The Twelve Constellations That Make Up the Zodiac
The zodiac signs are grouped into four elemental categories that define core characteristics of each group. These categories – Fire, Earth, Air, and Water – play a significant role in shaping the basic temperament, motivations, and interpersonal styles of the signs under their umbrella.
Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Characterized by passion, energy, and enthusiasm, Fire signs are active, adventurous, bold, and driven by ambitions and dreams. They are natural leaders who are innovative, self-aware, and idealistic. While they can be quick to anger, they are also quick to forgive. Their energy is motivating, and they enjoy challenges and thrills.
Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Known for practicality, groundedness, and stability, Earth signs are reliable, cautious, and hardworking. They have a strong sense of responsibility and commitment and are emotionally devoted and faithful to loved ones. Earth signs tend to be patient and nurturing, valuing security and material comforts. They are often disciplined and persistent in their pursuits.
Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Embodying intellect, communication, and social skills, Air signs are innovative, curious, and value freedom and mental stimulation. They excel at expressing ideas, connecting with others, and influencing people. Typically social and open-minded, they thrive in environments rich in ideas and interaction.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
Associated with emotion, intuition, and sensitivity, Water signs are deeply empathetic, nurturing, and able to understand feelings on a profound level. They often possess strong intuitive abilities and easily form emotional connections. They can be introspective and sometimes private, valuing emotional security.
Each sign is either masculine or feminine, alternating around the zodiac. For example, Aries, the Ram, spans from March 21 to April 20 and is Masculine, while Taurus, the Bull, spans from April 21 to May 21 and is Feminine.
Signs can be grouped by element, cardinality, and gender. Aries, for instance, is a Fire sign, a Cardinal sign, and Masculine. Taurus is an Earth sign, a Fixed sign, and Feminine. Astrologers use certain symbols to represent the sun signs, and signs can also be categorized in several ways, including by movement (Cardinal, Fixed, or Mutable), related to action, resistance to change, and ability to change freely, respectively.
- Fire signs, with their energetic and adventurous nature, tend to associate strongly with a lifestyle that involves fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, travel, and cars that mirror their ambitions and dreams.
- Earth signs, known for their practicality and stability, are drawn towards a lifestyle that values security, material comforts, and possibly a specific niche in the food-and-drink industry or travel that offers a sense of responsibility and commitment.
