Zodiac signs
Twelve signs and four elements. Learn how Sun signs are assigned by birth date, what the elements symbolise and which traits astrology traditionally associates with each sign.
In the tropical zodiac, the circle is divided into twelve equal sections of thirty degrees. Your Sun sign is the section occupied by the Sun at the time of your birth. This is usually what someone means when they say they are a Leo or a Libra; it is different from the unequal astronomical constellations.
Each sign is associated with an element and a ruling planet. Astrology uses these to describe symbolic strengths, temperaments and challenges. Start with the approximate date table, then explore the elements and traits below.
Zodiac signs by birth date
| Sign | Dates | Element | Planet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | 21 March–19 April | Fire | Mars |
| Taurus | 20 April–20 May | Earth | Venus |
| Gemini | 21 May–20 June | Air | Mercury |
| Cancer | 21 June–22 July | Water | The Moon |
| Leo | 23 July–22 August | Fire | The Sun |
| Virgo | 23 August–22 September | Earth | Mercury |
| Libra | 23 September–22 October | Air | Venus |
| Scorpio | 23 October–21 November | Water | Pluto |
| Sagittarius | 22 November–21 December | Fire | Jupiter |
| Capricorn | 22 December–19 January | Earth | Saturn |
| Aquarius | 20 January–18 February | Air | Uranus |
| Pisces | 19 February–20 March | Water | Neptune |
The four elements
The four elements are a quick introduction to the symbolic traits of the signs. Each element includes three signs with themes in common, even when their other associations differ.
Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Energy, initiative and enthusiasm. Fire signs traditionally symbolise action, inspiration and courage, with impatience or a quick temper as possible challenges.
Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Stability, practicality and endurance. Earth signs traditionally symbolise building, conserving and completing things. Reliability is their strength; stubbornness and resistance to change are common challenges in this interpretation.
Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Ideas, conversation and connection. Air signs are associated with curiosity, freedom and variety. Their symbolic strength is adaptability; their challenge is inconsistency or getting caught in their own thoughts.
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Feeling, intuition and depth. Water signs are traditionally associated with emotional sensitivity. Their symbolic strength is empathy; their challenge is taking things to heart or experiencing changeable moods.
Traditional traits at a glance
| Sign | Strength | Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | Courage, initiative, leadership | Impatience, a quick temper |
| Taurus | Reliability, loyalty, appreciation of beauty | Stubbornness, inertia |
| Gemini | Curiosity, sociability, lightness | Inconsistency, staying on the surface |
| Cancer | Care, sensitivity, attachment to home | Taking things personally, withdrawing |
| Leo | Generosity, charisma, confidence | Pride, needing attention |
| Virgo | Care, intelligence, reliability | Overcriticism, worry |
| Libra | Diplomacy, charm, a sense of proportion | Indecision, relying on others' approval |
| Scorpio | Determination, passion, insight | Jealousy, holding grudges |
| Sagittarius | Optimism, independence, honesty | Bluntness, restlessness |
| Capricorn | Discipline, purpose, responsibility | Emotional distance, overworking |
| Aquarius | Originality, friendliness, ideas | Detachment, rigid opinions |
| Pisces | Compassion, imagination, intuition | Escapism, difficulty asserting yourself |
If you were born near a sign boundary
A birthday on the first or last date listed for a sign needs a closer look. The Sun changes signs at a particular time, and that time varies by year. Use your full birth date and, if available, birth time with the correct time zone. You can calculate a birth-date readingto find the Sun and Moon's positions. Houses and the Ascendant require a full chart with the place of birth as well.
Your Sun sign is only one part of astrology
Astrology associates the Sun with identity, the Moon with emotions, Mercury with thought, Venus with affection and Mars with action. Each may occupy a different sign. These layers explain why an astrological reading uses more than a Sun sign alone. Explore our introduction to what a birth chart is and our guide to compatibility by birth date.
Explore your birth-date profile
A Sun sign is only one placement. A planetary chart adds the Moon and other planets for a broader symbolic interpretation.
Create my chartHow do I find my zodiac sign?
Find your birth date in the table above for an approximate Sun sign. If your birthday falls near a sign boundary, the year and exact time of birth also matter.
What if I was born between two signs?
The time the Sun enters a sign varies from year to year. For a boundary birthday, calculate the Sun's position using the exact date and time with the correct time zone. A full birth chart also uses the place of birth for houses and the Ascendant.
Which elements are considered compatible?
Astrology traditionally pairs fire with air and earth with water. Signs of the same element are described as familiar; fire with water and earth with air as contrasting. These are symbolic conventions, not measures of whether two people can build a good relationship.
Does a zodiac sign determine personality?
Astrology associates signs with temperaments and recurring traits, and people may recognise themselves in the descriptions. A causal connection is not scientifically established. Use the themes for reflection rather than as a fixed definition of yourself.