The Twelve Zodiac Signs

The twelve astrological signs are ordered as follows; Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. The zodiac signs earned their titles according to which constellation the sun was passing through at the time of recording. Although the movement between the sun and constellations no longer align in the same formation today, the different zodiac signs attributed at the time remain as they did thousands of years prior. The notion of the zodiac stems from the Babylonian empire, during which it was believed that celestial happenings closely influenced the behaviours of humans. Therefore, it was believed that each zodiac sign ascribes certain traits to the individuals born within the twelve different celestial passages.

There are twelve zodiac signs present in western astrology, these are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Each horoscope is named after the constellation the sun was passing through at the time of recording. 

Every zodiac has an element associated with it, alongside a planet which rules it. The elements are Water, Fire, Earth and Air. Elements for the zodiac signs have stereotypical characteristics and tendencies that are associated with them, however they vary slightly for each sign within the elements. 

What Are Zodiac Signs? 

Zodiac signs are based on the constellation alignments and are matched to a person’s birthdate when they’re born. There are different types of astrology that surround zodiac signs, depending on where you are from, including Chinese Horoscopes and Western Horoscopes. 

The signs for each horoscope span over a certain amount of days, most are around 30 days. For example, if you’re born in-between the dates of 23rd October - 21st November, you are a Scorpio Zodiac Sign. 

As mentioned, each zodiac sign is also attached to an element. This element is linked to specific characteristics that are then associated with each sign. There are 3 signs within each element, for example the water element houses Scorpio signs, Cancer signs and Pisces signs.

Every sign is different, with some small areas of characteristics that may overlap. Looking deeper into each horoscope and their characteristics can help you understand yourself, and anyone around you, even more. Certain signs are more compatible with one another in friendships and relationships, so making sure you understand each sign can benefit you and the people in your life.

Aries

March 21st - April 19th.

Aries' individuals are incredibly driven and ambitious, go-getters. They make great leaders as they are exceedingly confident and unfazed by public speaking while also having a sense of charisma that strongly attracts others. On the other hand, an Aries may be hindered by their bold and commanding personality as they can be known to use it as a masquerade for underlying insecurities. Aries are particularly compatible with Sagittarius, Aquarius and Gemini.

Aries Traits

Aries zodiac signs fall into the fire element and is ruled by the planet Mars. The planet Mars represents drive, determination and action, which is often present in an Aries personality. Aries' individuals are seen as great leaders with oozing confidence, strong public speakers and an attractive sense of charisma. 

However, if people are acting with the ‘negative’ traits of the Aries zodiac, they can come across as insecure and only acting bold to cover their own insecurities. 

Aries Compatibility

Within romantic relationships, an Aries is compatible with Sagittarius, Aquarius and Gemini. Sagittarius and Aries are both fire signs, so make for a very passionate duo in a loving relationship. They’re not very compatible with Cancers, Virgos, Scorpios and Pisces. All the water elements are seen as incompatible with an Aries in a romantic partnership, this is due to the opposite elements at play. 

Similarly, with their platonic relationships, Aries are often drawn to Sagittarius, Aquarius and Geminis. Leos and Capricorns are ones to avoid for an Aries friendship, as they’re very low on compatibility. 

Taurus 

April 20th - May 19th

Like a stubborn bull, Taureans are especially defiant and strong-willed characters, while also possessing a high level of emotional intelligence. In addition, Taureans are also huge homebodies who enjoy their creature comforts and thrive off spending time with close friends and family. They are most compatible with Capricorns, Pisces and Cancers.

Taurus Traits 

Taurus star signs are often compared to a stubborn bull, with their defiant and strong-willed personalities, whilst having a high level of emotional intelligence. Known as homebodies, Taurus signs enjoy their own creature comforts and thrive off spending time with those close to them. Part of the earth sign elements, Taurus signs are ruled by the planet Venus. 

