(Zoey) Zodiac 101

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A picture of the 12 different zodiac signs on an aesthetically pleasing pinwheel.

Stephanee Hartfield, Staffer

Throughout 2020 there has been an underdog trend that’s resurfaced, Zodiac Signs. Whether you’re looking for relatable content, a personality check, or the ideal date, Zodiac signs may be required intel in the next upcoming years. Here are the basics.

Birth chart

The easiest way to find out what your signs are is to get access to a birth chart via the internet . By just putting in simple information like your birthday, birthplace, and time of birth, you’ll gain access to the zodiac signs and which ones fit you. A birth chart includes the planets and which zodiac they were in at your time of birth. Astrologers use this information as a means to explain certain things about someone’s personality. These planets and signs are also used by Astrologers to make predictions based on patterns of events throughout time. A birth chart doesn’t predict the future nor does it hold exact information as to why someone is the way they are. Birth charts are a fun and general personality reading. It is rare for someone to relate to everything said in their birth chart. Take what resonates with you and leave the rest for others. 

Sun, Moon and Rising

Before delving into the subcategories, these three titles are a need to know when it comes to reading your zodiac. The Sun sign, the most recognizable, is the sign determined by what zodiac the sun was in on your birthday. One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to your birth chart is that you only have one zodiac:  your Sun Sign. Everyone has multiple. They just fall under different sections in your chart. The second most important sign is your Moon sign. This is determined by the Moon’s placement during your time, date and location of birth. The moon moves quickly, making this a hard sign to get right unless you know the exact time you were born. Your rising sign is determined by your birthday, time and location. For example, if someone was born in Chicago, IL on July 13th, at 1 PM, their rising sign would be a Taurus.

Elements

Every Zodiac sign is assigned an element on earth. There are the water signs: Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio, who are known for being emotional and intuitive. Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn- known for being slightly materialistic, great friends and stubborn at times. Air signs: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius- known for being free-spirited, social and intellectual. Then the Fire signs: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius- known for being assertive, passionate, attractive, goal-driven, and mean depending on who you ask.

Cancer (Birthdates: July 20-June 20 

Ruler: Moon Symbol: Crab 

Cancers have very playful, brave, encouraging and passionate energy and are known as the mother of the Zodiac due to their maternal instincts. They are most closely related to the crab due to their hard exterior (hard to get to know for a while), but soft interior (friend for life once they open up). People with this zodiac are most likely homebodies who have a very close-knit group of friends. These signs pride themselves on making deep connections with loyal people. Once you make it into their inner circle you are a cherished gem. Cancers are overprotective of their friends and family so don’t take their sweet nature for granted.  With the second-highest intuition of the zodiac, Cancers can sniff out a fib from a mile away and read a room/person thoroughly and correctly.  Cancers are very outgoing and have a social butterfly but have to take time to recharge in the comfort of their own homes. One of the biggest cons when it comes to dealing with a Cancer zodiac is their emotional state. As the most emotional sign of the zodiac, these crabs have a tendency to blow things out of proportion. What makes it worse is that when they’re hurt, they shut down and retreat back to their shells. The only clues are nasty looks to show they’re mad at you. The silent treatment is the utmost level of disrespect when it comes to Cancers, and to them it is deadly.

Cancers have very playful, brave, encouraging and passionate energy and are known as the mother of the Zodiac due to their maternal instincts. They are most closely related to the crab due to their hard exterior (hard to get to know for a while), but soft interior (friend for life once they open up). People with this zodiac are most likely homebodies who have a very close-knit group of friends. These signs pride themselves on making deep connections with loyal people. Once you make it into their inner circle you are a cherished gem. Cancers are overprotective of their friends and family so don’t take their sweet nature for granted.  With the second-highest intuition of the zodiac, Cancers can sniff out a fib from a mile away and read a room/person thoroughly and correctly.  Cancers are very outgoing and have a social butterfly but have to take time to recharge in the comfort of their own homes. One of the biggest cons when it comes to dealing with a Cancer zodiac is their emotional state. As the most emotional sign of the zodiac, these crabs have a tendency to blow things out of proportion. What makes it worse is that when they’re hurt, they shut down and retreat back to their shells. The only clues are nasty looks to show they’re mad at you. The silent treatment is the utmost level of disrespect when it comes to Cancers, and to them it is deadly.

