In modern astrology, a year is basically divided into 12 equal periods wherein the sun goes from one constellation area to another. In this AstrologyBay article, we will be discussing the 12 zodiac signs and symbols in detail.
Zodiac signs are something that most of us are quite familiar with. Based on our date of birth, we know our zodiac or sun sign. In fact, every newspaper always has a column where an astrologer gives out a daily prediction for all the 12 signs. You may even be getting an e-mail or two from some websites with some similar information.
If you may have looked at the newspaper carefully, you may have seen a little symbol or an animal or object right next to your sign. These are called zodiac symbols. These symbols, more or less, help us define the basic characteristics of each sun sign. Let us look at the 12 sings of the zodiac and their respective symbols to gain more insight and understanding of the basic nature and impulses of each zodiac sign.
12 Signs of the Zodiac
In a broader spectrum, the signs can be divided into masculine and feminine categories. Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius make the masculine signs, whereas Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces are the feminine signs. But for now, let’s just understand what each of these signs means.
Aries – The Ram
Duration – March 21 – April 20
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. As such, the Ram represents someone who is like a newborn infant. An Aries person is always demanding attention. Their needs always come first. They are aggressive and committed to their cause. Also, they are firm, independent, and idealist.
As the Ram is the symbol of Aries, you may often find the Aries person to have sharp features with well marked brows. The horns on the Ram symbolize that they mean business.
Since their ruling planet is Mars, this person is absolutely direct and to-the-point about everything that they wants.
Taurus – The Bull
Duration – April 21 – May 21
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac. Like their symbol, the Bull, Taureans are always steadfast and solid. They like to be left alone. If pushed, they can be obstinate. And if they are pushed a little more, then they will charge like a raging bull.
Taureans normally don’t speak much, and even if they do, they make do with small and crisp sentences. They can be brooding and stoic, but never nervous.
With Venus as the ruling planet, Taureans love grand things and doing things in grand style.
Gemini – The Twins
Duration – May 22 – June 21
Ruled by Mercury, the sign of Gemini displays mercurial fervor in all its aspects. These people are always on the go, and can switch between emotions so fast, that one begins to wonder.
Their symbol, ‘Twins’ is very apt for them as they can be one thing one moment, and another thing the next. Gemini people are eager, impulsive and quick in their movements. They can talk on both sides of an argument, and make each side sound right.
With the Gemini duality, they can do two things at a time―they are the master multitaskers.
Cancer – The Crab
Duration – June 22 – July 23
Ruled by the Moon, Cancerians can change their moods based on the phases of the moon. Moody and emotional, the Crab will never be able to take a decision until they hem and haw over it for a very long time. They are funny and witty, and then they can also become melancholy and depressed.
They have a vivid imagination. Cancer people are often quite intuitive and secretive. They never give up, just like the Crab, they hold on to what they want, tenaciously.
And just like the Crab, they love their home.
Leo – The Lion
Duration – July 24 – August 23
Ruled by the Sun, Leos love to be in the middle of limelight and glory. They bask in all the attention that they get. They are the perfect mixture of a loving cat and the arrogant pride of the King of the Jungle.
These Leos don’t like to take orders from anyone. They always like to tell people what to do and how to do it. At the same time, Leos are generous and giving.
They absolutely thrive on drama and theatrics. They are very romantic and love taking on responsibilities.
Virgo – The Virgin
Duration – August 24 – September 23
A Virgo is a silent person and most definitely a loner. No matter what, this person is always neat and clean. Typically, he is a worrier.
Dependable and sincere, Virgos are workaholics. Virgos are not the lavish types―rather they are very prudent and conservative. They can become very intense in their thinking process.
In a romantic relationship, a Virgo will look for quality, rather than quantity.
Libra – The Scales
Duration – September 24 – October 23
A Libran is typically like the symbol of its sign―balanced and poised. They are good-natured and pleasant. However, there is an inherent inconsistency with this sign.
They can never make up their minds. They fluctuate with their moods, their ideas and their periods of activity and rest.
They are kind, gentle, fair, and also argumentative, stubborn, and indecisive.
Scorpio – The Scorpion
Duration – October 24 – November 22
A Scorpio is a very intense and secretive person. They rarely like to reveal what’s on their minds. They can be extremely patient, but when their patience wears down, beware! They will lash out just like the scorpion that is their symbol. Their eyes are always deep, penetrating, and intense.
Remember, a Scorpio is an egoist. But at the same time, they are gentle and helpful people. But, then again, they will never flatter you.
And if you ask for their opinion, be ready to listen to short and sweet, but harsh version of the truth.
Sagittarius – The Archer
Duration – November 23 – December 22
They are the heart of the party. They are lively, witty, and cheerful. But then they often do not think before they talk, and if they end up saying the wrong thing, they never meant it except in the nicest way possible.
With a Sagittarius, you are always left wondering. They are the archer and are always restless. They cannot keep still. They have to be doing something at all times.
With Jupiter as the ruling planet, you can count on a Sagittarius to be loyal friends and be the one to help them when they are in trouble.
Capricorn – The Goat
Duration – December 23 – January 20
Capricorns are observant, steady and they know how to take things slow. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t want to go to the top.
Just like the Goat, which is its symbol, the Capricorn knows that “Slow and Steady Wins the Race”. They are determined, serious, and stable.
They can be stubborn and melancholy. With Saturn ruling their sign, when Capricornians decide to go for it, they just go for it. The Capricorn person is efficient and reliable and responsible. Depend upon it.
Aquarius – The Water-Bearer
Duration – January 21 – February 19
An Aquarius is intelligent, witty, and a dreamer. They are original and determined, but they love their freedom.
They can often be perceived as superficial. They seek quantity rather than quality in their social circle. They have an analytical bent of mind.
They are constantly seeking new knowledge and information.
Pisces – The Fish
Duration – February 20 – March 20
Pisceans are just like the symbol of their sign―two fish going in opposite directions. They can never be still and their mind is always doing two things at the same time. They are very intuitive and dreamy and their powers of imagination are legendary.
They are a born romantic, and artistic and creative at heart. They are very compassionate, generous, and loving.
A Piscean has a great sense of humor.
