Astrology is sort of a controversial topic, as not everyone “believes” in it. Furthermore, if you were to ask everybody you know what their opinions on astrology are, chances are you would talk to some people that don’t think very highly of it. I feel it’s important to stress that in terms of astrology, I don’t believe that it accounts for each detail of your life, and it can be wrong. However, upon studying the zodiac signs and all that accompanies them, I’ve found that astrology makes a lot of sense in my life and it resonates with many others as well.

There are twelve zodiac signs, one for each month of the year. Unless someone has an interest in astrology or has looked it up, most people only know of their sun sign, which is your “ego self” and individuality. However, there are twelve planets, which means you actually have twelve placements of various zodiac signs that make up your birth chart. Each sign is ruled by a planet, but it does not necessarily mean that a planet will always be placed in the sign they rule. A birth chart is also divided into houses, which are sections that represent certain areas of life. 

The moon rules your emotions and deep inner self, and the eighth house rules transformation, birth, and death. I have a Scorpio moon in my eighth house. So, this means my emotions are impacted by Scorpio’s characteristics. Because of my house, a common theme in my emotional growth and inner workings is transformation. The easiest way to remember all of this is knowing that the planet represents what energy is being expressed, the sign indicates how it is expressed, and the house represents where in your life the energy will play out. 

The first sign is the Aries. Their element is fire and they are ruled by Mars. Those with this sign are courageous, confident, determined, impatient, aggressive, and moody. Aries children exude enthusiasm and energy; they are individualistic and they dislike being controlled. People of this sign are usually well suited for business-related careers, as they are competitive and straight to the point. To be an Aries, you must be born between March 21st and April 19th.

The next zodiac sign is Taurus. Born from April 20th to May 20th, their element is earth and they are ruled by Venus. Taurus men and women are stable and practical. Those with this sign are observant, and they get almost anything done when they put their mind to it. Reliable, patient, strong, calm, stubborn, and possessive, Tauruses do not usually feel comfortable surrounded by chaos. They are intelligent common-sense wise. 

One of the most controversial and often-called “misunderstood” zodiacs of the twelve is Gemini. This is because they are people pleasers and are adaptable, multi-layered humans, which has led to a reputation of being two-faced. This sign is ruled by Mercury, which is the planet of communication. Geminis are naturally good talkers, and they’re usually very socially connected and well-versed in the latest drama. They are very curious, and their brains are always analyzing. People with their sign in Gemini are affectionate and witty, though Geminis also tend to be anxious, inconsistent, and indecisive. Gemini men and women are born between May 21st and June 20th. 

Cancers are the next sign on the list, born anytime from June 21st to July 22nd. Their element is water and their ruler is the Moon. Cancers are connected to their emotions, which isn’t surprising because of their ruler. Cancer people are tenacious, imaginative, loyal, persuasive, moody, pessimistic, and even manipulative. Because of their great paternal instincts, they usually make wonderful and loving parents to their kids and siblings. People with this sign are very supportive of their friends, protective of those they love, and are most often intuitively guided. 

My sign, the Leo, is up next. To be a Leo, you must be born between July 23rd and August 22nd. Their element is fire, ruled by the Sun. They carry their ruler’s energy with them throughout their life as Leo’s are passionate, cheerful, generous, humorous, and warmhearted. However, they can be stubborn, lazy, arrogant, and self-focused. Leos are said to be more likely to stay in touch with their inner child. Most people with this sign are naturally skilled performers and have a good eye for fashion. 

Virgo season starts on August 23rd and ends on September 22nd. This sign is ruled by Mercury and they belong to the element Earth. Virgos are loyal, analytical, kind, hardworking, shy, worry-ridden, and critical. The planet that rules this sign causes most Virgos to be great communicators; people feel compelled to listen to them, and their word choice is sophisticated and refined. Those with this sign are commonly organized, humble, and disciplined. Virgos are blessed with common sense. 

The seventh zodiac sign is Libra, ruled by Venus in the element of air. Libras tend to live in a polished, luxurious, poetic world; they love to be surrounded by beauty. They are known as arbiters of taste. Libras make great lawyers and diplomats, as they are justice-driven and highly ethical. Libras are gracious, cooperative, fair, social, indecisive, unconfrontational, self-pitying, and unforgiving. They have a deep need for balance within themselves and in their lives. Libra season is between September 23rd and October 22nd. 

Up next are the Scorpios, born sometime between October 23rd and November 21st. They belong to the element of water and they have two ruling planets, Pluto and Mars. Scorpios are brave, resourceful, passionate, distrusting, jealous, and secretive, and violent. They radiate power and mystery, and because they are so closed off, they make superb listeners. People of this sign can be intimidating and difficult to get to know, though they are compassionate and loving deep down. Most of the time, moving on from a friendship or relationship with a Scorpio is difficult, as they have something unforgettable about them.

The month of December is dedicated to the sign Sagittarius. This is the sign of the traveler. Ruled by Jupiter and belonging to the element of fire, they are free-spirited and adventurous. Most Sagittarius men and women are brutally honest, to a fault at times. People of this sign are humorous, generous, optimistic, impatient, and tend to break promises. They are intensely intellectual and philosophical and often great at debating. It is not uncommon for Sagittarius men and women to have a fear of commitment. If you were born on a day between November 22nd and December 21st, you’re a Sagittarius.

Capricorns are responsible, disciplined, self-controlled, unforgiving, condescending, and always expect the worst.  As an Earth sign ruled by Saturn, they are very ambitious and will accomplish anything they set their mind to. Capricorn’s value structure and routine. They are different than most in the way that they become more carefree as they get older. People of this sign are polite, helpful, and patient. They are good problem solvers. To be a Capricorn, you must be born within the window of December 22nd and January 19th. 

Following right behind is Aquarius, with their season beginning on January 20th and ending on February 18th. It is an air sign, ruled by Uranus and Saturn. This makes people born during this time progressive, original, independent, temperamental, uncompromising, and aloof. They tend to run from their emotions and are hard to tie down with commitment. As an air sign, they are true intellectuals, and they value freedom, uniqueness, and justice. Men and women of this sign pave their own path in life and are said to have a strong third eye. 

The final sign of the twelve is the Pisces. Pisces is a water sign, and they are ruled by Neptune and Jupiter. Their season is from February 19th to March 20th. People of this sign are emotionally intense; they have the capacity to feel big emotions very deeply. Because they are connected to water, they are intuitive and emotionally intelligent. This sign rules nonverbal communication, and Pisces are usually reserved and even underestimated. Creative, compassionate, gentle, wise, fearful, sad, victimizing, and overly trusting, Pisces are very multi-faceted humans. They are thought to be the most evolved and spiritually enlightened. 

There is a surplus of information to take in when it comes to astrology, and when I first started learning I was extremely overwhelmed. Even though it can be stressful, there is so much to discover that has been well worth my time. Astrology isn’t for everyone, but I’ve found that for myself and several people in my life, it helps you to find a deeper understanding of yourself and the themes in your life.