Ancient astrologers divided the zodiac into twelve equal parts, naming each after a constellation in that area of the sky. These twelve divisions make up the twelve signs of the zodiac. As the earth orbits the sun during the year, the sun appears from earth to move along a line relative to the fixed stars. This line is called the ecliptic, and the band that extends to about eight degrees either side of this line is the zodiac.
Horoscope
A horoscope is a prediction of someone's possible future based on the relative positions of these planets. It can also be referred to as a diagram of the positions of the planets and signs of the zodiac at a particular time and place.
Interpreting a horoscope involves consideration of the positions of the planets and the houses, and the angles made by the planets to each other (aspects). The signs of the zodiac provide the framework in which the planets interact.
By knowing the constellation that the sun was in at the time of birth, one can discover common charac teristics to people born under a specific sun sign (also called your birth sign, or star sign). By charting the positions of the planets, and their relationships to each other for a specific time period, one can reasonably predict some things about the future. This is best done by a qualified astrologer who has studied the many factors that go into creating an individual astrology chart.
Characteristics of the Sun Signs: The Elements
Each sun sign is assigned one of the principle elements of nature. These are:
- Fire - These signs tend to be lively, impetuous, aggressive, bright, and enthusiastic. They are self sufficient and can become forceful and demanding with those around them.
- Air - These signs have quick minds and are gifted in abstract concepts, communications, reasoning, intellect. They express themselves well and demonstrate good logic reasoning. They can sometimes be cold and impractical.
- Earth - These signs are matter of fact and controlled. The earth is solid matter, it is stable and can be built upon.
- Water - Sensitive and intuitive, these signs have deep emotional feelings. They are receptive and in tune with the environment in which they live, like a flowing water current.
There are three zodiac signs for each element:
Fire Signs
|
Aries
|
Leo
|
Sagittarius
|
Air Signs
|
Gemini
|
Libra
|
Aquarius
|
Earth Signs
|
Taurus
|
Virgo
|
Capricorn
|
Water Signs
|
Cancer
|
Scorpio
|
Pisces
|
Characteristics of the Sun Signs: The Qualities
Each sign has a quality assigned to it. The qualities are:
- Cardinal - initiative, movement, vitality
- Fixed - steadfastness, stability, earthiness
- Mutable - adaptable to changes in life, capable of guiding and influencing circumstances
Cardinal Signs
|
Aries
|
Cancer
|
Libra
|
Capricorn
|
Fixed Signs
|
Taurus
|
Leo
|
Aquarius
|
Scorpio
|
Mutable Signs
|
Gemini
|
Virgo
|
Pisces
|
Sagittarius
|
Click on the sun signs to discover more about each sign along with its ruling planet, lucky numbers, colors, symbol, flower, gemstone and primary characteristics.
March 21 - April 20
Aries - Latin for "the Ram" (Krios in Greek).
Aries likes to lead. A good challenge is happiness to Aries. Aries goes through life with confidence and a enthusiastic outlook on everything. They can lack patience and often don't finish what they start.
People born under the sun sign Aries are generous and frank with friends. They have a gift for fun. Aries can fall in love quickly and out of love even more quickly.
Aries Gemstones
Constellation
|
Aries, the Ram
|
Zodiac symbol
|
charging ram
|
Known as
|
The Pioneer
|
Ruling planet
|
Mars
|
Quality
|
Cardinal Fiery Sign
|
Element
|
Fire
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Leo, Sagittarius
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Libra
|
Day
|
Tuesday
|
Color
|
Red
|
Flowers
|
Honeysuckle & Sweet pea
|
Metal
|
Iron
|
Lucky Numbers
|
1, 9
|
Aries virtues
|
Abundant physical energy, courage, honesty, independence, self-reliance
|
Negative traits
|
Haste, impetuousness, over-agression, rashness
|
Celebrities born under the sign Aries
|
Johann Sebastian Bach
Warren Beatty
Marlon Brando
Matthew Broderick
Charlie Chaplin
James Garner
Harry Houdini
Hugh Hefner
Elton John
Thomas Jefferson
Eddie Murphy
Leonard Nimoy
Vincent Van Gogh
Diana Ross
Omar Sharif
Gloria Steinem
Tennesse Williams
|
April 21 - May 20
Taurus takes its name from the Greek Tauros, meaning "the Bull."
