Zodiac Sign Symbols, Their Meanings, and Historical Origins

Astrology has played a vital role in human culture for centuries, with twelve zodiac signs offering insights into our personalities and traits.

Each sign has a unique text symbol that holds its own meaning, appearance, and history.

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the text symbols for each zodiac sign, describing their appearance and exploring their meanings and origins.

If you want to read about a specific zodiac sign, use the quick links below:

• Aries ♈ (Ram): March 21–April 19
• Taurus ♉ (Bull): April 20–May 20
• Gemini ♊ (Twins): May 21–June 21
• Cancer ♋ (Crab): June 22–July 22
• Leo ♌ (Lion): July 23–August 22
• Virgo ♍ (Virgin): August 23–September 22
• Libra ♎ (Balance): September 23–October 23
• Scorpio ♏ (Scorpion): October 24–November 21
• Sagittarius ♐ (Archer): November 22–December 21
• Capricorn ♑ (Goat): December 22–January 19
• Aquarius ♒ (Water Bearer): January 20–February 18
• Pisces ♓ (Fish): February 19–March 20

Aries ♈ (March 21 – April 19)

Aries, the first zodiac sign, symbolizes the ram. Its symbol looks like a “V” with curved horns, representing the ram’s head.

Aries covers the period from March 21 to April 19. As a Fire sign influenced by Mars, it represents energy, courage, and assertiveness in astrology. Other Aries traits involve enthusiasm, initiation, and a strong drive for success.

Ancient Babylonian and Greek mythology trace Aries’ history. In Babylon, Aries connects with the agricultural god Dumuzid, who was associated with shepherding. In Greek mythology, Aries links to the story of the Golden Fleece, which the winged ram Chrysomallos carried.

Jason and the Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece to claim Jason’s rightful throne. After retrieving the fleece, the ram was sacrificed to Zeus, who placed it in the sky as the Aries constellation.

Taurus ♉ (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus, the second zodiac sign, symbolizes the bull. Its symbol looks like a circle with two curved horns on top, representing the bull’s head.

Taurus covers the period from April 20 to May 20. As an Earth sign influenced by Venus, it represents stability, sensuality, and practicality in astrology.

Other Taurus traits involve patience, determination, and a strong connection to nature and material comforts.

Ancient Babylonian and Greek mythology trace Taurus’s history. In Babylon, Taurus connects with the Bull of Heaven, which the goddess Ishtar sent to punish the hero Gilgamesh. In Greek mythology, Taurus links to the story of Zeus and Europa.

Zeus was smitten by Europa, a beautiful Phoenician princess. To approach her, he transformed himself into a magnificent white bull. Europa, captivated by the bull’s beauty, climbed onto its back, and Zeus whisked her away to the island of Crete. To honor their union, Zeus placed the bull in the sky as the Taurus constellation.

Gemini ♊ (May 21 – June 20)

Gemini, the third zodiac sign, symbolizes the twins. Its symbol looks like the Roman numeral II, representing the twin figures of Castor and Pollux.

Gemini covers the period from May 21 to June 20. As an Air sign influenced by Mercury, it represents communication, adaptability, and curiosity in astrology. Other Gemini traits involve adaptability, quick wit, and a strong desire for social interaction.

Ancient Babylonian and Greek mythology trace Gemini’s history. In Babylon, Gemini connects with the twin gods Lugal-irra and Meslamta-ea. In Greek mythology, Gemini links to the story of Castor and Pollux, the twin brothers who were half-immortal due to their unique parentage.

Castor and Pollux were inseparable and known for their adventures and bravery. When Castor died, Pollux, who was immortal, asked Zeus to share his immortality with his brother. Zeus granted the request and placed them in the sky as the Gemini constellation.

Cancer ♋ (June 21 – July 22)

Cancer is the fourth astrological sign in the zodiac and is represented by the symbol of the crab. The symbol itself looks like a sideways “69” or a pair of opposing spirals, signifying the crab’s claws or its rounded shape.

Cancer is associated with the period between June 21 and July 22. It is a Water sign and is ruled by the Moon, which is known for its associations with emotion, intuition, and nurturing. Cancer is also often associated with the qualities of empathy, sensitivity, and a strong connection to family and home.

