The 12 signs of the zodiac represent 12 difference experiences of the world. How does that sign live, play, eat, work, feel? Each sign has a full range of possibilities for those experiences: some positive, some negative.
The astrological year begins at the vernal equinox with the sign of Aries. For the purposes of this Snippet, we will provide the start dates for the cardinal signs, which correspond with the beginning of each season.
The 12 signs of the zodiac and their symbols (glyphs).
Starts: Vernal equinox (first day of spring)
Symbol: Ram
Element: Fire
Mode: Cardinal
Motto: I Am
Ruling Planet: Mars
Aries is all about activity. This sign can be courageous, energetic and dynamic. The ram has a competitive streak, which can help burn off all that high energy. Aries struggles to finish projects and can be impatient and inconsiderate of others. Some famous Aries include poet/writer Maya Angelou, artist Vincent Van Gogh and Playboy Club/Magazine founder Hugh Hefner.
Symbol: Bull
Element: Earth
Mode: Fixed
Motto: I Have
Ruling Planet: Venus
Taurus is focused on stability. While Taurus is often described as being stubborn, it is also affectionate, dependable and practical. The bull appreciates sensual pleasures and loves to have a beautiful home. Taurus can be argumentative and possessive, and may struggle with being too materialistic. Famous Taureans include actor George Clooney, artist Leonardo da Vinci and singer Barbra Streisand.
Symbol: Twins
Element: Air
Mode: Mutable
Motto: I Think
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Gemini’s focus is versatility. The sign of the twins 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. Famous Geminis include actress Marilyn Monroe, actor Johnny Depp and U.S. president John F. Kennedy.
Starts: Summer solstice (first day of summer)
Symbol: Crab
Element: Water
Mode: Cardinal
Motto: I Feel
Ruling Planet: Moon
Cancer is focused on devotion. The crab is nurturing, sensitive and domestic. Its intense feeling nature and tendency to soak up others’ emotions can sometimes lead to moodiness and self-pity. Cancer needs to learn how to develop intuitive abilities to help and inspire themselves and others. Famous Cancerians include U.S. president George W. Bush, Diana, Princess of Wales, and actor Tom Cruise.
The natural wheel showing placement of the 12 signs and their ruling planets.
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. The lion’s optimistic, hard-working nature showcases their faith in a positive outcome for any project they work on. Leo needs to learn humility and adaptability. Famous Leos include singer Madonna, artist Andy Warhol and actor/politician Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Symbol: Virgin
Element: Earth
Mode: Mutable
Motto: I Analyze
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Virgo is focused on practicality. The sign of the Virgin is methodical, industrious and studious. Because this sign loves to analyze problems, it can come across as overly critical, aloof or petty. Virgo needs to find a positive outlook on life in order to avoid worrying too much. Famous Virgos include Queen Elizabeth I, actor Sean Connery and politician John McCain.
Starts: Autumnal equinox (first day of autumn)
Symbol: Scales
Element: Air
Mode: Cardinal
Motto: I Balance
Ruling Planet: Venus
Libra’s key focus is harmony. This balance-seeking sign is diplomatic, idealistic and cooperative. However, its commitment to peace at any price can make Libra fickle and insincere. Libra needs to learn decisiveness and how to set—and maintain—boundaries. Famous Librans include tennis player Serena Williams, actor Matt Damon and singer John Lennon.
Astrologer Linda Kaye talks about the planet Venus, which rules both Taurus and Libra.
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. Famous Scorpios include artist Georgia O’Keeffe, actor Leonardo diCaprio and politician Hillary Clinton.
Symbol: Archer
Element: Fire
Mode: Mutable
Motto: I Understand
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Sagittarius is focused on visualization. This honest, philosophical, freedom-loving sign of the archer restlessly seeks “the big picture.” Sagittarius’s honesty can turn into tactlessness, and they can sometimes come off as irresponsible and pushy. Sagittarius needs to learn how to be practical and persistent. Famous Sagittarians include singer Britney Spears, writer Mark Twain and comedian Jon Stewart.
Starts: Winter solstice (first day of winter)
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.” The sea goat’s ambitions can lead to egotistical, domineering behavior. Capricorn needs to find fulfillment in emotional and spiritual experiences. Famous Capricorns include writer J.R.R.Tolkien, singer Elvis Presley and actress Betty White.
What does it mean to be "on the cusp" between two zodiac signs?
Linda Kaye explains what people mean when they say they are "on the cusp" and how to determine what sign you are.
Symbol: Water Bearer
Element: Air
Mode: Fixed
Motto: I Know
Ruling Planet: Uranus
Aquarius is focused on imagination. Independent, inventive and altruistic, the sign of the water bearer often expresses itself in 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. Famous Aquarians include media mogul Oprah Winfrey, actor James Dean and basketball player Michael Jordan.
Symbol: Fish
Element: Water
Mode: Mutable
Motto: I Believe
Ruling Planet: Neptune
Pisces’s focus is understanding. This compassionate, highly intuitive fish has a romantic, sentimental nature. Because of their heightened emotional awareness, Pisces can be hypersensitive and wanting to escape from reality. Pisces needs to understand the ebb and flow of emotions and how to practice detached compassion. Famous Pisceans include scientist Albert Einstein, actress Elizabeth Taylor and entrepreneur Steve Jobs.
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.