Cancers have very playful, brave, encouraging and passionate energy and are known as the mother of the Zodiac due to their maternal instincts. They are most closely related to the crab due to their hard exterior (hard to get to know for a while), but soft interior (friend for life once they open up). People with this zodiac are most likely homebodies who have a very close-knit group of friends. These signs pride themselves on making deep connections with loyal people. Once you make it into their inner circle you are a cherished gem. Cancers are overprotective of their friends and family so don’t take their sweet nature for granted.  With the second-highest intuition of the zodiac, Cancers can sniff out a fib from a mile away and read a room/person thoroughly and correctly.  Cancers are very outgoing and have a social butterfly but have to take time to recharge in the comfort of their own homes. One of the biggest cons when it comes to dealing with a Cancer zodiac is their emotional state. As the most emotional sign of the zodiac, these crabs have a tendency to blow things out of proportion. What makes it worse is that when they’re hurt, they shut down and retreat back to their shells. The only clues are nasty looks to show they’re mad at you. The silent treatment is the utmost level of disrespect when it comes to Cancers, and to them it is deadly.

To sum up: Cancers are a water sign and symbolized by the crab. They are nice until you mess with someone they care for.

Advantages: Loving, Intuitive, Problem-Solver, Empathetic, Motherly, Good listener, Great secret keeper, Ride or die, make good food.

Disadvantages: Silent treatment when hurt, highly emotional, mood swings, possessive, overly protective, passive-aggressiveness,  can absorb negative emotions as their own, retreats to their home/no social contact for days and contradictory personality.

The More You Know: According to research done by the FBI, Cancers are the most dangerous zodiac sign due to their high emotional state which results in crimes of passion.

Taurus (Birthdates: April 21-May 21 

Ruler: Venus Symbol: Bull

Taurus has a loyal, trusting, supportive, romantic and luxurious energy. These signs like the materialistic side of life and strive to always be financially stable. This sign is symbolized by the bull, as they should, due to their stubborn and sometimes arrogant personality. Taurus, like the Cancer, are homebodies that enjoy making their room as cozy as possible. They like to decorate their house in a way that truly fits their personality so that they can camp out for days. Taurus is without a doubt the most grounded sign in the zodiac. They’re easy to talk to and bring a sense of balance to friends’ lives. As a hard-headed sign, Taurus is very goal-driven and determined when it comes to life. They are great partners when they set their mind to a task, but also very lazy when they give up. These are the gifters of the zodiac when it comes to people they care for. In turn, Taurus also likes to be showered with love and won’t say no to a fun night IN.

To sum up: Taurus are earth signs that are hard-headed but loving.

Advantages: Determined, Outspoken, Trusting, Supportive and Affectionate

Disadvantages: Dominating, Stubborn, Lazy and Arrogant

The More You Know: Despite being a bull, Taurus actually sports a very calm attitude… most of the time.

Gemini (Birthdates: May 21-June 21

 Ruler: Mercury Symbol: Twins

Geminis are one of the most notorious signs in the zodiac, known for their two-faced and overly dramatic nature. These signs are very intellectual, witty and enjoy learning everything there is to know about life. Geminis also love social gatherings where they can talk conspiracy theories and debate trendy topics, which is no surprise due to their love for conversation. Geminis are also the busy bee of the zodiac. This can be a negative trait since it makes it hard for them to sit down for long periods of time, which can cause friction in relationships. If all is well, Geminis will boast a caring, patient, compassionate, thoughtful and loyal energy. Geminis are the perfect addition to any friend group due to their ability to talk to anyone no matter the topic. People with this sign have a playful nature that comes in handy to brighten up any atmosphere. What makes these signs two-faced is their ability to be loyal and loving one moment and detached the other. They can also turn into major gossipers if the time calls for it and betray the trust of friends. Another negative trait is Geminis manipulation when it comes to getting what they want.

To Sum Up: Geminis are free-spirited air signs, symbolized by twins.

Advantages: Great communicators, Compassionate, Loving and Loyal

Disadvantages: Gossipers, Lying, Always moving, Manipulation and Detachment

The More You Know: Geminis mood can change in a literal split second.

