Everything You Need to Know About the Zodiac Signs

Ever been curious about astrology? Maybe you know what your zodiac sign is, but you’re not entirely sure what it means. Studying astrology and reading horoscopes have been in style for ages, but people often misconstrue what astrology really means.

Astrology, in the most basic definition that I can think of, is really just the study of the influence that distant celestial objects (like the stars and planets) have on human lives. It is said that the position of the stars and planets at the time of your birth can shape your personality, your interests, and your affairs, as well as predict your fortunes. Personally, I’m not one to believe that astrology is a definitive science, but I do get a real kick out of knowing more than my fair share about the zodiac signs and their traits. Call me a zodiac-enthusiast.

I’ve made a quick and easy guide for you below so that you can get an idea of the personality and traits that your zodiac sign, or the sign of your friends, family and/or lover, may have.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Element: Fire

Strengths: Courageous, confident, enthusiastic, energetic, passionate

Weaknesses: Moody, often short-tempered, impulsive, aggressive

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Libra, Leo

Overview: Aries are what I like to call a “chaotic energy”. They’re the first sign in the zodiac, and often like to be first in everything they do. Aries are natural leaders and like to be in the spotlight. They are filled with lots of energy and often it is optimistic, but when things don’t go their way, Aries can be your worst nightmare.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Element: Earth

Strengths: Reliable, patient, practical, loyal

Weaknesses: Possessive, stubborn and uncompromising

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Scorpio, Cancer

Overview: Taurus are our grounded and practical friends. They’re fiercely loyal and always stand by those who they love. Taurus enjoy the simple pleasures in life, but love to be surrounded by love and beauty. They may sound like they’re chill, but don’t ever try to get in a fight with a Taurus. They are possibly the most stubborn zodiac sign, and the word “compromise” simply is not in their vocabulary.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Element: Air

Strengths: Curious, adaptable, gentle, able to learn quickly and communicate ideas

Weaknesses: Inconsistent, nervous, indecisive

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Sagittarius, Aquarius

Overview: Geminis represent two different personalities in one, and you never truly know which one you will face. The gentle twins, as they’re also referred to, are social, communicative and love to have fun, but that can quickly transition into them being serious, restless and sometimes even thoughtless. Geminis can be tricky to be around, but their inquisitiveness, curiosity and adaptability make them an asset to any friend group or team.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Element: Water

Strengths: Loyal, imaginative, sympathetic, emotional, persuasive

Weaknesses: Suspicious, insecure, moody, manipulative

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Capricorn, Taurus

Overview: Cancers are incredibly intuitive and deeply emotional. Although they are excellent friends to have, they might be the hardest zodiac to ever get to know. A Cancer’s ability to be sympathetic and an emotional guide make them your favourite person to lean on in your troubled times, but they aren’t the type to fully let you in without putting you through some trials of their own. Once you’ve gained the affection of a Cancer, you’re pretty much in for some smooth sailing.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Element: Fire

Strengths: Creative, passionate, generous, cheerful, humorous

Weaknesses: Self-centered, stubborn, inflexible, arrogant

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Aquarius, Gemini

Overview: Leos are truly natural born leaders. They are charismatic, dramatic, energetic, passionate and full of life. Leos maintain a “king of the jungle” dynamic in almost every social group they are a part of, but they can be really dense too. Leos believe they are the centre of the universe and often think things revolve around them. If you ever try to make a Leo believe that they’re wrong about something, you’re in for the fight of a lifetime.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Element: Earth

Strengths: Loyal, kind, generous, organized, practical, analytical

Weaknesses: Shy, over-critical of self and others, worry excessively, all work and no play

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Pisces, Cancer

Overview: Virgos, like the other Earth signs, are incredibly grounded and hardworking. This sign is arguably the most observant zodiac, and notices all the little details that everyone else misses. Methodical and practical, Virgos always have a plan and a course of action to make things happen. As useful as their analytical tendencies are, it often leads to Virgos overthinking everything. They tend not to accept their feelings as valid or relevant. If you ever try to make a Virgo emote, you might need a whole army behind you.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Element: Air

Strengths: Cooperative, social, diplomatic, charismatic

Weaknesses: Indecisive, avoids confrontation, flakey

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Aries, Sagittarius

Overview: Libras love people. They often seek out social situations where they can be surrounded by others and meet new people. They get bored when they’re alone, so they try to avoid that as much as possible. Libras are the golden retrievers of the zodiac sign. They are friendly and want to love you up as much as they can, however, when they don’t like someone their actions don’t line up with their words. You’ll just never truly know where you stand with a Libra.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Element: Water

Strengths: Loyal, persistent, resourceful, brave

Weaknesses: Stubborn, jealous, secretive, aggressive

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Taurus, Cancer

Overview: Scorpios are passionate and decisive people. They know what they want, and when they’re not entirely sure, they are meticulous and love researching until they can be adamant about what it is they want. Like other water signs, Scorpios are emotional and welcome emotions into their lives, but they do it very differently from Cancers or Pisces. Scorpios can be very secretive and keep everything to themselves if they don’t think you’re worthy of that side of them.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Element: Fire

Strengths: Adventurous, generous, imaginative, great sense of humour

Weaknesses: Impulsive, always speaks their mind, no filter, impatient

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Gemini, Aries

Overview: Sagittarius are our wayfarers. They are the biggest travellers among the zodiacs and love the freedom that comes with exploration. They don’t often like static environments and change up their environments as often as they can without interrupting their personal balance. If you ever try to control a Sagittarius, you’re going to just make them slip through your fingers faster than you can even imagine.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Element: Earth

Strengths: Responsible, self-controlled, disciplined, diplomatic, delegators

Weaknesses: Unforgiving, stubborn, relentless, know-it-all mentality, always expects the worst

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Taurus, Cancer

Overview: Capricorns are independent beings that really don’t need anyone. They are self-motivators who always challenge themselves to be better, which often leads to success and growth in both their professional and personal lives. Caps are natural leaders and will often be diplomatic and mediators in difficult situations, but they find it hard to shift their own perspectives. Don’t try to start an argument with a Capricorn because they will have you convinced that you’re wrong by the end of it.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Element: Air

Strengths: Generous, original, independent, assertive, intelligent

Weaknesses: Runs from all kinds of emotion, temperamental, uncompromising, combative

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Leo, Sagittarius

Overview: Aquarius are deep thinkers and intellectuals who like to help others. They’re able to see beyond prejudice and bias, which makes them great diplomats and mediators. Aquarius are what I like to call the ultimate betas. They don’t like the title of “leader” but will often have control of the whole situation and lead others without being in the spotlight. Aquarius love intellectual stimulation, so if you don’t tickle their mental capacity, they’ll lose interest in you quite quickly. An Aquarius’ biggest fear is emotion. They don’t deal with their own, or others’ emotions well. If you try to get an Aquarius to shed a tear, you might end up shedding a few first.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Element: Water

Strengths: Compassionate, intuitive, artistic, gentle, wise

Weaknesses: Fearful, naïve, easily manipulated, overly trusting of others

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Virgo, Taurus

Overview: Pisces are arguably the most selfless of the zodiacs. They have an innate desire to help others within ever feeling a need for something in return. Like other water signs, Pisces love emotions. They have an immense emotional capacity and often come across as overly emotional beings. They are kind and gentle creatures and enjoy the company of others. Pisces are very friendly and dislike being alone. They’re incredibly trusting and often find themselves surrounded by new friends, but their naivety makes them subject to hurt more often than they’d like to admit.