The stubborn side to Taurus signs can often be misconstrued as arrogant and unable to change. However, as they are an earth sign they will stay grounded and practical, making the stereotype of being unable to change something they can shift depending on each situation. 

Taurus Compatibility

Compatibility within a Taurus love relationship and friendships is dominated by the Scorpio sign. In this case, opposites attract and Scorpio is seen as the most compatible sign for a Taurus, alongside their other earth signs Virgo and Capricorns. 

As mentioned, Taurus as homebodies, so they like to stay close to loved ones. An Aquarius is the least compatible with Taurus, as they like their own individual freedom and can feel stifled by a Taurus. 

Gemini

May 20th - June 20th

Geminis are famously temperamental, as their symbol of the twins indicates. Each twin represents a different ‘side’ to a Gemini and their personality, often making them hard to gauge by the other signs. Regardless of this, Geminis are reliably creative, communicative and fun-loving. They are the life and soul of the zodiac party. Geminis align closely with Leos, Aquarians and Librans.

Gemini Traits 

Geminis are known as the ‘Twins’ of the zodiac. The horoscope symbol is a twin sign, and they are famously temperamental, with each side of the twin representing a different side of the Gemini sign. Other signs can feel like Geminis are hard to understand and gauge, due to the fact they are often seen as having a ‘split personality’. Gemini’s are part of the air element zodiacs and are ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication.

Often misunderstood, Geminis are seen as creative people, who are fun-loving with great communication skills. Geminis are often described as the life and soul of the zodiac party! 

Gemini Compatibility

Attracting other fun-loving signs in the zodiac, Geminis and Leos are high in compatibility due to Leos being a fire sign. Fire signs are perfect to match the high energy personality of a Gemini. 

Geminis should avoid friendships and relationships with Scorpios, as their outlook on life is often conflicting. Geminis prefer an easy life, with no time to get into deep emotional conversations. They’re openly and proudly a more shallow zodiac sign, focusing on being happy and ignoring the deeper issues that may arise. 

Cancer 

June 21st - July 22nd

Cancer Traits

Like Taureans, Cancers are also homebodies. They are highly sensitive and incredibly caring towards those around them, making them fantastic teachers, carers and nurses. Sometimes their sensitivity can be mistaken for being overemotional, but they are strong in spirit and will not let their vulnerabilities be taken advantage of. Cancers are typically compatible with Taureans, Capricorns and Virgo.

Similar to Taurus’, Cancers are known as homebodies, with a kind and caring nature. They’re highly sensitive to those around them and incredibly caring people. Cancers find themselves steering towards careers as teachers and nurses or doctors, so they can express their caring side in their profession. The ruling planet of Cancer signs is the Moon, representing emotions, which is fitting for a Cancer.

Sometimes people label Cancers as overemotional and hyper sensitive, however they’re very strong in spirit and won’t be taken advantage of. 

Cancer Compatibility 

Fellow water signs such as Scorpio and Pisces are seen as the most compatible with Cancers, for both friendships and romantic relationships. It’s worth noting that water signs often understand each other well and just get one another, without thinking anyone is too emotional or sensitive. 

Aries are seen as least compatible for Cancers due to their communication style. With Cancers being a water sign, they can find the fiery nature of Aries troublesome and defensive, especially with Cancers having a very empathetic nature. 

Leo

July 23rd - August 21st 

Like the forceful Ram of Aries, Leos possess the bravery and courageousness of a lion, making them brilliant leaders. While their fiery headstrong attitude can sometimes be interpreted as dogmatic, Leos are undeniably loving and passionate beings. They are most compatible with Aries and Sagittarius, and best pacified through the peacefulness of Cancers.

Leo Traits

Leos are a fire sign, similar to Aries, they possess the personality to make them brilliant leaders. Often showing the courage and bravery of their zodiac sign's symbol, the lion. Leos are described as passionate and loving people, having an extravagant outgoing nature to fit in any social situation. Ruled by the Sun, the planet of self and power, it’s no wonder Leos are so in tune with themselves.