Leo (Birthdates: July 23-August 22

 Ruler: Sun Symbol: Lion

Leos are opposite Cancer on the zodiac and have a loyal, giving, elegant and ambitious energy. They are known for being confident, arrogant and having an assertive personality. These signs are also great communicators who attract large groups of friends with their personality alone.  In friend groups, Leos are natural-born leaders who are overprotective of their inner circle. A Leo’s arrogance may be a negative attribute in some ways but it also helps them achieve their goals to uphold a certain image. Along with being headstrong and driven, Leos are also eccentric and the life of the party. Some negative traits of a Leo friend are their need for individual recognition, insensitivity and the overlooking of small details. With a personality so strong, Leos can also be overbearing, come off as egocentric, be too fond of themselves and become demanding.

To Sum Up: Leos are fire signs that are symbolized by the lion

Advantages: Confident, Fun, Open-minded, Sarcastic and high energy levels

Disadvantages: Arrogance, Insensitivity, Egocentric and Domineering

The More You Know: Though Leos are very confident in themselves, their need to uphold a certain image makes them sensitive to criticism.

 

 Pisces (Birthdates: February 20-March 20

 Ruler: Neptune Symbol: Fish

Pisces tops Cancer in being the most intuitive sign in the zodiac. These signs are very spiritual and creative. They are very similar to Cancers when it comes to their ability to read rooms and people well. Pisces have an artistic, intuitive, compassionate, and dreamy energy. These signs are a great addition to friend groups since they are perfect conversationalists and understand another person’s feelings without much effort. Pisces have a very close relationship with their family, specifically their mother. Their personality and outlook on life are severely sculpted around their childhood. These signs are very goofy and easy to get along with which makes them socially attractive to different groups of people. One con of Pisces is their ability to take a caretaker role in friendships. These signs can find themselves taking care of others for most of their life and in turn, not participating in enough self-care. Pisces’s love language is caring for one another, so they easily turn into the “Mother” in a relationship. This can cause partners to feel suffocated and drain a Pisces. While Pisces like to go out with friends, they prefer to spend most of their time in the comfort of their own homes.

To Sum Up: Pisces are intuitive water signs that are symbolized by a fish.

Advantages: Caring, Intuition, Great Communicators, Open-Minded, Creative, Artistic and funny

Disadvantages: Smothering, Emotional, Detachment and Overbearing.

The More You Know: Pisces give their all to the people they care about but once they let go, there’s no changing their mind.

Aries (Birthdates: April 19-March 20

Ruler: Mars Symbol: Ram

Aries are the most independent signs in the zodiac and are known as such. Along with being individualistic, Aries are also enthusiastic, passionate, fearless and playful. In a friend group, these signs always stand out because of their assertive personality. These fire signs cherish loyalty as a prerequisite for any good friendship. Once an Aries decides to be friends with someone, they will help in boosting and upholding their reputation as they would their own. Aries is quick to help out any friend in need and will do anything to make them comfortable. Aries have an inner child within them that is attractive to others. They try their best to make others happy when they care for them and are full of smiles. Unfortunately, this happy go lucky child turns into a demon baby when mad. A mad Aries is likely to throw a fit and verbally hurt those that they care about without a second thought. All inhibitions are lowered, and they no longer care about how their words affect others. It’s best to let Aries cool down when they’re mad and to wait for the steam to stop flowing from their ears before reapproaching.  

To Sum Up: Aries are assertive fire signs that are symbolized by the ram.

Advantages: Independent, Trust-Worthy, Determined, Passionate, Fearless, Playful and Supportive.

Disadvantages: Domineering, Single-Mindedness, Overlooks Emotions, Aggressive Personality and Childish/Immature.  

The More You Know: Contrary to popular belief, Aries experience strong emotions and care what others think about them. That’s part of the reason they react so aggressively.

