What are the 12 zodiac signs? Discovering Your Cosmic Identity: Exploring the 12 Zodiac Signs

What are the 12 zodiac signs? Discovering Your Cosmic Identity: Exploring the 12 Zodiac Signs
The 12 sun signs are often the first step in a love affair with astrology. The sun spends about four weeks per month in each of the 12 signs. Your sign is determined by which sign it was when you were born. We often refer to our sun sign as "our" chart; however, this is just a small part of your natal chart. It is a snapshot of the sky at the time of your birth. Your chart is your astrological DNA, and it will guide you throughout your life. It can reveal your emotional and mental wiring, as well as the way you will respond to changes in planetary positions. If you are a Scorpio and feel that a blurb about you being "obsessive," "magnificent," or "secretive" is not accurate, or a Capricorn, but you aren't a pragmatist, it's likely other aspects of your chart, such as an outgoing Leo ascending or an airy Gemini Moon, are overshadowing the sun. While your sun sign may only be one part of a multi-layered, complex puzzle, it is worth exploring as it can help shape your sense of self, your identity, your personal style, your self-esteem, and your confidence. You can learn about the four elements, their quadruplicities (or qualities), and the sun signs. They'll give you a better understanding of what makes you tick. The Quadruplicities: Each sign has a quality (cardinal or mutable) that explains its basic energy. Each element has a sign for each quality. Within the group of water signs, for example, Cancer is cardinal, Scorpio is fixed, and Pisces is mutable. Cardinal Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn Cardinal signs can be born at any time of the year, but they are often visionaries who are constantly looking for new ways to succeed. They are often full of bold, brilliant thoughts, but following through can be a bit of a challenge. Mutable Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces Mutable signs, born at the end of a season, are open-minded, flexible, and willing to listen to all sides before making a final decision. Because of this, they may struggle to come to a decision, but you can be sure they have done their research and are well-informed. Fixed Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius Fixed signs are stubborn but also rock-steady and achievement-oriented. It is difficult for them to change their perspective or behavior because they are naturally locked into certain patterns.

Fire

Fire signs that are demonstrative, outgoing, and dynamic can be animated very quickly, but they also run the risk of burning out. They flourish when they can channel their passion into a practical, sustainable way.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Cardinal fire signs are characterized by their dynamism, impulsivity, and hunger for success. They are exciting, fun, brave, and fearless. You can count on them to be your best friend, lawyer, teammate, and politician. They will always stand up for you. Compatibility: Aries is likely to get along best with an equally free-spirited Sagittarius or a Gemini who loves attention.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

The fixed fire sign is full of life and positivity. It commands the spotlight with a style that will entertain, engage, and inspire others. Leos are independent-minded, fun, and enchanting to be around. They can help you see the positive side of every situation. Compatibility: Leo is often attracted to a Sagittarius who has a joie de vivre, an Aries who is active, or a lusty Libra.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

The mutable fire signs are curious, philosophical, fun-loving, and ready to conquer the world, life, and love. They tend to have a YOLO perspective. The multi-hyphenated entertainers of the zodiac are gregarious and dynamic. They love to soak up knowledge, particularly about other cultures, distant destinations, politics, and social justice. Compatibility: Sagittarius is often a good match for a Leo who shares similar buoyancy, an Aries who's driven to succeed, or a free-spirited Aquarius.

Earth

Earth signs are known to be grounded, steady, hardworking, service-oriented, and highly organized. While their attention to detail and planning is helpful, they can benefit from a practice of self-care or a support network that helps them see the bigger picture.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Fixed earth signs are loyal, heartfelt, and loving. They love luxury and have a resolute personality. You can count on them to be your best friend, Netflix and chill partner, date to the concert, or to plan a memorable spa day. Compatibility: Taurus is often compatible with a similarly service-oriented Virgo or a home-loving Cancer who's also money-conscious.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

The mutable earth sign is full of useful information and practical steps. The mutable earth sign is also one of the most generous people, offering a shoulder for others to cry on or lean on. The A-students are quick to share their knowledge to help steer the ship in the right direction. If they don't, they will go on a relentless hunt for the "just-right-details." Compatibility: Virgo is often compatible with a Taurus who shares the same thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and heart, Cancer, or a Capricorn who is industrious, traditional, and hardworking.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

The cardinal earth sign inspires us with their constant drive to achieve lofty goals. Then they raise the bar for themselves even further, making you feel impressed and maybe a little envious. They are also ambitious about their families, their long-term relationships, and their health. Compatibility: Capricorn is often compatible with a similar Taurus or Virgo.

Air

Air signs, which are often idiosyncratic or changeable and centered on intellectual and social pursuits, can be the connectors in the zodiac. They are driven to collect and share information. Their mental energy is best spent when they have an end goal.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

The mutable sign is curious, energetic, clever, and friendly. They will bring excitement to any conversation and a lively, fun-loving energy. Geminis love to talk about data, research, and top news stories. Compatibility: Gemini is often compatible with a social, flirtatious Libra, a people-loving Aquarius, or dynamic Leo.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

The cardinal air sign, a social butterfly who is drawn to music, art, dance, and connecting with other people, is always on a mission to make the world more fun, fair, and harmonious. The cardinal air sign is the creator of the zodiac. They want to bring beauty into any space, no matter how messy. Compatibility: Libra is often best paired with the flirty Gemini or intellectual Aquarius.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

The fixed air sign is a free-spirited individual who is friendly, personable, and independent. They are also humanitarians and question the status quo. They are also a community-oriented sign, with a tendency to think, mull over, explore, and experiment. Compatibility: They're best compatible with similar social Geminis or Libras who are the most dominant, as well as with free-spirited Sagittarians.

Water

Water signs are deeply feeling, if not psychic, empaths. Water signs are known for their large hearts and their ability to stay afloat when immersed in the sea of emotions.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Cardinal Water Signs are known to be nurturing, sensitive, caring, compassionate, self-protecting, security-seeking, and offering, loving, and displaying an ingratiating, goofy sense of humor. They are known to prioritize -- and sometimes twist themselves into knots to make others feel more comfortable and secure -- so you can count on Cancers to provide a shoulder for crying and to bake cookies. Compatibility: Cancer is often attracted to a sensual Scorpio or empathetic Pisces.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Fixed water signs are very private and secretive about topics that they hold dear, and they can be intensely sexual, whether or not they want to share this side of themselves. They can be incredibly magnetic and often manage to command the spotlight. You can be sure that the Scorpios will empower and inspire you to live your truth. They are spiritual, wise, and enchanting. Compatibility: Scorpio is often compatible with Cancer, who values family, Pisces, who empathizes, and Capricorns who are driven by the same goals.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

The mutable water signs are the most creative zodiac sign. They are sensitive, compassionate, romantic, artistic, and intensely empathic. They feel centered and enlightened when they express their emotions through their favorite art. Pisces people are the most magical because they're empathetic and in tune with metaphysical things. Compatibility: Pisces is often a good match for a Cancer who feels deeply, Scorpio, or Taurus.