Lesson 2

The 12 Zodiac Signs

Meet the twelve archetypes that form the foundation of astrological interpretation.

The twelve zodiac signs are the heart of astrology. Each sign represents a distinct archetype—a universal pattern of energy and expression. When a planet is placed in a particular sign, it takes on that sign's qualities, like an actor performing in a specific costume and character.

The Zodiac Wheel

The zodiac is a 360-degree circle divided into twelve equal segments of 30 degrees each. As the Sun appears to travel through this circle over the course of a year, it spends roughly one month in each sign.

The Signs in Order

♈ Aries (March 21 - April 19) The Pioneer. Cardinal Fire. Bold, independent, and action-oriented. Aries initiates and leads.

♉ Taurus (April 20 - May 20) The Builder. Fixed Earth. Stable, sensual, and determined. Taurus creates lasting value.

♊ Gemini (May 21 - June 20) The Communicator. Mutable Air. Curious, adaptable, and intellectually agile. Gemini connects and shares.

♋ Cancer (June 21 - July 22) The Nurturer. Cardinal Water. Protective, intuitive, and deeply emotional. Cancer creates home and belonging.

♌ Leo (July 23 - August 22) The Creator. Fixed Fire. Expressive, warm-hearted, and dramatic. Leo shines and inspires.

♍ Virgo (August 23 - September 22) The Analyst. Mutable Earth. Practical, detail-oriented, and service-driven. Virgo refines and improves.

♎ Libra (September 23 - October 22) The Harmonizer. Cardinal Air. Diplomatic, aesthetic, and partnership-focused. Libra balances and beautifies.

♏ Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) The Transformer. Fixed Water. Intense, powerful, and psychologically deep. Scorpio transforms and regenerates.

♐ Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) The Explorer. Mutable Fire. Adventurous, philosophical, and freedom-loving. Sagittarius expands and discovers.

♑ Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) The Achiever. Cardinal Earth. Ambitious, disciplined, and responsible. Capricorn builds and achieves.

♒ Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) The Innovator. Fixed Air. Progressive, humanitarian, and independent. Aquarius revolutionizes and connects communities.

♓ Pisces (February 19 - March 20) The Dreamer. Mutable Water. Compassionate, imaginative, and spiritually attuned. Pisces dissolves boundaries and heals.

Understanding Sign Energy

Remember: your Sun sign is just one piece of your chart. You likely have planets in many different signs, creating a complex and unique blend of energies.

Key Points

  • 1The zodiac contains 12 signs, each covering 30 degrees
  • 2Each sign has a unique archetype and energy signature
  • 3Signs are grouped by element (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) and modality (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable)
  • 4Your chart contains multiple signs, not just your Sun sign

Beyond Sun Signs

If someone says "I'm a Leo," they're referring to their Sun sign—where the Sun was when they were born. But they might have Moon in Cancer (emotional sensitivity), Mercury in Virgo (analytical mind), and Venus in Libra (romantic and harmonious in love). This is why two Leos can be so different—their other planetary placements create completely unique personalities.

Reflect & Practice

Look at your birth chart. What signs are your Sun, Moon, and Rising? Do you feel the qualities of all three in yourself?