Astrology is a fascinating topic where people are able to learn about themselves, others, and the world around them based on an astrological profile determined by their date of birth. By understanding these sorts of things, many people believe it helps give insight into someone’s personality and nature.
It’s a bit magical at its core, and no Zodiac or horoscope is going to go answering all of life’s questions. However, it can be a fun thing to look into or even be a useful tool in understanding oneself a little better. Keep reading to learn more about all of the western Zodiac signs, what they mean, and other fun little tidbits about them.
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What do Zodiac Signs mean?
The western Zodiac signs are merely a way to help reveal potentially hidden facts about someone’s entire personality. It can be as simple as having a symbol for the time of birth to share with others, to getting extremely in-depth and almost fortune-telling. Each sign has its own meaning, ruling element, attribute, and cardinal traits.
Here are some meanings to common terminologies regarding the western Zodiac:
- Element: Relates to Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Represents similar traits across signs with the same element.
- Nature or Modalities: Refers to Mutable, Fixed, and Cardinal. These are categories for the Zodiacs based on their attributes.
- Active/Receptive: Refers to the tendency to act first or act second.
- Sun/Moon Sign: The sign based on where the sun/moon were at the time of birth.
The derived meaning for any Zodiac is extremely varied and meant to be vague so that someone can easily put themselves into it regardless of life circumstances. Being too precise will make someone feel excluded or incorrect if they don’t fit, whereas a more vague meaning will allow for more malleability and personal connection when someone can find their own way on how they fit. To learn more about Annie Botticelli Youtube channel.
What are the Zodiac Signs based on?
The word “Zodiac” is derived from “zōdiakos kyklos” which is Greek for “Circle of Animals.” The symbols of the zodiac are thus represented primarily by animals, though there are a few exceptions. Each Zodiac has a corresponding constellation in the night sky, which can be seen in the correct timeframe based on location and the location of the sun.
The signs and what they are based on are as follows:
| Zodiac | Based On |
| Aries | Ram |
| Taurus | Bull |
| Gemini | Twins |
| Cancer | Crab |
| Leo | Lion |
| Virgo | Maiden |
| Libra | Scales |
| Scorpio | Scorpion |
| Sagittarius | Centaur/Archer |
| Capricorn | Sea Goat |
| Aquarius | Water Bearer |
| Pisces | Fish |
The 5 major aspects of astrology explain how the earth rotates and how time is measured differently in the modern era versus the ancient, the dates assigned to each are not exactly set in stone and there can be variances. That’s part of what makes it fun though.
What are the 12 signs of the Zodiac in order?
In Western Astrology, the Zodiac year starts on the Spring Equinox. Therefore, it starts in March rather than January like the Gregorian Calendar most westerners are used to.
Aries
Those born under the sign of the Ram tend to have an enthusiasm for life unparalleled by others, often seeking new challenges and adventures in order to push themselves. They are often ambitious, curious, and love competition in all forms.
Here’s a breakdown of the Aries Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| March 21-April 20 | Fire | Cardinal | Active |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Brave • Direct • Fearless • Independent • Deep Sense of Justice • Natural Leader • Eager • Dynamic • Quick • Competitive | • Aggressive • Self-Centered • Pushy • Inconsistent • Bad-Tempered • Selfish • Combative |
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An Aries typically is known for a combative nature, and this can be taken to the extremes easily with them. They are strong willed, to the point of absurdity sometimes.
Taurus
Those born under the sign of the Bull tend to be extremely down-to-earth, dependable, and extremely stable. These people are the most likely to build strong foundations and treasure a slow, steady, and secure lifestyle.
Here’s a breakdown of the Taurus Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| April 21-May 20 | Earth | Fixed | Receptive |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Steady • Driven • Tenacious • Enduring • Persistent • Trustworthy • Patient • Strong • Dependable • Sensual • Creative | • Materialistic • Resistant to Change • Indulgent • Possessive • Stubborn |
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If there was ever a sign for someone who is so stubborn and set in their ways to be called bull-headed, that’s a Taurus. These people are the sorts who, once settled into a routine they like, will be near impossible to get them to change their ways.
