An absolute beginner's guide to star signs

Photo credit: Issy Muir - Getty Images
Photo credit: Issy Muir - Getty Images

From Cosmopolitan

Are you new to astrology and after an overview of horoscopes and star signs? Well, look no further because we’ve got the low-down on everything you need to know about your star sign, from star sign dates to symbols and the celebrities who you share a sign with.

  • Aries star sign dates: March 21 – April 19

  • Taurus star sign dates: April 20 – May 20

  • Gemini star sign dates: May 21 – June 20

  • Cancer star sign dates: June 21 – July 22

  • Leo star sign dates: July 23 – August 22

  • Virgo star sign dates: August 23 – September 22

  • Libra star sign dates: September 23 – October 22

  • Scorpio star sign dates: October 23 – November 21

  • Sagittarius star sign dates: November 22 – December 21

  • Capricorn star sign dates: December 22 – January 19

  • Aquarius star sign dates: January 20 – February 18

  • Pisces star sign dates: February 19 – March 20

ARIES

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Photo credit: .
  • Aries star sign dates: March 21 – April 19

  • Aries zodiac symbol: The Ram - because of Aries’ brave, tenacious ability to climb to the top of the mountain, no matter what.

  • Aries element: Fire

Aries are warm, lovable and adorable - and they infuriate as much as they inspire affection. They crash, bang, wallop their way through life, demanding (and often getting their way) that they are first / best / biggest / rewarded.

Despite their competitiveness, they have an adorable naivety and wholesomeness, they just love to be loved and valued, and they love others just as warmly. They will stick up for you, fight for you, and help you, to their last breath. A true ride or die sign.

Who gets on best with Aries? Kind of everyone, because they’re so friendly and open. However, like all elemental groups, the Fire sign trio (Aries, Sagittarius and Leo) all get on well with each other. They're all bright, bubbly, outgoing and action-orientated.

Discover more about Aries traits.

Aries celebrities: Reese Witherspoon, Kourtney Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Seth Rogen, Jessica Chastain.

TAURUS

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
  • Taurus star sign dates: April 20 – May 20

  • Taurus zodiac symbol: The Bull - because of their resilience and stubbornness! And, like a bull, they can be both frighteningly fierce or serenely gentle.

  • Taurus element: Earth

Taureans reflect their spirit animal, the bull, very well in that they are either docile, chewing the cud, and lazing around or all-out, code-red hooves pounding, nostril flaring, raging and storming. Mostly though, they are the former: super-charming, laidback, aesthetic, into their indulgences and worldly pleasures.

Taureans are stubborn, it’s true. That, however, is not necessarily a flaw, but the result of their long-winded and calculated deliberations over everything they encounter. Taureans don’t reach their conclusions quickly or easily, so they hold on to them.

Who gets on best with Taurus? Nearly everyone fancies them because they have this chilled, sensual demeanour which draws people in, perhaps we sense their love of a good time... But, like all elemental groups, the Earth sign trio (Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo) all get on well with each other.

Discover more about Taurus traits.

Taurus celebrities: Channing Tatum, The Queen, Jessica Alba, Gigi Hadid, Jessica Lange.

GEMINI

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK


  • Gemini star sign dates: May 21 – June 20

  • Gemini zodiac symbol: The Twins - because of their duality, versatility and ability to talk twice as fast and say twice as much as everyone else.

  • Gemini element: Water

Gemini is the perennial ‘Peter Pan’ of the zodiac, a fickle, clever, adventurous, ever-youthful, know-it-all elf who can make magic out of thin air. Geminis are creative, curious and communicative.

People think Geminis are two-faced, but this is perhaps more driven by their super-powered perceptiveness. They can simply see all sides to things, and even what might lie ahead, so they hedge their bets till the cards are on the table, for sure. Gemini is a shrewd player.

Who gets on best with Gemini? Many people fleetingly fancy Geminis because of their youthful, fun, partying exterior… but not THAT many can get past their actual chilly nature and need to be free and untethered. Relationships are sometimes difficult for them. Just one person for forever and forever? Mmm…

Read more about Gemini traits.

Gemini celebrities: Angelina Jolie, Kanye West, Marilyn Monroe, Stevie Nicks, Naomi Campbell.

CANCER

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK


  • Cancer dates: June 21 – July 22

  • Cancer zodiac symbol: The Crab - because they are secretive and guarded. A hard shell protects the soft flesh beneath (their extreme emotional sensitivity).

  • Cancer element: Water

Never, ever cross a Cancerian, because they never, ever forget a grudge, and they can hate HARD. That said, they also love even harder, and are perhaps the most passionate, loyal and giving sign of the whole zodiac (although Pisces gives them a run on that).

