You might know what your zodiac sign is, but what do you say when somebody asks for your Moon and 10th house, or if a Cancer is compatible with a Pisces?
If you are dumbfounded about how astrology works (There’s no shame in not knowing!) and the other signs’ distinct traits, read on!
Related:
What Is a Horoscope?
The first meaning of horoscope refers to the round diagram (zodiac wheel) that shows the position of not only the Moon but also the Sun, planets, and astrological aspects and angles of an event like the day you were born.
“Why is this relevant?” That’s because those positions reveal more about yourself, from traits, path, and purpose.
Determining your birth chart requires knowing your birthdate, the exact time, and the city where you were born. (FYI, there are many online birth chart calculators — choose one that doesn’t require your email address.)
An astrological natal chart (astronomy and astrology are not the same, by the way) is confusing to understand. To make things easier, these are the ‘holy trinity’ you should look out for:
- Sun sign: Your core personality.
- Moon sign: Your emotions.
- Rising sign: The way people see you. (Some people believe this sign gives qualities that you’ll develop as you emotionally grow.)
So, where do Cancer, Aries, Pisces, and the other zodiac signs fall in the horoscope? Remember, a horoscope is a diagram. In it, you will find the 12 zodiac signs, each assigned an element (called duplicates) – fire, earth, air, or water, and quadruplicities or modality (how the zodiac signs express themselves) – cardinal, fixed, and mutable/
Fun Fact: In case you haven’t noticed, the elements are arranged in a repeating pattern. It begins with fire, then proceeds to earth, air, and water, and ultimately returns to fire, repeating the cycle.
As for the other horoscope meaning, it just refers to the daily, weekly, monthly, and annual predictions.
What Are the 12 Zodiac Signs and How Are They Different From One Another?
Each zodiac sign has its own energy and unique characteristics. We will take a closer look at each sign (by their astrological order) to learn what defines them.
1. Aries
Symbol: ♈
Also known as: The Ram
Ruling planet: Mars
Modality: Cardinal sign
Dates: March 21 – April 19
Compatible with: Leo
The first sign is Aries, which is a fire sign ruled by Mars. When it comes to traits and personality, Aries are known for their unstoppable energy and loyalty, but are very forward and competitive.
Fun Fact: In Greek mythology, Mars is the God of War.
2. Taurus
Symbol: ♉
Also known as: The Bull
Ruling planet: Venus
Modality: Fixed sign
Dates: April 20 – May 20
Compatible with: Virgo
After the energetic Aries season, Taurus comes to say: “Let’s slow things down.”
Taurus, an earth sign, likes routine, following rules, and committing to long-term projects and plans.
Fun Fact: The Taurus constellation is one of the oldest recognized constellations in the sky, tied to agriculture and survival.
You can definitely count on Taurus to be by your side in difficult moments because they are extremely loyal. But just like the bull that they are, they are very hard to push out of their comfort zone; they can be stubborn.
3. Gemini
Symbol: ♊
Also known as: The Twins
Ruling planet: Mercury
Modality: Mutable sign
Dates: May 21 – June 20
Compatible with: Libra
Represented by the twins, Gemini, a mutable air sign, is all about duality, curiosity, and connection.
They love to explore all sides of a topic (or a person), and their minds are constantly working on something new — from planning a spontaneous trip to reading three books at once. And yes, they can discuss almost anything with anyone.
Since Geminis have a flexible and fast-thinking nature, they can sometimes come across as “indecisive” or “flakey.”
Virgos and Geminis have the same ruling planet (Mercury). But that doesn’t mean they are the sign! Geminis channel Mercury’s energy outwardly while Virgos inwardly.
4. Cancer
Symbol: ♋
Also known as: The Crab
Ruling planet: Moon
Modality: Cardinal sign
Dates: June 21 – July 22
Compatible with: Pisces
Cancer is a water sign ruled by the Moon. They are deeply emotional and caring and are never afraid to show that to the people around them. However, don’t cross Cancers! Just like crabs, they are overly protective of their home and will not hesitate to pinch you.