No one is more persistence and steadfast than Taurus. Taurus usually excels at his work, because he understands the importance of method and order. Taurus has a wonderful sense of humor and often uses his humor to be the center of attention. Taurus is not aggressive, but can be stubborn and self-indulgence.
Taurus is loyal and faithful friend. As a lover, Taurus is sensual and amorous. Taurus is very fond of music.
Taurus Gemstones
Constellation
|
Taurus the Bull
|
Zodiac symbol
|
Bull
|
Known as
|
The Builder
|
Ruling planet
|
Venus
|
Quality
|
Fixed
|
Element
|
Earth
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Virgo, Capricorn
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Scorpio
|
Day
|
Friday
|
Color
|
green, orange, yellow, earth tones
|
Flowers
|
Violet & Poppy
|
Metal
|
Copper
|
Lucky Numbers
|
6, 4
|
Taurus virtues
|
Endurance, loyalty, patience, stability, harmonious disposition
|
Negative traits
|
Rigidity, stubborness, tendency toward over possessive and materialistic
|
Celebrities born under the sign Taurus
|
Catherine the Great
Ann Margret
Burt Bacharach
Candice Bergen
Carol Burnett
Cher
Albert Finney
Sigmund Freud
Queen Elizabeth II
Audrey Hepburn
Shirley MacLaine
Jack Nicholson
Al Pacino
Michelle Pfeiffer
Barbra Streisand
Orson Welles
|
May 21 - June 20
Gemini is the Latin translation of the Greek Didymoi, "the Twins."
Gemini has an abundance of intellectual energy. This energy must be expressed and they seldom suffer in silence. Gemini is charming and life is more interesting and beautiful with them around. Gemini can make quick changes in any aspect of life. They cannot bear to be bored.
Gemini craves variety and joy and to have the love of Gemini can be a joyful experience as long as Gemini doesn't get restless.
Gemini Gemstones
Constellation
|
Gemini
|
Zodiac symbol
|
The Twins
|
Known as
|
The Artist
|
Ruling planet
|
Mercury
|
Quality
|
Mutable
|
Element
|
Air
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Libra, Aquarius
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Sagittarius
|
Day
|
Wednesday
|
Color
|
Yellow
|
Flowers
|
Lily of the Valley & Lavender
|
Metal
|
Quicksilver
|
Lucky Numbers
|
5, 9
|
Gemini virtues
|
Communication skills, quick and agile thought process, learns quickly
|
Negative traits
|
Tendency toward gossip, hurting others with harsh speech, superficiality
|
Celebrities born under the sign Gemini
|
F Lee Bailey
Jacques Cousteau
Clint Eastwood
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mary Cassatt
Bob Dylan
Judy Garland
Bob Hope
Duchess of Windsor
John F Kennedy
Malcolm McDowell
Marilyn Monroe
Cole Porter
Donald Trump
Gene Wilder
|
June 21 - July 20
Cancer - "the Crab" (Karkinos in Greek, Cancer in Latin).
Cancer is very patient. Cancer feels all moods to the fullest, joy, sorrow, compassion, horror and sadness. Family is important to Cancer. Cancer will always forgive, but has a good memory.
Cancer can love long and strong. Cancer is a giver and can be taken advantage of by those who are takers.