The downsides of a fiery personality means that they be interpreted with a headstrong, stubborn attitude. Patience is one thing Leos struggle with, knowing exactly what they want and wanting it straight away. 

Leo Compatibility 

Aries and Sagittarius signs are paired well with Leos, due to their compatibility being fellow fire signs. Each sign understands one another’s passionate views and won’t mistake each other for being aggressive or overbearing. Even though Cancers are sensitive water signs, they often find high compatibility with Leos due to the fact they can ground a Leo sign without the Leo compromising too much.

Ironically, even though Leos are known for being quite a vain sign, they are the least compatible with themselves! Leos struggle with other Leos as they seem to fight for the spotlight against one another. Scorpios are another poor match for Leos, Scorpios are a more mysterious sign and don’t fit well with Leos being extravagant and the main attraction.

Virgo

August 22nd - September 22nd 

Virgos are organized and perfectionists. They make great team players as they strive to achieve as a collective. They deal best when situations have stability and order and find that they can be thrown off balance if things do not go exactly as planned. Virgos are most compatible with Scorpios, Cancers and Taureans.

Virgo Traits 

Virgos are the organised perfectionists of the zodiac world. They make great team players, and they push people and collectives to achieve their best. Ruled by Mercury, Virgo is one of the three Earth signs. Situations that Virgos thrive in can often scare off other zodiac signs, with stability and order being at the forefront of their day.

However, if a situation doesn’t go as they have expertly planned, then it may send a Virgo into a meltdown. They’ll be sure to hide this meltdown but internally will be exploding. This is where the overly-critical side of a Virgo will show, ever the perfectionist they will not be happy to accept their plans have been sent into disarray. 

Virgo Compatibility 

Virgos need someone who is able to meet their expectations with minimal fuss, Libras are perfect for Virgos as they are very good at meeting the needs of others. Scoprios are also seen as an ideal match for Virgos, they’re more bold and compliment Virgos more quiet nature. 

Since Virgos and Leos both don’t like to compromise, they are a terrible match. Virgos like things done a certain way and if Leos aren’t willing to fall in line it can spell disaster for friendships, relationships and workmates.

Libra

September 23rd - October 22nd

Librans make fantastic friends as they are incredibly dependable and loyal. They always seek true justice and work to ensure that their behaviour is free of favouritism or discrimination of any kind. They are best suited with Geminis, Aquarians and Leos.

Libra Traits

Libra signs are known for their ability to be amazing friends due to their loyalty and dependability, like most air signs. Seeking true justice is important for Libras, and they never play favourites with their loved ones. The symbol for Libra is scales and this shows in their personality which is fair and free from discrimination. Libra signs are rules by the planet Venus, the planet of love and romance.

Libra Compatibility 

Best suited for the Libra zodiac sign is Geminis, Leos and Aquarius. The compatibility between these signs is high as they’re all fellow air signs. Libras can often find themselves attracted to relationships with an Aries if they both allow room for compromise, which isn’t easy for an Aries.

Cancers and Scorpios are low on the compatibility scale for Libras, Cancers can be quite demanding when they want something, leading to potential greediness which Libras don’t like. As Libras are quite indecisive, Scoprios are often over bearing and impatient with them, to the point of arguments in relationships. 

Scorpio 

October 23rd - November 21st

Scorpios are well known to be ambitious, enterprising individuals - sometimes at the expense of others. Their strong-will and determination to achieve their goals makes Scorpio a contentious sign within the Zodiac. This judgement may be somewhat unfair though, as Scorpios are passionately protective of their tribe and make very trustworthy friends. They are particularly compatible with other go-getters such as Aries, Leos and Virgos.

