- Aries (March 21April 19)
- The Bull (April 20May 20)
- Gemini – (May 21June 20)
- a cancer (June 21July 22)
- Leo (July 23August 22)
- Virgo (August 23September 22)
- Libra (September 23October 22)
- a Scorpio (October 23November 21)
- In Sagittarius (November 22December 21)
- The Capricorn (December 22January 19)
- Water Bearer (January 20February 18)
- a Pisces (February 19March 20)
In This Article...
The zodiac signs last how long?
The Earth undergoes a precessional motion, which involves a modest periodic shift of the axis itself: around one degree every 72 years, in addition to its diurnal (daily) revolution upon its axis and annual rotation around the Sun. The precession of the equinoxes is the slow change over time in the Sun’s position relative to the ecliptic at the time of the vernal equinox, as measured against a background of fixed stars, as a result of this motion, which is mostly brought on by the gravity of the Moon.
The Earth behaves like a spinning top that is prone to wobbling when shown graphically. The daily (diurnal) rotation of the Earth is known as its spin. Over a period of just less than 26,000 years, the rotating Earth gently wobbles. The stars appear to be slightly shifting from west to east as seen from Earth, moving one degree every 72 years or so. As seen from Earth, one degree is almost twice as wide as the Sun or Moon. Any particular time of the year is the best opportunity to observe this stars’ sluggish motion. The most frequent fixed time occurs around March 21 each year, around the vernal equinox.
The constellation or superimposed sidereal zodiac in which the Sun actually appears at the spring equinox has traditionally been used in astrology to establish an astrological age. Hipparchus appears to have computed precession using this method in the year 127 BC. Each astrological era could be imagined to endure approximately 72 (years)30 (degrees) = roughly 2160 years because each sign of the zodiac is made up of 30 degrees.
This means that as the Sun crosses the equator at the vernal equinox, it moves backwards against the fixed stars at a rate of one degree every 72 years, one constellation every 2160 years on average, and the entire cycle of the zodiac every 25,920 years, also known as a Platonic Year. However, as the rate of precession increases, the length of the ages gets shorter with time. As a result, no two ages are the same length.
What is the order of the 12 zodiac signs?
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces are the 12 zodiac signs, listed in order. Greek texts from the Middle Ages have a symbol for each sign of the zodiac. Let’s examine the zodiac signs, constellations, and characteristics in more detail.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
The constellation of the ram serves as a representation for Aries, the first of the twelve zodiac signs. You are viewed as being active, ambitious, and competitive if you were born under this sign. The “fire” element is to blame for Aries’ predisposition to be impetuous and direct as well as their quickness and leadership abilities.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
The constellation Taurus symbolizes Taurus, the second of the Zodiac’s twelve signs. You are seen as being dedicated, dependable, focused, and creative if you were born under this sign. Tauruses are renowned for their wit, dependability, and stubbornness (the sign is a bull, after all). Taurus people enjoy seeking pleasure and have a tendency to challenge authority.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The constellation Gemini, which features Castor and Pollux, the Dioscurithe twins, serves as the symbol for Gemini, the third of the Zodiac’s twelve signs. You are seen as being enthusiastic, expressive, intellectual, and playful if you were born under this sign. Although they have a reputation for being contradictory, Gemini are recognized for their extroverted personalities and wide range of interests.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The constellation Cancer, which is most frequently pictured as a crab, is the zodiac sign for Cancer, the fourth of the twelve signs. If you were born under this sign, you are regarded as being brave, sympathetic, caring, and perceptive. Cancers are renowned for their ability to provide care and for having a propensity for being remote and passive-aggressive.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
The constellation of the lion serves as the symbol for Leo, the fifth of the Zodiac’s twelve signs. If you were born under this sign, people would describe you as fiery, lively, and outgoing. Leos are renowned for their warmth and high self-esteem, although they can occasionally be arrogant or envious.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
The maiden constellation serves as the symbol for Virgo, the sixth of the Zodiac’s twelve signs. You are seen as being practical, analytical, and sophisticated if you were born under this sign. Virgos are renowned for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail, but they can also have a propensity for shyness and unreasonably high expectations for both themselves and their loved ones.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