Cancer Gemstones
Constellation
|
Cancer the Crab
|
Zodiac symbol
|
Crab
|
Known as
|
The Teacher
|
Ruling planet
|
the Moon
|
Quality
|
Cardinal
|
Element
|
Water
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Scorpio, Pisces
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Capricorn
|
Day
|
Monday
|
Colors
|
Violet, Sea Green & Silver
|
Flowers
|
Larkspur
|
Metal
|
Silver
|
Lucky Numbers
|
3, 7
|
Cancer virtues
|
Emotional sensitivity, tenacity, nurturing
|
Negative traits
|
Over-sensitivity, negative moodiness
|
Celebrities born under the sign Cancer
|
Louis Armstrong
Bill Blass
Yul Brinkley
Tom Cruise
Harrison Ford
Merv Griffin
Kris Kristofferson
Ginger Rogers
Carly Simon
Donald Sutherland
Sylvester Stallone
Henry David Thoreau
Mike Tyson
Ernest Hemingway
John Glenn
Ringo Starr
|
July 21 - August 21
Leo - Latin for "the Lion", called Leon in the original Greek.
Leo is the king or commander and commands very well. Leo can organize, give out duties and be straightforward. Leo always shows consideration for others and is generous to those in poverty.
Leo is ready to love too quickly and then can be hurt, but will soon be ready to love again.
Leo Gemstones
Constellation
|
Leo The Lion
|
Zodiac symbol
|
Lion
|
Known as
|
The King
|
Ruling planet
|
the Sun
|
Quality
|
Fixed
|
Element
|
Fire
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Aries, Sagittarius
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Aquarius
|
Day
|
Sunday
|
Color
|
Orange
|
Flowers
|
Sunflower & Marigold
|
Metal
|
Gold
|
Lucky Numbers
|
8, 9
|
Leo virtues
|
Leadership, self-esteem, confidence, generosity, creativity, joyful
|
Negative traits
|
Arrogance, vanity, bossiness
|
Celebrities born under the sign Leo
|
Napoleon Bonaparte
Lucille Ball
Tony Bennett
Julia Child
Robert Di Niro
Henry Ford
C G Jung
Alfred Hitchcock
Julia Child
Fidel Castro
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Mick Jagger
Peter Jennings
Madonna
Roman Polanski
Robert Redford
Andy Warhol
Shelley Winters
|
August 22 - September 22
Virgo - "the Virgin" in Latin, whose Greek name was Parthenos.
Virgo has a sharp power of discrimination. Virgo is an excellent manager with thrifty ways and a clear head. Virgo should watch out not to be too critical of others not so strong willed.
It takes hard work to win the love of Virgo, but once won, the love glows so hot it seldom cools.
Virgo Gemstones
Constellation
|
Virgo
|
Zodiac symbol
|
The Virgin
|
Known as
|
The Craftsman
|
Ruling planet
|
Mercury
|
Quality
|
Mutable
|
Element
|
Earth
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Taurus, Capricorn
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Pisces
|
Day
|
Wednesday
|
Color
|
Navy blue
|
Flowers
|
|
Metal
|
Quicksilver
|
Lucky Numbers
|
5, 3
|
Virgo virtues
|
Mental agility, analystical skills, healing powers, ability to give attention to details
|
Negative traits
|
Destructive criticism
|
Celebrities born under the sign Virgo
|
Greta Garbo
Lyndon B Johnson
Virgonard Bernstein
Lauren Bacall
Jacqueline Bisset
Sid Caesar
Sean Connery
Ben Gazzara
Jesse James
Sophia Loren
Bob Newhart
Lily Tomlin
Racquel Welch
|
September 23 - October 22
Libra - Latin for "the Balance" or "the Scales", from the Greek word Zygos. This sign was originally called, "the Claws", which were attached to the constellation Scorpio; the later idea of a balance most likely derived from the relative equality of day and night at the
autumnal equinox.
Libra is balance. Libra will work with concentration and relax with dedication. Some Libras do seek perfection, which can make life trying for those who live with them.
Love and marriage is important to Libra. If you are lucky to marry Libra, your home will be filled with art and music.
