What Is Your Zodiac Sign? Dates, Elements, and the 12 Signs Explained

“What’s your zodiac sign?” You have probably been asked that question more times than you can count. Whether it comes up meeting an acquaintance, on a first date, or chatting with coworkers, interest in astrology and zodiac sign compatibility is more popular than ever and on the top of many people’s minds. Even if you do not read your horoscope regularly, or “believe in it” for that matter, you still, at the very least, are likely to know your zodiac sign.

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What Are the Zodiac Signs?

The zodiac signs are twelve 30-degree slices of the sky along the ecliptic, the apparent yearly path the Sun traces through the constellations as viewed from Earth. When someone asks for your zodiac sign, they are asking for your Sun sign, the sign the Sun was passing through on the day you were born. Each sign carries a symbol drawn from the constellation the ancients pictured in that patch of sky, along with a long list of personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses that traditional astrology has attached to it over thousands of years.

Astrology has been around for thousands of years, and since then, people worldwide have used it as a lens to better understand themselves, their own personalities, and the people around them. The system we know in the West today, with twelve signs in fixed date ranges, comes mostly from ancient Babylonian sky-watchers and the Greek astronomers who tidied their work into a calendar. We will get to that history below. First, the practical part: how to find yours.

How to Find Your Zodiac Sign

You only need one thing to find your Western Sun sign: your date of birth. No birth time, no city, no chart software. Look up the month and day below, and your sign is the row your birthday falls into.

If your birthday falls between	Your Sun sign is
March 21 and April 19	Aries
April 20 and May 20	Taurus
May 21 and June 20	Gemini
June 21 and July 22	Cancer
July 23 and August 22	Leo
August 23 and September 22	Virgo
September 23 and October 22	Libra
October 23 and November 21	Scorpio
November 22 and December 21	Sagittarius
December 22 and January 19	Capricorn
January 20 and February 18	Aquarius
February 19 and March 20	Pisces

If your birthday lands on the day a sign changes, you are what astrologers call a “cusp” baby. The Sun does not jump signs at midnight in every time zone, so your actual sign depends on the exact moment of your birth. A free birth-chart calculator that asks for date, time, and place will settle the question for you.

The difference between Astrology and Astronomy

The 12 Zodiac Signs

There are twelve different zodiac signs. Each has its own symbol, based on the image of the constellation the ancients found in the sky. Over time, humanity attached a unique cluster of personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and characteristics to each one. Below is a short profile for every sign with a link to its full Farmers’ Almanac page.

ARIES (MARCH 21 to APRIL 19)

Element: Fire  |  Symbol: Ram ♈  |  Ruling Planet: Mars  |  Quality: Cardinal

As the first zodiac sign, Aries are known as the leaders of the zodiac. They are passionate, pioneering, and bold, never afraid to follow their heart’s desires and conquest whatever it is that they set their eyes upon. As eternal children at heart, Aries like to enjoy life by creating opportunities for themselves and taking an action-oriented approach. They are especially independent and ambitious, but also prone to a feisty attitude when their buttons are pushed. Despite a predisposition to getting fired up, they are also able to release their anger quite readily once it has burned off. Learn more about the Aries zodiac sign.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 to MAY 20)

Element: Earth  |  Symbol: Bull ♉  |  Ruling Planet: Venus  |  Quality: Fixed

Steady, loyal, and strong, Tauruses are all about building a life of stability. They like to take their time, enjoying life and stopping to smell the roses. As the most sensual zodiac sign, they crave to indulge their senses whenever possible, immersing themselves in beauty and harmony. They tend to be particularly hardworking, determined to build wealth over the long term. Because of their connection to nature and consistent desire for pleasure, they hunger for peace, passion, and romance. Yet, because they can be quite focused on what they want or believe, they may find themselves digging their hooves into the ground to defend their opinions with a stubborn mindset. Ultimately, they tend to be very practical, kind, and grounded people. Learn more about the Taurus zodiac sign.

GEMINI (MAY 21 to JUNE 20)

Element: Air  |  Symbol: Twins ♊  |  Ruling Planet: Mercury  |  Quality: Mutable

As one of the most curious zodiac signs of all, Geminis are always eager for new horizons and adventure. Their minds, and ideas, move a mile a minute. Known to be quite excitable and quick-witted, they tend to have highly developed communication abilities and love to intellectualize their emotions. When it comes to connecting with others, they are also very social and versatile at blending in with different groups of people. Yet, because they tend to have two sides to their personalities, they can often possess one side that is charming and cordial, with another that is a bit more fickle and judgmental. Once they conquer this, they are able to more easily stand on higher ground. Learn more about the Gemini zodiac sign.

