What is my star sign? A guide the astrological signs and what yours says about you

Whether you're meeting a new friend or going on a first date, you've likely been asked about your Zodiac, or star, sign. Some people are more astrologically inclined and well-informed on the ins and outs of their birth chart and how it affects romantic behavior, friendship longevity or even workplace habits. Others could care less.

This guide works for both types of people.

Astrology and horoscopes can give further insight into your personality. They can serve as a roadmap for what drives you and how you approach the most important relationships in your life.

Before diving into the astrological depths, you should know your "sun sign," which is determined by date of birth.

Here's a rundown of the Zodiac's 12 signs.

Zodiac sign dates:

• Aries: March 21 – April 19

• Taurus: April 20 – May 20

• Gemini: May 21 – June 21

• Cancer: June 22 – July 22

• Leo: July 23 – August 22

• Virgo: August 23 – September 22

• Libra: September 23 – October 23

• Scorpio: October 24 – November 21

• Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21

• Capricorn: December 22 – January 19

• Aquarius: January 20 – February 18

• Pisces: February 19 – March 20

What is my Zodiac sign?

Aries: March 21 – April 19

Aries is a fire sign, and it is the first in the Zodiac. Known to be competitive, those born under Aries are courageous, strong-willed and carefree. Appropriately, the sign is symbolized by the ram.

Taurus: April 20 – May 20

Taurus is an earth sign and is commonly associated with stubbornness. Fittingly, its symbol is the bull. Tauruses are also generous and dedicated, unafraid to take their time and resilient.

Gemini: May 21 – June 21

Gemini is an air sign and is symbolized by a set of twins. Bearers of this sign are communicative, intellectual and curious, often filling their plates so that busyness abounds.

Cancer: June 22 – July 22

Cancer is a water sign, rounding out the four elements. It is represented by the crab. Despite their hard exteriors, Cancers are deeply emotional creatures. They often experience high levels of sentimentality and compassion.

Leo: July 23 – August 22

Leo is a fire sign and is symbolized by the lion. They are natural-born leaders and are driven by a courageous spirit. Leos are also considered to be hard-working, confident and loyal.

Virgo: August 23 – September 22

Virgo is an earth sign, symbolized by a maiden (who is occasionally seen holding wheat). Virgos are said to be analytical, detail-oriented and highly practical. This occasionally leads to perfectionism. They love to help but are fierce self-critics.

Libra: September 23 – October 23

Libra is an air sign. Represented by scales, it's no surprise that this sign loves harmony. Libras are said to be creative and idealistic. Those born under the sign can also be indecisive and often weigh their options, struggling to commit.

Scorpio: October 24 – November 21

Shocker: Scorpio is represented by a scorpion. The water sign is known to be determined, passionate and competitive. Those born under Scorpio are also considered mysterious and intense.

Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21

Sagittarius is a fire sign, symbolized the archer. The sign is quite adventurous and free-spirited, constantly seeking travel and change. However, this carefree nature can lead to inconsistency.

Capricorn: December 22 – January 19

The final earth sign, Capricorn is represented by the sea goat. Those born under the sign are seen as ambitious, practical and focused. They can be a shoulder to lean on but also can become pessimistic or cold.

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18

Aquarius is an air sign, not a water sign, despite its symbol: the water bearer. They are forward thinkers and tend to be clever, creative and intelligent. They can also be distant and struggle to express emotion.

Pisces: February 19 – March 20

Pisces is symbolized by two fish and is the last of the water signs. Those born under the sign are considered empathetic and intuitive. They can easily read the emotions of others and are ruled by their own. Pisces are understanding and romantic, experiencing the world through heightened sensitivity.

Learn more about each Zodiac sign

Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Pisces

Zodiac compatibility: What signs go well together?

Relationships are hard enough to begin with. So, when you add star sign compatibility, things can get complex. It's not as simple as: "Does my sign go with this other one?"

You have to consider someone's full chart – their sun, moon and rising sign, along with other placements – to determine compatibility. There are, however, general rules when it comes to Zodiac compatibility.

Usually, signs will gel with the others in their element group. For example, Gemini and Libra are both air signs and are highly compatible. Another ideal pairing is Aries and Leo, both fire signs.

If you're looking for your astrological match, check out our guide.

Is Mercury in retrograde? Hold tight, the motion of the solar system is about to get bumpy.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is my Zodiac sign? A guide to the astrological calendar dates