Astrological signs are the twelve 30-degree sectors that make up Earth’s 360-degree orbit around the Sun in Western astrology. The signs begin on the vernal equinox, which is the first day of spring and is known as the First Point of Aries. Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces are the zodiac signs. The Western zodiac has its origins in Babylonian astrology and was influenced by Hellenistic culture later on. Each sign was named after a constellation that the sun passed through every year as it crossed the sky. This point is underlined in the popular and simple sun sign astrology. By axial precession of the Earth, Western astrology’s zodiacal divisions have shifted out of alignment with the stars they were named after over the millennia, whereas Hindu astrology measurements have corrected for this moving. Chinese and Tibetan cultures developed astrology (a system of omina based on celestial appearances), but these astrologies are not based on the zodiac and instead deal with the entire sky.
Astrology is a debunked scientific theory. It has no scientific validity or explanatory capacity, according to scientific analyses of the theoretical underpinning and experimental verification of assertions.
Celestial occurrences, according to astrology, are related to human action on the concept of “as above, so below,” with the signs representing distinct modalities of expression. Until the 19th century, scientific astronomy and Western astrology both employed the same sectors of the ecliptic.
Different systems of astrology now utilize various techniques of measuring and dividing the sky, yet the names and symbols of the Zodiac have mostly remained consistent. The Equinox and Solstice points (points pertaining to equal, longest, and shortest days of the tropical year) are used in Western astrology, while the equatorial plane is used in Hindu astrology (sidereal year).
In This Article...
What are the four zodiac sign types?
The Elements of Astrology: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water Signs
- Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are the fire signs.
- Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are earth signs.
- Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs.
- Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are all water signs.
What are the three different zodiac signs?
When most individuals think of astrology, their solar sign is often the first thing that comes to mind. After all, that’s the sign you’d check up when reading your horoscope or researching your cosmic compatibility with your crush. Understanding the differences between your sun, moon, and rising signs is a crucial place to start if you’re ready to delve deeper into your own astrology.
In astrology, your “big three signs” are your sun, moon, and rising sign.
Consider them your most important astrological data. These three signs are quite essential in your horoscope, and each is in charge of a different aspect of your personality and total self. While the sun represents your core self and the moon your inner self, you might consider your rising sign to be reflective of your outward self.
Even if you don’t believe in astrology, it’s just a matter of time before someone asks you for your big three, so now is the time to practice. Let’s go through the basic meanings and differences of the sun, moon, and rising signs so you may start looking into your birth chart and using astrology to your advantage. Continue reading to learn more about this crucial astrological trifecta.
What are the numerous types of astrological signs?
Is that clear? Good. Let’s take it a step farther now. Four triplicities and three quadruplicities separate the twelve zodiac signs into sub-groups. Don’t worry if this appears a little perplexing; there’s a method to the madness. Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are the four zodiac sign elements, each with three zodiac signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Fire signs are passionate and energetic, earth signs are practical and grounded, air signs are intelligent and inquiring, and water signs are intuitive and emotional, to name a few characteristics.
What are the twelve different forms of astrology?
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces are the 12 zodiac signs in order. Each zodiac sign has a symbol that dates back to Middle Ages Greek manuscripts. Let’s look at the zodiac symbols, constellations, and qualities in more detail.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
The ram is the constellation that represents Aries, the first of the twelve zodiac signs. You are adventurous, active, ambitious, and competitive if you were born under this sign. Aries are recognized for their agility and leadership abilities, as well as a tendency to be impetuous and blunt (due to the “fire” aspect).