Gemini
Those born under the sign of the Twins are massive people-pleasers. They love socializing, people, and being adored. They want to be both seen and heard and are typically extremely extroverted and fun to be around.
Here’s a breakdown of the Gemini Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| May 21-June 21 | Air | Mutable | Active |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Intelligent • Adaptable • Agile • Communicative • Informative • Connected • Versatile • Expressive • Curious • Kind • Extroverted • Fun | • Talkative • Exaggerating • Deceptive • Cunning • Superficial • Inconsistent • Gossip-loving |
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Gemini tend to get a pretty rough reputation due to their tendency to be oversharing and talkative to the point of gossip. They know their way around social circles enough to ruin someone given the motivation and tend to have a bit of a back-stabbing, two-faced reputation that can be hard to shake.
Cancer
Those born under the sign of the Crab have a massive desire to love and be loved in every aspect of their lives. It is so deep that they need to have a strong emotional connection to things in order to feel safe. They are extremely emotional people who need love to achieve most anything in their lives but are also some of the most empathic and compassionate people out there.
Here’s a breakdown of the Cancer Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| June 22-July 22 | Water | Cardinal | Receptive |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Nurturing • Supportive • Healing • Compassionate • Unconditionally loving • Intuitive • Sentimental • Protective • Empathic | • Dependent • Indirect • Moody • Passive Aggressive • Unable to Let Go • Codependent |
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Cancers are very emotional and loving people who desperately need that love reciprocated. They often run the risk of falling into codependent relationships and need to find external means of validating their self-worth.
Leo
Those born under the sign of the Lion are fiery and boisterous. While an Aries tends to be wild and crazy in their fiery behaviors, a Leo is strong and powerful. They exude a loyal air and carry about a natural charisma that makes them take command and center stage in everything they do.
Here’s a breakdown of the Leo Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| July 23-August 22 | Fire | Fixed | Active |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Brave • Playful • Leader • Fun • Warm • Protective • Generous • Charismatic • Dramatic • Outgoing • Fiery • Self-Assured | • Egotistical • Dominating • Stubborn • Controlling • Show-Off • Vain • Aggressive |
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Leos tend to be extremely self-assured and fiercely loyal. However, they also tend to be a bit much when it comes to relationships. There’s a lot to a Leo and they are content to make sure everyone knows that.
Virgo
Those born under the sign of the Maiden tend to be extremely capable individuals with charming, analytical minds that drip with interesting qualities. They love to research about anything, fostering their curiosity and applying it to their talents.
Here’s a breakdown of the Virgo Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| August 23-September 22 | Mutable | Earth | Receptive |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Modest • Humble • Orderly • Altruistic • Logical • Responsible • Organized • Practical • Loyal • Gentle • Analytical | • Obsessive • Critical • Excessive Attention to Insignificant Details • Perfectionist |
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Virgos love to collaborate and be part of something bigger, though their analytical minds can be a bit much for some people. They also tend to be overly critical and can easily fall into a perfectionist trap.
Libra
Those born under the sign of the scales have a strong sense of justice and strive for balance and stability. They are charming individuals despite their tendency to stay within themselves. Additionally, they tend to surround themselves with things of beauty.
Here’s a breakdown of the Libra Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| September 23-October 22 | Air | Cardinal | Active |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Charming • Harmonious • Diplomatic • Easy-Going • Polished • Social • Fair-Minded • Gracious • Strong sense of Justice | • Indecisive • Superficial • Hypocritical • Gullible • Passive Aggressive |
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Libras tend to have an issue facing difficulties on their own, building thick walls to keep people out while also insisting that they should get out more. They are constantly two sides of the same coin.
Scorpio
Those born under the sign of the Scorpion are bold individuals with massive personalities hidden under a hard exterior. They have massive capabilities and loads of confidence. They also address obstacles with such intensity that they are capable of surmounting just about anything with their unshakable focus.
