Your Guide to Zodiac Signs: Dates, Traits and What They Mean
Updated: Jul. 15, 2024
Just how much can zodiac signs reveal about you and your loved ones? A whole lot—and we have the scoop from an astrologer. Here’s what you need to know.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought that your zodiac sign was eerily spot-on. Come on, even you skeptics out there. Admit it: You’ve occasionally found yourself scratching your head about how your sign lines up with the core of who you are. I’ve seen it again and again in my 20-plus years as an astrologer: The bold Aries who jumps in headfirst and takes charge of any (and every) situation. The cautious Capricorn who values respect above all else. And the empathetic and quirky Aquarius who just has to be different. Those overarching traits are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding zodiac signs, but they’re a good place to start.
The 12 sun signs divide up the night sky and the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Yours is determined by your birthdate and where the stars aligned at that particular moment in time. But many factors play into that, including your moon sign and rising sign, which is why there is so much variation between people within each approximately monthlong astrological cycle. Think of the sun signs as archetypes—your overarching superhero identity that embodies your strengths and your personal brand of Kryptonite. And by better understanding that, you can better understand yourself.
What drives you to succeed? Who is your perfect match in love? Why do you get triggered by certain things and not others? You’re about to find out! Ahead, we’ll explore each zodiac sign—along with its accompanying element and modality—to help you better understand yourself and those around you. Trust me when I say that this will explain a lot! Read on to learn more about all the zodiac signs and uncover another piece of the puzzle of your life.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more zodiac insights, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
On This Page
Zodiac sign dates
- Aries (March 21–April 19)
- Taurus (April 20–May 20)
- Gemini (May 21–June 20)
- Cancer (June 21–July 22)
- Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)
- Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
- Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
- Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)
- Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)
- Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
- Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)
- Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)
Zodiac elements
Before we get to the details of your zodiac sign, you need to know a little about its biggest influence: its accompanying zodiac element. The 12 signs are divided into four elements: fire, earth, air and water. We start with the first sign that occurs in spring—Aries, a fire sign—and follow that chronologically with Taurus, an earth sign; Gemini, an air sign; and Cancer, a water sign. Then the system begins again with Leo, a fire sign, and continues the aforementioned pattern. The elements tell us a lot about our basic attributes, which is why similar zodiac signs just kind of “get” one another.
Fire signs
Fire signs tend to be passionate and action-oriented. Like their element suggests, they tend to be fiery in every way! They’re brave, bold and sometimes impulsive, often acting first and thinking later.
- Aries
- Leo
- Sagittarius
Earth signs
Earth signs are known for being solid and reliable. They are grounded in the world and connected to the body, as well as to money, property and work. And while they can be somewhat literal and to the point, they tend to make others feel secure since they have your best interests at heart.
- Taurus
- Virgo
- Capricorn
Air signs
Air signs are the thinkers of the zodiac. They are cerebral and detached, but not without feeling. Giving them space makes them feel understood, and once they have that, they will move closer to the people who understand them. They just need a lot of “me time” to get lost in thought (or just geek out playing games).
- Gemini
- Libra
- Aquarius
Water signs
Water signs are emotional and heart-driven. They are sensitive souls who value connection, prioritize relationships over work and tend to read things into things. When that’s not the case, it’s OK to tell them, “It’s not that deep!” They have a great sense of humor and will laugh at their own intensity.
- Cancer
- Scorpio
- Pisces
Zodiac quadruplicities
The quadruplicities, also known as modalities, are the three foundational qualities of the zodiac. They are divided into cardinal, fixed and mutable, and each contains a sign from one of the four elements (so there are four signs to a quadruplicity or modality).
“Quadruplicities” is a mouthful, so I call them the three zodiac modes. And here’s what this concept means in layman’s terms: Each sign leans in a certain direction based on the mode of its elements, and this is what makes it distinct from other signs with the same element. For example, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are all water signs, which tend to be deep and emotive, but Cancer is cardinal (the leadership mode) and can take charge. A fixed water sign like Scorpio is steady and good at seeing things through. And Pisces, the mutable water sign, is more adaptable but also more easily influenced. Here’s a more in-depth look at how these modalities affect the zodiac signs.