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Taurus is the second of the twelve zodiac signs, and the constellation Taurus represents it. You are dedicated, dependable, focused, and creative if you were born under this sign. Tauruses are noted for their intelligence, trustworthiness, and stubbornness (the sign is a bull, after all). Tauruses are notorious for questioning authority and seeking pleasure.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The constellation Gemini, which is made up of the Dioscurithe twins, Castor and Pollux, represents Gemini, the third of the twelve zodiac signs. You are active, expressive, intellectual, and playful if you were born under this sign. Geminis are recognized for their gregarious personalities and diverse interests, yet they have a (probably undeserved) reputation for being duplicitous.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The constellation Cancer, which is most typically pictured as a crab, represents Cancer, the fourth of the twelve zodiac signs. If you were born under this sign, you are brave, empathetic, protective, and perceptive. Cancers are noted for their tendency to be remote and passive-aggressive, as well as their caring nature.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
The lion is the constellation that represents Leo, the fifth of the twelve zodiac signs. You are vivacious, extroverted, and fiery if you were born under this sign. Leos are recognized for their warm personalities and great self-esteem, although they can be proud or jealous at times.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
The virgin is the constellation that represents Virgo, the sixth of the twelve zodiac signs. You are practical, analytical, and sophisticated if you were born under this sign. Virgos are recognized for their generosity and meticulous attention to detail, yet they may also be introverted and have unrealistic expectations for themselves and their loved ones.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
The scales, the only inanimate constellation, represents Libra, the seventh of the twelve zodiac signs. You are thought to be balanced, social, and diplomatic if you were born under this sign. Libras are recognized for their selflessness and camaraderie, although they can be overly pragmatic and insecure at times.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Scorpio is the eighth of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the scorpion constellation. You are loyal, resourceful, and dedicated if you were born under this sign. Scorpios are recognized for their boldness and pioneering spirit, but they may be abrasive and walled off to strangers.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
The archer is the constellation that represents Sagittarius, the ninth of the twelve zodiac signs. If you were born under this sign, you are cheerful, self-reliant, and intellectual. Sagittariuses are noted for their magnetic qualities and generosity, yet they can also be arrogant and direct.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Capricorn is the tenth of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the sea goat constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are patient, hardworking, and disciplined. Capricorns are recognized for their tenacity and fondness for boundaries and regulations, but they may be stubborn and too concerned with perfection.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Aquarius is the eleventh of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the water carrier constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are thought to be creative, loyal, and unique. Aquariuses are recognized for their rebellious temperament and ingenuity, but they can be aloof and unyielding with loved ones.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces is the last of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the fishes constellation. You are intuitive, artistic, and sympathetic if you were born under this sign. Pisces are famed for their empathy and artistic abilities, yet they can also be overly sensitive or delusional.
What are the characteristics of air signs?
Air signs are recognized for being expert communicators and for disseminating ideas. They are “change agents” who are very intelligent but have their heads in the clouds.
As the twins point out, “When things get stale, air signals give everyone a breath of fresh air. You can’t quite catch them, like the air, and you never know where they’ll dump you once they’ve swept you up. However, it will virtually always be an experience.”
These signs thrive on fascinating discourse, and communication is a common element in both their love and non-romantic relationships, as well as their professional lives. They’re usually bright and funny people who enjoy socializing and don’t want to sit still for lengthy periods of time.
While their free-spirited attitude is bound to keep things exciting, air signs must be careful not to become dispersed, as their “all over the place” energy can leave them feeling ungrounded.
Is there a distinction between the two sorts of zodiac signs?
Although decans or decanates are no longer used, each sign can be divided into three ten-sector segments known as decans or decanates. The sign ruler rules the first decanate, which is said to be most emphatically of its own nature. In the same triplicity, the planet controlling the next sign sub-rules the next decanate. In the same triplicity, the final decanate is sub-ruled by the next in succession.
While a sign’s element and modality are sufficient to characterize it, they might be grouped to reveal its symbolism. Personal signs are made up of the first four signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. The group of interpersonal signs is made up of the next four signs: Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio. The transpersonal signs are Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, the last four signs of the zodiac.
Dane Rudhyar discussed the tropical zodiac fundamental factors, which are covered in the RASA School of Astrology’s curriculum. The tropical zodiac, as opposed to the sidereal zodiac, is the zodiac of seasonal variables (constellation factors). The fundamental seasonal elements are determined by the shifting light-dark ratio throughout the year. The first consideration is whether the selected time falls during the half of the year when daylight increases or during the half of the year when darkness increases. The second consideration is whether the chosen date comes during the half of the year when there is more daylight than darkness, or during the half of the year when there is more darkness than daylight. The third factor is the season in which the chosen time falls, which is determined by the first two factors. Thus
- The winter season is when the amount of daylight increases and the amount of darkness decreases.
- The spring season is when the amount of daylight increases and the amount of darkness decreases.
- The summer season is when the amount of daylight is greater than the amount of darkness.
- The autumn season is marked by an increase in darkness, with more darkness than daylight.
What are the signs of the moon?
Your moon sign is the zodiac sign in which the moon was at the time of your birth. It’s the soul of your identity, the hidden part of yourself that you may keep hidden from others (unlike your outwardly appearing sun sign), and it accounts for a significant portion of your emotional side.
What are your top three priorities?
Do you think your zodiac sign is a perfect match for you, or do you think it’s a complete mismatch? Read on to learn how to decode your Zodiac sign and the surprise significance behind your big three from guest bloggers Mathilda and Amanda from the Swedish wellness and personal development podcast Holy Crap… The Holy Crap Podcast contributed to this article.
What are the meanings of my rising and moon signs?
They are determined not just by your birthday, but also by where you were born and when you were born. Simply said, your zodiac sign determines your personality. It’s your soul that’s at stake. Your emotional core is ruled by your moon sign. It’s your heart that’s the problem. Your rising sign is in charge of your physical appearance. It’s the cover of your book.