Star signs, also known as zodiac signs, are determined by the position of the sun in relation to constellations at the time of someone’s birth. There are 12 star signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Each sign has different personality traits and characteristics associated with it.
What is the origin of star signs?
The origins of star signs can be traced back to Babylonian astrology over 2,000 years ago. The Babylonians divided the zodiac into 12 equal parts – like cutting a pie into 12 equal slices. Each slice became associated with a constellation and took on the name and symbolic traits of that constellation. The position of the constellations relative to the sun at the time of a person’s birth was believed to impact their personality and destiny.
The concept of the 12 zodiac signs originated with the 12 constellations that the sun passed through over the course of a year. These were Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. However, due to changes in the Earth’s axis over time, the sun’s position relative to the constellations has shifted and the zodiac signs are no longer aligned with the constellations they were named after. Nevertheless, the 12 zodiac signs remain in use in astrology today.
What system is used to determine star signs?
The system used to determine someone’s star sign is based on the position of the sun at the exact time of birth. This is worked out using the person’s date, time and place of birth.
The zodiac year is divided into 12 star signs that each occupy 30 degrees of the 360 degree zodiac circle. The sign that the sun was passing through at the moment of birth indicates a person’s star sign. Here are the dates that correspond with each zodiac sign:
| Zodiac Sign | Dates |
|---|---|
| Aries | March 21 – April 19 |
| Taurus | April 20 – May 20 |
| Gemini | May 21 – June 20 |
| Cancer | June 21 – July 22 |
| Leo | July 23 – August 22 |
| Virgo | August 23 – September 22 |
| Libra | September 23 – October 22 |
| Scorpio | October 23 – November 21 |
| Sagittarius | November 22 – December 21 |
| Capricorn | December 22 – January 19 |
| Aquarius | January 20 – February 18 |
| Pisces | February 19 – March 20 |
However, the exact dates can vary slightly from year to year, due to the differences between the Gregorian calendar and the tropical zodiac calendar. People born close to the start or end of a zodiac sign period are said to be ‘on the cusp’ between two signs.
What are the key traits of each star sign?
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Aries is represented by the ram and is associated with the element of fire. Some key traits include:
- Adventurous
- Energetic
- Enthusiastic
- Courageous
- Impatient
- Quick-tempered
- Selfish
- Passionate
- Generous
Aries is a passionate and motivated signs that loves taking on new challenges. Aries people are bold leaders but can sometimes be seen as arrogant or stubborn.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Taurus is represented by the bull and associated with the earth element. Key traits include:
- Patient
- Reliable
- Devoted
- Responsible
- Stable
- Persistent
- Stubborn
- Materialistic
- Artistic
Taureans value security and stability. They are extremely loyal and make patient and grounded partners and friends. But they can also be inflexible and resistant to change.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Gemini is depicted by the celestial twins and aligned with the air element. Traits include:
- Outgoing
- Quick-witted
- Adaptable
- Communicative
- Intellectual
- Inconsistent
- Indecisive
- Restless
- Clever
Geminis are energetic, curious and engaging. They thrive on mental stimulation and get bored easily. On the downside, they can be unreliable and struggle with following through.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Represented by the crab, Cancer’s element is water. Cancer traits are:
- Emotional
- Nurturing
- Protective
- Supportive
- Intuitive
- Clingy
- Moody
- Self-pitying
- Loyal
Cancers are deeply caring and loyal. They make supportive partners and friends but are prone to worrying. They need security and stability to feel at ease.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Symbolized by the lion, Leo’s element is fire. Leo traits are:
- Confident
- Ambitious
- Charismatic
- Creative
- Passionate
- Arrogant
- Stubborn
- Vain
- Generous
Leos have bold personalities and love being the center of attention. They are natural leaders but can come across as arrogant. They love lavish lifestyles.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Virgo’s symbol is the maiden and its element is earth. Virgo characteristics include:
- Practical
- Analytical
- Organized
- Obsessive
- Methodical
- Critical
- Fussy
- Inflexible
- Hardworking