Cardinal signs
Cardinal signs are known for being the initiators of the zodiac. They know how to start projects and relationships; their challenge is getting past the excitement of new beginnings. They are also excellent at seeing the big picture.
- Aries
- Cancer
- Libra
- Capricorn
Fixed signs
Fixed signs are great with follow-through. Known for their loyalty, devotion and trustworthiness, they can be counted on, despite being a bit rigid. Don’t expect them to jump at a spontaneous invitation, as they prefer to plan and prepare. And when you do see them, plan to spend quality time with them, because they like to get comfortable and go deep.
- Taurus
- Leo
- Scorpio
- Aquarius
Mutable signs
Mutable signs are highly adaptable and go with the flow … sometimes a little too much. They are easygoing, which is great, but sometimes treat time as a loose concept. (Pro tip: Tell them the meeting time is 15 minutes earlier than it actually is!) Once you are with them, their agreeable natures tend to help everyone loosen up and have a good time.
- Gemini
- Virgo
- Sagittarius
- Pisces
The 12 zodiac signs
Think of the zodiac signs as characters in a story. Like the archetypes we see in literature, film and mythology, each zodiac sign has a distinct personality. Although other planet placements in a person’s chart have an influence, the sun sign reflects their most dominant energy. Here’s what you need to know about each of them.
Aries (March 21–April 19)
- Symbol: The ram
- Ruling planet: Mars
- Ruling house: First house of personality
- Key traits: Bold, enthusiastic, passionate, original, hotheaded
Aries people are known for their excitable natures—which is a nice way of saying that they approach life like it’s a four-alarm fire. They’re always looking for the action, and you can usually find them taking charge of a crisis or intense situation. Aries people don’t like to stay in a rut, and when they’ve taken an interest or hobby as far as they can, they move on to the next challenge.
Athletic and competitive, they do well on the sports field or playing any type of game. Although they play to win, they are also known for being good sports who inspire others with their enthusiasm and passion. In general, Aries folks are fine going it alone—whether that means going to a restaurant by themselves or starting a new project—since they are not needy and enjoy their own company.
Their one Achilles’ heel? A need for attention. They hate to be ignored! However, if they are given center stage to tell it like it is, they are all smiles. And they don’t just want to hear themselves talk: They value honesty, so you can count on them to tell you the truth … but they want you to be direct with them too. Pure of heart, they are straight shooters who do not manipulate others. What you see is what you get.
Taurus (April 20–May 20)
- Symbol: The bull
- Ruling planet: Venus
- Ruling house: Second house of income
- Key traits: Reliable, strong, artistic, musical, stubborn
Bulls may have a reputation for being stubborn, but that’s just because they don’t like to be pushed to do anything—they’re cautious and like to take their time making decisions. They are solid and straightforward people you can count on in a crisis, and they are steady to be around day to day. In other words, you need a noon lunch date on Fridays? If that’s their routine, they will show up for you. A steady tennis partner? See you on the court! They won’t bail or show up late.
As earth signs, they are tactile and enjoy the feel of good-quality fabric. They are also good with money and would rather spend a lot on one great meal than a bunch of random dinners out. Yes, they like the finer things, but they don’t splurge every day. Tauruses also tend to be good cooks. Despite being somewhat predictable in their tastes (they like what they like!), they also possess elegant traits. Ruled by Venus, Bulls have a good ear, and many are natural musicians. Case in point: Adele, Barbra Streisand, Lizzo and Billy Joel are all Tauruses.
And while you can count on them to be chill, if they are pushed too far, they can really push back. If they have said “no” repeatedly and you keep coming back to wheedle them, they may get pretty ornery! They’re firm with their boundaries, but if you have earned their trust, they are sensual, loving and steadfast.
