What Are the 12 Zodiac Signs? According to Astrology, Here’s How They Help Shape Who We Are
Everything to know about the zodiac signs and their corresponding traits.
What makes a person tick? What impacts their personality? Is it possible to act the way we act, and do the things we do because of how the stars and planets align? Some believe that wholeheartedly—even study it.
Astrology is the prediction of the (supposed) influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events, by their positions and aspects. And the way many individuals relate to astrology is through the 12 zodiac signs. So, what are the zodiac signs?
Parade reached out to Kellee White, a spiritual medium, licensed psychotherapist and co-host of Both Sides Now & Beyond with James Van Praagh, who utilizes astrology in her sessions—along with numerology and her psychic ability.
The 12 commonplace zodiac signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces are part of Vedic astrology based on their fixated position in the sky and based on corresponding constellation namesakes.
Kellee was gracious enough to explain the astrological zodiacs further, how they shape who we are and how astrologists use them to predict the future.
What is the zodiac?
There are actually two astrological zodiacs—Tropical Western and Sidereal Vedic. What's the difference between them? According to White, “Vedic astrology is based on the sidereal zodiac—a system in which positions of planets are calculated based on where they are actually observed in the sky, [while Western astrology] uses the tropical zodiac, in which planets are fixed in the sky.”
How this relates to the zodiac is that each system is influenced either by the Moon and emotions (Vedic) or the Sun and external drives (Western).
Described as a “road map to our soul” by White, astrology, “can help explain who we are, how we think, what we plan on doing with our life, what lessons we will be learning and why we incarnated.”
Those who study the astrological zodiacs have to take into account both astrological systems to intricately mold a coherent set of predictions, and it can produce pretty dynamic results. After all, real astrology is much more than just generalizations of personal characteristics like “Libras are peacemakers” and “Don’t be friends with a Scorpio.”
Why is astrology so provocative?
The principles of how we think and act and the divination of future events being calculated through astrology can be off-putting to many. Religious and personal views may not align with astrological ideology, and many people have negative feelings about using unconventional tools like the zodiac.
However, in a world of variety, there are many on the other side of the fence too. Open-mindedness caters to infinite possibilities. Why does White enjoy this type of study? “Astrology also helps predict world events and I find that fascinating.”
A closer examination of the zodiac (Vedic astrology) could very well reveal some eye-opening realizations about yourself and those who surround you.
How does astrology play a role in predicting our daily life events?
Believe it or not, astrology can be used to deep-dive into our history, take into account how the planets were lined up (at that time), see what events were taking place, and then use that information with how the planets are aligning now to help in understanding future opportunities.
The earliest evidence for astrology dates from the 3rd millennium BC, so it is a practice that has been around for a long time.
Not feeling like you match up with your zodiac sign?
Western astrology is what you frequently find when combing the internet for the sign that would make your “best partner,” or for help answering, "Will I get the job this week?”
They are divided into the following 12 signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
By now, reading this article you may have thought, “Wow! How could the astrological zodiac predict the future—it can’t even get my personal traits right!?”
Well, White says that this is actually a completely normal occurrence. For example, "Under Western astrology, it will say that on August 1 you are a Leo. But you don’t feel like you have that fiery energy. The Vedic system uses a different calendar (off by about four weeks—this explains a lot!), therefore, in this system you would be a Cancer, making you much more sensitive,” she explains.
It may just be that you align with one system over the other more, so she says that it is important to check both.
Why do the 12 zodiac signs begin with Aries and not Capricorn?
As you can see with the dates corresponding to the zodiac signs, Aries begins in March and Capricorn is during the new year. So it's a little confusing to have the zodiac signs begin with Aries.
However, keep in mind that we are talking about a person’s soul and its inner workings, so who better to lead off the zodiac than a sign whose attributes make them stand out and lead—Aries. According to White, “Aries has always been known as bold and courageous –so it is first in the zodiac! Fearless for sure!”
Now for fun, let’s take a closer peek into the dates (and traits) of what makes up each of the zodiac signs and see just how closely they match up.