CANCER (JUNE 21 to JULY 22)

Element: Water  |  Symbol: Crab ♋  |  Ruling Planet: Moon  |  Quality: Cardinal

Known to be one of the most sensitive and emotional of the zodiac signs, Cancers are also one of the kindest and most compassionate of all. However, because they are symbolized by the crab, they can also possess a hard shell to crack before they are willing to trust others and be vulnerable. Ultimately, because they often treasure family, domesticity, and tradition, they are excellent homemakers and famous for their nurturing abilities. Cancers are also highly empathic, softly romantic, and tremendously loyal to those whom they value. Just watch out for their intense emotions if you leave them high and dry. Learn more about the Cancer zodiac sign.

LEO (JULY 23 to AUGUST 22)

Element: Fire  |  Symbol: Lion ♌  |  Ruling Planet: Sun  |  Quality: Fixed

Bold, courageous, and confident, Leos like to rule the roost and be the center of attention. Even if they do not like to stand in the center of the limelight, they still like to be instrumental in the lives of those around them. Respect and integrity are important to them, and they tend to thrive in positions of authority. However, this can also lead them down a darker path of pride or greed. At their core, Leos are romantic, creative, and affectionate, eager to live life vividly and enjoy life to the fullest. Learn more about the Leo zodiac sign.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 to SEPTEMBER 22)

Element: Earth  |  Symbol: Virgin ♍  |  Ruling Planet: Mercury  |  Quality: Mutable

As one of the most analytical and focused zodiac signs, Virgos not only understand the grand perspective of any plan, but also the nitty-gritty on how to map out the most cautious strategies. They are able to intuitively know how to organize people and the world around them, which often aids them in being excellent managers. They also value hard work, productivity, and domesticity, able to juggle it all. However, one of their shadow sides involves an innate level of perfectionism, which can make them hypercritical or anxious in regards to themselves or others. As long as they are able to diffuse this trait, they will find a greater level of peace. Learn more about the Virgo zodiac sign.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 to OCTOBER 22)

Element: Air  |  Symbol: Scales ♎  |  Ruling Planet: Venus  |  Quality: Cardinal

Known as natural peacekeepers, Libras love to provide a sense of balance and justice in their lives and relationships. Harmony is of the utmost importance to them. Also, since they enjoy social connections tremendously, they are often particularly romantic, popular, and charming, gifted in communication and negotiation. Yet, because they ultimately take an intellectual approach to everything, they can be notoriously flakey or indecisive when faced with challenging situations. Last to note about them is that they are true lovers of beauty and luxury, always eager to immerse themselves within it whenever possible. Learn more about the Libra zodiac sign.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 to NOVEMBER 21)

Element: Water  |  Symbol: Scorpion ♏  |  Ruling Planets: Pluto and Mars  |  Quality: Fixed

Often cited as the most intense zodiac sign of all, Scorpios are “all or nothing” kinds of people. This is because at their very base, they are tremendously passionate and emotional individuals. While many people can say Scorpios have a bad reputation, they are not inherently bad people. In fact, they can be one of the most devoted, loving, and sensual of all zodiac signs, that is, if they like you. Scorpios tend to have a laser focus on what they do, or do not, desire. They often possess great psychological depth, able to analyze and assess themselves and others with incredible precision as they blend in their intuition. When they harness their skills, they can be remarkably hardworking and great agents of positive transformation. Learn more about the Scorpio zodiac sign.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22 to DECEMBER 21)

Element: Fire  |  Symbol: Archer ♐  |  Ruling Planet: Jupiter  |  Quality: Mutable

When it comes to one of the most naturally rebellious of all zodiac signs, that would certainly be a Sagittarius. This feisty, impulsive, and spontaneous zodiac sign hungers for adventure and new experiences constantly. They refuse to settle or be contained in a cage. If they are, they will do everything to break out of it. Freedom, exploration, and expansion are integral to their natures. This can lead them to become very philosophical, experienced, and wise, as they form unique perspectives of the world in which they live. Yet, one challenge they may experience is that they may be particularly restless and unable to focus and commit to one thing. By working through this, they can achieve great things. Learn more about the Sagittarius zodiac sign.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 to JANUARY 19)

Element: Earth  |  Symbol: Goat ♑  |  Ruling Planet: Saturn  |  Quality: Cardinal

Strong, patient, and focused, Capricorns are eager to build everything in their lives for the long term. They can be tremendously hardworking and ambitious, as they like to build a vision of what they would like to achieve and then slowly but surely plod along toward it. They have great levels of discipline and self-sacrifice, able to funnel their grounded and practical natures toward their goals. However, despite these positive attributes, they may also be stern and detached emotionally as they often choose a realistic approach that prioritizes facts. By getting in touch with their feelings, they can find balance in their personal and professional lives. Learn more about the Capricorn zodiac sign.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 to FEBRUARY 18)

