The astrological year begins at the vernal equinox—also known as the first day of spring—with the sign of Aries. Each sign has a special symbol and glyph, as well as a motto or phrase to describe it.
The 12 signs of the zodiac and their symbols (glyphs).
Aries
Dates: March 22 - April 20
Symbol: Ram
Element: Fire
Mode: Cardinal
Motto: I Am
Ruling Planet: Mars
The sign of Aries is all about activity. Aries can be courageous, energetic and dynamic. It is also known for its independence. Aries struggles with patience, completion of projects, and conserving energy.
Taurus ?
Dates: April 21 - May 21
Symbol: Bull
Element: Earth
Mode: Fixed
Motto: I Have
Ruling Planet: Venus
The sign of Taurus is focused on stability. While Taurus is often described as being stubborn, it is also affectionate, dependable and practical. Taurus appreciates sensual pleasures and loves to have a beautiful home where people can feel secure. Taurus can struggle with materialistic attitudes and detaching from people and possessions.
Gemini
Dates: May 22 - June 20
Symbol: Twins
Element: Air
Mode: Mutable
Motto: I Think
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Gemini’s focus is versatility. This sign is adaptable, expressive and witty. Its curious mind and love of knowledge makes Gemini skillful at seeing both sides of an issue. Sometimes seen as scatterbrained and restless, Gemini needs to learn how to channel and control its intellectual energy.
Cancer
Dates: June 21 - July 22
Symbol: Crab
Element: Water
Mode: Cardinal
Motto: I Feel
Ruling Planet: Moon
The sign of Cancer is focused on devotion. Cancer is nurturing, sensitive and domestic. Its intense feeling nature and tendency to soak up other’s emotions can sometimes lead to moodiness and argumentative behavior. Cancer needs to learn how to develop intuitive abilities to help and inspire themselves and others.
Leo
Dates: July 22 - August 21
Symbol: Lion
Element: Fire
Mode: Fixed
Motto: I Think
Ruling Planet: Sun
Leo’s focus is magnetism. This proud, dramatic, creative sign is generous and loyal; however, Leo can also be vain, pretentious and overbearing. Leo’s optimistic, hard working nature showcases their faith in a positive outcome for any project they work on. This sign needs to learn humility and adaptability.
Virgo ?
Dates: August 22 - September 21
Symbol: Virgin
Element: Earth
Mode: Mutable
Motto: I Analyze
Ruling Planet: Mercury
The sign of Virgo is focused on practicality. Virgo is methodical, industrious and studious. Because this sign loves to analyze problems, it can come across as overly critical, aloof, or pedantic. Virgo needs to find a positive outlook on life in order to overcome its tendency to worry too much.
*on the cusp discoverable*
Libra
Dates: May 22 - June 20
Symbol: Scales
Element: Air
Mode: Cardinal
Motto: I Balance
Ruling Planet: Venus
Libra’s key focus is harmony. This peace-loving sign is diplomatic, idealistic and cooperative. However, its commitment to partnership at any price can make Libra fickle and insincere. Libra needs to learn decisiveness and how to set - and maintain - boundaries.
Scorpio
Dates: October 22 - November 20
Symbol: Scorpion
Element: Water
Mode: Fixed
Motto: I Desire
Ruling Planet: Pluto
Scorpio is all about intensity. Known for its passion, endurance and investigative abilities, Scorpio is determined to uncover the truth. This deeply emotional sign can become vindictive and resentful if criticized or rejected. Scorpio needs to learn how to transform negative feelings into forgiveness and compassion.
Sagittarius
Dates: November 21 - December 20
Symbol: Archer
Element: Fire
Mode: Mutable
Motto: I Understand
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
The key focus of Sagittarius is visualization. This honest, philosophical, freedom-loving sign is broad-minded and restlessly seeks “the big picture.” Sagittarius’s honesty can quickly turn into tactlessness, and can sometimes come off as irresponsible and pushy. Sagittarius needs to learn how to be practical and persistent.
Capricorn
Dates: December 21 - January 22
Symbol: Sea Goat
Element: Earth
Mode: Cardinal
Motto: I Use
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Capricorn’s focus is ambition. This serious, structure-loving sign is known for its scrupulous, businesslike nature and its desire to understand the “bottom line.” Capricorn’s ambitions can lead to egotistical, domineering behavior. Capricorn needs to find fulfillment in emotional and spiritual experiences.
Aquarius ?
Dates: January 22 - February 20
Symbol: Water Bearer
Element: Air
Mode: Fixed
Motto: I Know
Ruling Planet: Uranus
The sign of Aquarius is focused on imagination. Independent, inventive, and altruistic, Aquarius often expresses itself in very original, unique ways. This rebellious sign can be unpredictable and radical, pushing its belief system on others. Aquarius needs to learn awareness and acceptance of others’ thought processes.
Pisces ?
Dates: December 20 - January 21
Symbol: Fish
Element: Water
Mode: Mutable
Motto: I Believe
Ruling Planet: Neptune
Pisces’s focus is understanding. This compassionate, highly intuitive sign has a romantic, sentimental nature. Because of its heightened emotional awareness, Pisces can tend to be hypersensitive and in search of escape from reality. Pisces needs to understand the ebb and flow of emotions and how to practice detached compassion.
Now that we’ve covered the basics on each of the 12 zodiac signs, let’s take a closer look at the 10 planets of the zodiac.
*audio discoverable on how planets rule more than one sign
*video discoverable on what people mean when they say they are “born on the cusp”