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...
Constellations Image Gallery
What is the most common zodiac sign?
The months of late June to late September, which are controlled by the astrological signs of Cancer, Leo, and Virgo, are the most popular months for birthdays. That means there are more grumpy Cancers, attention-seeking Leos, and critical Virgos in the world than any other zodiac sign! While Leo is the most prevalent sign, it is followed by Cancer and Virgo, with a little difference between them. Given the near-tie, as well as the fact that the sun changes zodiac signs at a different time (and occasionally a different date) each year, it’s impossible to say how many cusp zodiac sign babies were born in either sign’s region. So, until birth data takes into account the sun’s astrological position, we’ll have to settle with a tie between our top three. Regardless, a large number of baby horoscopes fall in the summer.
Which zodiac sign is the most reserved?
This highly sensitive and emotional star sign consistently ranks first among the most reserved zodiac signs. Pisces is always on the edge and takes their feelings extremely seriously. They don’t want anyone to step on their heart, therefore they make a point of avoiding allowing anyone to get too close. In a room full of people they don’t know, the star sigh will feel uneasy. As a result, the first day of education or job is not only something they dread, but it also causes them to stay up late at night. Their own hell consists of group talks, vivas, and interviews. This dreamy star sign excels at using art or other forms of creativity to express themselves. They will be classified as one of the shy zodiac signs until they find a means of communication.
Which zodiac is a participant?
Scorpios are thought to be the most powerful of all the animals. They are cunning and manipulative, so they can take advantage of your emotions to carry out their scheme.
Which signs in the zodiac are the most powerful?
Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn are the five most powerful zodiac signs. Even if your zodiac sign isn’t among the top five, you may regard yourself as powerful because of your ability to manage yourself or your physical strength.
Which zodiac signs are drawn to each other?
12 Zodiac Compatibility Matches That Make Great Couples
- Aries and Aquarius are the signs of the zodiac. Between an Aries and an Aquarius, there is never a dull moment, which makes their partnership highly fascinating.
- Taurus and Cancer are opposite signs.
- Aquarius and Gemini are two zodiac signs.
- Cancer and Pisces are opposite signs.
- Sagittarius and Leo are the two zodiac signs.
- Taurus and Virgo are the two zodiac signs.
- Libra and Gemini are the signs of the zodiac.
- Scorpio and Cancer are the signs of the zodiac.
Do the signs of the zodiac have any significance?
It is the individuals, not the zodiac sign, who are responsible for developing connections, according to a Quora writer. All 12 zodiac signs have a positive sign linked with them, but you can’t forecast all of a person’s attributes or character just by glancing at their horoscopes. It is thought that couples with similar spiritual feelings are more likely to bond, whilst couples with incompatible zodiac signs are more likely to split up. This isn’t always the case, though.

