zodiac signs and meanings

Zodiac Signs and Meanings

Last Updated on November 1, 2022 by Avia

Exploring Zodiac Signs and Meanings in Astrology

Astrology is a great way to learn more about yourself and others. This article on zodiac signs and meanings is meant to be a loose guide to personality types for each sign. As you discover meanings about your sign, please know – nothing can identify who you are except YOU! You are unique! This is just a reference.

I always say there is more to astrology than merely learning the zodiac signs and meanings on my “about astrology” page. This is true. To really be in touch with the beauty astrology has to offer, it requires a commitment to learning all aspects of the art.

However, everybody knows that half the fun to astrology is learning about all the different zodiac signs and meanings for each. There’s something exciting and wonderful about reading the characteristics of our zodiac signs.

Most of us smile and say “Yes, that’s me!” or “Wow, that really describes my personality!”

When we look at our zodiac sign dates (that is, the date we were born indicating our zodiac signs and meanings) we are looking at our sun sign. Sun signs refer to the position of the sun upon the time of our birth. I have described this in a bit more detail on my “about astrology” page found here.

Below, I have offered the twelve zodiac signs and meanings along with a summary of characteristics for each.

I’ve also made a quick-reference chart of zodiac sign dates viewable here. Print it out and learn which zodiac falls within a specific date range.

As you continue to study astrology, you can begin to associate these zodiac traits to your co-workers, friends and family – even strangers! Once you know the date a person is born and the zodiac signs and meanings associated with his/her birthday, you have some amazing deductive capabilities at your disposal.

zodiac signs and meanings
Zodiac signs and meanings

“Astrology is assured of recognition from psychology,

without further restrictions,

because astrology represents the summation of all the

psychological knowledge of antiquity.”

~C.G. Jung

Astrology is a window into unseen realms. It helps us learn who we are and others too. Further, it serves as a tool to enhance our understanding and compassion towards others.

For example, if your co-worker snaps at you in irritation and seems cranky this week, you may want to consult the zodiac signs and meanings for an explanation. If you find your co-worker is a Sagittarius, you know she’s usually pretty easy-going, so something major might be going on in her life. With a little more research, you may find that certain planets moving through her sign can cause your Sagittarian co-worker to be in a bit of a tailspin.

Knowing these details gives you more patience and compassion. Instead of barking back at your co-worker, you can empathize and understand that she’s just going through a phase – nothing personal.

Have fun with the zodiac signs and meanings below listed. Use them as a basic guide to help you understand the various personalities of the people in your life. But please, this is only a guide – I encourage you to study further and continue to gather your own knowledge on the fascinating subject of astrology.

zodiac signs and meanings
More about zodiac signs and meanings

Your Zodiac Signs and Meanings

Zodiac Sign Meaning for Aries

Aries
The Ram
March 21 – April 19

Aries people are creative, adaptive, and insightful. They can also be strong-willed and spontaneous (sometimes to a fault). Aries people can be driven and are very ambitious often making them over-achievers in anything they set their mind to tackle. Aries are fire signs, and so too is their personality. They may be quick to anger, but don’t take it personally, it’s just their fiery, passionate personalities showing through. Aries signs have excellent sense of humor, and they get along with almost everyone at the party (and they DO know how to party). Aries can be impatient, but we love them anyway because they are devoted friends, lovers and family members – they are loyal to then end and will fight for their causes (usually supporting the underdog).

See symbolic meanings for the Ram here.

For more detailed information about Aries, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Aries.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Taurus

Taurus
The Bull
April 20 – May 20

Taurus zodiac signs and meanings, like the animal that represents them, is all about strength, stamina and will. Stubborn by nature, the Taurus will stand his/her ground to the bitter end (sometimes even irrationally so). But that’s okay because the Taurus is also a loving, sympathetic and appreciative sign. The Taurus is very understanding and when we need someone to unburden ourselves to, we often share our deepest fears with the Taurians of the zodiac. Taurians are very patient, practical and efficient, they are excellent in matters of business and are also wonderful instructors/teachers. Although initially they may have their own best interest at heart, they are ultimately and endlessly generous with their time, possessions and love.