Cancerians are sexy, intuitive, funny, moody, secretive and knowing. They understand other people very well, but often remain an enigma themselves (frankly, this is how they like it).

Who gets on best with Cancer? Cancerians typically have a string of admirers because they’re usually physically beguiling, funny and intelligent, love sex, and indulge in flirting like it’s going out of fashion. Online dating was a setback for the Cancerian sign - their greatest strength is ‘pulling’ socially, but hey, times change.

Discover more about Cancer traits.

Cancer celebrities: Ariana Grande, Chris Pratt, Lana Del Rey, Khloe Kardashian, Meryl Streep.

LEO

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Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK


  • Leo star sign dates: July 32 – August 22

  • Leo zodiac symbol: The Lion - because of their regal and noble personality, they love to lead and naturally protect those they perceive as being vulnerable.

  • Leo element: Fire

Classy, bougie, ratchet, sassy, moody, nasty! Yup, someone was talking about a Leo right there. Always in the middle of things, always acting out, always entertaining and mesmerising and irascible.

Leos are big, bold characters who are fiercely protective of others. They expect to lead the pack, they ARE the alpha, thank you very much. That said, they play the role well, so it’s easier to just them get on and be the boss. We’re just here to serve the zodiac’s lion/esses!

Who gets on best with Leo? Leos are big time flirts and tend to their list of admirers with the same effort and attention as many of us would put into, like, a job. The Leo flirt prides themselves on being able to crack any nut - in fact the tougher the crowd, the more obsessed they are.

Discover more about Leo traits.

Leo celebrities: Kylie Jenner, Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren, Daniel Radcliffe.

VIRGO

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK


  • Virgo star sign dates: August 23 – September 22

  • Virgo zodiac symbol: The Virgin - because of their pure intentions, and their modest, conscientious nature. They’re often pictured holding a sheaf of wheat which symbolises the fertilisation of ideas / skills to benefit the world.

  • Virgo element: Earth

Virgos are so very hard on themselves, they carry a secret and savage ~inner critic~ who challenges their every move and word, and this makes them outwardly ~perfect~, but inwardly full of angst and turmoil which they try to bottle up. They are deep and complicated people.

Virgos are smart, analytical, perceptive and helpful. They love helping others (it keeps the ~inner critic~ quiet when they get recognition or praise). Having a Virgo in your life is like having the most practical, supportive aide you could hope for. Get one!

Who gets on best with Virgo? Virgos’ attractive, poised outward demeanour and quick wit ensure they’re never short of admirers. Elementally, they get on great with other Earth signs. The Earth sign collective are all of one mind: they like material indulgence (food, drink, sex, shopping), status (more shopping) and generally prefer settled, secure relationships rather than running around town (although they’re not prudes) - so Virgo, Taurus and Capricorn are all good in relationships together.

Discover more about Virgo traits.

Virgo celebrities: Beyonce, Freddie Mercury, Pink, Blake Lively, Zendaya.

LIBRA

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK


  • Libra star sign dates: September 23 – October 22

  • Libra zodiac symbols: The Scales - because Librans are ALL about balance. Keeping everything on an even keel and behaving with fairness are their driving motivations.

  • Libra element: Air

Librans, ruled by Venus, are charming, flirtatious, clever, beautiful and people-pleasing, the sort of company you can never tire of.

However, all of that diplomacy and smoothness can create inner tension for Librans - they procrastinate, struggle to commit, and can lean into ~shapeshifting~ vs voicing their authentic feelings, so eager are they to avoid conflict and stress. Librans just want everyone to get along, is it too much to ask?

Who gets on best with Libra? Libra and Taurus are both ruled by Venus so they share a liking for beauty, the arts, self-indulgence and pleasure. Srsly, get these two together and they could shop, eat, drink and bonk their way through 24:7. Champion Indulgers, a dangerous combo!

Discover more about Libra traits.

Libra celebrities: Cardi B, Will Smith, Kim Kardashian, Halsey, Serena Williams.

SCORPIO

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK


  • Scorpio star sign dates: October 23 – November 21

  • Scorpio zodiac symbol: The Scorpion - because Scorpios are kinda’ dangerous, a secretive creature which can poison its enemies if riled… beware!

  • Scorpio element: Water

Scorpios are strong, powerful, independent and even ruthless people, who know what they want and will move mountains to get to it. Scorpios are passionate, intense and a little bit dangerous. Others are drawn to their dark charisma, but they can get stung! Scorpios expect totally loyalty, and will punish those who don’t deliver it.

Never cross a Scorpio. Revenge is a ~thing~ for them. Also, never expect that you’ll ever really know them all the way down to the bottom. Scorpios are happy to analyse you all day long, but will never allow the laser beam of questioning or insight to be turned on them. They are very private and guarded.

