Zodiac Signs: All 12 Signs, Dates, Elements and Meanings

The 12 zodiac signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. In Western astrology, each sign covers roughly one month of the year, based on where the sun appears to sit along its yearly path through the sky. Your “sign,” the one you read about in horoscopes, is your sun sign: the sign the sun was in on the day you were born.

Every sign belongs to one of four elements (fire, earth, air or water) and one of three modalities (cardinal, fixed or mutable), and each has a ruling planet. Put together, those pieces give each sign its traditional personality. This guide walks through all 12 signs, their dates, symbols, elements and meanings, plus the crystals and birthstones people often pair with them. Astrology is a tradition of symbolism and belief, not a science, so think of it as a lens for reflection and fun rather than a rulebook.

In this guide:

• Zodiac signs chart: dates, elements and rulers
• The four elements: fire, earth, air and water
• The three modalities: cardinal, fixed and mutable
• The 12 zodiac signs and their meanings
• Zodiac birthstones and crystals
• Zodiac signs compatibility by element
• Sun, moon and rising signs
• Zodiac signs FAQ

Zodiac Signs Chart: Dates, Elements and Rulers

Here is a quick-reference chart of all 12 zodiac signs in order, starting with Aries, the traditional first sign of the zodiac.

Sign and symbol	Dates	Element and modality	Ruling planet	Common crystal
♈︎ Aries the Ram	Mar 21– Apr 19	Fire Cardinal	Mars	Carnelian
♉︎ Taurus the Bull	Apr 20– May 20	Earth Fixed	Venus	Rose Quartz
♊︎ Gemini the Twins	May 21– Jun 20	Air Mutable	Mercury	Citrine
♋︎ Cancer the Crab	Jun 21– Jul 22	Water Cardinal	Moon	Moonstone
♌︎ Leo the Lion	Jul 23– Aug 22	Fire Fixed	Sun	Tiger’s Eye
♍︎ Virgo the Maiden	Aug 23– Sep 22	Earth Mutable	Mercury	Amazonite
♎︎ Libra the Scales	Sep 23– Oct 22	Air Cardinal	Venus	Opal
♏︎ Scorpio the Scorpion	Oct 23– Nov 21	Water Fixed	Mars / Pluto	Obsidian
♐︎ Sagittarius the Archer	Nov 22– Dec 21	Fire Mutable	Jupiter	Turquoise
♑︎ Capricorn the Sea-Goat	Dec 22– Jan 19	Earth Cardinal	Saturn	Garnet
♒︎ Aquarius the Water Bearer	Jan 20– Feb 18	Air Fixed	Saturn / Uranus	Amethyst
♓︎ Pisces the Fish	Feb 19– Mar 20	Water Mutable	Jupiter / Neptune	Aquamarine

A quick note on dates: Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, which ties the signs to the seasons. Aries always begins at the March equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. Some traditions, such as Vedic astrology, use the sidereal zodiac, which lines the signs up with the constellations instead, so their dates fall a few weeks later. The Chinese zodiac is a different system entirely, built on a 12-year cycle of animals. This guide follows the Western tropical zodiac.

The Four Elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water

In astrology, each element is shared by three signs, sometimes called a triplicity. The element describes the basic temperament tradition gives a sign: how it tends to approach life, energy and feelings.

Fire signs: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius

Fire signs are traditionally described as warm, lively, bold and enthusiastic. They are associated with action, inspiration and confidence, and with a love of adventure and self-expression. On a bad day, the same fire is said to show up as impatience or a quick temper. Aries brings the spark, Leo keeps the flame burning steadily, and Sagittarius carries it out into the wider world.

Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn

Earth signs are the practical, grounded members of the zodiac. Astrological tradition links them with patience, reliability, hard work and an appreciation for the physical world, from good food to a well-made home. Their challenge is said to be stubbornness or getting stuck in routine. Taurus savors, Virgo refines and Capricorn builds.

Air signs: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius

Air signs are associated with the mind: ideas, conversation, curiosity and connection with other people. They are often described as sociable, witty and open to new perspectives. Tradition says they can sometimes feel detached or live too much in their heads. Gemini gathers ideas, Libra weighs them and Aquarius imagines what could come next.

Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces

Water signs are the zodiac’s feelers. They are traditionally linked with emotion, intuition, empathy and deep loyalty to the people they love. Their sensitivity is a gift, though it is said to make them prone to moodiness or taking things to heart. Cancer nurtures, Scorpio goes deep and Pisces dreams.