The lone inanimate constellation, the scales, stands in for Libra, the seventh of the Zodiac’s twelve signs. If you were born under this sign, people view you as diplomatic, fair-minded, and balanced. Although Libras are renowned for their generosity and amiability, they can occasionally be overly practical and insecure.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Scorpio is the eighth of the Zodiac’s twelve signs and is symbolized by the scorpion constellation. If you were born under this sign, people view you as dependable, resourceful, and determined. Scorpios are renowned for their courage and pioneering spirit, yet they may also come off as prickly and distant to outsiders.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
The ninth of the Zodiac’s twelve signs, Sagittarius, is symbolized by the constellation of the Archer. If you were born under this sign, you are regarded as cheerful, self-reliant, and intelligent. Sagittariuses are renowned for being charming and giving, although they can occasionally have a propensity to be haughty and overly direct.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Tenth among the zodiac’s twelve signs, Capricorn is symbolized by the sea goat constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are regarded as patient, diligent, and disciplined. Although Capricorns are renowned for their persistence and preference for boundaries and norms, they may occasionally be obstinate and overly perfectionistic.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
The constellation known as the “water carrier” represents Aquarius, the eleventh of the zodiac’s twelve signs. If you were born under this sign, people admire your creativity, loyalty, and originality. Although Aquarius people are recognized for their originality and rebellious spirit, they can also have a propensity to be unyielding and distant with their loved ones.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
The last of the Zodiac’s twelve signs, Pisces, is symbolized by the fishes constellation. You are regarded as intuitive, creative, and sympathetic if you were born under this sign. Although Pisces are renowned for their empathy and artistic talent, they can occasionally be too sensitive or delusional.
A zodiac cycle lasts how long?
Astronomy has nothing to do with the Age of Aquarius. An actual motion of the Earth known as precession causes an astrological age, which is why it exists. The Pole Star’s characteristics alter with time due to precession. Precessional cycles last 25,800 years. The zodiac also has 12 constellations. Therefore, at the time of the vernal equinox, the sun’s position in front of the background stars moves in front of a new zodiacal constellation approximately every 2,150 years. At that point, one could argue that a new era had begun.
The vernal equinox point, or occasionally the March or spring equinox point, refers to the spot on the sun in the sky at the vernal equinox. The vernal equinox point is reported to shift from in front of the constellation Pisces to in front of the constellation Aquarius, signaling the start of the Age of Aquarius.
When that will occur should have a definite answer. When will the sun be directly overhead in Aquarius during the equinox? When will the Aquarian Age start?
However, there are no simple solutions. This often asked question can be answered in a variety of ways.
Age of Aquarius in astronomy
Let’s look at the solution from an astronomical perspective. The International Astronomical Union (or IAU) took on the responsibility of officially naming and describing everything astronomical in the 20th century. In 1930, the IAU established “formal constellation borders. As a result, astronomers frequently use the IAU constellation borders to declare the start of the Aquarian Age. However, astrologists and New Age practitioners may or may not decide to use the same restrictions.
One who follows the IAU’s definitions is renowned Belgian astronomer and mathematical wizard Jean Meeus. His calculations show that in 68 B.C., during the March equinox, the sun moved from in front of the constellation Aries to in front of the constellation Pisces. The March equinox will enter the constellation Aquarius in 2597, according to Meeus once more.
These dates are astronomical in nature and were determined using 1930 IAU constellation limits.
The constellations have various sizes according to IAU definitions. However, astrologists frequently divide the zodiac into 12 equal parts. So, that is a significant distinction between how astronomers and astrologers view the constellations.
In order to determine when the Age of Aquarius starts, you must also take into account when the Age of Pisces began. It appears that there is no clear agreement among astrologers as to the exact start date of the Age of Pisces. Therefore, it is unclear when the Age of Aquarius officially starts. The approximate dates for the beginning of the Age of Aquarius, according to Nicholas Campion’s The Book of World Horoscopes, are between 1447 and 3597 A.D. Campion also examined published astrological-related material on the subject. He asserted that the majority of authors place the Age of Aquarius in the 20th century (29 claims). The twenty-fourth century comes in second (12 claims). By the way, Campion is the Sophia Center’s director and the M.A. program’s course director in cultural astronomy and astrology at the University of Wales, Lampeter. Here are Campion’s credentials.