See symbolic meanings for the Bull here.

For more detailed information about Taurus, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Taurus.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Gemini

Gemini
The Twins
May 21 – June 20

Flexibility, balance and adaptability are the keywords for the Gemini. They are quick to grasp the meaning of a situation and act on it, often with positive effects. They tend to have a duality to their nature, and can sometimes be tough to predict how they will react. They can turn from hot to cold and may be prone to noticeable mood swings. However, they are generous signs with tendencies of being affectionate, and imaginative. They also inspire others easily as they seem to naturally motivate themselves – their charisma and accomplishments are infectious. Geminians are very supportive, and are especially good at promotions, sales, and driving hard bargains.

See symbolic meanings for Twins here.

For more detailed information about Gemini, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Gemini.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Cancer

Cancer
The Crab
June 21 – July 22

Cancerians love home-life, family and domestic settings. They are traditionalists, and enjoy operating on a fundamental level. They love history, and are fascinated with the beginnings of things (heraldry, ancestry, etc.). The moon is their ruler, so they can be a bit of a contradiction and sometimes moody. However, they are conservative, so they’ll be apt to hide their moods from others altogether. They have a reputation for being fickle, but they’ll tell you that isn’t true, and it’s not. Cancerians make loyal, sympathetic friends. However Cancerians need alone time, and when they retreat, let them do so on their terms.

See symbolic meanings for the Crab here.

For more detailed information about Cancer, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Cancer.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Leo

Leo
The Lion
July 23 – August 22

The zodiac signs and meanings of Leo is about expanse, power and exuberance. Leo’s are natural born leaders, and they will let you know it as they have a tendency to be high-minded and vocal about their opinions. That’s okay, because if you observe, the Leo is usually correct in his/her statements. Leo’s have a savvy way of analyzing a situation and executing swift judgment with a beneficial outcome. It comes from being a leader. They are brave, intuitive, and also head-strong and willful. Beneath their dynamic persona lies a generous, loving, sensitive nature that they do not easily share with others. They might be a bit bossy, but those who know them understand this comes from a source need to do good, not (usually) from an inflated ego.

See symbolic meanings for the Lion here.

For more detailed information about Leo, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Leo.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Virgo

Virgo
The Virgin
August 23 – September 22

Virgo’s have keen minds, and are delightful to chat with, often convincing others of outlandish tales with ease and charm. Virgo’s are inquisitive and are very skilled at drawing information from people. This trait also makes them naturally intuitive. Combine this with their remarkable memories, and we see an advanced, analytical personality. However the Virgo needs balance in their lives otherwise they may become short-tempered, impatient and self-serving. Virgo’s are excellent teammates in work and social activities. They work well with others, although they freely express their opinions (even when unwarranted).

For more detailed information about Virgo, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Virgo.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Libra

Libra
The Scales
September 23 – October 22

As their zodiac signs and meanings would indicate, Libra’s are all about balance, justice, equanimity and stability. They easily surround themselves with harmony and beauty, but sometimes go to extremes to do so if their goals are unreasonable or unhealthy. With Venus as their ruling planet, Libra’s are very understanding, caring, and often the champion of underdogs. They have keen intuitions, but often don’t give themselves enough credit for their perceptions. They can be quiet and shy if not persuaded to come out of their shell. Ironically and in spite of their introverted nature they make excellent debaters, often proving a point from out of seemingly nowhere.

For more detailed information about Libra, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Libra.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Scorpio

Scorpio
The Scorpion
October 23 – November 21

The Scorpio is often misunderstood. These personalities are bold and are capable of executing massive enterprises with cool control and confidence. They can surmount seemingly all obstacles when they put their mind to the task, and they have unshakable focus when the situation calls for it. Regardless of their bold nature, they are often secretive, but they are always observing behind their withdrawn manner.

See more about Scorpion Symbolic Meanings here.

