Zodiac signs originated around the 2nd millennium BCE, back during ancient Mesopotamia era, specifically in the Babylonian culture. They assigned symbols to constellations and to the path of the sun. Although not everyone believes in astrology, zodiac signs have been used as a timeless way to understand humans and how they operate. Curious to know what you sign you may be? Check out the information below.
Capricorn
Constellations- Capricornus means “horned goat”
Character traits- helpful, unforgiving, reserved, loyal, determined, controlling, workaholic, honest, serious
When it is- December 22 – January 19
Most compatible- earth and water signs- Taurus, Virgo, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Element- earth
Symbol- Sea-goat
Ruling planet- Saturn
strength/weakness- ambitious, discipline, practically, reliability/overly serious, stubbornness, pessimism
Aquarius
Constellations- water-bearer
Character traits- independent, innovative, free-thinking, intellectual, progressive
When it is- January 20 – February 18
Most compatible- Gemini, libra, aries, leo, sagittarius
Element- air
Symbol- water-bearer
Ruling planet- Uranus
strength/weakness- independence, intellectual curiosity, desire for social justice/ emotional detachment, unpredictability. Stubbornness
Pisces
Constellations- the fishes
Character traits- imaginative, empathetic, intuitive
When it is- February 19- March 20
Most compatible- cancer, scorpio, taurus, virgo, capricorn
Element- water
Symbol- fish
Ruling planet- Neptune
strength/weakness- compassionate, empathetic, creative, imaginative, intuitive, psychic, selfless, nurturing adaptable/ sensitivity, emotional vulnerability, people pleasing tendencies, difficulty, reality, indecisiveness, codependency
Aries
Constellations- the ram
Character traits- confident, courageous, independent, determined, passionate, impatient, brave, honest, energetic, bold, very smart, leadership, enthusiastic
When it is- March 21-April 19
Most compatible- Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
Element- fire
Symbol- ram
Ruling planet- Mars
strength/weakness- determination and ambition/ Aries can be quite impulsive and may take decisions that they may themselves regret.
Taurus
Constellations- the bull
Character traits- stubborn, jealous, patient, determined, hardworking, lazy, dependable, practical, kind, relaxed, generous, understanding, loyal, organized
When it is- April 20- May 20
Most compatible- most compatible with other earth signs (Virgo and Capricorn) and water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces)
Element- earth
Symbol- bull
Ruling planet- Venus
strength/weakness- known for their reliability and loyalty, are also grounded and practical, but can be stubborn and possessive.
Gemini
Constellations- the twin
Character traits- versatility, intellectual curiosity, communication skills, and adaptability
When it is- May 21-June 20
Most compatible- libra, aquarius, aries, leo, sagittarius
Element- air
Symbol- the wins, Castor and Pollux
Ruling planet- Mercury
strength/weakness- adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent/indecisiveness, restlessness, and maintaining focus
Cancer
Constellations- Cancer
Character traits- nurturing, loyal, emotional, intuitive, and protective of their loved ones
When it is- June 21-July 22
Most compatible- cancer, scorpio, taurus, virgo, capricorn
Element- water
Symbol- crab
Ruling planet- moon
strength/weakness- adjustable, enthusiasm, sociable/ little disorganized, lethargic at times, conceding at times
Leo
Constellations- the lion
Character traits- confident, generous, passionate, and natural leaders, with a strong sense of self-esteem and a tendency towards drama
When it is- July 23 – August 22
Most compatible- aries, sagittarius, gemini, libra, aquarius
Element- fire
Symbol- lion
Ruling planet- Sun
strength/weakness- Dominant, confident and loved/arrogant, stubborn and no one can change their decision whether it is good or bad
Virgo
Constellations- the maiden
Character traits- analytical, detail-oriented, and practical nature
When it is- August 23 – September 22
Most compatible- taurus, capricorn, cancer, scorpio, pisces
Element- earth
Symbol- maiden
Ruling planet- Mercury
strength/weakness- practicality, loyalty, and reliability, but also struggle with perfectionism, overthinking, and a tendency to be overly critical
Libra
Constellations- the balance
Character traits- charm, diplomacy, and love of balance and harmony
When it is- September 23 – October 22
Most compatible- gemini, aquarius, aries, leo, sagittarius
Element- air
Symbol- scales
Ruling planet- Venus
strength/weakness- ability to communicate effectively/fear of conflict and a strong desire for approval
Scorpio
Constellations- the Scorpio
Character traits- intensity, passion, and loyalty, often appearing mysterious and enigmatic, with a tendency towards deep emotional experiences and a strong desire for control and truth
When it is- October 23 – November 21
Most compatible- cancer, pisces, taurus, virgo, capricorn
Element- water
Symbol- scorpion
Ruling planet- Pluto
strength/weakness- very supportive and emotionally very comforting/intense passion
Sagittarius
Constellations- the archer
Character traits- adventurous, optimistic, and free-spirited nature
When it is- November 22 – December 21
Most compatible- Aries, Leo, Aquarius, and Libra
Element- fire
Symbol- bow and arrow
Ruling planet- Jupiter
strength/weakness- intellectual curiosity, a love for freedom, and a great sense of humor, but can also struggle with impulsiveness, a lack of patience, and blunt honesty
Now that you know about your Zodiac sign, you can look up your horoscope. Elle has a horoscope page, and so does the New York Times, and the Washington Post.