Scorpio (Birthdates: October 23-November 21 

Ruler: Pluto Symbol: Scorpion 

Scorpios are the detectives of the zodiac and are known as such. This zodiac sign is perfect for those who want a best friend that doubles as an unofficial FBI Agent. Scorpios are well aware of their strong intuition and use it to their advantage to find lies or hidden truths.  Along with their snoopy lifestyle, Scorpios have dreamy, alluring, magnetic and ambitious energy. These signs easily attract people and therefore usually have a bigger friend group than others. Though Scorpios tend to have a lot of friends, they’re not eager to open up to most of them. These signs are very selective with who they share personal information with, which is part of the mystery that pulls people towards them. Scorpios are great when it comes to helping a friend in need but can get aggravated if they find themselves being drained. Scorpios enjoy going out with friends and are definitely the most extroverted of all water signs. These signs also love the lavish lifestyle and typically prefer night outings. A Scorpio’s confidence benefits them in many ways but these benefactors can change their energy to vindictive, manipulative, obsessive and encourage power struggles if they abuse their abilities.

To Sum Up: Scorpios are opportunist water signs that are symbolized by the Scorpion.

Advantages: Intuition, Supportive, Ambition, Funny, Light-Hearted and Strong-Willed.

Disadvantages: Nosy, Emotional, Blaming, Guarded, Troublemakers and Manipulative.  

The More You Know: Scorpios are notorious for their possessive and jealous nature, but this is the core of what makes them such devoted partners.

Libra (Birthdates: October 31-November 22

 Ruler: Venus Symbol: Scales

Libras are the luxuriant peacemakers of the zodiac. Just like the scales, these signs enjoy life at an aesthetically pleasing balance. Libras have diplomatic, peaceful, artistic and charming energy. Their need for life to be as fair as possible makes them perfect commentators on personal issues and acts as a people magnet. Libras are very fashion-forward people that enjoy putting thought into every outfit, casual or meeting the Queen Elizabeth II of England material. Libras are light-hearted and fun in nature but are also very goal-driven. These signs enjoy learning about things that interest them and preparing for the future. Their playful but focused personality makes them the perfect addition to a friend-group that loves to study and goof off. Libra’s are the type of friend to give out monthly check-ups to friends they haven’t talked to in a while. Unlike most of the signs in the zodiac, these signs don’t have a preference when it comes to their home or the outdoors. Negative traits of a Libra are indecisiveness, brown-nosing, passive-aggressiveness and self absorption. Most of these are caused by their need to people please, which in itself can be damaging.

To Sum Up: Libras are comforting air signs that are symbolized by the scales.

Advantages: Inclusive, Smart, Comforting, Peacemaker, Level-Headed, Charming and Fashion-Forward.

Disadvantages: Single-Mindedness, Suck-Up, Passive Aggressive, Follower and Self Absorption.

The More You Know: Libras are known for being chill people but once they are mad, no one can calm them but themselves.

Capricorn (Birthdates: December 21-January 19

 Ruler: Saturn Symbol: Sea Goat

Capricorn’s are the most headstrong sign in the zodiac. They are constantly working towards something and are strongly set in their ways. A Capricorn’s energy is enterprising, responsible, mature and preserving. These signs are very professional and take on that role in all of their relationships. Their professionalism and knack for practical problem solving makes them great partners in the workplace but can cause problems in friendships. These signs can easily come off as insensitive because of the way they deal with issues. Capricorns face problems head-on and deal with interpersonal issues the same way; this can cause them to seem rude. Along with their inability to read emotions, Capricorns also don’t like to share their emotions since they think it makes them weak. All of these personality traits make Capricorns hard to get along with, and one needs a lot of patience for a Capricorn to open up, making their friend groups generally small. Besides their terrible communication, Capricorns make great friends. They are funny, loyal and dependable for close friends in need. Capricorns are very organized, which makes them perfect planners for small get-togethers with close friends. Negative traits of a Capricorn comes out in pessimism, opportunism, and detachment. 

To Sum Up: Capricorns are headstrong earth signs that are symbolized by the Sea Goat.  

Advantages: Determined, Goal-Oriented, Moral, Leaders, Responsible and Preserved.

Disadvantages: Temperamental, Stuck in their ways, Pessimism, Opportunist, Emotionally Closed Off and Insensitive.  

The More You Know: It’s unlikely for a Capricorn to expect something of another that they wouldn’t do themselves.