Libra Gemstones
Constellation
|
Libra
|
Zodiac symbol
|
Scales
|
Known as
|
The Statesman
|
Ruling planet
|
Venus
|
Quality
|
Cardinal
|
Element
|
Air
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Gemini, Aquarius
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Aries
|
Day
|
Friday
|
Color
|
Indigo Blue
|
Flowers
|
Rose, Cosmos & Hydrangeas
|
Metal
|
Quicksilver
|
Lucky Numbers
|
6, 9
|
Libra virtues
|
Social grace, charm, tact, diplomacy
|
Negative traits
|
Violating what is right for the sake of social acceptance
|
Celebrities born under the sign Libra
|
George Gershwin
Truman Capote
Mickey Mantle
Julie Andrews
John Lennon
Charlie Brown
Ray Charles
Angie Dickinson
Michael Douglas
Rita Hayworth
Charlton Heston
Jesse Jackson
Johnny Mathis
Luciano Pavarotti
Mickey Rooney
Gore Vidal
Signourney Weaver
|
October 23 - November 22
Scorpio - Latin for "the Scorpion" (Skorpios in Greek).
Scorpio is all about power and self-mastery. Scorpio is known as the physician's sign, as Scorpio also wants to give to others. Scorpio is often psychic, making excellent diagnosis of illness.
Scorpio can be protective of loved ones in the home, but do not try to hide in goings on from Scorpio, as they like to know everything. Scorpio has very strong likes and dislikes and lets all know what they are.
Scorpio Gemstones
Constellation
|
Scorpio
|
Zodiac symbol
|
Scorpion & Eagle
|
Known as
|
The Inspector
|
Ruling planet
|
Pluto & Mars
|
Quality
|
Fixed
|
Element
|
Water
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Cancer, Pisces
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Taurus
|
Day
|
Tuesday
|
Color
|
Deep red
|
Flowers
|
Chrysanthemum & Rhododendron
|
Metal
|
Steel
|
Lucky Numbers
|
2, 4
|
Scorpio virtues
|
Loyalty, concentration, determination, courage, depth
|
Negative traits
|
Jealousy, vindictiveness, fanaticism
|
Celebrities born under the sign Scorpio
|
Charles Bronson
Richard Burton
Johnny Carson
Martin Luther
Pablo Picasso
Katharine Hepburn
Billy Graham
Richard Burton
Grace Kelly
Vivien Leigh
Mike Nichols
Charles, Prince of Wales
|
November 23 - December 20
Sagittarius - "the Archer" in Latin, called Toxotes in Greek.
The curiosity of Sagittarius is truly insatiable and the mental energy is always alert. Sagittarius is a wonderful teacher and student. Sagittarius loves knowledge, all kinds of people and often sports.
Sagittarius is very frank and open with friends and lovers. This is sometimes viewed by others as inconsiderate. Sometimes Sagittarius finds it better not to marry.
Sagittarius Gemstones
Constellation
|
Sagittarius
|
Zodiac symbol
|
The Centaur, Archer
|
Known as
|
The Counselor
|
Ruling planet
|
Jupiter
|
Quality
|
Mutable
|
Element
|
Fire
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Aries, Leo
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Gemini
|
Day
|
Thursday
|
Color
|
Light blue & Purple
|
Flowers
|
Narcissus & Dandelion
|
Metal
|
Tin
|
Lucky Numbers
|
5, 7
|
Sagittarius virtues
|
Generosity, honesty, broad-mindedness, tremendous vision
|
Negative traits
|
Over-optimism, exaggeration, being too generous with other people's money
|
Celebrities born under the sign Sagittarius
|
Woody Allen
Ludwig van Beethoven
Mark Twain
Winston Churchill
Noel Coward
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Joe DeMaggio
Walt Disney
Kirk Douglas
Jane Fonda
Billie Jean King
John Malkovich
Bette Midler
Frank Sinatra
Flip Wilson
|
December 21 - January 19
Capricorn - Capricornus is a Latin compound of "she-goat" (capra) and "horn" (cornus), which translates the original Greek Aegocerus, "goat-horned."
Capricorn is generally an upholder of tradition. Capricorn is usually interested in the welfare of the community. Capricorn has a noble ambition and an extraordinary power of adaptability. Once in a while Capricorn becomes too ambitious in the wealth department.
