12 Zodiac Signs Explained Simply: List, Dates, Meanings & More (2024)

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Everyone has a unique Natal Chart, based on the specific time and location of their birth. But every natal chart includes a Sun Sign, which is the constellation through which the Sun was passing when they were born.

This element is not only highly influential but there are also only twelve Astrological Signs, which remain consistent from year to year. This means that it is simple to identify your Sun Sign based on your date of birth.

Astrologers use Sun Signs to give people general information about their personality, strengths, and outlooks.

While no one is suggesting that there are only twelve personalities in the world, it is uncanny how closely our innate patterns of thought align with our Sun Sign.

12 Zodiac Sign Dates, Elements, and Planets

Below is a table of the 12 zodiac signs in order and their associated dates, elements and planets.

NB. The dates are based on the Tropical Astrology system.

Looking for zodiac text symbols and emojis? Check .

Aries

Represented by the Ram, Aries is determined, and often downright stubborn. They set themselves challenging goals, and are always looking for ways to improve themselves.

When they say they are going to do something, it gets done, no matter what obstacles they need to push through. Those born under this sign are hardworking and perseverant.

One of the Cardinal signs, Aries are natural leaders and tend to be control freaks. They also put their own needs and goals above those of others. They can often be oblivious to the needs of those around them.

Ruled by the planet Mars, the god of war, Aries is not afraid to fight for what they want. They also have a hot temper that characterizes many of the Fire signs.

Aries is charismatic and controlling, which means that they generally take the lead in relationships. They are open and honest with their feelings but aren’t so good at reading others.

Learn more about;

• Aries Zodiac Sign
• Aries Love Compatibility
• Aries Friendship Compatibility

Taurus

The fixed Earth sign within the Zodiac, Taurus crave stability and security. They recognize the importance of a secure job, a stable home, and relationships built on mutual interest.

While Taurus are creatures of habit, you won’t find them flummoxed in a crisis. This sign thinks long term, so they can see the little bumps in the road for what they are.

Taurus’ focus on material security can make them seem superficial, but they are in fact incredibly generous and empathetic, and are most at home in natural settings.

This sign simply appreciates the freedom that comes along with having all your ducks in a row. They prefer to follow long term plans than take risks.

When it comes to love, Taurus is looking for both chemistry and compatibility.

They want to be with someone whose life goals align with their own. They prefer to take things slow and be certain.

Learn more about;

• Taurus Zodiac Sign
• Taurus Love Compatibility
• Taurus Friendship Compatibility

Gemini

One of the Mutable signs, Gemini is constantly changing. An intellectual Air sign, they are interested in everything, so they are always moving their attention from one thing to the next, and changing their opinions and perspectives as their interests develop.

While their knowledge is wide, it can be shallow, as they move on too quickly to go deep.

Ruled by Mercury, Gemini loves to talk and loves getting to know people. They are a good and genuine friend, though they tend to be flaky.

They often forget plans with their nearest and dearest in the excitement of meeting a new acquaintance.

Highly adaptable, this sign is good at adjusting to new situations and meeting new challenges.

Gemini can fall in and out of love quickly as they search for the right person. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t picky.

Gemini is attracted to interesting and witty conversation and someone who can keep up with them.

Learn more about;

• Gemini Zodiac Sign
• Gemini Love Compatibility
• Gemini Friendship Compatibility

Cancer

Family and friends are at the center of Cancer’s world, and they know how important it is to cherish the people in their lives.

One of the Water signs and ruled by the Moon, they are also highly intuitive. They always seem like they know exactly what to do and say. This helps them form new bonds quickly, and they often have a very spiritual side.

Cancer’s emotions run near the surface, so they are easily hurt. Not that they would let anyone know, they can be secretive.

On the flip side, they can also be very suspicious. They read more into situations than is there, and have a tendency to snoop.

But Cancer is just scrupulously honest, and expects the same from others.

Cancer loves deeply, but is cautious and will often keep the true extent of their feelings to themselves.

When they do start a relationship, they quickly become a member of the family, calling their partner’s mother daily just to chat.

Learn more about;

• Cancer Zodiac Sign
• Cancer Love Compatibility
• Cancer Friendship Compatibility

Leo

Leo, the lion, is probably one of the most stereotyped signs, but there is some truth to it. Highly confident and ambitious, Leo loves to be in charge, and to be in the spotlight. Plus, they usually have quite the ego!

There is no question in their mind that they deserve to be at the top of the food chain.

Leo can prioritize style over substance, and can seem superficial as they bluff their way through situations. But their charisma and confidence mean they tend to succeed anyway.

Leo is also incredibly caring and generous. They also have no problem supporting others.

They are confident enough that they aren’t threatened by the success of others.

While Leo loves admirers and can be a flirt, they are also incredibly devoted and generous in their relationships.

While they want someone to worship them and reinforce their ego, they also enjoy being pushed and challenged.

Learn more about;

• Leo Zodiac Sign
• Leo Love Compatibility
• Leo Friendship Compatibility

Virgo

Virgo are often characterized as perfectionists as they have incredibly high standards, so they are very hard to please.

Even when their achievements are incredible, they always believe that they could have done a little bit more.

Represented by the Maiden Astraea, the last of the Greek immortals to abandon the Earth, Virgo shares her dedication and will power.

Virgo is highly self-aware, and they know both their value and their weaknesses. This can give them a unique mix of confidence and insecurity, which can put them on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Not that others would know.

