Learn Astrology:

The Zodiac

What are Zodiac Signs?

Everybody is familiar with the Zodiac, at least in passing. Most people know that a major part of their personality is determined by their "sign", and many chalk up both their talents and their shortcomings to this awareness. But did you know that your personality is compromised by all twelve signs to varying degrees?

The signs themselves are actually constellations of stars that form a ring around the Earth. Your Sun Sign is the constellation that the Sun was in front of when you were born. Actually, every planet in the Solar System fell into one of the twelve signs at your moment of birth, determining your whole personality.

How do the signs of the zodiac relate to astronomy?
(FAQ #67 from the University of Texas Astronomy website)

Though many people start their days by checking their horoscope in the newspaper, the 12 constellations of the zodiac are no more important to astronomers than the other 76 constellations. The significance of the zodiac stems from the fact that the ecliptic — the narrow path on the sky that the Sun, Moon, and all of the planets appear to follow — runs directly through these star groupings. Since ancient times, the Sun, Moon, and planets have been known to be special astronomical objects — they "wander" through the background stars of the zodiac, which remain fixed with respect to each other. It was reasoned, quite naturally, that these zodiacal constellations must be very special to make up this path, and the relative positions of the "wandering stars" within them bore great importance. True scientific astronomy indeed has its roots in ancient astrologers attempting to predict future occurrences of, for instance, imperial Jupiter and the blood-red planet Mars meeting within the charging bull of Taurus — a potentially powerful omen for those who believed the planets represented the gods themselves.

The Signs of the Zodiac

Aries is headstrong, assertive, enterprising, and adventurous. Being strongwilled, they love their freedom. Their color is red.

Taurus is characterized as reliable, patient, steady, and trustworthy. Taureans like good food.

Gemini is intellectual, outgoing, spontaneous, and lively. Gemini people are great conversationalists.

Cancer (Moonchild) has the same nature as the crab: hard on the outside and soft on the inside. They are very intuitive, sensitive, and cherish their families.

Leo is generous, dramatic, enthusiastic, and cheerful. The King of the Jungle.

Virgo has a reputation for being a perfectionist almost to a fault, but I prefer to think of Virgos as discriminating and elegant.

Libra represents balance and harmony. Librans create fairness, equality, and easy-going surroundings.

Scorpio can be best charactized by its intense, passionate, emotional nature. Watch out for the sting of jealousy and secrecy.

Sagittarius is embodied by intelligence and freedom. Sag people like to have fun.

Capricorn represents discipline, ambition, and rationality. Caps tend to have a good sense of humor.

Aquarius is characterized as progressive, humanitarian, and idealistic. This sign keeps the world friendly.

Pisces is the sign of sensitivity and receptivity. They hate to see any suffering, especially their own.

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