What is the Zodiac?

The zodiac (which is derived from the Greek word meaning "circle of animals") is believed to have developed in ancient Egypt and later adopted by the Babylonians. Early astrologers knew it took twelve lunar cycles (i.e., months) for the sun to return to its original position. They then identified twelve constellations that they observed were linked to the progression of the seasons and assigned them names of certain animals and persons (in Babylonia, for example, the rainy season was found to occur when the sun was in a particular constellation which was then named Aquarius, or water bearer). The signs of the zodiac are subdivided into four groups:

FIRE SIGNS Aries, Sagittarius, Leo
WATER SIGNS Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
AIR SIGNS Libra, Aquarius, Gemini
EARTH SIGNS Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo

Each of these four groups is inscribed in its own quadrant -- or "house"--on a circle. The division of the twelve houses is based on the earth's daily rotation and relates to such circumstances as relationships, finances, travel, etc. The division of the twelve signs of the zodiac, on the other hand, is based on the earth's yearlong rotation around the sun and relates to character aspects (e.g., Venus represents affection, Mercury represents speech and writing, etc.). Each planet rules two signs and the sun and moon one each.

Aries (March 21-April 19)
Symbol: the ram
Element: fire
Ruler: Mars
Characteristics: competitive, impulsive, independent, dynamic, quick-tempered, domineering, trusting, honest

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Symbol: the bull
Element: earth
Ruler: Venus
Characteristics: patient, dependable, practical, determined, artistic, loyal, stubborn, self-indulgent

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Symbol: the twins
Element: air
Ruler: Mercury
Characteristics: curious, versatile, expressive, persuasive, changeable, clever, restless, talkative

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Symbol: the crab
Element: water
Ruler: Moon
Characteristics: tenacious, emotional, intuitive, sensitive, sympathetic, traditional, moody, manipulative

Leo (July 23-August 22)
Symbol: the lion
Element: fire
Ruler: Sun
Characteristics: dramatic, dignified, idealistic, ambitious, proud, generous, romantic, overbearing

Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Symbol: the virgin
Element: earth
Ruler: Mercury
Characteristics: gentle, industrious, dependable, methodical, soft-spoken, humane, sincere, easily worried

Libra (September 23-October 22)
Symbol: the scales
Element: air
Ruler: Venus
Characteristics: cooperative, careful, artistic, persuasive, diplomatic, logical, indecisive, fickle

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Symbol: the scorpion
Element: water
Ruler: Pluto
Characteristics: passionate, penetrating, private, resourceful, loyal, determined, temperamental, intolerant

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Symbol: the archer
Element: fire
Ruler: Jupiter
Characteristics: generous, honest, daring, friendly, confident, enthusiastic, argumentative, blunt

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Symbol: the goat
Element: earth
Ruler: Saturn
Characteristics: cautious, focused, responsible, serious, conventional, reliable, hardworking, unforgiving

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Symbol: the water bearer
Element: air
Ruler: Uranus
Characteristics: independent, tolerant, unpredictable, strong-willed, curious, perceptive, progressive, temperamental

Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Symbol: the fish
Element: water
Ruler: Neptune
Characteristics: sensitive, compassionate, imaginative, adaptable, intuitive, idealistic, secretive, vulnerable

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