12 Zodiac Signs: Dates and Personality Traits of Each Star Sign
Daniel Egneus
As a professional astrologer, people ask me all types of questions. Of the most common curiosities is, "What are the best zodiac signs?" along with its evil twin, "What are the worst zodiac signs?" While I appreciate any and all astrological inquiries, including zodiac signs' compatibility, let me set the record straight: In astrology, there are no winners or losers. In fact, when you enter the metaphysical realm (the world of stars, tarot cards, tea leaves, etc.), that black-and-white binary goes straight out the window. In this magical, mystical domain, we work with nuance.
Every sign is a powerful, vital piece in the puzzle that is the zodiac. The four elements—air signs, fire signs, water signs, and earth signs—all work together to create a comprehensive whole, which shows up in your life as your unique personality traits. Although astrology is an extremely complex study, the most fundamental principle centers on the 12 familiar star signs of the zodiac. Over the centuries, each sign has developed its own associations, including myths, animals, and colors, and its own characteristics. Every sign is illuminated by its point of view, complete with powerful strengths and exhausting weaknesses.
From an astronomical perspective, we know that the sun doesn't move, as its stability anchors the entire solar system. But from our vantage here on planet Earth, the sun is in constant motion. We can depend on its daily performance (including inspiring sunrises and dramatic sunsets), as well as its location in the sky. The position the sun occupied at your exact moment of birth is known as your sun sign (sometimes referred to as your star sign or birth sign) and it's the cosmic launching pad for both beginners and professional astrologers. (Your rising sign is another very important placement and you can read about it in our guide to rising signs here). Your sun sign is determined by your date of birth and represents your core personality, sense of self, basic preferences, romantic compatibility, and how you move through the world. This astrological placement sheds light on your innate gifts as well as your hard-to-see blind spots. Your joys, wishes, flaws, and fears make you special, and when your sun sign is combined with the other planets and placements in your birth chart it creates a distinctive celestial profile that serves as your cosmic fingerprint.
Got it? Good. Now let's take this to the next level. The 12 zodiac signs are also divided into sub-groups: four triplicities and three quadruplicities. If this seems a bit confusing, don't worry, there's a method to the madness. Triplicities refer to the four zodiac sign elements, of which there are three zodiac signs in each group: Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Generally speaking, fire signs are passionate and exuberant, earth signs are practical and grounded, air signs are intellectual and curious, and water signs are intuitive and emotional.
Quadruplicities, also known as modalities, refer to the signs' qualities and where each zodiac sign occurs within its respective season. There are three modalities, with four zodiac signs in each: Cardinal (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) occurs at the beginning of a new season and is excellent at taking action and starting initiatives. Fixed (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) occurs in the middle of seasons and is known to be steady, consistent forces that maintain movement, and Mutable (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces) occurs at the end of a season and possess effortless fluidity well-suited to change and transformation.
As we continue layering astrological concepts, we uncover a rich and complex practice that delivers insight into our truest selves. Now, let's explore each sun sign's unique personality attributes, from the honorable to the…umm, kinda horrible? It's okay—we all have problems! Remember, darling, self-actualization begins with self-awareness, so read on to get to know yourself better and unlock the riches of your own special magic.
