12 Zodiac Signs: Dates and Personality Traits of Each Star Sign

As a professional astrologer, people ask me all types of questions. Of the most common curiosities is “what are the best zodiac signs?” along with its evil twin, “what are the worst zodiac signs?” While I appreciate any and all astrological inquiries, including zodiac signs compatibility, let me set the record straight: In astrology, there are no winners or losers. In fact, when you enter the metaphysical realm (the world of stars, tarot cards, tea leaves, etc.), that black-and-white binary goes straight out the window. In this magical, mystical domain, we work with nuance.

Every sign is a powerful, vital piece in the puzzle that is the zodiac. The four elements — air signs, fire signs, water signs, earth signs — all work together to create a comprehensive whole, which shows up in your life as your unique personality traits. Although astrology is an extremely complex study, the most fundamental principle of astrology centers on the 12 familiar star signs of the zodiac. Over the centuries, each sign has developed its own associations — including myths, animals, and colors — and its own characteristics. Every sign is illuminated by its own point of view, complete with powerful strengths and exhausting weaknesses.

From an astronomical perspective, we know that the Sun doesn’t move, as its stability anchors the entire solar system. But from our vantage here on planet Earth, the Sun is in constant motion. We can depend on its daily performance (including inspiring sunrises and dramatic sunsets), as well as its location in the sky. The position the Sun occupied at your exact moment of birth is known as your “sun sign” (sometimes referred to as “star sign” or “birth sign”), and it’s the cosmic launching pad for both beginners and professional astrologers. (Your Rising Sign is another very important placement, and you can read about it in our guide to rising signs here). Your sun sign is determined by your date of birth and represents your core personality, sense of self, basic preferences, romantic compatibility, and ways in which you move through the world. This astrological placement sheds light on your innate gifts, as well as your hard-to-see blind spots. Your joys, wishes, flaws, and fears make you special and, when your sun sign is combined with the other planets and placements in your birth chart, it creates a distinctive celestial profile that serves as your cosmic fingerprint.

Got it? Good. Now let’s take this to the next level. The 12 zodiac signs are also divided into sub-groups: four triplicities and three quadruplicities. If this seems a bit confusing, don’t worry, there’s a method to the madness. Triplicities refer to the four zodiac sign elements, of which there are three zodiac signs in each group: Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Generally speaking, fire signs are passionate and exuberant, earth signs are practical and grounded, air signs are intellectual and curious, and water signs are intuitive and emotional.