5. Leo
Symbol: ♌
Also known as: The Lion
Modality: Fixed sign
Ruling planet: Sun
Dates: July 23 – August 22
Compatible with: Aries
Leo has a proud and bold energy that comes from being ruled by the Sun. They are generous, loyal, charismatic, good friends, and overly protective. They naturally gravitate toward roles that involve creativity, leadership, or performance, basically anything where they can shine.
Fun Fact: Leo’s constellation is the Nemean Lion, which, in Greek mythology, is the monster Hercules had to defeat.
6. Virgo
Symbol: ♍
Also known as: The Virgin
Ruling planet: Mercury
Modality: Mutable sign
Dates: August 23 – September 22
Compatible with: Taurus
Virgos, as an earth sign, love organization and fixing things, but they can be perfectionists, which can make them harsh critics, especially of themselves.
Virgos shine the most when they feel useful and appreciated. And yes, they are also ruled by Mercury! What sets them apart from Geminis is that they are more focused on absorbing information and transforming it into something useful.
Fun Fact: Do you know the second-largest constellation in the sky and the largest in astrology? Yes, it’s Virgo!
7. Libra
Symbol: ♎
Also known as: The Scales
Ruling planet: Venus
Modality: Cardinal sign
Dates: September 23 – October 22
Compatible with: Gemini
Libra season brings balance after Virgo’s precision and before Scorpio’s intensity.
Libra is an air sign. They avoid conflict or complicated situations, but the moment they face those, they stand up and try all they can to find a fair solution. Balance and authenticity are key for Libras. One downside? Libras want everyone to be happy, and that can lead to people-pleasing.
8. Scorpio
Symbol: ♏
Also known as: The Scorpion
Ruling planet: Mars and/or Pluto
Modality: Fixed sign
Dates: October 23 – November 21
Compatible with: Cancer
Scorpio is ruled by Pluto (the planet of transformation) and Mars (the planet of action), so their energy is intense, private, and constantly evolving. They live every moment very deeply and always expect loyalty and truth because these are their core values. Some would consider them intimidating and cold, but that’s their way to protect themselves.
9. Sagittarius
Symbol: ♐
Also known as: The Archer
Ruling planet: Jupiter
Modality: Mutable sign
Dates: November 22 – December 21
Compatible with: Aries
What’s the best word to describe a Sagittarius? Free-spirited. They’re the travelers, philosophers, and adventurers of the zodiac, which makes a lot of sense since their ruling planet is Jupiter, the planet of growth and abundance.
In love, they’re fun, direct, and intensely loyal as long as they don’t feel boxed in.
10. Capricorn
Symbol: ♑
Also known as: The Goat
Ruling planet: Saturn
Modality: Cardinal sign
Dates: December 22 – January 19
Compatible with: Taurus
Capricorns love to make plans and see them come to life. At first, you could think they are serious, but once you get to know them, you’ll notice that they are very fun people and make great friends. So, if you want something done right, give it to a Capricorn.
11. Aquarius
Symbol: ♒
Also known as: The Water Bearer
Ruled planet: Saturn and Uranus
Modality: Fixed sign
Dates: January 20 – February 18
Compatible with: Gemini
Aquarius is also known as the water bearer, but don’t let that confuse you because this 11th sign of the zodiac is an air sign!
Aquarians are rebel thinkers. Their energy works best when it has room to create and disrupt. However, this doesn’t mean they are cold; they love deeply and demonstrate it through their actions.
Fun Fact: “The Water Bearer” is based on Ganymede, a figure from Greek mythology who was so beautiful that the gods brought him to Olympus to serve water to the immortals.
12. Pisces
Symbol: ♓
Also known as: The Fishes
Ruling planet: Neptune
Modality: Mutable sign
Dates: February 19 – March 20
Compatible with: Cancer
Pisces is the last sign and the ‘old souls’ of the zodiac calendar. If you know a Pisces, you know that they love to daydream, and that’s because Neptune, the planet of illusion and imagination, rules them.
You might think Pisces are extroverted, but they are the opposite! Social situations can make them feel overwhelmed. The good news is that they just need some alone time to reset. Pisces’ softness is what gives them strength. Their biggest challenge? Boundaries. They give a lot, sometimes too much.