Who gets on best with Scorpio? Aries and Scorpio share a planetary influence, but it’s Mars so unless they’re on the same side (in which case they’re unstoppable) this CAN go another way... like, downhill. They’re either the fiercest of allies or the deadliest of enemies.

Discover more about Scorpio traits.

Scorpio celebrities: Drake, Katy Perry, Winona Ryder, Julia Roberts, Kendall Jenner.

SAGITTARIUS

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK


  • Sagittarius star sign dates: November 22 – December 21

  • Sagittarius zodiac symbol: The Archer - because they aim high and true, love the outdoors and enjoy the thrill of the case.

  • Sagittarius element: Fire

Sagittarius is the zodiac’s verbal hooligan, #nofilter, saying whatever springs into their head whenever it springs there! They say what others are thinking, but they get away with it because they are friendly, funny and absolutely not malicious.

Sagittarius is freedom-loving, playful, energetic, philosophical, nature-obsessed, and passionate. A lively and optimistic Fire sign, ruled by Jupiter which, happily for them, makes them the luckiest star sign too.

Who gets on best with Sagittarius? At face value? Everyone. Sagittarius is one of the most open, friendly, enthusiastic and energetic signs - a human Tigger. Getting to really know them is a trickier business, but that comes later.

Discover more about Sagittarius traits.

Sagittarius celebrities: Nicki Minaj, Chrissy Teigen, Jake Gyllenhaal, Miley Cyrus, Anna Faris.

CAPRICORN

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK


  • Capricorn star sign dates: December 22 – January 19

  • Capricorn zodiac symbol: The Goat - because they are a determined animal who rises up the path by taking advantage of every foothold. Always climbing.

  • Capricorn element: Earth

Capricorn is the hardest worker in the room, no question, and will strive and persist to achieve their ambitions, long after the more talented or more show-y types have given up.

Capricorns are shrewd, patient, materialistic, loyal, determined, strong, and stoic. They are a good ~rock~ to lean on, and make for excellent friends and partners. Their ~secret weapon~ is their dry GSOH which only comes out to play with those they know and trust.

Who gets on best with Capricorn? The Earth sign crew (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo) all get on well with each other. They're on each other's wavelength and share similar priorities and values - to a degree, anyway. There's a pragmatic, materialistic, hard-headedness to them. They have no interest in the ethereal or imaginative realm, it's all money/ appetite/ status/ reward.

Discover more about Capricorn traits.

Capricorn celebrities: Jared Leto, Timothée Chalamet, Kate Middleton, Kit Harington.

AQUARIUS

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK


  • Aquarius star sign dates: January 20 – February 18

  • Aquarius zodiac symbol: The Water-Bearer - symbolically, the water represents truth, which Aquarians deliver freely and fairly to the world. A truth-sayer!

  • Aquarius element: Air

Aquarians come across like eccentric enigmas - outgoing and friendly but also closed-off and private. They love people, but absolutely need their own space, and really rather prefer to do things solo. They are assertive and confident in their own opinions, but can seem aloof or disinterested in those of others. They dance to their own beat, basically.

Aquarius is clever, technology-savvy, innovative, humanitarian and idealistic. They want the best for this planet, and care about global, even universal, issues and causes.

Who gets on best with Aquarius? The Air sign trio (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra) all get on well with each other. They're all clever, opinionated and analytical. There's a lot of talking. Maybe even some disagreeing, but it's all on a kind of cerebral level. They get off on each other's intellect.

Discover more about Aquarius traits.

Aquarius celebrities: Harry Styles, Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, Emma Roberts.

PISCES

Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
Photo credit: Cosmopolitan UK
  • Pisces star sign dates: February 19 – March 20

  • Pisces zodiac symbol: Two fishes tied to one another, swimming in opposite directions- because all Pisceans swim amidst shifting emotional currents, and are plagued by both conflicting desires and extremes of temperament.

  • Pisces element: Water

Pisces is the romantic, soulful, intuitive, imaginative empath of the zodiac. Pisceans FEEL everything more deeply, their skin seems thinner than everyone else’s, and they find the cruel world a tough place to be in at times, such is their compassion and idealism.

Pisceans are the final sign of the zodiac, and therefore possess a little of each of the preceding eleven’s traits. They ~get~ people, they know what makes other ticks. They are wise and understanding, sometimes they just know too much.

Who gets on best with Pisces? The Water sign trio (Pisces, Scorpio and Cancer) all get on well with each other. They're all emotional, secretive and intuitive. There's a lot of watching vs talking and, to outsiders, it might look like nothing is happening (you just can't see all the *vibes* being communicated amongst them).

Discover more more about Pisces traits.

Pisces celebrities: Camila Cabello, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Millie Bobby Brown, Emily Blunt.

For your own unique and personal tarot forecast, visit Kerry's TarotBella page.

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