Early astronomers witnessed the Sun passing through the Zodiac signs in a year’s time, spending roughly a month in each. As a result, they determined that each constellation covers 30 degrees of the ecliptic.
However, due to a phenomenon known as precession, the positions of the constellations we see now have changed.
The zero point of the Zodiac used to designate the beginning day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The vernal equinox happens when the ecliptic and celestial equator collide, according to astronomers.
The zero point existed in Aries around 600 BCE, and it was known as the “first point of Aries.” (See Figure 1). The constellation Aries covered the first 30 degrees of the ecliptic; Taurus covered the next 30 degrees; Gemini covered the next 60 degrees; and so on for all twelve constellations of the Zodiac.
The Earth wobbles around its axis in a 25,800-year cycle, which ancient astrologers were unaware of. The gravitational attraction of the Moon on Earth’s equatorial bulge causes this wobble, known as precession.
This wobble has led the junction point between the celestial equator and the ecliptic to migrate west along the ecliptic by 36 degrees, or nearly one-tenth of the way around, over the past two and a half millennia. This indicates that, in relation to the stars beyond, the signs have moved one-tenthor almost a month around the sky to the west.
For example, persons born between March 21 and April 19 are considered Aries. During much of that time, the Sun was no longer in the constellation of Aries. The Sun is actually in the constellation of Pisces from March 11 to April 18! (See Illustration 2) See also Figure 3, which depicts the equinox precession from 600 BCE to 2600 CE.
The dates when the Sun is truly within the astronomical constellations of the Zodiac, as defined by contemporary constellation borders and corrected for precession, are listed in the table below (these dates can vary a day from year to year).
When precession is taken into consideration, your zodiac sign will most likely be different. And if you were born between November 29 and December 17, your zodiac sign is one you’ve never heard of before: Ophiuchus! After Scorpius, the eliptic crosses across the constellation of Ophiuchus.
Visit the Birthday Sky program to view what the sky looked like on your birthday and to learn more about your “true zodiac sign.”
In This Article...
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What are the signs of the zodiac that I belong to?
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 three most important indications in my life?
Your Sun sign, Moon sign, and rising sign, also known as ascending sign, are the three most important places in your birth chart. Your Sun sign is the foundation of your personality and who you are as a person. Your Moon sign indicates your emotional side and who you are when you’re alone. Finally, your rising sign is the initial impression others get of you and how you appear on the outside.
Is there any truth to the zodiac signs?
Ancient astronomers envisioned the zodiac constellations as having unique patterns that reflect the shapes of animals and humans. As illustrated, the zodiac constellations form an imagined belt in the sky that stretches about eight degrees above and below the ecliptic plane.