Did it begin in 2012?
Some astrologers say that 2012 marked the beginning of the Age of Aquarius. They do this because they think Regulus, a star in the constellation Leo the Lion, marks the former boundary between Leo and Cancer. Regulus transitioned from the sign of Leo to the sign of Virgo in 2012 as this star moved to within 30 degrees of the September equinox point. The border between the constellations Pisces and Aquarius would be 150 degrees west of Regulus, or near the position of the March equinox, assuming that there were equal-sized constellations in antiquity. According to this calculation, the Age of Aquarius began in 2012.
You can see that many people have a reliable method for determining an age’s beginning. However, none of the numerous individuals performing the calculations are in agreement. For what various authors have asserted, see these Wikipedia lists.
Once again, EarthSky approaches the topic from an astronomical angle. If any experienced astrologers are willing to provide us with more methods for estimating the Age of Aquarius, please do! Your feedback is welcome.
A new zodiacal constellation, which rose above the eastern horizon before sunrise on the morning of the Northern Hemisphere spring equinox, was thought to herald the beginning of a new era in ancient Babylon, according to Terry MacKinnell, who answered to our call for comments. Visit An Age-Old Mistake That Still Haunts Astrologers to learn more.
>Definition of terms: Vernal equinox point
On the fictitious celestial sphere that surrounds Earth, there is a point known as the March, spring, or vernal equinox point. It is the point where the celestial equator, or the line circling the sky just above Earth’s equator, joins the sun’s eclipticor route across our sky. Because the sun used to be situated in front of the constellation Aries during the vernal equinox, it is frequently referred to as the First Point in Aries. The sun has, however, been in front of the constellation Pisces at this equinox for the previous 2000 years. The so-called Piscean Age has this importance. The sun at the equinox will eventually pass in front of Aquarius. The Age of Aquarius starts at that point.
How did the Age of Aquarius enter popular culture?
In the United States, the New Age movement and the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s are both connected to the Age of Aquarius. The beginning of the Aquarian age has been connected to both of these things: abundance of sympathy, understanding, and trust. This brings up the 1967 Broadway blockbuster musical “the movie Hair, which features the 5th Dimension’s song Aquarius as its theme. The first words of the song were:
It’s challenging to explain how “People were moved when Hair debuted on Broadway in 1968, a move that still seems risky today. Following that, it performed for 1,750 Broadway performances and 1,997 London performances, with simultaneous productions taking place in other locations around the United States and Europe and accompanied by recordings (the original Broadway cast recording sold three million copies). This Broadway musical virtually single-handedly popularized the Aquarian Age idea in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Though not the original, you can still get the idea from the video below.
In conclusion, the March equinox point leaves Pisces and enters Aquarius, signaling the start of the Aquarian Age.
However, it is unclear exactly when that will be.
Zodiac signsare they true?
Astrology: Is it true? Although reading horoscopes is a well-liked past time, is there any scientific evidence that it has any significance?
When you are lured by a familiar interruption and your willpower wanes, problems may result.
Up to 70 million Americans consult their horoscopes every day. At least that is what the American Federation of Astrologers claims. A Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life research conducted twenty years ago found that 25% of Americans thought that the positions of the stars and planets had an impact on our daily life. According to the General Social Survey from 2012, 34% of Americans asked think astrology is “extremely” or “kind of” scientific. The percentage of those who think astrology is “not at all scientific” has decreased from two-thirds to roughly one-half.
The concept that astronomical phenomena, such as the stars above when you were born or the fact that Mercury is in retrograde, have the ability to affect the daily happenings in our lives and our personality traits is commonly referred to as astrology. The study of astronomy, which is the scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the mechanics of the cosmos, is obviously very different from this.
An element of astrology in particular that is gaining popularity is the ability to predict one’s future or provide advise on daily actions through horoscopes. Horoscope pages had 150 percent more visits in 2017 than in 2016, according to publications like The Cut.
It’s obvious that many individuals are looking for methods of star interpretation. Understanding the locations of the stars, the basis of astrology, seems to be a sufficiently scientific endeavor. But can science support the idea that astrology has an impact on our personalities and our lives?
