How Do You Know What Your Zodiac Is

What's in a sign? Everything, according to star divination.

Astrologists believe your zodiac sign reveals a lot about your personality and temperament, as well equally how you express yourself. Fifty-fifty though star divination (the report of life and humans through celestial objects) can trace its roots back over a few millennia, astrology symbols aren't considered a scientific field today. Still, you can't escape the presence of astrology signs in our culture. From the monthly horoscope readings in your favorite magazine, to references on tv and in music, zodiac symbols are everywhere.

Don't know your zodiac sign, or only want to learn more? Y'all've come to the right place. By the time we're finished, you'll know what the zodiac symbols are, when they happen and which sign is yours!

What Are Zodiac Symbols?

Before we tin understand what zodiac symbols are, we have to know what the zodiac is.

The "zodiac" is an imaginary band of the heaven that extends about 8° each way on the elliptic, or, on the lord's day's path through World'south heaven over the grade of a year. Each sign takes upward about xxx° of latitude in the sky and correlates to a constellation. The sun, moon, constellations and other planets are all visible in the zodiac. All the same, most of the time when people think of a zodiac, they think of either the constellations or their symbols.

The history of the zodiac dates back to Babylonian times. For thousands of years, star divination was the close sister to astronomy. But as the scientific method became the ascendant standard for testing statements and establishing facts, the two fields separated and astrology was viewed as a pseudoscience. Withal, astrology symbols remain of interest and in use in many Western cultures and all the same captures our fascination today.

The zodiac is divided into 12 signs. The zodiac sign symbols each cover roughly the equivalent of a month's time. But unlike our agenda months, time for zodiac signs is calculated differently. This is because Western astrologists calculate the offset sign based off the Northern hemisphere's vernal equinox (spring), which happens effectually March 21st every year. From there, the zodiac signs dates were set based off the dates of the sunday'due south passage through the respective constellations during Ancient Greek times.

The Globe and Sun surrounded by the zodiac and constellations./Tauʻolunga/WikiCommons

What Do Zodiac Signs Symbolize?

The word "zodiac" originated from the Aboriginal Greek phrase, "zōidiakòs kýklos," which meant, "cycle (or circle) of petty animals." According to astrologists, the "bike" of zodiac symbols is made up of 3 key components:

• The actual sign itself
• Four elements
• Three modalities

Together, your sign, its element and modality are believed to play a vital office in your personality.

What Are the Four Elements of the Zodiac?

The four elements of the zodiac refer to air, earth, burn down and water. These elements were initially recognized by Ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles during the fifth century BC. Empedocles said the universe was made up of 2 opposite forces known as "love" and "strife" that influenced and exerted power over the four elements. These elements, in varying combinations, served to explain the essence of nature and things in our earth.

The symbols for air, world, fire and water./Leopanza/WikiCommons

In Western astrology, each zodiac sign is associated with an element. This is called a "triplicity" because three zodiac astrology symbols are "assigned" to each element. Because the elements are reflective of the natural globe, they are also considered influential to our personalities.

What Are the Three Modalities of the Zodiac?

In addition to the four elements, each sign also has an associated modality. The modality is a sign'due south basic operating mode, or how information technology expresses itself. Each sign is affiliated with a modality in what is called a "quadruplicity"—iv zodiac signs are "assigned" to each modality. While signs in the same grouping share core qualities, each maintains its unique characteristics.

The three modalities are: primal, stock-still and mutable.

The fundamental modality (or "fundamental expression") represents the beginning flavor and initiation. All primal signs either mark the kickoff of a new season or a solstice. The cardinal signs are: Aries (spring), Cancer (summer solstice), Capricorn (wintertime solstice) and Libra (fall). Those born under this modality are considered to be traditional, leaders, and rational. On the other mitt, they can too be ambitious and overly cautious.

The stock-still modality (or "stock-still expression") represents the middle season and sustaining. Fixed signs all begin in the middle of a season. The fixed signs are: Aquarius (winter), Leo (summer), Scorpio (fall) and Taurus (spring). People born under this modality are considered to be stable, reliable and persistent. On the other hand, they can as well be stubborn and unopen to modify.

The mutable modality (or "mutable expression") represents the cease season and change. Mutable signs showtime during the change betwixt seasons. The mutable signs are: Gemini (spring changing to summer), Virgo (summer changing to fall), Sagittarius (autumn changing to winter) and Pisces (winter changing to spring). Anyone built-in under this modality (like this commodity's writer), is considered to be adaptable, flexible and versatile . On the other manus, they can also be restless and unpredictable.