The Three Modalities: Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable

Modalities, also called qualities or quadruplicities, describe how a sign uses its element. Each modality has one sign from every element, and the modalities line up with the seasons.

• Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) begin each season. Tradition calls them initiators: they like to start things, take the lead and set plans in motion.
• Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) fall in the middle of each season, when it is at its fullest. They are described as steady, loyal and determined, and sometimes resistant to change.
• Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) close each season as it shifts into the next. They are known as the flexible, adaptable signs that go with the flow and help wrap things up.

Combine an element and a modality and you get each sign’s traditional character. Aries, for example, is cardinal fire: the spark that starts things. Taurus is fixed earth: steady and slow to move. Gemini is mutable air: quick, curious and always changing direction.

The 12 Zodiac Signs and Their Meanings

Below is a short portrait of each sign as astrological tradition describes it, along with crystals often associated with that sign. Real people are far more complex than any one sign, so take what resonates and leave the rest.

♈︎ Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Element: Fire · Modality: Cardinal · Ruler: Mars · Symbol: the Ram

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and tradition gives it the energy of a fresh start. As a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars, Aries is described as brave, direct, energetic and competitive, the friend who says “let’s do it” before anyone else has finished thinking. Aries is said to love a challenge and to lead naturally, though the same fire can come across as impatient or impulsive. At its best, Aries brings courage and honesty to everything it touches.

Crystals often paired with Aries include Carnelian and Red Jasper, warm red and orange stones that echo its fiery nature, and Clear Quartz, a versatile stone many people choose for new beginnings. Diamond and bloodstone also appear on many Aries birthstone lists.

♉︎ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Element: Earth · Modality: Fixed · Ruler: Venus · Symbol: the Bull

Taurus is fixed earth ruled by Venus, the planet tradition links with love, beauty and pleasure. Taurus is described as patient, loyal, dependable and deeply fond of comfort: good food, soft fabrics, nature and a peaceful home. Once a Taurus commits to a person or a plan, it tends to stay the course. Tradition also calls Taurus stubborn, and change may take some coaxing. Its gift is steadiness and a talent for enjoying the present moment.

Green and pink stones suit Venus-ruled Taurus. Common choices include Rose Quartz, Malachite and Green Aventurine. Emerald appears on many Taurus birthstone lists.

♊︎ Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Element: Air · Modality: Mutable · Ruler: Mercury · Symbol: the Twins

Gemini, the Twins, is mutable air ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication. Gemini is traditionally curious, quick-witted, chatty and endlessly interested in people and ideas. It is the sign of the conversationalist, the writer and the person with five open books on the nightstand. The twin symbol hints at Gemini’s two-sided reputation: tradition says it can be restless or hard to pin down. Its strength is adaptability and a bright, playful mind.

Crystals often linked with Gemini include sunny Citrine, Tiger’s Eye and Moss Agate. Agate and pearl show up on many Gemini birthstone lists.

♋︎ Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Element: Water · Modality: Cardinal · Ruler: Moon · Symbol: the Crab

Cancer is cardinal water and the only sign ruled by the Moon. Tradition sees Cancer as nurturing, protective, intuitive and deeply devoted to home and family, whether that family is by birth or by choice. Like the Crab, Cancer is said to have a tough shell around a soft heart, and it may retreat inward when hurt. It is also known for a long memory and real emotional depth. At its best, Cancer makes everyone around it feel cared for.

Moon-ruled Cancer pairs naturally with Moonstone and Selenite, two stones named for or linked with the moon. Pearl and ruby are frequently listed as Cancer birthstones.

♌︎ Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Element: Fire · Modality: Fixed · Ruler: Sun · Symbol: the Lion

Leo is fixed fire ruled by the Sun, and tradition gives it a sunny, generous, big-hearted personality. Leo is described as warm, creative, loyal and confident, a natural performer who loves to celebrate the people it cares about. Leo is said to enjoy recognition and to shine brightest when appreciated, which can tip into pride. Its gifts are warmth, playfulness and a loyalty that runs deep.

Golden and bright stones suit the Sun’s sign. Popular Leo crystals include Tiger’s Eye, Pyrite and Peridot. Peridot, ruby and onyx all appear on various Leo birthstone lists.

♍︎ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Element: Earth · Modality: Mutable · Ruler: Mercury · Symbol: the Maiden

Virgo is mutable earth ruled by Mercury, so tradition pairs its earthy practicality with a sharp, analytical mind. Virgo is described as thoughtful, organized, modest and helpful, the friend who notices details and quietly makes things better. Astrology says Virgo shows love through acts of service. Its high standards can turn into perfectionism or self-criticism. Its strength is care, craft and a genuine wish to be useful.

