Astrological sign

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Sign_cusps

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Aries

Libra

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Cancer

Capricorn

Aquarius

Twelve 30° sectors of the ecliptic, as defined by Western astrology

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An astrological sign is one of twelve 30° sectors of the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere over the course of the year. The twelve signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each sign is associated with a specific time of the year and is believed to influence the personality and behavior of individuals born under that sign.

History

The concept of astrological signs originated in Babylonian astrology and was later influenced by Hellenistic astrology. The Babylonians divided the ecliptic into twelve equal parts, each associated with a constellation. This system was adopted and refined by the Greeks, who developed the zodiac as it is known today.

The Twelve Signs

Each astrological sign is associated with specific traits, elements, and ruling planets:

• Aries (March 21 - April 19): A fire sign ruled by Mars, associated with leadership and courage.
• Taurus (April 20 - May 20): An earth sign ruled by Venus, associated with stability and sensuality.
• Gemini (May 21 - June 20): An air sign ruled by Mercury, associated with communication and adaptability.
• Cancer (June 21 - July 22): A water sign ruled by the Moon, associated with emotion and nurturing.
• Leo (July 23 - August 22): A fire sign ruled by the Sun, associated with creativity and confidence.
• Virgo (August 23 - September 22): An earth sign ruled by Mercury, associated with precision and practicality.
• Libra (September 23 - October 22): An air sign ruled by Venus, associated with balance and harmony.
• Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): A water sign ruled by Pluto and Mars, associated with intensity and transformation.
• Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): A fire sign ruled by Jupiter, associated with exploration and optimism.
• Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): An earth sign ruled by Saturn, associated with discipline and ambition.
• Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): An air sign ruled by Uranus and Saturn, associated with innovation and humanitarianism.
• Pisces (February 19 - March 20): A water sign ruled by Neptune and Jupiter, associated with compassion and imagination.

Elements and Modalities

The twelve signs are grouped into four elements and three modalities:

• Elements:
  • Fire signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
  • Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
  • Air signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
  • Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

• Modalities:
  • Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
  • Fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
  • Mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces

Related Pages

• Astrology
• Horoscope
• Zodiac
• Natal chart
• Astrological aspect
• Astrological house