Zodiac constellations are constellations that lie along the plane of the ecliptic. The ecliptic, or the apparent path of the Sun, is defined by the circular path of the Sun across the sky, as seen from Earth. In other words, the Sun appears to pass through these constellations over the course of a year.
The passage of the Sun through the zodiac is a cycle that was used by ancient cultures to determine the time of year. Most of the planets in the solar system have orbits that take them near the ecliptic plane, within about 8 degrees above or below.
There are 12 constellations in the zodiac family. They can all be seen along the ecliptic. They are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius and Pisces.
♈ Aries (Ram): March 21–April 19
♉ Taurus (Bull): April 20–May 20
♊ Gemini (Twins): May 21–June 21
♋ Cancer (Crab): June 22–July 22
♌ Leo (Lion): July 23–August 22
♍ Virgo (Virgin): August 23–September 22
♎ Libra (Balance): September 23–October 23
♏ Scorpius (Scorpion): October 24–November 21
♐ Sagittarius (Archer): November 22–December 21
♑ Capricornus (Goat): December 22–January 19
♒ Aquarius (Water Bearer): January 20–February 18
♓ Pisces (Fish): February 19–March 20
Today, the term zodiac is mostly associated with astrology, with the 12 signs of the western zodiac corresponding to the 12 constellations seen along the ecliptic. The so-called cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) mark the beginning of the four seasons, i.e. the Sun is said to enter these signs on the first days of spring, summer, autumn and winter respectively. This may have been somewhat true in antiquity, but due to the Earth’s axial precession, the vernal and autumnal equinoxes (known as the First Point of Aries and First Point of Libra) have since moved to Pisces and Virgo. The equinoxes are the points where the ecliptic and the celestial equator intersect, and the Sun appears directly above the equator twice a year (on March 19-21 and September 21-24).
There are many people who believe that the astrological sign they were born under has the ability to influence their mindsets; some might even believe that it can influence their destinies. While not everyone believes in this, there is still so much that we can learn from the skies above.
Zodiac charts are based on culture and geographic location. The Chinese zodiac is based on the year that you were born and attaches an animal to each sign. However, the Western zodiac relies heavily on Babylonian and Hellenistic teachings about the constellations. Simply put, the Western zodiac consists of 13 constellations that lie along the sun’s annual path across the sky.
Best traits of zodiac signs
Aries: Courage
As the first sign in the zodiac lineup, it should come as no surprise that Aries is always ready to dive headfirst into a challenge. This up-and-at-’em attitude means that you don’t let life’s setbacks keep you down for long - there’s always a new mountain to be conquered!
Taurus: Stable
As an earth sign, the bull of the zodiac sphere is known to remain grounded, practical and responsible. A steady constant in everyone’s lives, this sense of dependability is what helps your friends lean on you when the going gets tough.
Gemini: Outgoing
The twins of the zodiac universe have a refreshing duality that makes them attract people like a magnet. Inquisitive yet adaptable, playful yet sensitive - that’s you, Gemini! Some might call you indecisive but this sense of curiosity for what the world has to offer next means that things will never get stale.
Cancer: Loyal
With an emotional register that is dictated by passion, warmth and a nurturing spirit, a Cancer is as loyal as the day is long. The homebody of the zodiac wheel, your loved ones feel a sense of belonging when they are with you.
Leo: Confidence
Outgoing, cheerful and theatrical - nobody could ever accuse Leo of lack of confidence! You know what you want in life and you are unabashed in your quest to get it done. The world might think that you thrive on being the centre of attention but it is obvious that the spotlight loves you.
Virgo: Perfectionism
If you want something done, call anybody. But if you want it done right, call a Virgo. Methodical, meticulous and detail-oriented to a fault, the world is in disarray and it is clearly only your diligence that can set it back in order.
Libra: Balance
Harmony and peace assume top billing on your zodiac sign’s calling card, and with good reason. Symbolised by the scales, you are known for your sense of fairness and justice that drives you to establish equilibrium in all aspects of your life.
Scorpio: Passionate
Among the most misunderstood signs of the zodiac, what the world sees as aggressive and confrontational is actually your deep-rooted passion for standing up for the underdog. There are no laurels for fighting others’ battles for them, but your deeply passionate nature means that you won’t go down without a fight.
Sagittarius: Spontaneous
As a fire sign, your quest for knowledge is destined to take you to great places. A wandering spirit, your nonconformist personality doesn’t put down roots easily - not when there’s a whole wide world to be discovered.
Capricorn: Consistent
Methodical, practical and determined, there is no deterring a Capricorn once they have a goal in their sights. Not one for small talk and vain flattery, this quest for keeping things real means that your inner circle is small but loyal.
Aquarius: Philosophical
Don’t let the ‘aqua’ in its moniker fool you. This airy sign is not one to get tied down with arbitrary ideals. At the risk of earning a reputation as detached and aloof, this analytical and innovative sign would rather stand at the fringes of the crowd instead of following the herd.
Pisces: Romantic
Yes, Pisces tends to see the world through rose-coloured glasses but your hopelessly romantic soul is grounded in a deep sense of intuition, sensitivity and empathy which helps you connect with people on a deeper level beyond what the world sees.
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