Zodiac Symbols

The astrological year is divided into the 12 signs of the zodiac, and the movements of celestial bodies are believed to bring about changes in the life of an individual, depending on the sign he is born under. While there are many who scoff at astrology and go so far as to call it a pseudoscience, believers are plentiful, needing no further proof than their own lives to know that one's zodiac sign and horoscope can give you clear indications of what the future has in store. Each of the twelve signs of the zodiac has its own unique symbol, and supporters of western astrology believe that each of these zodiac symbols mirrors a personality type. The twelve signs are also divided into the four elements of earth, fire, water and air, and three qualities of cardinal, fixed and mutable, which can also be used to arrive at astrology signs compatibility. The following are the 12 zodiac symbols and the signs they signify.

Zodiac Symbols and Meanings

Depending on the date of your birth, you will fall into one of the 12 signs of the zodiac, and if you're a believer, the implications are many. In every month of the western calendar, there exists a date where one zodiac sign gives way to the next, and a birthday on this day would mean that you're a cusp - and your personality traits will reflect a combination of the two signs. Those who believe in reincarnation, and transmigration of the soul, sometimes also hold in deep regard the theory that the twelve signs of the zodiac represent the unending cosmic cycle, with your birth in each sign signifying a movement to the next in your reincarnated persona. The following are the 12 zodiac symbols and their dates, signs and meanings.

Aries, The Ram
Aries represents the first sign of the zodiac, and its symbol denotes the antlers of the ram. Those born between the dates of March 20th and April 21st belong to this sign of the zodiac. Ariens are fire signs, and ruled by the planet Mars, they represent the 'baby' sign, or the sign that coincides with birth.

Taurus, The Bull
The second sign of the zodiac, Taurus is an earth sign, encompassing all those born between the dates April 22nd and May 21st. The zodiac symbol for Taurus is represented by the face and horns of the bull, and this sign is ruled by the planet Venus.

Gemini, The Twins
The third sign of the zodiac, multifaceted Gemini, is an air sign, ruled by the planet Mercury. Its zodiac symbol is depicted by twins, all people born between the dates May 22nd and June 21st belong to the sign of Gemini.

Cancer, The Crab
The first of the water signs, Cancerians are ruled by the moon. Known for their sensitive nature, the zodiac symbol for Cancer is the crab, shown upright, with its pincers visible. Cancerians are born between June 22nd and July 21st.

Leo, The Lion
Ruled by the sun, the zodiac symbol for the fifth sign is the majestic lion. Sociable, hot tempered Leos are born between the dates of July 22nd and August 21st. Leo, like Aries, is a fire sign.

Virgo, The Virgin
People born between the dates of August 22nd and September 21st fall under the sign of Virgo, the symbol of which is the virgin, or a depiction of a woman. Perfectionist Virgos are an earth sign, ruled by the planet Mercury.

Libra, The Scales
Libra, ruled by the planet Venus, is the seventh sign of the zodiac. It is an air sign, denoted by the symbol of the scales, Librans are born between the dates of September 22nd and October 21st.

Scorpio, The Scorpion
The eighth sign of the zodiac, Scorpio, is ruled by the planet Pluto, and like Cancer, is a water sign. Scorpions are born between the dates October 22nd and November 21st.

Sagittarius, The Archer
The third fire sign, Sagittarius is denoted by the symbol of an archer, bow and arrow at the ready. Sagittarians are ruled by the planet Jupiter, and this sign includes all those born between November 22nd and December 21st.

Capricorn, The Sea Goat
The sign ruling the last of month of the western calendar is Capricorn, symbolized by the sea goat. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, and its tropical period extends from December 22nd to January 21st.

Aquarius, The Water Bearer
The penultimate sign of the zodiac, Aquarius is an air sign, symbolized by the water carrier, or a woman bearing a pot. Aquarius is ruled by two planets, Saturn and Uranus, and aquarians are born between January 22nd and February 21st.

Pisces, The Fish
The twelfth sign of the zodiac, Pisces is a water sign, denoted by the zodiac symbol of two fish, swimming in opposite directions. Pisceans are ruled by the planets Neptune and Jupiter, and are born between the dates of February 22nd and March 21st.

Whether or not you believe in astrology, zodiac symbols, signs, horoscopes, ascendants and descendants, they have been in use through the ages, and across cultures. The study of the movements of the celestial bodies that affect the lives of those born under them, will have its loyalists irrespective. Each sign of the zodiac is unique, just like every individual, so take the advice with a pinch of salt, and give the skepticism a miss - who knows what the future will bring!