Element: Air  |  Symbol: Water Bearer ♒  |  Ruling Planets: Uranus and Saturn  |  Quality: Fixed

Aquarians are known to be one of the most intellectual and independent zodiac signs of all. They favor logic and cold, hard facts over emotions. This can at times lead them to be particularly detached. Yet, this same ability to evaluate emotions often leads them to form unique perspectives on human relationships and society at large. Social involvement and connection tend to be extremely important to an Aquarius, as they often grow from interacting with a wide network of people. On a positive note, they can also be particularly eccentric and inventive, but because they can become so focused on their own opinions, they may at times be especially stubborn and inflexible once they have made up their minds. Learn more about the Aquarius zodiac sign.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 to MARCH 20)

Element: Water  |  Symbol: Fishes ♓  |  Ruling Planets: Neptune and Jupiter  |  Quality: Mutable

As the last zodiac sign on the wheel, Pisceans in many ways sum up all of the zodiac signs that have come before. Pisceans can be especially intuitive, emotional, and imaginative, eager to look at life from a spiritual or ethereal perspective. They are also one of the most sensitive and romantic zodiac signs of all, eager to explore relationships to the deepest of levels. With innate empathic and creative talents, Pisceans are often quite receptive, much like a sponge, able to absorb the energies and emotions of people around them. A challenge they may face is that if they are picking up intense vibrations, they may either cave in and become impressionable or instead become entirely overwhelmed and swim off spontaneously on their own. By remaining grounded, Pisceans can better manage these traits. Learn more about the Pisces zodiac sign.

The Four Elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water

The twelve signs split neatly into four groups of three, each tied to a classical element. Astrologers use the elements as a shorthand for temperament. Three signs share each one.

• Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): said to be active, expressive, and quick to act on instinct.
• Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): said to be grounded, practical, and oriented toward steady results.
• Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): said to be communicative, social, and idea-driven.
• Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): said to be emotional, intuitive, and relationship-focused.

The Three Qualities: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable

The signs also split into three groups of four called qualities or modalities. Each quality lines up with a season’s opening, middle, or closing stretch on the Northern Hemisphere calendar.

• Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn): open the four seasons. Tradition says they are starters and initiators.
• Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius): sit in the middle of each season. Tradition says they are steady and persistent.
• Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces): close out each season. Tradition says they are adaptable and ready to change.

The Ruling Planets

Every sign has a “ruling” planet that traditional astrology assigns to it. Several signs picked up a second modern ruler after Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were discovered between 1781 and 1930. The rulers below match the Quick Reference table at the top of the page.

• Mars rules Aries (and co-rules Scorpio)
• Venus rules Taurus and Libra
• Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo
• The Moon rules Cancer
• The Sun rules Leo
• Pluto co-rules Scorpio
• Jupiter rules Sagittarius (and co-rules Pisces)
• Saturn rules Capricorn (and co-rules Aquarius)
• Uranus rules Aquarius
• Neptune rules Pisces

What Is My Sun, Moon, and Rising Sign?

This is where the bottom of the horoscope column gets technical. Your Sun sign is the one from the table above and the only one you can find from your birthday alone. Astrologers add two more anchors for a fuller picture.

• Sun sign: where the Sun was on your birthday. Said to represent your core identity. Found from your date of birth.
• Moon sign: where the Moon was at the moment you were born. Said to represent your inner emotional life. Found from date, time, and place of birth.
• Rising sign (Ascendant): the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the minute of your birth. Said to represent how you come across to others. The rising sign changes about every two hours, so you need an accurate birth time to find it.

None of this is science. It is traditional astrology, the same tradition the Almanac has tracked for centuries because so many readers plan around it. If you want the full picture, look up a free birth-chart calculator and have your birth certificate handy.

The History of the Zodiac

The zodiac is older than most readers guess. Babylonian sky-watchers in Mesopotamia were tracking the Sun’s yearly path against the constellations as far back as the second millennium BCE, and around 1894 BCE they began organizing those constellations into the twelve-sign system that western astrology still uses today. Their goal was practical: predict the seasons, the floods, and the right moment to plant and harvest.

The Hellenistic Greeks inherited the Babylonian system around the 4th century BCE and codified it into the personality-based astrology we recognize now. The Egyptian-Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemy wrote it down around 150 CE in a book called the Tetrabiblos, which became the standard reference for European astrologers for the next 1,500 years. Most of the sign meanings in modern horoscope columns trace back to Ptolemy’s four volumes.

One important fork in the road: there are two zodiacs in use today. The tropical zodiac, used by almost all Western astrologers, fixes the start of Aries to the March equinox no matter where the Sun actually sits among the stars. The sidereal zodiac, used in Vedic (Indian) astrology, tracks the Sun against the actual constellations. The two have drifted apart by about 24 days over the last two thousand years, which means your Western Sun sign and your sidereal Sun sign are often different. More on that below.