Virgo are excellent actors and prefer to hide their true selves behind a perfect suit of armor.

Virgo’s confidence means that they have no trouble attracting admirers, but they do have trouble letting others behind their barriers.

Their expectations for love are as high as everything else in life.

Learn more about;

• Virgo Zodiac Sign
• Virgo Love Compatibility
• Virgo Friendship Compatibility

Libra

Libra has the unique ability to truly empathize with others and understand their perspectives.

This is the sign you want around when you need a kind ear, or a mediator.

Ruled by the balancing force of Venus, Libra’s biggest problem is that the understand everyone’s points of view so well, that they can end up sitting on the fence when it comes to their own opinions.

Innately social, Libra thrives off the energy of being around others, and always injects positivity into a group.

They can struggle to be alone, and have a tendency to develop co-dependent relationships.

They also invest a lot in their appearance and the material things, and like to follow the latest trends. But Libra has a deep soul for what really matters.

Libra is the type of person to become stressed when they are between relationships, but their outgoing nature means that they are always meeting new people.

They can have a tendency to change themselves to please their partner.

Learn more about;

• Libra Zodiac Sign
• Libra Love Compatibility
• Libra Friendship Compatibility

Scorpio

Named for the creature with the burning sting, Scorpios tend to have a sharp tongue, a suspicious nature, and to be highly unforgiving. But this is just because, as a water sign, their emotions run near the surface.

When something pinches them, it is hard for them not to react. Their sharp outside shields and endearing sift interior.

Scorpio likes to be in control. They aren’t happy with a decision unless they made it, but they also have the courage to take responsibility for their actions and choices.

Highly rational, they always trust the evidence over their gut.

A fixed sign, they are so confident in their own thoughts, that they can be a bit dismissive of the ideas of others.

When it comes to love, Scorpio loves to be pursued. They like to play games and get a thrill out of over the top romantic gestured.

When it comes to relationships, it is all of nothing. They are highly devoted, and expect the same.

Learn more about;

• Scorpio Zodiac Sign
• Scorpio Love Compatibility
• Scorpio Friendship Compatibility

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is represented by the swift-moving centaur, and this is perfect for this sign, which is incredibly hard to pin down.

They constantly crave new adventures and new experiences, and they can quickly get stressed if they feel like they are stuck in a certain place. For this reason, Sagittarius shy away from commitments, whether it be a relationship or a long-term contract.

Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius need to be active at all times: they are runners, thinkers and doers! This does mean that they often act before they think. They can also get impatient and frustrated easily.

But this sign has a growth mindset and always sees failure as an opportunity to grow and learn.

They are also quick to forgive, as they know life is a journey.

Sagittarius is wary of commitment, and while they aren’t the type to betray a partner, they prefer to keep things casual rather than put a label on it.

You can’t push them. They need to decide that they want to make space for someone else in their lives.

Learn more about;

• Sagittarius Zodiac Sign
• Sagittarius Love Compatibility
• Sagittarius Friendship Compatibility

Capricorn

The saying “stubborn as a goat” was probably coined to describe Capricorn, which is represented by this animal.

When Capricorn dig their heels in about something, there is no moving them. This makes them one of the most diligent signs.

When they set themselves a goal, they have no problem sticking to the steps to get it done.

Capricorn is also one of the most reliable and trustworthy signs, as they are always true to their word. But they don’t give it out lightly.

They have their own priorities which they put first, and have no problem saying no.

It can be hard to catch Capricorn’s attention, because they are so focussed on their own things.

When they do lift their heads up, they can fall in love hard and fast, but do struggle to make genuine compromises to make a relationship work.

Learn more about;

• Capricorn Zodiac Sign
• Capricorn Love Compatibility
• Capricorn Friendship Compatibility

Aquarius

Ruled by Uranus, Aquarius tend to be original and innovative with their own unique interests.

They are happy to do their own thing and follow their own noses, not really concerned with what other people think or conforming to shared ideas and rules.

They don’t need others to validate their talent and choices, they don’t need to prove themselves to anyone.

This can make Aquarius seem arrogant, and they can sometimes be dismissive of those who don’t share their views on the world.

Aquarius is highly intellectual and loves learning about the world and traveling, especially to places that are less reliant on technology.

They aren’t the type of people that have their cell phones in their hands all day.

Independent souls, Aquarius is rarely looking for love.

Stimulating conversation is their aphrodisiac, so they will often find friendship connections evolving into something deeper.

Learn more about;

• Aquarius Zodiac Sign
• Aquarius Love Compatibility
• Aquarius Friendship Compatibility

Pisces

Represented by two fish, just like fish, Pisces likes to travel in a group. They are extremely social, and love being surrounded by like-minded people.

They don’t crave to be the leader of the pack, but they do like to be the center of attention.

However, they will sometimes go to quite extreme lengths to ensure that they are getting attention.

Ruled by Neptune the planet of connectivity and psychic receptivity, Pisces tend to be creative and love making things, especially with their hands.

They also tend to be in tune with their spiritual sides and interested in the metaphysical.

Generous sorts, they are always the first to lend a helping hand when they see another person in need.

Pisces can be a little over the top when it comes to romance, but that is because they enjoy the thrill of the game.

They are looking for a genuine connection and genuine compatibility.

Learn more about;

• Pisces Zodiac Sign
• Pisces Love Compatibility
• Pisces Friendship Compatibility

Also, read our in-depth guides on zodiac sign love compatibility and friendship compatibility.