The history of the Cancer zodiac symbol can be traced back to ancient Babylonian and Greek mythology. In Babylonian mythology, Cancer was associated with the goddess Ishtar and the water element. In Greek mythology, Cancer is linked to the story of Hercules and his twelve labors.

As part of his twelve labors, Hercules was tasked with killing the Lernaean Hydra, a multi-headed serpent that lived in a swamp near the ancient city of Lerna. During the battle, Hera, the queen of the gods and Hercules’ enemy, sent a giant crab named Karkinos to distract Hercules and aid the Hydra. Karkinos bit Hercules’ foot, but he crushed the crab underfoot, killing it.

As a reward for its service, Hera placed Karkinos in the sky as the constellation Cancer.

Leo ♌ (July 23 – August 22)

Leo, the fifth zodiac sign, symbolizes the lion. Its symbol looks like a backward “U” with a loop, representing the lion’s mane and regality.

Leo covers the period from July 23 to August 22. As a Fire sign influenced by the Sun, it represents warmth, creativity, and self-expression in astrology. Other Leo themes include leadership, self-confidence, generosity, and a strong sense of loyalty.

Ancient Babylonian and Greek mythology trace Leo’s history. In Babylon, Leo connects with the lion goddess Ishtar, who was associated with love, war, and fertility. In Greek mythology, Leo links to the story of Hercules and his twelve labors, particularly the task of killing the Nemean Lion.

The Nemean Lion was a fearsome, invulnerable beast terrorizing the people of Nemea. Hercules had to use his strength and cunning to defeat the lion by strangling it, as no weapon could penetrate its hide. To honor Hercules’ victory and the bravery of the Nemean Lion, Zeus placed the lion in the sky as the Leo constellation.

Virgo ♍ (August 23 – September 22)

Virgo, the sixth zodiac sign, symbolizes the virgin or maiden. Its symbol looks like an “M” with a looped leg, representing purity and modesty.

Virgo covers the period from August 23 to September 22. As an Earth sign influenced by Mercury, it represents practicality, organization, and attention to detail in astrology.

Ancient Babylonian and Greek mythology trace Virgo’s history. In Babylon, Virgo connects with the goddess Nidaba, who was associated with writing and agriculture. In Greek mythology, Virgo links to the story of Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility, and her daughter Persephone.

Persephone was abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld, causing Demeter to mourn her loss. As a result, the earth became barren, and no crops would grow. Zeus intervened and arranged for Persephone’s return, but since she had eaten pomegranate seeds from the underworld, she had to spend part of the year with Hades. This myth explains the seasonal cycle of growth and dormancy.

Libra ♎ (September 23 – October 22)

Libra, the seventh zodiac sign, symbolizes the scales. The symbol resembles an “=” sign with a curve on the top line, representing the balanced scales.

Libra spans from September 23 to October 22. As an Air sign governed by Venus, it embodies harmony, balance, and beauty in astrology.

Ancient Babylonian and Greek mythology trace Libra’s history. In Babylon, Libra connects with the scales held by the goddess of justice, Shamash. In Greek mythology, Libra links to the story of Astraea, the goddess of justice and innocence.

Astraea was the last immortal to leave Earth when the gods retreated to Mount Olympus due to human corruption. Zeus placed her scales in the sky as the Libra constellation to honor her commitment to justice.

Scorpio ♏ (October 23 – November 21)

Scorpio, the eighth zodiac sign, symbolizes the scorpion. Its symbol looks like an “M” with a pointed tail, representing the scorpion’s stinger.

Scorpio covers the period from October 23 to November 21. As a Water sign influenced by Mars and Pluto, it represents power, transformation, and intensity in astrology.

Ancient Babylonian and Greek mythology trace Scorpio’s history. In Babylon, Scorpio connects with the goddess Ishtar and her lover Tammuz. In Greek mythology, Scorpio links to the story of Orion, a giant huntsman who boasted about his ability to defeat any creature.

Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, wanted to punish Orion’s arrogance. She sent a scorpion to attack him. After a fierce battle, the scorpion killed Orion.

To honor the scorpion’s victory and as a reminder of the consequences of arrogance, Zeus placed the scorpion in the sky as the Scorpio constellation.

