Astrology Signs Quick Reference
The 12 astrology signs are divided into four elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Each sign occupies a 30-degree segment of the ecliptic, forming the foundation of Western tropical astrology used by many popular horoscope services and apps overview of zodiac signs and meanings.
The tropical zodiac aligns signs with the solstices and equinoxes, so Aries begins at the vernal equinox. This system is distinct from the sidereal zodiac, which accounts for axial precession and is used in Vedic astrology traditions.
Signs, Dates, and Core Characteristics
The fire signs are Aries (March 21 to April 19), Leo (July 23 to August 22), and Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21). The earth signs are Taurus (April 20 to May 20), Virgo (August 23 to September 22), and Capricorn (December 22 to January 19). The air signs are Gemini (May 21 to June 20), Libra (September 23 to October 22), and Aquarius (January 20 to February 18). The water signs are Cancer (June 21 to July 22), Scorpio (October 23 to November 21), and Pisces (February 19 to March 20).
Each sign is associated with a ruling planet that shapes its expression. Aries is ruled by Mars, Taurus by Venus, Gemini by Mercury, Cancer by the Moon, Leo by the Sun, Virgo by Mercury, Libra by Venus, Scorpio by Pluto and Mars, Sagittarius by Jupiter, Capricorn by Saturn, Aquarius by Uranus, and Pisces by Neptune and Jupiter astrological data and planet rulership references.
Modalities and Compatibility Patterns
The modalities describe how each sign operates: cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) initiate action, fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) sustain energy, and mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) adapt to change. These patterns influence how signs approach projects, relationships, and decision-making modalities and sign dynamics.
Compatibility analysis often focuses on element alignment and aspect angles between birth charts. Fire and air signs tend to share active, communicative energy, while earth and water signs often emphasize stability and emotional depth. Aspects such as trines and squares between planetary positions further refine interpersonal dynamics in relationship-oriented astrology frameworks.