionate leader.
Sagittarius: The Centaur
November 22 - December 21
Sagittarius is a Fire sign. Its ruling planet is Jupiter, the King of the Gods.
Positive traits: Expansive, adventurous, open-minded, optimistic, freedom-loving, independent, philosophical, versatile, moral
Negative traits: Impulsive, argumentative, restless, aloof, hot-headed
Sagittarius is the sign of the zodiac that is most in love with traveling, adventure, and freedom. They are persistent truth-seekers, and often find the answers they seek through philosophy, religion, or the wild journey of life itself. They are noble leaders who look at the big picture of life and share from a place of expansion and possibility. Sagittarius people tend to be loud, talkative, and staunch in their beliefs due to an enthusiasm for their newfound perspectives -- and this constant sharing can make others lean in with curiosity or feel turned off because they simply disagree. When Sagittarians are confronted by a differing opinion, they can get argumentative, impatient, and uninterested in hearing the other person out fully. Overall, people born with this sign are generous, just, curious, wide-open freedom seekers who want to know the meaning of life, and end it knowing that they lived it fully.
Capricorn: The Goat
December 22 - January 19
Earth sign ruled by Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, social order, and conformity.
Positive traits: Dependable, sophisticated, resourceful, wise, responsible, loyal, disciplined, patient, ambitious, practical, cautious
Negative traits: Cold, insensitive, stubborn, pessimistic, unsatisfied
Capricorns are cautious, responsible, driven people who will always reach their goals by putting in hard work and playing fair. They are incredibly responsible and everything they do is of quality -- even if they can be a little stubborn, stiff, or cold about how things are done. Capricorns are masters of self-control and approach all that they do with a rational perspective and great maturity. This being said, they are also very independent, resourceful, loyal, and disciplined. They are more interested in the here and now rather than 'what ifs' of the future -- and this is a great strength. Because they are extremely success-driven and sometimes care about fame, prestige, or money, they are deeply dedicated to their endeavors and will always be sure to get what they work for. Overall, Capricorns are efficient, industrious people who tend to do things a little more traditionally than others -- and in doing so, they may just accomplish more, as they plan to.
Aquarius: The Water Bearer
January 20 - February 18
Aquarius is an Air Sign. Its ruling planets are both Uranus and Saturn. Uranus represents freedom and revolutionary vision.
Positive traits: Original, inventive, humanitarian, friendly, idealistic, thoughtful, intellectual, strong-willed, surprising, individualistic
Negative traits: Rebellious, un-relatable, unreasonable, scattered, detached
Aquarius folks are the most revolutionary and humanitarian sign of the zodiac. They are very intellectual, deep thinkers who get great pleasure from giving back. Aquarius people are typically either shy and quiet, or completely eccentric and wildly individualistic. Either way, they are able to see all sides of a situation objectively and bring a new perspective that uplifts and connects people in any social setting. It's common for an Aquarius to feel bored if there is no mental stimulation, and because of this, they can sometimes go off into fantasy land, daydreaming in their heads. However, this is a powerful place for them to be because they are so innovative and forward-thinking. Aquariuses transform quickly and easily and when they don't feel limited or constrained, they are progressive, free-thinking go-getters who always strive for freedom not only for the self, but for all.
Pisces: The Fish
February 19 - March 20
Water sign ruled by Neptune, god of the sea, and Jupiter, ruler of the gods.
Positive traits: Devoted, dreamer, psychic, emotional, imaginative, feeling, charitable, tender, mystical, fantastical, kind, altruistic
Negative traits: Spacey, self-pitying, temperamental, lazy, oblivious
Pisces people are deep wells of emotion, intuition, and psychic ability. They have a dreaminess to them, often far-off in thoughts of music, romance, or escaping reality. The spiritual realms are usually quite familiar to them, and this combined with their empathic, altruistic nature makes them very helpful, selfless people. Pisces' sensitivity is a great blessing and may sometimes feel like a curse -- it can manifest in a piercingly accurate intuition, or in being overly emotional. At their worst, they can tend towards the realms of pessimism, melancholy, and lethargy. However, Pisces are naturally gifted listeners, artists, musicians, dreamers, and empathizers who never judge and always forgive. Their tendency to live in a world of dreams, secrets, and feelings makes them beautiful friends or lovers because they are always fluid, easygoing, and understanding on a deep level.