Aries — March 21-April 19
Mantra: The more the merrier!
Aries’ refreshing and energetic personalities are easy to get along with, and most likely they are the life of the party. People under this celestial sign are independent, assertive and unassumingly sexy.
There is a peevishness to Aries, probably from juggling all of the visions of how they want to make all of their “dreams” come true.
Although Aries thrive on variety in their life, you will most likely not find one of them “jumping off of a bridge, just because their friends are doing it” and will assert themselves in those situations instead.
Jobs best suited for Aries:
Athletes
Doctors/Surgeons
Marketing Managers
Public Relations: Firefighter / Police Officer
Entrepreneur
Taurus — April 20-May 20
Mantra: Take life by the horns!
Those who fall under Taurus tend to have their feet planted firmly on the ground. Keenly focused, with a touch of stubbornness, most are willing to put the work in to accomplish their goals.
Although Taurus enjoy some of the finer materialistic things in life, most are at their happiest when genuinely helping others to better themselves.
Jobs best suited for Taurus:
Chef / Baker
Stockbroker
Finance Administration
Construction
Politician
Related: So You’re a Taurus? These 125 Personality Traits Will Reveal Just What That Means
Gemini — May 21-June 20
Mantra: You can't keep the Energizer Bunny down!
Always on the go, Gemini enjoy people and traveling. They love learning and are naturally curious, but all of the moving and shaking and information seeking can leave them feeling burned out—oftentimes susceptible to falling into depressive states.
Gemini’s constant craving for variety can lead to indecisiveness, which is one of their key weaknesses.
But don’t let that stop you from befriending or loving a Gemini. They are goodhearted and temperate people, who will make very loyal partners or friends.
Jobs best suited for Gemini:
Preachers
Lawyers
Inventors
Authors
Traders
Related: 125 Personality Traits That Prove, Without a Doubt, You’re a Gemini
Cancer — June 21-July 22
Mantra: I wear my heart on my sleeve!
Cancers are people who are all about nurturing their family and home life. At the core of their being is a protective and sensitive intuition—discerning others' needs ahead of their own.
But their greatest fault is their greatest strength—their heart.
By attuning themselves so much to their space, home and others, it is hard for Cancers to realize when the time comes for them to make important life changes.
Jobs best suited for Cancer:
Healthcare - Nurse / Dietician / Massage Therapist
Freelancer
Teacher
Social Worker
Chef
Leo — July 23-August 22
Mantra: I get things done!
Always excited to get projects done, having a Leo on your team is effectively advantageous. Just like the lion that symbolizes the Leo, they are truly "kings of their domain" and will most definitely get the job done.
Leos are self-assured, forward-thinking individuals, but you need to watch out for all of the feathers they ruffle to clear, before approaching.
But who doesn’t love a good feather ruffler, right?
Leo’s dynamic charm and their grandiose love and affection capacity completely overshadow this detail.
Jobs best suited for Leo:
PR Executive
Fashion Designer
Graphic Designer
Personal Trainer
Actor
Related: 125 Personality Traits of Leos—the Fiery Drama Queens of the Zodiac!
Virgo — August 23-September 22
Mantra: I am my own worst enemy!
Virgo’s mind runs at a million ideas a minute pace. Because of this, they tend to forgo neatness, and their “spaces” don’t align well with their meticulous outward appearance.
The constant need to be the “center of the universe”—a smokescreen for yearning to be “useful”— has them often looking for love in all the wrong places. (They should start with themselves first!)
Analytical to a fault, Virgos have exceptional spatial awareness—catching life’s aesthetics—often missed by the majority of the population.
Not hesitating to stop and see the little bee on the rose doesn’t mean they have any extra time to spare, either. So, it is wise to avoid wasting their time, money and energy if you want to stay on their good side.
Jobs best suited for Virgo:
Nutritionist
Accountant
Welder
Psychologist
Critic
Related: Virgo Astrological Sign: Characteristics, Personality Traits, and Compatibility
Libra — September 23-October 22
Mantra: Can’t we all just get along?!
Balance. Life is all about balance with Libras.