Virgo (Birthdates: September 22-August 22 

Ruler: Mercury Symbol: Virgin

Virgos are neat freaks that enjoy cleaning more than what should be legal. They have a rational, helpful, hard-working, resourceful, and organized energy. Virgos are perfectionists that enjoy working on their skills. Their dedication to upgrading their self-image rubs off in friendships, making them perfect for helping friends strengthen their attributes.  This can also cause them to become meticulous and backfire in relationships.  Virgos are guarded signs that don’t let their walls down easily even when they like someone. However, that doesn’t stop them from showing people that they care. Outings with their closest friends are always good nights to a Virgo and can last forever.  Virgos want their life to be as organized as possible so they’re constantly working on something. They have clean rooms, detail-oriented houses and are quick to correct something out of place. These signs are introverts that don’t like being the center of attention. They thrive the most when they are working on something important to them without too many distractions with others. Negative traits of a Virgo are uptightness, codependency, anxiety and perfectionism.

To Sum Up: Virgos are organizational earth signs that are symbolized by the virgin.

Advantages: Put Together, Self-Confident, Empowering, Mature, Rationality and Resourceful.

Disadvantages: Hard To Get To Know, Constantly Working, Narcissistic, Critical, Codependent and Perfectionist.

 The More You Know: Virgos need to constantly work on themselves makes them dedicated to the people in their lives to help them achieve the same greatness.

Aquarius (Birthdates: February 19-January 19

Ruler: Uranus Symbol: Water Bearer 

Aquarius are the innovators of the zodiac. They are humanitarians and team-players who like to inspire the healthy progression of the Earth and all its inhabitants. Aquarius have inventive, free-thinking, and revolutionary energy. A huge part of the Aquarius personality is the need to create change. These are usually trendsetters who always have their mind set on a project to help others. Aquarius are the most independent out of all the zodiac signs which matches up with their perfectly progressive personality. Their independence allows them to keep the perfect balance of space in friendships to prevent smothering. Aquarius are open-minded in friendships and specialize in making anyone smile. They tend to have large friend groups because of their warm personality and ability to back off when needed. Aquarius don’t get into deep relationships since it takes them a while to warm up to others and don’t like experiencing deep emotions because they’re overpowering and uncomfortable. Negative traits of an Aquarius are detachment, mixed signals and authoritarianism.

To Sum Up: Aquarius are futuristic air signs that are symbolized by the water bearer.

Advantages: Non-Discriminatory, Innovative, Trend-Setters, Open-Minded, Hard-Workers, Free-Spirited and Optimistic.

Disadvantages: Unfocused, Dislike Emotions, Mixed Signals, Unpredictable and Demanding.

 The More You Know: Despite their tendency to start multiple projects at once, Aquarius have a hard time being efficient in them and their relationships. 

Sagittarius (Birth dates-December21-November 21

Ruler: Jupiter Symbol: Archer

Sagittarius are known for being chance-takers and independent. These signs are frequently confused with and compared to Aquarius. Sagittarius have a philosophical, funny and adventurous energy. These signs tend to be impulsive due to their adventurous nature and focus on multiple goals. Sagittarius have large groups of friends because of their spontaneity and conversation skills. They are sure to be there for anyone in need and help to turn their frowns upside down. These signs don’t enjoy conflict with their friends, so opening up can be hard for them. They enjoy their space and smothering them can lead to a complete shutdown and detachment. Sagittarius enjoys buying clothes and putting together comfortable, fashion-forward outfits. In a relationship, Sagittarius shuts down after someone shows interest in a bond beyond friendship.  Sagittarius enjoy food the same way they do life -boldly- and are the type of people to try octopus. In outings with friends, Sagittarius enjoys going somewhere they can sit and talk or engage in competition. On a bad day, Sagittarius can be impatient, reckless and wasteful.

To Sum Up: Sagittarius are light-hearted fire signs that are symbolized by the archer.

Advantages: Adventurous, Free-Spirited, Intelligent, Unique and Idealistic.

Disadvantages: Emotional, Uncompromising, Temperamental, Unreasonable and Emotional Shutdown.

 The More You Know: Sagittarius like to dream big and be as optimistic as possible. They hate drama and are quick to end relationships with people that stir up too many social problems.