What to Know About Each of the 12 Astrological Signs in the Zodiac

Each has their own strengths and weaknesses.

People have always looked to the stars to answer life's biggest questions, and since 5th-century Babylonians charted the Zodiac, astrological signs have used the sun's orbit to explain why certain people have certain traits.

In astrology, the outcome of any given event is thought to be swayed by where the sun, moon, and planets are positioned when it happens. It follows that the position of the sun on the day you're born would have outsized influence. The Zodiac charts the yearly path of the sun and divides it into 12 sections, each with a corresponding astrological sign. Where your birthday falls along this path determines your sign, which is said to come with certain strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits. Each sign is also linked to certain constellations and symbols.

From fiery Aries to loyal Leos and maternal Cancers, each astrological sign has its pros and cons. We break down each one below.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

As a fire sign, Aries can be described as bold, energetic, headstrong, decisive, impatient, and passionate. When they set their mind to something they are not afraid to fully commit and dive head-first into the deep end. They know what they want and set themselves apart as a result of their fierce independence. Their weakness is their impatience, however their strength is their natural leadership.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Tauruses are an earth sign, known for being patient, hardworking, loyal, sensual, practical, stubborn, determined, and dependable. Being resistant to change is often seen as one of their weaknesses, however it often lends itself to fierce loyalty and dedication to the people and causes they care about. Their sign is represented by the bull, lending itself to many of these explanations, and some of their best qualities make them one of the most reliable and down-to-earth signs. If you have a taurus in your life, you'll always have them in your corner.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Gemini, the sun sign, most commonly associated with being curious, clever, outgoing, funny, impulsive, extremely social, indecisive, and spontaneous. Gemini's have the best of the best and the lowest lows out of all the star signs. While their outgoing and spontaneous personality make them the life of the party, it can also lead to them being unreliable and indecisive. So be patient with the Gemini's in your life and keep them close while understanding that they have to work a little harder to be in the moment.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Cancer, the water sign, is ruled by the moon, and are often the more caring, loving, and maternal sign. They consistently search for comfort, are family oriented, protective, loyal, sensitive, and planners. While spontaneity may not be their strong suit, they have a powerful internal compass that often leads them down the right path. Some of their weaknesses could be that they may become overly sensitive and moody at times, but that comes with the territory when you're not afraid to feel your feelings.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Another sun sign, Leo's often possess traits of loyalty, generosity, ambition and creativity. They find themselves to be natural leaders with an overt confidence and bravery that other signs do not have. These qualities can lead to possessiveness or a dominating personality, but Leo's know what they want and they aren't afraid to go for it. We can all probably take some lessons from the Leos in our lives about leading our lives with optimism and confidence.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Virgo, the earth sign, is different from our previous earth sign, the Taurus, for a number of reasons. Virgos tend to be more of a perfectionist, analytical, and detail-oriented, in addition to being extremely intelligent, patient and kind. While their need for perfection can sometimes hold them back, it also helps them view the world in a way that no one else does, and observe the human experience in a completely unique and empathetic way.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

The next air sign, the Libra, is known for being charming, artistic, romantic, compassionate, idealistic, social, and conflict avoidant. One of the more balanced signs that looks to maintain peace and is always a great listener, a libra is a reliable friend and trusted confidant. Their weakness is often found in their conflict management style and their tendency to people please. However, their biggest strength is their listening skills and sociability, which makes those around them feel heard, understood, and cared for.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

This water sign ruled by Pluto and Mars, is most often associated with being brave, honest, possessive, stubborn, passionate, intuitive and determined. Scorpio's are commonly known for being strong-willed which lends many Scorpio's to being manipulative and maintaining control. However, they are extremely intuitive which allows them to understand many situations on a deeper level than many people. They have an extreme capacity for emotion and are fiercely loyal.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Sagittarius, another sun sign, are adventurous, honest, optimistic, funny, curious, impatient, independence, compassionate, and blunt. They know what they like and they know what they want, and are not afraid to be honest about it. Overall Sags make great friends, however they can be careless at times, but more often than not it's never malicious and backed by ill-intent. They are passionate about the causes they believe in and the people they loved, which can make them stubborn in their stances.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

We've got another perfectionist on our hands! Capricorns, the earth sign, may find themselves to be hardworking, loyal, sensitive, overachievers, and competitive. They make for great teammates in your next friendly competition, because they will do what it takes to win. Beneath the competitive streak they are often very practical and persistent, and once they set their mind to something, they will do what it takes to get there.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Aquariuses, like their fellow air signs, Gemini and Libra, tend to be creative, independent, intelligent, analytical. They may be slightly eccentric, rebellious and unpredictable in their ways which can make them a little unpredictable. These qualities can lead to them being slightly detached from other humans, as their natural tendency is to live independently true to themselves. However, at their core they are humanitarians that care about fairness and happiness for all.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Pisces, the final water sign, are extremely self-aware, emotionally intelligent and sensitive, They are naturally in tune to the emotions of those around them and are extremely creative and imaginative and will consistently put the needs of others before themselves, making them especially selfless. While their biggest weakness may be their sensitivity to criticism and people-pleasing, their empathy is unmatched and leads to deep and meaningful relationships with those around them.

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