Scorpio Traits

Known to be ambitious and strong-willed, Scorpios are seen as very determined and independent people. Trying hard to reach their goals in life in all aspects, including careers and relationships, they’re seen as very headstrong in the zodiacs. Scorpio signs have two ruling planets, pluto and Mars. This accounts for their will power and determination. Scorpios are a water element, which people often find surprising as they share a lot of traits with the fire element signs. 

However, the determination can lead Scorpios to be secretive and sometimes deceitful to get what they desire. It’s wise to try to be a good leader if you’re a Scorpio sign and to not follow the path of being overly aggressive and critical.

Scorpio Compatibility

Taurus signs are a perfect match for Scorpios, more so than any other zodiac sign. This is because earth signs are grounded much like Scorpios, so they make a good pairing, alongside the other earth signs Virgo and Capricorns. 

Scorpios value their privacy and mysterious energy, so when they come across Geminis and Leos it’s often a clash of personalities. Geminis and Leos like to be the life and soul of the party, speaking about their lives and themselves. Scorpios can find this off-putting and generally annoying to be around.

Sagittarius

November 22nd - December 21st

Sagittariuses are highly mindful individuals. They are deep thinkers and ruminate more than the other signs in the zodiac. This makes them incredibly intuitive and highly emotionally intelligent. Sagittariuses form the strongest relationships with Librans, Aquarians and Leos.

Sagittarius Traits

Sagittarius are the deep thinkers of the zodiac. They’re incredibly intuitive individuals with high emotional intelligence. They’re seen as spontaneous and fun by their friends, which people may see as a contrast to their deep thinking, but they are well-rounded in this respect. Sagittarius ruling planet is Jupiter, the planet of abundance and success. They’re also a fire element with Leo and Aries, as their passion would suggest. 

Yet, Sagittarius are often pegged as blunt individuals, with short tempers. The temper comes from being a fire element, but can be seen as wreckless because of this. If a Sagittarius becomes restless then this can be hard for those around them as their temper will flare and harsh words are exchanged. 

Sagittarius Compatibility 

Due to Sagittarius zodiacs having a fiery side, they’re best suited to their fellow fire signs Leo and Aries. These signs understand the struggles of a Sagittarius and will be able to handle the bluntness that comes with it. 

Sagittarius signs should steer clear of Virgos, as they can be seen as nitpicky, which clashes with their restless nature. As Sagittarius signs are also spontaneous, this is hard for a forward planning, perfectionist Virgo. 

Capricorn 

December 22nd - January 20th 

Capricorns are highly intelligent people. They make great business decisions and remain level-headed during difficult times. Although sometimes considered aloof and emotionless, Capricorns instead prefer to prioritize focusing their energy in the right places; they do not waste their time dealing with people who don't have their best interests at heart. They are most compatible with Cancers, Scorpios and Pisces.

Capricorn Traits

Capricorns are intelligent people, who make great business decisions and remain level-headed in situations that most other zodiacs may fear. They’re not seen as time wasters and only deal with others who have their best interests at heart. Capricorns are ruled by Saturn, the planet of responsibility. This is fitting with Capricorns, as they thrive in being high up the career ladder and having lots of irons in the fire. An Earth element sign, Capricorns are grounded with their plans and are very ambitious. 

Even though Capricorns strive for success, they may procrastinate with their plans down to fear of failure. Alongside this, they’re seen as emotionally cold towards if they’re having a bad day, which can lead to relationship breakdowns. 

Capricorn Compatibility 

Both having a high sense of worth when plans go correctly, Capricorns and Virgos are a perfect match. They’re on the same wave length as their fellow earth sign in most aspects of life, planning meticulously and forward-thinking together. 

A match disaster are Aries signs, their stubbornness means neither of the signs are willing to compromise together. Opposites do attract in some cases however these signs are both ambitious, fiery and tempers can flare.

Aquarius 

January 21st - February 19th

Aquarians are uncomplicated individuals. They are upfront, honest and lay their cards on the table when dealing with friends and family. It is unusual to see an Aquarian ‘playing games’ or acting tactically - they are too independent and self-assured to lower themselves to this level. They are best paired with Sagittarius, Librans and Aries.