But since I have you for the remaining five minutes of this six-minute-or-so podcast, let’s examine the precise methods by which astrology has been put to the test.
The zodiac is how old?
Approximately 2,500 years ago, during the “Age of Aries,” the zodiac system was created in Babylonia. It is assumed that the precession of the equinoxes was unknown at the time. The signs of the coordinate system can be fixed to the stellar backdrop for sidereal or tropical interpretations in modern times, respectively, with the signs fixed to the point (vector of the Sun) at the March equinox.
Hindu astrology employs a sidereal method, as opposed to the tropical one used in Western astrology. The result is a clockwise (westward) precession of 1.4 degrees per century, which causes the initially united zodiacal coordinate system to gradually drift apart.
This indicates that the tropical sign of Aries currently is somewhere within the constellation Pisces for the tropical zodiac used in Western astronomy and astrology (“Age of Pisces”).
The ayanamsaayan, which means “transit” or “movement,” and amsa, which means “little part,” or the movement of equinoxes in small partsis taken into account by the sidereal coordinate system. It is unknown when Indians first became aware of the precession of the equinoxes, but Bhskara II’s treatise Siddhanta Shiromani, written in the 12th century, provides equations for measuring the precession of the equinoxes and claims that his equations are based on some missing Suryasiddhanta equations as well as the Munjaala equation.
Hipparchus is credited with discovering precession somewhere about 130 BC. In the seventh book of his 2nd century astronomical masterpiece, Almagest, Ptolemy borrows from Hipparchus’ now-lost work “On the Displacement of the Solstitial and Equinoctial Points,” where he describes the phenomena of precession and calculates its value. According to Ptolemy, the zodiac was traditionally started at the vernal equinox and was always referred to as “the first degree” of Aries in Greek mathematical astronomy. Because its starting point rotates over time through the circle of background constellations, it is referred to as the “tropical zodiac” (from the Greek trpos, turn).
Geminus of Rhodes’ astronomical work from the first century BC describes the idea that for Greek astronomers, the vernal point serves as the first degree of the zodiac. Geminus notes that, in contrast to the earlier Chaldean (Babylonian) system, which placed these points within the zodiac signs, Greek astronomers of his day associated the two solstices and the two equinoxes with the initial degrees of the zodiac signs. This shows that, contrary to popular belief, Ptolemy did not invent the idea of the tropical zodiac but rather only defined Greek astronomers’ convention.
In his astrological work, the Tetrabiblos, Ptolemy demonstrates that the concept of the tropical zodiac was well understood by his forebears by explaining why it would be incorrect to compare the irregular boundaries of the visible constellations with the regularly spaced signs of the seasonally aligned zodiac:
The equinoctial and tropical points should be used to determine the start of the signs and phrases. This rule is not only explicitly stated by writers on the issue, but it is also made particularly clear by the constant proof provided that people’s natures, influences, and familiarities are solely derived from the tropics and equinoxes, as has already been amply demonstrated. And if other beginnings were permitted, it would either be necessary to exclude the characteristics of the signs from the theory of prognostication or impossible to do so without making mistakes in the retention and application of them because the regularity of their spaces and distances, which is what gives them their influence, would then be invaded and broken.
Can you switch your sign?
No, it’s closer to every 30 years. (Thank G, you have some time to think about all of this.) The advanced sun only moves by less than a degree per year, therefore there are 30 degrees in each sign, making this transition extremely gradual, according to Montfar.
What are the ages of the signs?
This is how the Age of Aquarius, a new astrological era that has just begun, is upending our lives. Officially, we are living in the Age of Aquarius. Although both years have been challenging, there has clearly been a change in energy from 2020 to 2021.
Who is the smartest sign?
Aquarius is the zodiac sign that is considered to be the smartest. Uranus, the planet of invention, creativity, and higher consciousness, is in charge of them. Because of this, this air sign does more with the information than just absorb it and spit it back out: they comprehend, grasp, and build upon it. Kovach describes them as “innovative, unconventional, and frequently ahead of their time.” They are aware of how emerging trends operate and may have a clearer view of the future than others.