Sagittarius ♐ (November 22 – December 21)

Sagittarius, the ninth zodiac sign, symbolizes the archer, often depicted as a centaur with a bow and arrow. The symbol resembles an arrow with a horizontal line crossing the shaft, indicating the archer’s bow.

Sagittarius spans from November 22 to December 21. As a Fire sign ruled by the planet Jupiter, it embodies expansion, growth, and wisdom in astrology.

Ancient Babylonian and Greek mythology trace Sagittarius’s history. In Babylon, Sagittarius connects with the centaur-like god Nergal, a god of war and the underworld. Sagittarius links to the centaur Chiron in Greek mythology, known for wisdom and archery skills.

Chiron was a unique centaur, unlike his wild counterparts. He was a wise teacher who mentored Greek heroes like Achilles, Theseus, and Jason. Chiron got wounded by a poisoned arrow, shot accidentally by his friend Hercules. The poison from the Lernaean Hydra caused Chiron unbearable pain, but he couldn’t die due to his immortality.

Chiron gave up his immortality to Prometheus, and Zeus honored him by placing him in the sky as the Sagittarius constellation.

Capricorn ♑ (December 22 – January 19)

Capricorn, the tenth zodiac sign, symbolizes the sea-goat. The symbol looks like a stylized “N” with a loop at the lower end, representing the goat’s head and the fish’s tail.

Capricorn covers the period from December 22 to January 19. As an Earth sign governed by Saturn, it embodies discipline, responsibility, and structure in astrology.

Babylonian and Greek mythology tell the history of Capricorn. In Babylon, Capricorn links with the god Ea, who appeared as a half-goat, half-fish creature called the “Apsu Suhur-Mashu.” Ea was a god of wisdom, creation, and sweet waters. In Greek mythology, Capricorn connects with the story of the Titan Cronus, also known as Saturn, who escaped from the monster Typhon.

When Typhon attacked the Olympian gods, most fled to Egypt and transformed into animals to hide. Cronus, fearing for his life, turned into a sea-goat, a creature that could navigate both land and water. After Typhon’s defeat, the sea-goat became the constellation Capricorn, honoring Cronus’ clever escape.

Aquarius ♒ (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarius, the eleventh zodiac sign, symbolizes the water-bearer. The symbol consists of two parallel wavy lines, representing water flowing or poured by the water-bearer.

Aquarius lasts from January 20 to February 18. As an Air sign governed by Saturn and Uranus, it represents innovation, rebellion, and humanitarianism in astrology.

Babylonian and Greek mythology recount the history of Aquarius. In Babylon, Aquarius connects with the god Ea, who poured life-giving waters from the sky to nourish Earth. In Greek mythology, Aquarius relates to the story of Ganymede, a beautiful youth whom Zeus abducted.

Ganymede was a Trojan prince who was known for his exceptional beauty. Zeus, captivated by Ganymede’s looks, transformed himself into an eagle and carried Ganymede to Mount Olympus to serve as the cupbearer to the gods.

Ganymede would pour nectar and ambrosia from a large urn, quenching the gods’ thirst. In honor of Ganymede’s role, Zeus placed him in the sky as the constellation Aquarius, symbolizing the life-giving and nourishing waters that he provided.

Pisces ♓ (February 19 – March 20)

Pisces, the twelfth zodiac sign, symbolizes two fish swimming in opposite directions, connected by a cord. The symbol resembles two crescent shapes facing each other, with a line linking them.

Pisces extends from February 19 to March 20. As a Water sign influenced by Jupiter and Neptune, it encompasses spirituality, dreams, and compassion in astrology.

Babylonian and Greek mythology trace the history of Pisces. In Babylon, Pisces links to the fish that rescued goddess Atargatis when she jumped into the sea, fleeing a mortal lover. In Greek mythology, Pisces connects to Aphrodite and Eros, who turned into fish to dodge the monster Typhon.

Typhon, a fearsome monster with a hundred serpent heads, attacked the Olympian gods. Aphrodite and Eros hid in the water and became fish. They tied their tails together with a cord to avoid getting separated. To honor their clever escape, Zeus placed them in the sky as the Pisces constellation.