Zodiac signs form the base of a fascinating science known as astrology. Knowing your zodiac sign can give you a rough insight on your personality traits, relationship compatibility, etc. Here are all the 12 signs of western zodiac explained with their dates, meanings, and compatible signs.
Zodiac can be defined as a region in the sky that is divided into 12 constellations. These constellations are found in a specific pattern resembling an animal or a creature, which symbolize the zodiac signs. The sun is believed to move from one sign to the other every month; all round the year. Therefore, according to the Western astrology, the zodiac sign of a person is based on the presence of sun in the specific sign. On the other hand, the Vedic astrology is based on the movements of the moon, and hence, a person’s zodiac sign is based on the presence of moon in specific house at the time of his/her birth.
Meaning and Compatibility of Zodiac Signs
Every sign has certain characteristics, both positive as well as negative. However, not all the mentioned traits perfectly match an individual as the other planets in his chart can also influence his personality. People born on the first or the last day of any sign are known as cusp and share the traits of both the signs.
The 12 zodiac signs and dates are fixed. They are divided into 3 categories with 4 signs in each category. They include:
- Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius: stability and fixity.
- Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn: determination and energy.
- Mutable Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces: modification and adaptability.
The 12 zodiac signs are also classified as fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), air (Libra, Aquarius, Gemini) and earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn).
Aries (21st March – 20th April)
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the ram and ruled by planet Mars. People belonging to Aries zodiac sign are full of energy, vitality, and enthusiasm. They are born leaders gifted with confidence, wit, and courage. On the darker side, they can be self-centered and ruthless. Their impatience, desire for constant movement and adventure can at times be off-putting.
Best compatible with: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Least compatible with: Scorpio, Virgo
Taurus (21st April – 21st May)
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the bull and ruled by planet Venus. Taureans are extremely patient, practical, loving, and reliable. Their determination and practicality makes them very successful in life. Peculiarly, Taureans can be both, very extravagant for their love for luxury or can be worshipers of simplicity. Negative traits of Taurus include extreme inflexibility, stubbornness, and laziness.
Best compatible with: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Least compatible with: Libra, Sagittarius
Gemini (22nd May – 21st June)
Gemini is the third zodiac sign, ruled by planet Mercury and is symbolized by the twins. Intelligence, communication, and versatility are the characteristic traits of a true Gemini. People born under this sign are fun-loving, adaptable, and extremely witty. Their charming nature can easily hide their negative traits and fickleness.
Best compatible with: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Least compatible with: Scorpio, Capricorn
Cancer (22nd June – 22nd July)
Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is symbolized by a crab and is ruled by the moon. Emotionality is the word that best describes individuals born under this sign. Both, Cancer men and women, are very loving and sympathetic by nature. However, they can turn very clingy and overly emotional at times. Cancerians are also legendarily moody.
Best compatible with: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Least compatible with: Sagittarius, Aquarius
Leo (23rd July – 23rd August)
The Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the lion and ruled by the Sun. People belonging to the zodiac sign Leo are bright, charismatic, and charming. They are very generous, loving, and loyal by nature. However, their constant need to lead can make them very dominating, pompous, and bossy at times.
Best compatible with: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Least compatible with: Capricorn, Pisces
Virgo (23rd August – 23rd September)
Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac, ruled by the mercury and symbolized by a maiden. Similar to its symbol, shyness, modesty, and practicality are the words that describe the Virgo. They also have a sharp mind combined with analytical and organized nature. However, their super critical nature is their biggest weakness.
Best compatible with: Virgo, Taurus, Capricorn
Least compatible with: Aries, Aquarius
Libra (24th September – 24th October)
Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac is ruled by planet Venus and symbolized by the scales. Librans, both men and women, are diplomatic and divinely romantic individuals. They are also very charming and easy to get along with. However, they lack firmness and determination. They are also often criticized for being indecisive.
Best compatible with: Libra, Gemini, Aquarius
Least compatible with: Taurus, Pisces
Scorpio (24th October – 22nd November)
The eighth sign of the zodiac, Scorpio, is symbolized by the scorpion and ruled by planet Mars. Scorpios are a queer mixture of determination, intelligence, emotionality, practicality, magnetism, and passion. They are blessed with great intuition which never ever fails them. However, their other traits like jealousy, resent can mar their charismatic personality.
Best compatible with: Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer
Least compatible with: Aries, Gemini
Sagittarius (23rd November – 21st December)
The Sagittarius is the ninth zodiac sign, ruled by planet Jupiter and symbolized by the archer. Sagittarius are adventurous, fun-loving, easygoing, and intelligent. They are also very ambitious, extremely optimistic, and strangely, philosophical. On the other hand, carelessness, impatience, and lack of tact are some of their negative traits.
Best compatible with: Sagittarius, Aries, Leo
Least compatible with: Cancer, Taurus
Capricorn (22nd December – 20th January)
The Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the goat and ruled by planet Saturn. Representing their sign, Capricorn individuals are very often reserved, serious, and cautious. However, beneath their modest exterior, they are very determined, strong-willed individuals who can be shrewd and ruthlessly practical. But then, Capricorns are also very conservative, miserly and can be very bitter, when hurt.
Best compatible with: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
Least compatible with: Gemini, Leo
Aquarius (21st January – 19th February)
Ruled by planet Saturn and symbolized by the water bearer, the Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. Fun loving, creative, artistic, intelligent, and friendly are the typical Aquarius traits. They are freedom loving individuals with great taste for art and luxuries. However, at times they seem unemotional and aloof.
Best compatible with: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra
Least compatible with: Cancer, Virgo
Pisces (20th February – 20th March)
Pisces is the 12th and the last sign of the zodiac, ruled by planet Neptune and symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite direction. There is always a feel-good feeling being in the company of a Pisces as they are compassionate, kind, selfless, and helpful. However, these qualities turned inside out can turn into weakness and extreme submissiveness. Pisces are often termed as dreamy individuals.
Best compatible with: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio
Least compatible with: Leo, Libra
Astrology and zodiac signs always help us in knowing and understanding ourselves as well as others, to some extent. So, the next time you come across a new person and get to know his/her birth date, just check out more on him/her beforehand and see if his personality traits match his sign!