What is my Zodiac sign? A guide to all 12 Astrological signs and what yours says about you
"So what's your sign?"
Chances are at some point you’ve been asked about your zodiac or star sign. Maybe on a date, or by someone warning you of mercury’s impending retrograde. Astrology finds its way into all sorts of conversations – it is, after all, considered to affect romantic behavior, friendship longevity, and even workplace habits.
So, what does astrology really tell us? Your horoscope gives you the day-to-day: a brief forecast of what's ahead for your sign. Your sign itself is more of a roadmap of your personality – what drives you, and how you approach the most important relationships in your life.
To learn more about yourself you have to consult the zodiac sign dates which determine, based on birthday, which of the 12 signs you are.
Read our guide below to find out where you fall and what that might mean about your personality.
Note: Your date of birth only determines your “sun sign” or where the sun was passing through the day you were born. It represents the anchor of your personality. Your moon or rising sign are more advanced studies into your character and how you present to others.
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Zodiac sign dates:
Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21
Want more info on each zodiac sign? Here's what you need to know:
What is my zodiac sign?
Aries: March 21 - April 19
Aries is a fire sign, and the first of the Zodiac. This sign is known to be competitive, and to often get their way. Ariesare also warm, bold and lively. Appropriately, the symbol for Aries is the ram.
Taurus: April 20 – May 20
Taurus is an earth signand is most often associated with a stubborn nature. Its symbol is the bull and its members are considered to be resolute, and grounded – unafraid to take their time and quite resilient.
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Gemini: May 21- June 21
Gemini is an air sign, with a symbol showing a pair of twins. Bearers of this sign are often curious and witty, as well as communicative and youthful – often filling their plates so busyness abounds.
Cancer: June 22- July 22
Cancer rounds out the four elements as a water sign, represented by the crab symbol. Cancers are said to be deeply emotional creatures, with high levels of sentimentality, compassion and loyalty.
Leo: July 23 – August 22
Ah, the lion. Another fire sign, represented by a symbol for the king (or queen) of the jungle, Leos are often thought to be dramatic, passionate and charismatic. They are the leaders of the pack, pushing forward with courage.
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Virgo: August 23 – September 22
Back in the earth element, Virgo, represented by the virgin or maiden symbol, is a deeply practical sign. Virgos are known to be analytical and detail-focused, which sometimes leads to perfectionism. They love to be of help and have a fierce inner-critic.
Libra: September 23 – October 23
Libra is an air sign, represented by the symbol of the scales (yes, the same ones you see at a courthouse). Libras are known to be lovers – both romantic and artistic, with a propensity for indecision and struggling to commit, likely connected with their desire to maintain harmony and peace.
Scorpio: October 24 – November 21
Just like it sounds, the symbol for this water sign is a scorpion. Scorpios are known to be particularly mysterious and intense if not a bit difficult to know. They are deeply passionate and independent.
Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21
Sagittarius is a fire sign, and claims the symbol of the archer. They are known to be adventure and travel seekers, ruled by a free spirit and a playfulness. Forever seeking new wisdom, they are quite philosophicalas well.
Capricorn: December 22 – January 19
The final earth sign, the Capricorn is represented by the sea-goat. They are believed to be disciplined and dedicated, with ambitious goals and the patience to chip away at them. They’re a good shoulder to lean on, and thelast to leave the office.
Aquarius: January 20 – February 18
Despite the linguistic cues, Aquarius is an air and not a water sign. Its symbol, however, is the water bearer. They are forward thinkers, and thought to be incredibly truthful and intelligent -- their creative and intellectual energy unmatched in the Zodiac.
Pisces: February 19 – March 20
The last of the water signs, the Pisces is symbolized by two fish – usually swimming in opposite directions. Pisces are known to be highly empathetic and intuitive, easily reading the emotions of others and very much ruled by their own. They are understanding and romantic and experience the world with a heightened sensitivity.
More information on each Zodiac sign
Pisces | Aquarius | Capricorn | Sagittarius | Scorpio | Libra | Virgo | Leo | Cancer | Gemini | Taurus | Aries
Compatibility: What zodiac signs go well together?
Star sign compatibility can be complex. It's not as simple as: Does my sign go with this other one? Will our relationship last or end in shambles?
To determine true compatibility, you have to look at someone's full chart: their moon, rising and sun sign, along with a few other placements. That said — a few simple rules can be followed to get a general idea of compatibility.
Most zodiac signs will gel with the other signs in their elements — for example, Aries and Leo, both fire signs, are very compatible, as are Taurus and Virgo, both earth signs.
When crossing elements, fire signs tend to go best with air signs, while earth signs tend to go best with water signs (think of the harmony created when the ocean meets the shore.)
To find out which sign is your best match, read our guide.
What does your sun sign mean?
Your sun sign is your anchor sign — determined by the month intervals listed above.
"Imagine that it is your personality’s Boss," literature from the popular astrology site Café Astrology says of the sun sign. It helps to determine your style, your life's purpose and your goals.
What is my moon sign?
According to Café Astrology, your moon sign is representative of your deepest personal needs, your basic habits and reactions, and your subconscious. While your Sun sign might be how you project yourself to the world, your Moon sign is who you are on the inside — your most secret self.
Your Moon sign also helps predict how you will react in many situations. It helps build the code for your intuitions and instincts, and the spur of the moment feelings you will experience in response to something.
Your Moon sign is calculated using the exact time of your birth. It represents the placement of the moon in the sky at that time.
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What is my rising sign?
Your rising, or 'ascendant' sign is determined by the zodiac sign that is rising in the eastern horizon of the sky the moment you were born.
According to Café Astrology, your rising sign helps determine the impression you will make on others when they first meet you. It is regularly referred to as the mask we wear, though this is a bit of an oversimplification.
Your rising doesn't just determine how you present to the world, it also reveals our defense mechanisms, how we settle ourselves against the hard truths of our environment.
It takes all of the data of our personal experiences, and the patterns that reemerge in our lives and helps to quantify our worldview and the expectations we will have of any situation.
Breaking down the elements
Fire Signs
Aries
Sagittarius
Leo
"Fire is by far the most energetic element." Astrologer Narayana Montúfar shared in an email to USA Today, describing fire signs as "enthusiastic, sexy, exciting, and fun to be around." Fire signs are sure to bring the heat and won't shy away from initiating things but, they can at times be impulsive, so need to be reminded to pace themselves.
Water Signs
Pisces
Scorpio
Cancer
"Water is the strongest of elements in the natural world," Montúfar said. Because of this, water signs have an unparalleled emotional depth. "They are highly sensitive, nurturing, and incredibly resilient," she says.
Air Signs
Libra
Gemini
Aquarius
"Air is the element that connects us to the intellect and anything that involves thinking, writing or speaking," Montúfar said. Air signs tend to be very smart and are dreamers with their head eternally in the clouds. It is not uncommon for an air sign to pursue a career as a writer or podcaster, spurred by their desire to process everything and to see situations from different angles.
Earth Signs
Virgo
Capricorn
Taurus
"Earth is the most mellow element," Montúfar said, explaining that they have staying power, and are good at generating wealth. "They are careful, slow and strategic" she said. "People like being around them because they bring a calm and collected energy to those who need it."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The 12 Zodiac signs dates, seasons, personality traits, compatibility