Western vs Vedic vs Chinese Zodiac

“The zodiac” is not one thing. At least three different systems share the name, and they answer different questions.

• Western (tropical) zodiac: the twelve signs in this article. Based on the Sun’s position relative to the spring equinox. This is what newspaper horoscopes use.
• Vedic (sidereal) zodiac: also twelve signs with the same names, but pegged to the real constellations. Because the constellations have drifted, your Vedic Sun sign is usually one step back from your Western one. Vedic astrology is the dominant system in India.
• Chinese zodiac: twelve animal signs assigned to whole years instead of months. Your sign is the animal of your birth year. See our guide to the current Chinese zodiac year for the full twelve-animal cycle and what each year is said to bring.

None of the three “is right.” Each is a different way of slicing the sky and the calendar.

Astronomy vs Astrology: Why the Dates Don’t Match the Sky

Here is the part that surprises most people. The Sun is almost never in the constellation your horoscope says it is. If you are born on July 1, your Western Sun sign is Cancer, but the Sun is actually sitting in front of the constellation Gemini on that date. That is not a typo. It is the precession of the equinoxes, a slow wobble in Earth’s axis first measured by the Greek astronomer Hipparchus around 130 BCE.

Precession shifts the apparent position of the constellations by about one degree every 72 years. Over the two thousand years since Ptolemy locked in the Western signs, the constellations have slipped roughly 24 days behind the calendar dates. That is why astronomers use the sidereal zodiac and astrologers use the tropical zodiac. Both are internally consistent. They just measure different things. NASA’s Space Place explains the same point in plain language on its constellation guide.

The “Ophiuchus the 13th sign” debate comes from this same drift. The Sun does pass through the constellation Ophiuchus (the serpent-bearer) for about 18 days in late November and early December. The ancient Babylonians knew this and chose to keep twelve signs anyway, so they could line the zodiac up with twelve roughly equal months. NASA confirmed in 2016 that the math has not changed: astronomically there are thirteen constellations on the ecliptic. Astrologically there are still twelve signs. Both statements are true. They just answer different questions.

A Note on Folklore

Astrology is folklore. It is a system of meaning humans have been refining for nearly four thousand years, and it remains one of the most enduring lenses people use to think about themselves and the world. Controlled scientific studies have not found measurable evidence that Sun signs predict personality or destiny. The Farmers’ Almanac has tracked the zodiac for generations because so many readers plan their days, gardens, and family decisions around it. We share it as part of the same long tradition that gave us the Gardening by the Moon calendar and the Best Days list, not as a substitute for medical, financial, or scientific advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 12 zodiac signs in order?

The twelve Western zodiac signs in order, starting from the March equinox, are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

How do I find my zodiac sign without a birth time?

You only need your date of birth. Match your month and day to the date ranges in the table above and your Sun sign is the row your birthday falls into. Birth time is only needed for your Moon sign and rising sign.

What if my birthday is on the cusp between two signs?

If your birthday is the first or last day of a sign’s date range, your true Sun sign depends on the exact moment the Sun crossed into the next sign, which varies by year and time zone. A free birth-chart calculator that takes date, time, and place will give you a definitive answer.

Is Ophiuchus really the 13th zodiac sign?

Astronomically, yes. The Sun does pass through the constellation Ophiuchus for about 18 days every year. Astrologically, no. The Babylonians chose to keep twelve signs to line up with twelve roughly equal months, and Western astrology has used twelve ever since. NASA confirmed the same in 2016: the sky has thirteen constellations on the ecliptic, but the zodiac calendar still uses twelve.

Why is my zodiac sign different in Vedic astrology?

Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, which fixes Aries to the March equinox. Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, which tracks the real constellations. Because the constellations have drifted about 24 days over two thousand years, your Vedic Sun sign is usually one position back from your Western one.

What is the difference between astrology and astronomy?

Astronomy is the scientific study of stars, planets, and the physical universe. Astrology is a folklore tradition that uses the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets to interpret human personality and timing. Astronomy is a science. Astrology is not. The Almanac covers both because both have shaped how people plan their year.

Where did the zodiac come from?

The twelve-sign system was developed by Babylonian sky-watchers in Mesopotamia around 1894 BCE, refined by the Hellenistic Greeks, and codified by the astronomer Claudius Ptolemy in his Tetrabiblos around 150 CE. Almost every Western horoscope column you read today still traces back to Ptolemy’s four volumes.

Does the Farmers’ Almanac believe in astrology?

We treat astrology as folklore, not science. We have tracked it for generations because so many readers plan their gardens, weddings, and family events around it, the same way they plan around the Best Days and Gardening by the Moon. We share it for tradition and reference, not as a substitute for medical, financial, or scientific advice.

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