Zodiac Signs
The 12 signs divide the zodiac into equal 30-degree sectors, each associated with an element (Fire, Earth, Air, Water), a modality (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable) and a ruling planet. The order and names originate in Babylonian astronomy and were systematized by the Greeks around the 2nd century CE.
- AriesCardinal Fire sign, ruled by Mars — the first of the zodiac.
- TaurusFixed Earth sign, ruled by Venus — associated with stability and sensory pleasure.
- GeminiMutable Air sign, ruled by Mercury — associated with curiosity and communication.
- CancerCardinal Water sign, ruled by the Moon — associated with emotional sensitivity and home.
- LeoFixed Fire sign, ruled by the Sun — the fifth of the zodiac.
- VirgoMutable Earth sign, ruled by Mercury — the sixth of the zodiac.
- LibraCardinal Air sign, ruled by Venus — the seventh of the zodiac.
- ScorpioFixed Water sign, ruled by Mars — the eighth of the zodiac.
- SagittariusMutable Fire sign, ruled by Jupiter — the archer of the zodiac.
- CapricornCardinal Earth sign, ruled by Saturn — the sea-goat of the zodiac.
- AquariusFixed Air sign, ruled by Saturn — the water-bearer of the zodiac.
- PiscesMutable Water sign, ruled by Jupiter — the final sign of the zodiac cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do the 12 signs correspond to the 12 zodiac constellations?
- Not exactly. The tropical zodiac used in Western astrology divides the circle into 12 equal 30° sectors starting at the March equinox, with no direct relationship to the actual size of the constellations — which are irregular and, in some cases (like Ophiuchus), aren't even part of the 12-sign system.