Here’s a breakdown of the Scorpio Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| October 23-November 22 | Water | Fixed | Receptive |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Passionate • Driven • Perceptive • Emotional • Sacrificing • Determined • Resourceful • Brave • Focused • Persistent • Confident | • Vindictive • Paranoid • Destructive • Possessive • Jealous • Clingy • Stubborn |
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Scorpios tend to be extremely misunderstood and get a poor reputation due to their tendency to hide their true emotions. They also easily hyper focus and slip into destructive behaviors which doesn’t help matters.
Sagittarius
Those born under the sign of the Centaur/Archer are excitable and full of energy. They love to explore and can be hard to get to sit still. They desire freedom and expansion and tend to always be on the go. Additionally, a Sagittarius is a well-regarded philosopher with many ideas and dreams of grandeur.
Here’s a breakdown of the Sagittarius Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| November 23-December 21 | Fire | Mutable | Active |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Ambitious • Lucky • Moral • Optimistic • Enthusiastic • Open-Minded • Versatile • Extroverted • Funny • Generous • Adventurous | • Gluttonous • Lazy • Restless • Irresponsible • Blindly Optimistic • Tactless • Wanderlust |
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A Sagittarius easily falls into the trap of stretching themselves way too thin. They want to go everywhere and do everything, which tends to bite them back. They tend to have too much faith in their own abilities and those around them, which often leads to trouble.
Capricorn
Those born under the sign of the Goat are extremely intelligent individuals with massive amounts of ambition that they dedicate to practical matters. They are extremely organized and have lofty goals. These patient individuals love to plan and take their time getting to where they’re going.
Here’s a breakdown of the Capricorn Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| December 22-January 20 | Earth | Cardinal | Receptive |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Driven • Patient • Strategic • Determined • Disciplined • Responsible • Persistent • Serious • Independent • Tenacious | • Pessimistic • Greedy • Cynical • Fearful • Ruthless • Rigid • Miserly |
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Capricorns tend to be so responsible and capable that many people try to rely on them, which often leads to them taking on too much burden. They also tend to have an issue with learning how to express themselves, leading to some cynical and depressive behaviors.
Aquarius
Those born under the sign of the Water Bearer tend to be quirky individuals who love to go about everything in the most unorthodox ways possible. They love being eccentric and taking up all manner of humanitarian goals. They want to help people and bring about the greater good as best they can.
Here’s a breakdown of the Aquarius Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| January 21-February 18 | Air | Fixed | Active |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Intelligent • Inventive • Humanistic • Friendly • Altruistic • Reformative • Deep • Imaginative • Original • Uncompromising | • Emotionally Detached • Scatterbrained • Irresponsible • Impersonal |
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An Aquarius are great at making fast friendships, but struggle with keeping them. They also tend to fall into a trap of laziness if they aren’t given enough opportunities to help with.
Pisces
Those born under the sign of the Fish are dreamers with extremely vivid inner lives that they share with no one but themselves. They are extremely compassionate individuals who tend to be strongly trustworthy with a heavy and intense determination that they use to overcome obstacles.
Here’s a breakdown of the Pisces Zodiac:
| Dates | Element | Modality | Active/Receptive |
| February 19-March 20 | Water | Mutable | Receptive |
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits | ||
| • Mystical • Intuitive • Creative • Romantic • Compassionate • Sensitive • Affectionate • Empathetic • Wise • Artistic | • Escapist • Unrealistic • Submissive • Self-Pitying • Dependent • Codependent • Gullible |
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Pisces tend to be quiet people who are often extremely gullible. They also tend to want to avoid confrontation so much that they get themselves into huge pools of trouble and rely too heavily on those around them so that they can continue to live in their own heads.
Conclusion
The twelve signs of the western Zodiac are things that can help someone understand themselves a little better. Therefore, we put together the full list of zodiac signs that go well together so you can get an idea of who your soulmate could be. It’s not a science, but it is fun. It has varying levels of complexity and insight into various personalities and groupings of people based on the time of their birth. Everything about them tends to be vague in order to allow for people to mold themselves into the tropes they lay forth and attempt to lead themselves to a better, more fulfilling life.
