The zodiac is made up of 12 signs, and each comes with its own unique, individual archetype and distinctive characteristics. Every person has a bit of each zodiac sign in them — this is why people “relate to everything” in a way. We all experience core themes in life, but how we experience them varies greatly from person to person. The expression of a zodiac sign’s energy is flavored by which house it’s in and any planets in the signs/constellations. The zodiac signs can be grouped by element (fire, earth, water, air) or modality (cardinal, fixed, mutable). In astrology, each zodiac sign is a cosmic character, each with its own distinct personality, characteristics, and mannerisms.

The Zodiac Signs & Archetypes

Aries

Aries placements are the fiery trailblazers who kick off the zodiac. These natural-born leaders are known for their enthusiasm, fearless spirits, and passionate ambition. Aries placements are ruled by the planet Mars and share similar archetypes to the planet. Aries must be aware of their tendency to be impulsive or temperamental.

Element: Fire

Planetary Ruler: Mars

Dates: March 21-April 19

Taurus

Taurus is a steadfast earth sign that encourages us to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures from time to time. Taurus rules the physical senses, as well as luxuries, beauty, wealth, and all things related to the planet Venus. Taureans must be aware of their tendency to be stubborn or lazy.  

Element: Earth

Planetary Ruler: Venus

Dates: April 20-May 20

Gemini

Gemini placements are the “twins” of the zodiac, a nickname that highlights their dualistic nature. Geminis are naturally inquisitive, playful, clever, and intellectually curious. They typically juggle numerous interests and passions at once. Geminis are ruled by Mercury and share similar archetypes to the planet. Gemini placements must be aware of their tendency to be non-committal and inconsistent.

Element: Air

Planetary Ruler: Mercury

Dates: May 21-June 20

Cancer

Cancer placements are ruled by the Moon, making them natural nurturers who embody maternal energy, comforts, the home, and deep emotions. This highly intuitive sign can be naturally inclined to care for others and can be very maternal, regardless of gender. Cancer placements must be aware of their emotional fluctuations. 

Element: Water

Planetary Ruler: Moon (Luminary)

Dates: June 21-July 22

Leo 

Leo placements are commonly known for their confidence, charisma, and flamboyance. However, Leo also rules generosity, playfulness, self-expression, royalty, performance, and creativity. Leo is ruled by the Sun, and they share similar archetypes of vitality, ego, strength, and confidence. Leo placements must be aware of their tendency to be arrogant or boastful.

Element: Fire

Planetary Ruler: Sun (Luminary)

Dates: July 23-Aug. 22

Virgo

Virgo placements are known for their meticulous attention to detail, organization skills, and practicality. Virgos are often the first to offer their help to others, being the sign “of service.” Virgos are quick and deliberate thinkers, which can occasionally lead to anxiety or overthinking. Ruled by the planet Mercury, the sign Virgo shares a similar mercurial archetype. Virgo placements must be aware of their tendency to be too nitpicky or put themselves last.

Element: Earth

Planetary Ruler: Mercury

Dates: Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Libra

Libra placements are known for their social and diplomatic nature. Their charm, intelligence, commitment to harmony, and interpersonal skills make them the ultimate “people person.” Similarly to Taurus, Libra placements are ruled by Venus. However, Libra rules aesthetic beauty and refinement (makeup), while Taurus rules natural beauty (beauty in nature). Libra placements must be aware of their tendency to be people pleasers.

Element: Air

Planetary Ruler: Venus

Dates: Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Scorpio

Scorpio placements are known for their mysterious, intense, and loyal nature. Scorpios are known to have an almost obsessive determination to achieve their goals and are extremely driven people. This sign is known for its emotional depths and capacity to go deep. Scorpio’s dark nature stems from it ruling the transformational cycles of death and rebirth and the experiences that come with it. Scorpio is ruled by two planets: Mars and Pluto. The zodiac sign also exhibits traits of both archetypes. Scorpio placements must be aware of their tendency to become obsessive or controlling.

Element: Water

Planetary Ruler: Mars (Traditional) + Pluto 

Dates: Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Sagittarius 

Sagittarius placements are jovial, optimistic, outspoken, and passionate. This mutable sign is known for its adaptability and wanderlust for new experiences. Sagittarius are also known to be extremely opinionated and bold in speaking their minds. Sagittarius placements are ruled by the planet Jupiter and embody similar archetypes. In addition, Sagittarius placements must beware of being self-righteous– let your intelligence speak for itself.

Element: Fire

Planetary Ruler: Jupiter

Dates: Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

Capricorn

Capricorn placements are practical, disciplined, methodological, hard-working, and persistent. Capricorns are ruled by Saturn and share numerous characteristics with the planet. People with Capricorn placements are known to be extremely hard workers, persistent in achieving their goals through structured routines. This sign also puts a huge emphasis on its career and legacy. Capricorn placements must be aware of their tendency to be pessimistic.

Element: Earth

Planetary Ruler: Saturn

Dates: Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Aquarius

Aquarius placements typically are motivated to improve humanity or society in some capacity, which often involves community leadership, humanitarian causes, technological innovation, or even politics. Though they are extremely community-driven, Aquarians have a reputation for being aloof. However, they’re driven by intellectual curiosity and rationality over emotional expression. Being ruled by Uranus, Aquarians deeply value their individuality and uniqueness, pushing for individuality instead of conformity. Aquarians must be aware of their tendency to be arrogant or stubborn.

Element: Air

Planetary Ruler: Saturn (Traditional) + Uranus

Dates: Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

Pisces

Pisces placements are known for their compassionate, mystical, and alluring ways. This cosmic sign rules the imagination, the arts, spirituality, and dreams. Represented by the fish, Pisces is the final astrological sign in the zodiac. Pisces are extremely empathetic and must be mindful of the depth of their emotions so they aren’t overwhelmed by them. Pisces placements must beware of lacking boundaries and unintentionally inflicting self-sabotage. 

Element: Water

Planetary Ruler: Jupiter (Traditional) + Neptune 

Dates: Feb. 19 – March 20

The zodiac signs are a fundamental, foundational element of astrology. Those who typically don’t know much else about astrology know the basics of identifying with their sun sign. Each person also has a bit of each zodiac sign in them, characterized by the houses they align within their birth chart. Utilizing astrology as a tool can help us navigate life with a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us.

Follow MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more astrology tips and updates.