by Last Updated on October 6, 2020 by Avia
Understanding Zodiac Signs and Zodiac Sign Dates
In order to get your astrology sign, you’ve got to know your zodiac sign dates. This article tells you what your sign is according to the date you were born. It also explains a few other basic things about your zodiac sign, like your sign’s element, ruling planet and general characteristics. Learn more about your zodiac sign here.
When I started my study of astrology, I found it very helpful to keep a chart like this by my side. I’m terrible with dates and times, so having a reference chart like this one tucked in my organizer really helped me remember the astrological divisions. I hope this helps you too.
Below is a chart of zodiac sign dates and sign attributes for quick and easy reference.
Be aware: Depending upon which source you consult, you are going to find discrepancies in zodiac sign dates.
Zodiac Sign Dates
| Aries Mar 21-Apr 19 | Taurus Apr 20-May 20 | Gemini May 21-Jun 20 | Cancer June 21-Jul 22 |
| Leo Jul 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-Mar 20 |
I can explain differences in dates best by letting 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 She says this about date differences:
“…dates are not exact. Some years the sun will enter or leave a sign one or two days before or after the dates you see 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).”
It’s important to note the phenomenon known as ‘procession of the equinoxes’. These are 30 degree divisions whose motions over generations have influenced the constellations. These motions of equinox progresses do wonky things to the placement of zodiac sign dates…at least it appears that way. For example, today Aries is actually found in the constellations of Pisces.
But that doesn’t fiddle with astrological theory. The heavens don’t sit still, but astrology allows us a framework within which we can nail down our star-birth-date. Astrology assigns segments of the sky, rather than constellations which are visible, and also prone to transition. So astrology gives us the anchor that validates our zodiac sign according to the date of our birth.
All that said, please enjoy this chart for zodiac sign dates, symbols and meanings. Each sign has unique elements that influences that sign. For example, Aries is governed by fire and the planet Mars – whereas Aquarius is governed by the element of air, and is ruled by the planet Uranus.
The zodiac itself was created as a system that measures time. It was not until ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans came around that astrology presented a whole new perspective. Instead of just being a device to tell stellar time, ancient humans got clever, and started associating zodiac sign dates with human personality types. Learn more on my
About Astrology Guide here.
Reference Guide For Zodiac Sign Dates and Meanings
Sign: Aries
Dates: March 21 – April 19
Element: Fire
Planet: Mars
Sign Characteristics: Active, Demanding, Determined, Effective, Ambitious. Very clever and resourceful when motivated. Leans towards making impetuous choices. Would rather leap before looking if there is a lure of excitement or adventure. Uncomfortable with stagnation; hates to be bored. Requires deep belief or passion in order to avoid the tendency to be selfish.
Sign: Taurus
Dates: April 20 – May 20
Element: Earth
Planet: Venus
Sign Characteristics: Security, Subtle strength, Appreciation, Instruction, Patience. Tends to be possessive. Finds it difficult to let go of ‘the way things are’ and consequently resistant to change. Requires a home-base, this is especially true with the family unit. Finds identity within the home. Appreciates hard work and the value that comes from it.
Sign: Gemini
Dates: May 21 – June 20
Element: Air
Planet: Mercury
Sign Characteristics: Communication, Indecision, Inquisitive, Intelligent, Changeable. A jack of all trades, but a master of very few of them. Hence, able to generate surface communication about virtually any subject. Quick intelligence, good at multi-tasking. Requires stimulation, variety and enjoys fast-paced situations. Logical, rational and usually a masterful instructor.
Sign: Cancer
Dates: June 21 – July 22
Element: Water
Planet: Moon
Sign Characteristics: Emotion, Diplomatic, Intensity, Impulsive, Selective. Difficulty letting go. Often feels the target of sabotage from others. Highly imaginative and emotional. Very intuitive. Follows senses rather than physical evidence. Imagines problems where there are none, therefor tends to worry without cause. Gifted with instinct and creativity.
Sign: Leo
Dates: July 23 – August 22
Element: Fire
Planet: Sun
Sign Characteristics: Ruling, Warmth, Generosity, Faithful, Initiative. Confidence and charisma often lead to natural opportunities. Takes great pride in accomplishment. Appreciates accolades and compliments for work well done. May have a tendency to vanity. Recognizes the good things in life and wants them. Expressive and prefers dominant life-positions.
Sign: Virgo
Dates: August 23 – September 22
Element: Earth
Planet: Mercury
Sign Characteristics: Analyzing, Practical, Reflective, Observation, Thoughtful. Can be scrutinizing and critical. Appreciates high integrity. Understand the true definition of value and quality. Disdains waste and excess. Prefers to work with small details and may sometimes become lost in them. Often relied upon to manage effectively. Highly intelligent and deft at problem-solving.
Sign: Libra
Dates: September 23 – October 22
Element: Air
Planet: Venus
Sign Characteristics: Balance, Justice, Truth, Beauty, Perfection. Easily sees both sides of an argument. Highly skilled at problem-solving and decision making. Knows how to be unbiased while offering spirited debates on beliefs, knowledge, politics, etc. Appreciates sharing amongst family, friends co-workers etc. Finds it difficult to be alone; works best in partnerships.
Sign: Scorpio
Dates: October 23 – November 21
Element: Water
Planet: Mars
Sign Characteristics: Transient, Self-Willed, Purposeful, Unyielding. Not easy to pin down or predict. Prone to jealousy and possessiveness. Highly amorous with impressive sex drive. This drive can be expressed in career, beliefs, sports, or relationships. Tends to be competitive, especially with themselves. Can be very critical with themselves. Very creative, artistic and imaginative.
Sign: Sagittarius
Dates: November 22 – December 21
Element: Fire
Planet: Jupiter
Sign Characteristics: Philosophical, Motion, Experimentation, Optimism. Uneasy with routine and stagnation. Requires stimulation. Imaginative and creative. Appreciates the accumulation of knowledge and philosophy. Enjoys exploration and travel. Tends to be unabashedly honest. Hesitant to commitment, or finds it difficult to complete promised goals.
Sign: Capricorn
Dates: December 22 – January 19
Element: Earth
Planet: Saturn
Sign Characteristics: Determination, Dominance, Persevering, Practical, Willful. Easily accepts obligation and responsibility. Lives by a moral code that is often traditional and conventional. Skilled strategic thinker, able to easily problem solve. Often achieves success by sheer hard work. Finds difficulty with change, especially changing perspective if committed to a certain ideal.
Sign: Aquarius
Dates: January 20 – February 18
Element: Air
Planet: Uranus
Sign Characteristics: Knowledge, Humanitarianism, Serious, Insightful, Duplicitous. Original thinker, able to deftly move around problems with unorthodox solutions. Idealistic, and prefers equal opportunity for all. Tends to be the defender of underdogs. Philosophical and appreciates high spirited debates with others of equal intelligence. Can be unpredictable, highly opinionated and remote.
Sign: Pisces
Dates: February 19 – March 20
Element: Water
Planet: Neptune
Sign Characteristics: Fluctuation, Depth, Imagination, Reactive, Indecisive. Deeply intuitive, often lives and thinks in a different world than others. Dreamer on multiple levels (in goals and in imagination). Finds difficulty facing reality. Highly artistic and easily expressive. This is especially true in songs and written works such as poetry.
I hope you find this chart of zodiac sign dates and attributes useful in your continued contemplation of astrology.
Keep expanding your knowledge, follow the links at the end of this page for more astrology symbolism and zodiac meanings. Thanks for reading!
Brightly,
Avia
Other Articles of Interest on This Website
About Astrology
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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. Get all 12 astrology signs and their meanings here.