Virgos are grounded realists who love order and logic. They are incredibly organized but can be over-critical perfectionists.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Represented by scales, Libra’s element is air. Libra traits include:
- Diplomatic
- Gracious
- Peace-seeking
- Idealistic
- Romantic
- Indecisive
- Self-pitying
- Vain
- Charming
Libras strive for balance, justice and harmony. They make charming and sophisticated partners but have trouble making decisions.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Symbolized by the scorpion, Scorpio’s element is water. Scorpio traits are:
- Passionate
- Resourceful
- Observant
- Loyal
- Depth
- Jealous
- Obsessive
- Manipulative
- Secretive
Scorpios are intensely emotional and have a magnetic aura. They are passionate partners but can be controlling and jealous in relationships.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Symbolized by the archer, Sagittarius’ element is fire. Sagittarius traits include:
- Optimistic
- Adventurous
- Philosophical
- Outspoken
- Enthusiastic
- Irresponsible
- Blunt
- Restless
- Humorous
Sagittarians have an enthusiastic, philosophical and adventurous approach to life. They love freedom and can be brutally honest.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Represented by the sea-goat, Capricorn’s element is earth. Capricorn traits are:
- Practical
- Ambitious
- Disciplined
- Patient
- Cautious
- Pessimistic
- Inflexible
- Condescending
- Responsible
Capricorns are strong-willed and responsible. They strive for success and respect in life but can be pessimistic and rigid.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Depicted as the water bearer, Aquarius’ element is air. Aquarius traits include:
- Progressive
- Original
- Humanitarian
- Unconventional
- Friendly
- Detached
- Stubborn
- Unemotional
- Independent
Aquarians think differently from the crowd and love novel ideas. They make eccentric and interesting friends but can be stubborn.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Symbolized by two fish, Pisces’ element is water. Pisces characteristics include:
- Compassionate
- Artistic
- Intuitive
- Sensitive
- Gentle
- Idealistic
- Escapist
- Vulnerable
- Self-pitying
Pisces are deeply intuitive and sensitive souls. They are compassionate friends but prone to melancholy and escaping reality.
How accurate are star sign personality descriptions?
While star sign personality profiles can be fun to read, it’s important to take them with a grain of salt. Star signs are not scientifically proven to shape personality.
Some studies have suggested there may be a very small correlation between certain star signs and personality traits. For example, Leos tending to be more extroverted or Libras being slightly more cooperative. However, these links are weak and disputed within the scientific community.
Ultimately there are a vast range of factors that shape human personality including genetics, upbringing, experiences and culture. Star signs are unlikely to have a major influence on personality for most people.
The descriptions associated with star signs are often vague and general enough that people can identify with parts of them. This phenomenon is known as the Forer or Barnum effect. But serious astrologers warn that reducing star signs to simplistic caricatures can make astrology seem meaningless.
So while reading your star sign’s profile for entertainment can be enjoyable, it’s wise not to put too much stock in horoscopes for assessing someone’s character. People are far more complex than just their sun sign!
How are star signs used in astrology?
While star signs are just one component of astrology, they are key to astrological analysis. Astrologers use the sun, moon and other planets’ positions at birth to interpret someone’s personality, strengths, challenges and life path. Some of the main techniques used are:
- Natal charts – Maps of the exact positions of the planets at the time and place of birth.
- Transits – How the current movement of planets impacts a natal chart.
- Aspects – Angles formed between planets in a natal chart.
- Houses – 12 divisions of the starry sky that represent different life areas.
By analyzing how the planets align in these systems, astrologers aim to provide guidance about destiny, character, relationships, career and more. This goes beyond just sun sign predictions.
Conclusion
While the validity of astrology is debated, star signs represent an ancient system for understanding human behavior and destiny. The 12 zodiac signs are associated with distinctive personality traits and are determined by the sun’s position at birth. However, star sign profiles tend to be broad and should be taken lightly. Star signs are just one component of astrology and natal charts.