When nosotros combine the zodiac symbols, elements and modalities, we become a clear system that establishes an air, earth, fire and water chemical element to each cardinal, fixed and mutable expression.

What Are the 12 Zodiac Signs?

The 12 zodiac signs in guild are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Each zodiac sign has a symbol dating back to Greek manuscripts from the Middle Ages. Let'southward take a closer wait at zodiac symbols, the zodiac constellations, and their attributes.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Aries is the first of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the ram. If born under this sign, you're considered to exist adventurous, dynamic, ambitious and competitive. Aries are known for their quickness and leadership qualities, too as a tendency to be impulsive (blame the "fire" element) and blunt.

Taurus (April 20-May twenty)

Taurus is the second of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, Taurus. If born under this sign, you're considered to be dedicated, undecayed, focused and creative. Tauruses are known for existence intelligent and trustworthy, as well as stubborn (the sign is a bull, later on all). Tauruses love to seek out pleasure and tin can be known to question authorisation.

Gemini (May 21-June twenty)

Gemini is the third of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation Gemini, which is made up of the Dioscuri—the twins, Castor and Pollux. If born under this sign, you're considered to be energetic, expressive, intelligent and playful. Gemini are known for their outgoing nature and varied interests, but they have earned a (likely misplaced) reputation for beingness two-faced.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Cancer is the fourth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, Cancer, which is most frequently depicted as a crab. If built-in nether this sign, you're considered to be bold, empathetic, protective and intuitive. Cancers are known for their care-giving nature, as well as a trend to be distant and passive-aggressive.

Leo (July 23-Baronial 22)

Leo is the fifth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the lion. If built-in under this sign, you're considered to be vivacious, outgoing and fiery. Leos are known for their warm nature and loftier cocky-esteem, but they tin can have a tendency to be proud or jealous.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Virgo is the sixth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the maiden. If born under this sign, yous're considered to be applied, analytical and sophisticated. Virgos are known for their kindness and attention to detail, but they can have a tendency to exist shy and have unfairly high standards for themselves and their loved ones.

Libra (September 23-Oct 22)

Libra is the seventh of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the only inanimate constellation, the scales. If built-in under this sign, y'all're considered to be balanced, social and diplomatic. Libras are known for their selfless nature and companionship, simply they tin have a tendency to exist as well businesslike and insecure.

Scorpio (Oct 23-November 21)

Scorpio is the eighth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the scorpion. If born under this sign, you lot're considered to be loyal, resourceful and focused. Scorpios are known for their bravery and trailblazing nature, but they tin can appear prickly and closed off to strangers.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-December 21)

Sagittarius is the ninth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented past the constellation, the archer. If born under this sign, y'all're considered to be optimistic, contained and intellectual. Sagittariuses are known for being magnetic and generous, but they tin have a trend to be arrogant and besides direct.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Capricorn is the tenth of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented past the constellation, the sea goat. If built-in under this sign, you're considered to be patient, hardworking and disciplined. Capricorns are known for their tenacity and preference for boundaries and rules, but they can have a tendency to be stubborn and besides focused on perfection.

Aquarius (Jan xx-Feb 18)

Aquarius is the eleventh of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the h2o bearer. If born nether this sign, you're considered to be innovative, loyal and original. Aquariuses are known for their creativity and rebellious nature, only they tin accept a tendency to be aloof with loved ones and uncompromising.

Pisces (Feb 19-March twenty)

Pisces is the concluding of the twelve zodiac signs and is represented by the constellation, the fishes. If born nether this sign, you lot're considered to be intuitive, creative and empathetic. Pisces are known for their compassion and artistic nature, but they can have a trend to be too sensitive or delusional.

Summary: Zodiac Sign Symbols

The twelve signs of the zodiac, their elements and modalities, reveal a lot about our personalities. Each sign's constellation and occurrence during the year can play a big part in how you interact with the globe effectually you and how you limited yourself.

Whether y'all're a peppery Leo, an ambitious Aries, or a trailblazing Scorpio, your zodiac symbol has some tremendous qualities worth being proud of. Knowing the birthday symbols can also provide a useful shorthand in understanding where others are coming from.

So, the next fourth dimension someone starts talking about a friend's "Capricorn energy" or other zodiac sign symbols, you'll know exactly what they mean.

What's Adjacent?

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Most the Author

Brittany Logan graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism with a Master of Science with Honors. She has a dual-caste Master'southward from Sciences Po School of Journalism in Paris, and earned her Available's in Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has spent several years working in higher didactics- including every bit an English teacher abroad and as a pedagogy assistant in science writing at Columbia University's Earth Institute.

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Source: https://blog.prepscholar.com/zodiac-symbols-signs