For more detailed information about Scorpio, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Scorpio.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Sagittarius

Sagittarius
The Centaur
November 22 – December 21

Here we have the philosopher among the zodiac signs and meanings. Like the Scorpio, they have great ability for focus, and can be very intense. However, they must channel their energy or they will waste time and wear themselves out going in too many directions at once. They are not very patient and expect quick results. However, when encountered with failure they make extreme comeback’s often against incredible odds. They make loyal friends and lovers, but they do not handle commitment well as they refuse to be tied down while chasing philosophical pursuits.

See symbolic meanings for the Centaur here.

For more detailed information about Sagittarius, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Sagittarius.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Capricorn

Capricorn
The Goat
December 22 – January 19

Capricorn’s are also philosophical signs and are highly intelligent too. They apply their knowledge to practical matters, and strive to maintain stability and order. They are good organizers, and they achieve their goals by purposeful, systematic means. They are very intuitive, although they don’t share this trait with others freely. They do not deal well with opposition or criticism but a healthy Capricorn will often shrug off negative comments towards their character. They are patient and persevering – they know they can accomplish any task as long as they follow a their plan step-by-step. Capricorn’s have broad shoulders, and typically take on other’s problems with aplomb. Ironically, they rarely share their own problems and tend to go through bouts of inner gloom after a spell of dwelling on these problems.

See symbolic meanings for the Goat here.

For more detailed information about Capricorn, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Capricorn.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Aquarius

Aquarius
The Water Bearer
January 20 – February 18

Often simple and unassuming, the Aquarian goes about accomplishing goals in quiet, often unorthodox ways. Although their methods may be unorthodox, the results for achievement are surprisingly effective. Aquarian’s will take up any cause, and are humanitarians of the zodiac. They are honest, loyal and highly intelligent. They are also easy going and make natural friendships. If not kept in check, the Aquarian can be prone to sloth and laziness. However, they know this about themselves, and try their best to motivate themselves to action. They are also prone to philosophical thoughts, and are often quite artistic and poetic.

For more detailed information about Aquarius, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Aquarius.


Zodiac Sign Meaning for Pisces

Pisces
The Fish
February 19 – March 20

Also unassuming, the Pisces zodiac signs and meanings deal with acquiring vast amounts of knowledge, but you would never know it. They keep an extremely low profile compared to others in the zodiac. They are honest, unselfish, trustworthy and often have quiet dispositions. They can be overcautious and sometimes gullible. These qualities can cause the Pisces to be taken advantage of, which is unfortunate as this sign is beautifully gentle, and generous. In the end, however, the Pisces is often the victor of ill circumstance because of his/her intense determination. They become passionately devoted to a cause – particularly if they are championing for friends or family.

See symbolic meanings for the Fish here.

For more detailed information about Pisces, including this zodiac sign’s flower, stone, etc, click here: More Zodiac Symbols for Pisces.

A Note About Zodiac Signs and Dates

Be aware: Depending upon which source you consult, you are going to find discrepancies in zodiac sign dates.

Why?

I’m going to let Joanna Martine Woolfolk answer that question, because she phrases a lot better than I can. This quote is taken directly from her book:
The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need

“…dates are not exact. Some years the sun will enter or leave a sign one or two days before or after the dates you se published. This is because the Sun does not travel at the exact same speed year in and year out. There are slight changes in its forward motion due to the position of the earth. Also, at certain times of the year the sun travels faster than at other times (for example, the sun is traveling four minutes faster per day in early January than in early June).”

I hope enjoyed these zodiac signs and meanings. Please bear in mind, these are incredibly brief summaries of each sign. I would encourage you to delve in your own personal study of zodiac signs and meanings. The more you invest in the fascinating realm of astrology, the higher your return.

Let your mind wander down more paths pertaining to astrology, follow the in-site links at the end of this page for additional zodiac sign meanings, astrological correspondences and more. Thanks for reading!

May all your zodiac insights be stellar!

Mighty brightly,

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About astrology

About Astrology

Astrology has been around for as long as humankind started observing the activities in the heavens. To compare the movement of the planets and stars to our own human lives is a brilliant (and ancient) concept. Get more information about astrology here.

Gemstone meanings and zodiac signs

Zodiac Signs and Gemstone Meanings

This article explores the gemstones of the stars. Gems are listed for all 12 zodiac signs. Get your gemstones for your zodiac signs here.

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