Calming green stones are a favorite for Virgo, especially Amazonite and Moss Agate. Sapphire and carnelian are often named as Virgo birthstones.

♎︎ Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Element: Air · Modality: Cardinal · Ruler: Venus · Symbol: the Scales

Libra is cardinal air ruled by Venus, and its symbol, the Scales, is the only zodiac symbol that is an object rather than a creature. Libra is traditionally associated with balance, fairness, harmony and beauty. It is described as diplomatic, charming and sociable, with a gift for seeing every side of a situation. That same quality can make decisions hard. At its best, Libra brings people together and makes the world a little more graceful.

Crystals often paired with Libra include Opal, Lapis Lazuli and Jade. Opal and peridot are common Libra birthstones.

♏︎ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Element: Water · Modality: Fixed · Ruler: Mars (traditional), Pluto (modern) · Symbol: the Scorpion

Scorpio is fixed water, ruled traditionally by Mars and, in modern astrology, by Pluto. Tradition describes Scorpio as intense, private, perceptive and fiercely loyal. It is the sign of depth: Scorpio is said to prefer real connection over small talk and to be drawn to mysteries and hidden truths. Its reputation for secrecy or jealousy is the shadow side of feeling things so strongly. Its gift is resilience and the power to transform.

Deep, dark and shimmering stones suit Scorpio. Common choices include Obsidian, Labradorite and Smoky Quartz. Topaz is often listed as a Scorpio birthstone.

♐︎ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Element: Fire · Modality: Mutable · Ruler: Jupiter · Symbol: the Archer

Sagittarius is mutable fire ruled by Jupiter, the planet tradition links with growth, luck and wisdom. Sagittarius is described as optimistic, adventurous, honest and philosophical, always ready for a road trip, a new idea or a big question. The Archer’s arrow points toward faraway goals. Tradition says Sagittarius can be blunt or restless when life feels too small. Its gifts are humor, generosity and a contagious love of life.

Blue stones are classic for Sagittarius: Turquoise, Sodalite and Lapis Lazuli. Turquoise and topaz both appear on Sagittarius birthstone lists.

♑︎ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Element: Earth · Modality: Cardinal · Ruler: Saturn · Symbol: the Sea-Goat

Capricorn is cardinal earth ruled by Saturn, the planet of structure and time. Tradition sees Capricorn as ambitious, disciplined, responsible and patient, the sign that climbs the mountain one careful step at a time. Its symbol, the Sea-Goat, combines a goat’s climbing legs with a fish’s tail. Capricorn is said to have a dry sense of humor and a soft spot it rarely shows. Its challenge is learning to rest. Its gift is lasting achievement.

Grounding, earthy stones suit Capricorn, including Garnet, Black Tourmaline and Hematite. Garnet and ruby are common Capricorn birthstones.

♒︎ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Element: Air · Modality: Fixed · Ruler: Saturn (traditional), Uranus (modern) · Symbol: the Water Bearer

Aquarius is fixed air, ruled traditionally by Saturn and, in modern astrology, by Uranus. Despite its symbol, the Water Bearer, Aquarius is an air sign. Tradition describes it as independent, inventive, humanitarian and a little unconventional, the sign of the visionary who cares about community and the future. Aquarius is said to value friendship and freedom. It can seem detached when it is really thinking. Its gift is originality.

Crystals often paired with Aquarius include Amethyst, Aquamarine and Fluorite. Amethyst and garnet are frequently listed as Aquarius birthstones.

♓︎ Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Element: Water · Modality: Mutable · Ruler: Jupiter (traditional), Neptune (modern) · Symbol: the Fish

Pisces is mutable water, ruled traditionally by Jupiter and, in modern astrology, by Neptune. As the final sign of the zodiac, Pisces is said to carry a little of every sign before it. Tradition describes it as compassionate, imaginative, intuitive and artistic, the dreamer and the empath. Its two fish swim in opposite directions, a nod to the pull between dreams and reality. Pisces may need gentle boundaries. Its gift is kindness and creativity.

Soft blue and violet stones suit Pisces, such as Aquamarine, Amethyst and Fluorite. Aquamarine and bloodstone are common Pisces birthstones.