Gemini (May 21–June 20)
- Symbol: The twins
- Ruling planet: Mercury
- Ruling house: Third house of communication
- Key traits: Quick-witted, sociable, eloquent, curious, fickle
Geminis are fun little firecrackers who always know how to jazz up a gathering. They are sociable, spontaneous and usually ready to crack a joke or weigh in with the latest gossip. Geminis, ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, are always in the know and love to spill the tea. They also can’t sit still—and pretty much invented multitasking.
People born under this zodiac sign tend to be flirty and attractive, but it’s the mental game that keeps them excited in love. They truly enjoy the art of conversation and can brighten a room with their Champagne-bubble lightness and frivolity. Geminis are also incredibly smart. They are great readers who can absorb knowledge like a sponge.
Their worst nightmare? Boredom. As a result, they tend to double-book and skip out if the party gets dull, which is why they have a reputation for being flighty and fickle. Geminis can also be a little too attracted to mischief. It’s fine to rib buddies, but they need to read the room! Since they’re ruled by the house of communication, they also need to be particularly wary during Mercury retrogrades.
Cancer (June 21–July 22)
- Symbol: The crab
- Ruling planet: The moon
- Ruling house: Fourth house of home and family
- Key traits: Nurturing, home-oriented, funny, crafty, moody
Cancers are gentle folks who tend to feel best when surrounded by people they’ve known the longest, like family members and childhood friends. Having a home to entertain in is very important to them, and they make everyone else feel at home too. They are big homebodies themselves, so it works well to have all their peeps under one roof (their own). That said, sometimes they just want to turn off and cuddle up with a good book and their pet curled up next to them. Socializing is great to a point, and then their battery runs out.
They are also very physical and can be athletic, especially when it comes to sports involving water. They are water signs, after all. Plus, they’re symbolized by the crab and really do adore the beach. But water in astrology also stands for emotion, and these folks are deeply feeling. They are nurturing and have a strong maternal nature (regardless of gender), and they like to take care of loved ones. Highly sensitive and empathetic, Cancers will pick up on your mood and tend to your emotional state. In fact, they can truly feel your pain.
That said, when they are in pain, they will let everyone know it. But since they are ruled by the moon, they are apt to shift into a better mood fairly quickly because the moon changes signs every couple of days. In love, they value loyalty and domesticity.
Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)
- Symbol: The lion
- Ruling planet: The sun
- Ruling house: Fifth house of creativity and children
- Key traits: Charismatic, strong leader, warm, decisive, self-centered
Leos need a lot of affection, attention and adulation, it’s true, but what they reciprocate is high in not just quantity but also quality. They truly want the best for themselves and those they love. Warm and inviting, they know how to bring people together. Not only do they love throwing parties, but they’ll also use any excuse to plan a soiree. Leos adore their friends and enjoy traveling in packs, and they’re also kids at heart and get along great with children too. But while they enjoy playing, they do not play head games.
That said, in matters of love, they are over-the-top romantics who love big, as if they and their special person are starring in a grand opera. Jennifer Lopez and Meghan Markle are both Leos, if that tells you anything! Incidentally, performing is also second nature to them, and they are at their happiest on stage in front of a crowd. They’re also born leaders who rule with integrity.
Hardworking and diligent, they sometimes need to go completely off the grid. It’s hard being the king of the jungle—er, zodiac—so after working hard, they love to relax with a capital R. This zodiac sign’s perfect vacations include ones that involve indulgence, and time in the sun is especially rejuvenating since they are ruled by the sun.
Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
- Symbol: The virgin
- Ruling planet: Mercury
- Ruling house: Sixth house of health and daily work
- Key traits: Detail-oriented, quick-thinking, down-to-earth, sensual, nitpicky
Virgos appreciate the simple things in life, like nature, time with loved ones and a healthy meal. Hard work gives them a sense of self-respect, and they shine when performing acts of service. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, they appreciate precise language and are excellent analytical thinkers and communicators. Their motto? “If you are going to do something, do it right.” As a result, they pay attention to all the details.
Virgos are great with their hands and have the ability to make something practical and beautiful without even seeming to try. Time in the garden is probably where they are happiest. And they love to teach others the skills they have honed so well. Being earth signs, they are also extremely physical, with surprisingly fab moves on the dance floor and in the bedroom.