Libras are born into this world to keep peace and harmony in the world, attempting to eliminate all of its problems. The only caveat to that is it leaves Libras vulnerable to hesitancy and indecisiveness.
Libras are diplomatic, with excellent leadership and social justice skills, but it comes at a cost. Libras hate to hurt people and their feelings, so they have been known to buckle under pressure.
Libras care greatly for others, putting their own hearts on the back burner at times. But they are very sociable and enjoy all of the love and comforts of relationships.
Jobs best suited for Libra:
Politician
Counselor
Human Resources
Mediator
Lawyer
Related: Let It be Libra! 125 Traits That Define This Most Fair and Balanced Sign
Scorpio — October 23-November 21
Mantra: I’m already 10 steps ahead of you!
Make no mistake, there are two types of Scorpios—stubborn, hard-working individuals who are plotting each and every intricate detail that will get them closer to achieving their goals, and those who have a relentless desire to control and hold power over people.
The latter really will stop at nothing to get what they want, it’s just how they do it that will define which Scorpio you may be around.
Now, even though Scorpios may be manipulated by their own egos, as partners and friends, their connection will be deeply poignant.
Jobs best suited for Scorpio:
Criminologist
Pharmacist
Detective
Researcher
Market Analyst
Sagittarius — November 22-December 21
Mantra: Act first, think later!
Outgoing. Curious. Motivated.
In a nutshell, those three words perfectly describe Sagittarius. Their interests extend into the philosophical and religious realms—always seeking that little tidbit that will lead them to the secrets of life.
But of course, as serious as all of that can be, Sagittarius want to make sure that they are living a carefree, easy life.
You won’t find these thinkers and doers taking naps. Their boundless energy keeps them at a non-stop pace, yet this is when they are at their happiest.
The busy-bee life does leave them unshielded at times, though, because they have a tendency to act before they think things through.
Jobs best suited for Sagittarius:
Coach
Sales
Journalist
Archeologist
Flight Attendant
Capricorn — December 22-January 19
Mantra: New year, new me!
You probably won’t find a more honest and real person than a Capricorn. They are authentic individuals, usually unwilling to succumb to peer pressure.
This zodiac sign falls within the new year, so it is only fitting that most are interested in new beginnings.
Stability is what drives Capricorns, but to obtain it, these eager beavers will regularly find themselves drowning in their workload.
Most are affectionate, just not too affectionate, when it comes to PDA.
Jobs best suited for Capricorn:
Electrician
Teacher
Engineer
Accountant
Scientist
Aquarius — January 20-February 18
Mantra: I am “cool as a cucumber!”
Oh, there is no one quite as unique as an Aquarius.
They have an undefinable, unflappable air about them, that can be blatantly seen in their ability to wear many hats at one time.
Aquarius as a group stand firm in their beliefs to make this world socially just and are content in making great strides with little recognition. Their inner core code of ethics takes precedence over all others, and can brush off outside white noise and influences, in order to get a task accomplished.
The social awkward gene seems to have missed Aquarius; they love making diverse connections.
Jobs best suited for Aquarius:
Mediator
Judge
Political Activist
Astrologer
Aerospace Engineer
Pisces — February 19-March 20
Mantra: I will give my all, to the right person!
Pisces are deeply intuitive, gentle individuals.
They would give the shirt off of their back if they thought it would help you, being quite content without receiving anything in return.
They have been known to sense things before they happen, but this foresight doesn’t seem to help them in finding love. Often fear holds them back from relationships, love and their goal of finding not just a lover, but a soulmate.
Pisces bounce freely between introverted and extroverted activities, regardless of their flighty and forgetful nature. However, Pisces' friendliness makes them a sought-after companion.
But don’t come at Pisces with criticism, the past or any other cruelty of any kind—instant turn-off!
Jobs best suited for Pisces:
Healthcare Educator
Photographer
Film Maker
Medium
Job Recruiter
Did we hit the nail on the head with our take on your zodiac sign?
Next, What Are Angel Numbers? Numerology Meanings of Angel Numbers