Capricorn is a bit of a flirt. When it comes to marriage Capricorn looks for a "suitable" marriage and it is usually successful.
Capricorn Gemstones
Constellation
|
Capricorn
|
Zodiac symbol
|
The Goat
|
Known as
|
The Ambassador
|
Ruling planet
|
Saturn
|
Quality
|
Cardinal
|
Element
|
Earth
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Taurus, Virgo
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Cancer
|
Day
|
Saturday
|
Color
|
Dark Green & Dark Blue
|
Flowers
|
Carnation
|
Metal
|
Lead
|
Lucky Numbers
|
2, 8
|
Capricorn virtues
|
Sense of duty, organization, perseverance, patience, ability to see the long term
|
Negative traits
|
Pessimism, depression, undue materialism and conservatism
|
Celebrities born under the sign Capricorn
|
Mohammad Ali
Steve Allen
Joan of Arc
Isaac Asimov
Benjamin Franklin
Humphrey Bogart
Faye Dunaway
Ava Gardner
Mary Tyler Moore
Richard Nixon
Martin Luther King
J R R Tolkien
|
January 20 - February 18
Aquarius - called by the Greeks Hydrochoos, "the Water-Pourer." "Aquarius" is a Latin translation of the Greek name.
Aquarius is open-minded and usually holds no prejudices. Aquarius is serene and friendly. Aquarius will listen and learn from anyone to find the truth. Aquarius has so many interests that there are times his energy is spread too thin.
Aquarius makes a sincere friend. Marriage for Aquarius may take longer as he does not open up easily.
Aquarius Gemstones
Constellation
|
Aquarius
|
Zodiac symbol
|
The Water-Bearer
|
Known as
|
The Truth-seeker
|
Ruling planet
|
Uranus & Saturn
|
Quality
|
Fixed
|
Element
|
Air
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Gemini, Libra
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Leo
|
Day
|
Wednesday
|
Color
|
Sky blue
|
Flowers
|
Orchid
|
Metal
|
Uranium
|
Lucky Numbers
|
1, 7
|
Aquarius virtues
|
Great intellectual power, ability to communicate and to form and understand abstract concepts, love for the new and avante-garde
|
Negative traits
|
Coldness, rebelliousness for its own sake, fixed ideas
|
Celebrities born under the sign Aquarius
|
Mikhail Baryshnikov
Lord Byron
Charles Darwin
Charles Dickens
Clark Gable
Abraham Lincoln
Norman Mailer
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Paul Newman
Jack Nicklaus
Babe Ruth
Ronald Reagan
Burt Reynolds
James Dean
Mia Farrow
Virginia Woolf
|
February 19 - March 20
Pisces called Ichtyes ("the fishes") by the Greeks, "Pisces" being the Latin translation.
Usually Pisces cares little for making money, but cares about ideals and aspirations. Pisces likes to dream, he is not interested in competition. Pisces is drawn to the arts, especially the stage. Pisces can be moody and vague.
Pisces is often the friend of the under-dog. Pisces may have many marriages.
Pisces Gemstones
Constellation
|
Pisces
|
Zodiac symbol
|
Two fishes
|
Known as
|
The Poet
|
Ruling planet
|
Neptune & Jupiter
|
Quality
|
Mutable watery sign
|
Element
|
Water
|
Greatest Overall Compatibility
|
Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius
|
Best for Marriage and Partnerships
|
Virgo
|
Day
|
Friday
|
Color
|
Sea-green & Lavender
|
Flowers
|
Violet, Jonquil & Water Lily
|
Metal
|
Platinum
|
Lucky Numbers
|
2, 6
|
Pisces virtues
|
Psychic power, sensitivity, self-sacrifice, altruism
|
Negative traits
|
Escapism, keeping bad company, negative moods
|
Celebrities born under the sign Pisces
|
Edgar Cayce
Chopin
Wyatt Earp
Jackie Gleason
Liza Minnelli
Ralph Nader
Auguste Renoir
Harry Belafonte
Elizabeth Taylor
Tommy Tune
Gloria Vanderbilt
George Washington
|