Zodiac Birthstones and Crystals

If you have ever looked up your birthstone and found two different answers, you are not imagining it. Zodiac birthstones and monthly birthstones are two different lists. Monthly birthstones follow the calendar month, and the modern list most people know in the U.S. was standardized by jewelers. You can find those in our guide to birthstones by month. Zodiac birthstones follow your sun sign instead, so they cross month lines, and they come from older and more varied traditions.

Because of that, there is no single official list of zodiac stones. Different astrologers, cultures and crystal books pair the signs with different gems, and many people simply choose the stone that they feel drawn to. The stones in this guide are common associations, not rules. Here is a quick summary:

• Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are often paired with warm or bold stones such as Carnelian, Tiger’s Eye and Turquoise.
• Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are often paired with green and earthy stones such as Malachite, Moss Agate and Garnet.
• Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are often paired with clear or bright stones such as Citrine, Opal and Amethyst.
• Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are often paired with moonlit and watery stones such as Moonstone, Obsidian and Aquamarine.

For a deeper look at stones sign by sign, see our guide to crystals for each zodiac sign. To browse every stone we cover with photos, visit the Crystals Catalog, and to learn where crystal meanings come from and how to care for your stones, start with our Crystal Meanings Guide. Crystal meanings are part of spiritual and folk tradition. They are not a substitute for medical care.

Zodiac Signs Compatibility by Element

Compatibility is one of the most searched topics in astrology, and the simplest place to start is with the elements. Traditional astrology offers a few general patterns:

• Same element: Signs that share an element (for example, two water signs) are said to understand each other easily because they share a basic temperament.
• Fire and air: Air feeds fire, so these elements are traditionally seen as energizing partners. Think of Gemini’s ideas sparking Aries into action.
• Earth and water: Water nourishes earth, so these elements are seen as nurturing, steady partners. A Taurus and a Cancer, for example, are often described as a cozy match.
• Fire and water, earth and air: These pairings are seen as more challenging, because the elements work so differently. Challenging does not mean impossible. Tradition says these couples can teach each other the most.
• Opposite signs: Signs directly across the zodiac from each other, such as Aries and Libra or Taurus and Scorpio, are said to attract like magnets and balance each other’s strengths.

Sun signs are only one small part of the picture. Astrologers who look at compatibility in depth compare whole birth charts, including moon and rising signs and the planets of love and connection. And of course, real relationships are built on communication, respect and care, whatever the stars say.

Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

When someone asks “what’s your sign?”, they usually mean your sun sign. But a birth chart, a map of the sky at the moment you were born, includes every planet, and astrologers pay special attention to three placements, sometimes called the “big three”:

• Sun sign: where the sun was when you were born. In astrology, it represents your core identity and sense of self.
• Moon sign: where the moon was when you were born. Because the moon moves through each sign in about two and a half days, your moon sign can differ from your sun sign. It is associated with your emotions, needs and inner world.
• Rising sign (ascendant): the sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth. It changes about every two hours, so you need your birth time and place to find it. It is linked with first impressions and how you meet the world.

This is why two people with the same sun sign can feel so different. We will be adding sign-by-sign guides to moon signs and rising signs soon, so check back here for links as they are published.

Zodiac Signs FAQ

How many zodiac signs are there?

Western astrology has 12 zodiac signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Each covers about 30 degrees of the sun’s apparent yearly path, or roughly one month.

What are the four elements of the zodiac?

The four elements are fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) and water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). Each element is shared by three signs.

What is my sign if I was born on a cusp?

The sun changes signs at a precise moment, and that moment can shift by about a day from year to year. If your birthday falls on the first or last day of a sign’s range, a free birth chart using your birth date, time and place will show exactly which sign the sun was in. You will always have one sun sign, though many people on a cusp feel they relate to both.

Is Ophiuchus the 13th zodiac sign?

Ophiuchus is a constellation that the sun passes through, but it is not part of the Western zodiac. Western astrology divides the sky into 12 equal signs tied to the seasons, not to the exact size of the constellations, so it still uses 12 signs.

Which zodiac signs are most compatible?

In astrological tradition, signs of the same element, and fire with air or earth with water, are considered the most naturally compatible. Full compatibility readings compare entire birth charts, so a sun sign match is only a starting point.

Are zodiac birthstones the same as monthly birthstones?

No. Monthly birthstones follow the calendar month, while zodiac birthstones follow your sun sign and vary between traditions. Many people choose a stone from either list, or simply the one they love most.

Astrology is shared here as a tradition of symbolism and self-reflection, not as science or professional advice. Want to keep exploring? Pick a stone for your sign in the Crystals Catalog, or read the Crystal Meanings Guide to learn more.