Aquarius Traits

Uncomplicated individuals, Aquarians are upfront and honest with their loved ones. It’s unusual to see an Aquarius playing games, as they usually lay their cards on the table for all to see. Being very self-assured and independent, they never stoop to the levels of being manipulative or acting tactically. Often mistaken as a water sign, Aquarius zodiac signs are part of the air element group. Ruled by Uranus, the planet of innovation, Aquarius are inquisitive and often find themselves researching the unknown.

Although Aquarians are honest people, they can become distant and aloof if they want to. It’s hard to know what an Aquarius is thinking, showing themselves as unpredictable or impulsive. Whilst they do enjoy learning about the unusual areas of life, this can come across as having their head in the clouds. 

Aquarius Compatibility 

Compatibility for Aquarians is high with Libra and fellow Aquarius signs. Libras are slow to get angry, much like Aqaurians making them the perfect romantic partners. Their relationships are filled with fun and lots of friends! Seeking out their own sign for a relationship and friendship is something that Aquarians do, they’re drawn to people with the same interests in the strange and unusual.

Low compatibitliy is found with water signs, mainly Pisces and Cancer. Cancers like reassurance from their partner and as Aqauarians are very honest this type of communication can be misconstrued. Seen as emotionally aloof, Aquarius don’t appreciate the neediness Cancers can present. Similarly, with Pisces, they can be insecure and emotionally complex, which is too much for lots of Aquarians.

Pisces 

February 20th - March 20th 

Pisceans are similar to Cancers in that they are both highly sensitive and emotional signs. They do not draw attention to themselves unnecessarily but rather seek to live honestly and prioritise the feelings of loved ones in their lives. They are most compatible with Cancers, Taureans and Aquarians.

Pisces Traits

Pisces are very similar to Cancers, they're both very sensitive and emotional water signs. They don’t like to draw attention to themselves when it's not needed, but prefer an honest life whilst prioritising others. Pisces sign individuals are very sympathetic to people in their lives, often to their own detriment. They’re seen as charming and very romantic people, as they put their partners before themselves. Ruled by the planet Neptune, Pisces are creative and dreamy. 

As Pisces put others first, this can lead to low self-esteem, if they give their time to the wrong people. They tend to overthink things and situations, which can mean relationships suffer with a need to be reassured. 

Pisces Compatibility 

As they are very similar, it’s easy to see why Pisces would fit in a perfect relationship with a Cancer. They’re both very sensitive and know how to communicate to reassure one another and grow each other's self-esteem. Both these zodiac signs are share values of kindness and empathy for others. 

A Pisces worst matches in the zodiac are Sagittarius and Gemini. Sagittarius signs are the complete opposites of Pisces, their boundaries are worlds apart. A Pisces is a sensitive soul whereas a Sagittarius is blunt and speaks their mind, they may find it hard to tip toe around a Pisces. Whereas Geminis are similar to Pisces with their mood swings which isn’t an ideal match when forming an emotional bond. 

Zodiac Signs Belief

Ultimately, the zodiac and its signs are not to be taken as a rigid doctrine, classifying our personalities and compatibility without any fluctuations. They are, however, a great guide that has existed for thousands of years, highlighting many accurate characteristics and allowing us to deeply engage with the remarkable workings of higher celestial realms. By taking the suggestions of the zodiac into account, we are able to seek greater clarity and understand our relationships to a greater extent.

It’s important to remember that zodiac signs and horoscopes shouldn’t be taken as rigid belief. Zodiacs are a great guide into people that has existed for thousands of years, highlighting accurate characteristics and allowing people to engage with celestial higher realms. 

Taking the zodiac suggestions into account is perfect for seeking clarity with life and understanding relationships. However, shouldn’t be taken as gospel.