Like Geminis, they also need to pay attention to detail during Mercury retrogrades. That’s when Virgos, ruled by Mercury, may encounter schedules thrown into chaos, deadlines that don’t work and more—and this can throw detail-oriented Virgos off their games. Luckily, whatever is going on astrologically, one of their strongest traits is always having a backup plan … and a backup plan for the backup plan!
Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
- Symbol: The scales
- Ruling planet: Venus
- Ruling house: Seventh house of relationships
- Key traits: Fair-minded, sociable, romantic, artistic, indecisive
Ruled by Venus, Libra is the zodiac sign that most desires a relationship. In love with love, people born under this sign prefer to do things in terms of “we” rather than “I.” That said, they are also air signs, so they spend a lot of time in their heads. They don’t like to make impulsive decisions and prefer to think things through, but as a result, they sometimes ruminate too much and simply can’t make up their minds. Luckily, Libras tend to keep friends close, so they’ll run their thoughts by a pal to help figure it out. They just need to be careful about hemming and hawing too much in romance since too much avoidance and ambivalence could put a relationship at risk.
Venus also gives them great taste and a love of beauty and luxury. With their eye for aesthetics, Libras make great photographers and artists. And with their fair-minded way of viewing life, they also excel at careers in the law. Their breezy attitude can also make them popular and unusually lucky. Just be aware that if you’ve made a plan to meet up with them, they’ll probably be late. And if they reply to a text about that lateness with “On my way!” or “In a cab!” they’re probably having a fashion crisis, with their clothes strewn around the room. It might be a while, but when they finally show up, they’ll look flawless and charm every single person in the room.
Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)
- Symbol: The scorpion and the eagle
- Ruling planet: Pluto
- Ruling house: Eighth house of partnerships and transformation
- Key traits: Deep, loyal, sexy, psychic, scathing
Scorpios run deep, and their emotions run high. You don’t want to get on their bad side because they can be sharp-tongued; they also tend to take things personally. While they are often described as mysterious, it is really just because they’re deciding whether or not you’re worth it. It sounds harsh, but once they decide you are and they trust you, they will be loyal friends and lovers who will keep your secrets in the vault.
Since they’re associated with the eighth house of transformation, they periodically evolve into various phases of growth. For example, they might pay the bills with a more superficial job for a while, then take the plunge into more meaningful work. But it feels natural for them. They also make great psychologists, delving deep and figuring out what makes you tick, as well as natural healers who are at their best when inspiring others to love themselves.
When crossed, they forgive, but they don’t necessarily forget. But despite all their intensity (or maybe because of it), they possess an excess of charisma that draws people to them. You will never find Scorpios following the crowd; they turn to themselves for guidance, then follow their hearts. It is this kind of depth and authenticity that makes them so loving and lovable. But while they have a sexy reputation, they are ultimately built for long-term love, not frivolous affairs.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)
- Symbol: The centaur and the archer
- Ruling planet: Jupiter
- Ruling house: Ninth house of travel and exploration
- Key traits: Adventurous, hilarious, opinionated, talkative, avoidant
Sagittarians are wild at heart! Symbolized by the half-human, half-horse centaur, they are uninhibited, spontaneous and answer only to themselves. Since they rule the ninth house of travel, they are happiest when roaming to far-off places. When they can’t, they make do with studying them or reveling in their music and culture. They are talkers and thinkers, but more than anything, Sagittarians excel when they are experiencing life to the fullest. It’s not enough for people born under this zodiac sign to sit around bingeing TV shows. They need to follow their impulses to try novel things, like foraging for mushrooms or teaching themselves how to produce a podcast. The only problem? They can get so excited, they sometimes put their foot in their mouth, so bear with them.
Sag people tend to be late bloomers and may go through many career trajectories and relationships before they settle down. As they mature, they increasingly develop a desire to understand the meaning of life, and as a result, they are often very interested in understanding different religions and philosophies. Learning and teaching come naturally to Sagittarians. Just be prepared to hear a fascinating (and fanatical) lecture about one of their pet obsessions!
Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
- Symbol: The goat
- Ruling planet: Saturn
- Ruling house: Tenth house of career
- Key traits: Organized, clever, patient, ambitious, frugal, suspicious
Capricorn people tend to be serious since being respected is of the utmost importance to them. Ruled by Saturn, the planet of discipline and structure, they know what needs to be done first—they are the complete opposite of procrastinators. The first ones to get to the office and the last ones to leave, they are disciplined, patient and don’t mind doing the dirty work if it will get the job done. But while their work ethic is strong, so is their ambition. Eventually, they want to be the boss, and they’re likely to achieve their goals. That said, you will be surprised by their randy and wry sense of humor! No one can crack a dry or bawdy joke the way Capricorns can.
In relationships, they know what it means to “show up.” They give you their attention fully when you need it most. Like all earth signs, they are physical by nature, and romantically, they can be quite bold. If they are into you, they will seductively shift from straightforward conversations about work or politics to moving in closer to you, making deep eye contact and luring you in. They are pretty smooth when they want someone!
One of the things they can never get enough of is money. Prosperity is a great motivator for them, and they are frugal when it comes to building wealth. They treat money with respect, and it comes back to them many times over.
Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)
- Symbol: The water bearer
- Ruling planet: Uranus
- Ruling house: Eleventh house of friends and community
- Key traits: Innovative, future-oriented, humane, wild, objective
Aquarians are the original originals. Ruled by progressive and innovative Uranus, they look at the world differently than everyone else, and with a lot more goodwill and optimism. Aquarians sometimes feel like they are from another planet, as they don’t understand a lot of the pettiness and self-sabotage of human behavior. As rulers of the eleventh house of friends and community, these folks excel in groups and tend to feel more at ease with their posse than just one person. Intimacy is not something that comes naturally to them, but they are so open-minded that they are happy to learn from those who are better at this than they are. They just need a lot of space and no pressure in order to feel truly connected.
Uranus is the planet of technology, and these folks are adept at sensing what important new invention is about to hit the mainstream. In fact, they may even be an inventor themselves! Those who have Aquarius as a rising sign are real iconoclasts too. In fact, they take pride in being the most eccentric people in the room. They would rather be labeled “weird” than normal and will go out of their way to prove how different they are. For example, they might dress up as themselves for a Halloween party, then come in cosplay gear to a family vacation! They always know how to shake things up with their outrageous takes on life.
Pisces: (Feb. 19–March 20)
- Symbol: The fish
- Ruling planet: Neptune
- Ruling house: Twelfth house of spirituality
- Key traits: Imaginative, sensitive, intuitive, eclectic, chaotic
Ruled by dreamy Neptune, Pisceans may seem as if their heads are in the clouds, but their fantasies can often lead to wonderful artistry and creative success here on Earth. Some famous creative Pisces include Michelangelo, Albert Einstein, Chris Martin and Drew Barrymore. These sensitive souls can feel overloaded by too much socializing or erratic activity in the world. When it gets to be too much, they need to hide out and spend time alone in a space of their own creation, one that will fit their many moods. Pisceans are also known for their compassion, and sometimes it is hard for them to be around people because they feel others’ pain so deeply.
With all that imagination, they also crack up their loved ones (and themselves) with sudden bursts of whimsy. They are not above putting on a wild costume or planning a wacky themed party when the mood strikes. Pisceans also tend to be deeply romantic, although it’s sometimes hard for them to see the other person clearly through their rose-colored glasses. They want to imagine the best in people, which means they’re often the first to fall for someone’s sob story and lend money they don’t have. They need to count to 10 before saying “yes.”
But that openheartedness often leads to good luck for them. They are the type to do a random act of kindness for a stranger and a month later get a fabulous surprise gift in the mail from their new “friend for life.”
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this comprehensive piece on zodiac signs, Jill Dearman tapped her 20-plus years of experience as an astrologer to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Originally Published: July 09, 2024