Jump to your sign:
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
The first sign of the zodiac, Aries loves to be number one. Naturally, this dynamic fire sign is no stranger to competition. Bold and ambitious, Aries dives headfirst into even the most challenging situations—and they'll make sure they always come out on top. Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Aries horoscope predictions.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
What sign is more likely to take a six-hour bath followed by a luxurious Swedish massage and decadent dessert spread? Why Taurus, of course! Taurus is an earth sign represented by the bull. Like their celestial spirit animal, Taureans enjoy relaxing in serene, bucolic environments surrounded by soft sounds, soothing aromas, and succulent flavors. Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Taurus horoscope predictions.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Have you ever been so busy that you wished you could clone yourself just to get everything done? That's the Gemini experience in a nutshell. Spontaneous, playful, and adorably erratic, Gemini is driven by insatiable curiosity. Appropriately symbolized by the celestial twins, this air sign was interested in so many pursuits that it had to double itself. You know, NBD! Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Gemini horoscope predictions.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Represented by the crab, Cancer seamlessly weaves between the sea and shore representing Cancer’s ability to exist in both emotional and material realms. Cancers are highly intuitive and their psychic abilities manifest in tangible spaces. But just like the hard-shelled crustacean, this water sign is willing to do whatever it takes to protect itself emotionally. In order to get to know this sign, you're going to need to establish trust. Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Cancer horoscope predictions.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Roll out the red carpet because Leo has arrived! Passionate, loyal, and infamously dramatic, Leo is represented by the lion and these spirited fire signs are the kings and queens of the celestial jungle. They're delighted to embrace their royal status: Vivacious, theatrical, and fiery, Leos love to bask in the spotlight and celebrate…well, themselves. Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Leo horoscope predictions.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
You know the expression, "If you want something done, ask a busy person?" Well, that definitely is the Virgo anthem. Virgos are logical, practical, and systematic in their approach to life. Virgo is an earth sign historically represented by the goddess of wheat and agriculture, an association that speaks to Virgo's deep-rooted presence in the material world. This earth sign is a perfectionist at heart and isn’t afraid to improve skills through diligent and consistent practice.
Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Virgo horoscope predictions.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Balance, harmony, and justice define Libra energy. As a cardinal air sign, Libra is represented by the scales (interestingly, the only inanimate object of the zodiac), an association that reflects Libra's fixation on establishing equilibrium. Libra is obsessed with symmetry and strives to create equilibrium in all areas of life—especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Libra horoscope predictions.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Elusive and mysterious, Scorpio is one of the most misunderstood signs of the zodiac. Scorpio is a water sign that uses emotional energy as fuel, cultivating powerful wisdom through both the physical and unseen realms. In fact, Scorpio derives extraordinary courage from its psychic abilities, which is what makes this sign one of the most complicated, dynamic signs of the zodiac. Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Scorpio horoscope predictions.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Oh, the places Sagittarius goes! But…actually. This fire sign knows no bounds. Represented by the archer, Sagittarians are always on a quest for knowledge. The last fire sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius launches its many pursuits like blazing arrows, chasing after geographical, intellectual, and spiritual adventures. Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Sagittarius horoscope predictions.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
What is the most valuable resource? For Capricorn, the answer is clear: time. Capricorn is climbing the mountain straight to the top and knows that patience, perseverance, and dedication is the only way to scale. The last earth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn is represented by the sea-goat, a mythological creature with the body of a goat and the tail of a fish. Accordingly, Capricorns are skilled at navigating both the material and emotional realms. Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Capricorn horoscope predictions.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Despite the "aqua" in its name, Aquarius is actually the last air sign of the zodiac. Innovative, progressive, and shamelessly revolutionary, Aquarius is represented by the water bearer, the mystical healer who bestows water, or life, upon the land. Accordingly, Aquarius is the most humanitarian astrological sign. At the end of the day, Aquarius is dedicated to making the world a better place. Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Aquarius horoscope predictions.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
If you looked up the word "psychic" in the dictionary, there would definitely be a picture of Pisces next to it. Pisces is the most intuitive, sensitive, and empathetic sign of the entire zodiac — and that’s because it’s the last of the last. As the final sign, Pisces has absorbed every lesson — the joys and the pain, the hopes and the fears — learned by all of the other signs. It's symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, representing the constant division of Pisces' attention between fantasy and reality. Read your sign's full profile here. Next, read this month's Pisces horoscope predictions.
Check out our 2024 predictions for your sign. And don't forget to check out our Best of Beauty Awards to see the winning products that every zodiac sign is bound to love.
Read more stories about astrology:
A Beginner’s Guide to Astrological Rising Signs and What They Mean
Each Zodiac Sign's Unique Personality, Explained by an Astrologer
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Originally Appeared on Allure
