What Are the 13 Zodiac Signs
The zodiac is a circular band divided into 13 equal 30-degree segments, each linked to a constellation the Sun transits over the course of a year. Western tropical astrology standardizes these into 13 zodiac signs, each associated with a date range, a glyph, an element, and a mode (cardinal, fixed, or mutable). The 13th sign, Ophiuchus, falls between Scorpio and Sagittarius when the Sun crosses the constellation Ophiuchus from about November 30 to December 17. Many natal chart calculators include Ophiuchus, though popular horoscopes often list 12 signs. Below is a profile-style breakdown of all 13 signs in sequence.
Aquarius Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Aquarius is represented by the Water Bearer, an urn pouring forth steady streams of ideas. Its element is Air, tying it to thought, communication, and networks. As a fixed sign, Aquarius is associated with persistence and a forward-looking focus on groups, causes, and long-term visions. The modality reinforces its reputation for detached, principled reasoning and humanitarian orientation.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquarius | Water Bearer | Air | Fixed | January 20–February 18 |
Pisces Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Pisces is symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, reflecting a sensitive nature attuned to both imagination and compassion. Its element is Water, making emotional depth and empathy central themes. As a mutable sign, Pisces adapts fluidly to circumstances and often serves as the intuitive emotional bridge between signs.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pisces | Two Fish | Water | Mutable | February 19–March 20 |
Aries Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Aries, the Ram, embodies initiative and courageous impulse. Governed by Mars, it is a cardinal Fire sign, sparking action and competitive drive. Aries individuals are often described as bold, direct, and eager to begin new endeavors. Its modality indicates a readiness to instigate and lead, though sometimes with impatience or bluntness.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | Ram | Fire | Cardinal | March 21–April 19 |
Taurus Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Taurus, the Bull, represents stability, sensuality, and material security. As a fixed Earth sign, Taurus is determined, patient, and oriented toward tangible results and comfort. This combination yields a dependable, measured approach to resources, values, and aesthetics that tends to favor consistency over abrupt change.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus | Bull | Earth | Fixed | April 20–May 20 |
Gemini Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Gemini, the Twins, symbolizes communication, curiosity, and the capacity to see multiple perspectives. As a mutable Air sign, Gemini excels at gathering and exchanging information. This modality reinforces versatility, quick thinking, and a talent for connecting ideas and people, though it can also lead to inconsistency or scatter attention.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gemini | Twins | Air | Mutable | May 21–June 20 |
Cancer Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Cancer, the Crab, stands for emotional depth, nurturing, and protective instincts. Its element is Water, which intensifies feelings and intuition. As a cardinal Water sign, Cancer initiates emotional responses and seeks safety and belonging. Its modality supports reflective pacing and the defense of personal and domestic space.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer | Crab | Water | Cardinal | June 21–July 22 |
Leo Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Leo, the Lion, represents creativity, self-expression, and leadership through visibility. As a fixed Fire sign, Leo brings sustained passion and a desire for recognition. This combination fosters generosity and loyalty to loved ones, alongside a need for admiration and the center stage in personal and professional arenas.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo | Lion | Fire | Fixed | July 23–August 22 |
Virgo Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Virgo, the Maiden, is associated with analysis, service, and attention to detail. Its element is Earth, grounding its approach in practicality and usefulness. As a mutable Earth sign, Virgo adapts by refining systems and routines, supporting precision, health consciousness, and a continuous effort to improve everyday life.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgo | Maiden | Earth | Mutable | August 23–September 6 |
Libra Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Libra, the Scales, embodies balance, fairness, and relational harmony. As a cardinal Air sign, Libra initiates partnerships and mediates conflicts. The modality supports diplomacy and a preference for cooperative, aesthetically pleasing solutions in both personal and social contexts.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libra | Scales | Air | Cardinal | September 23–October 22 |
Scorpio Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Scorpio, the Scorpion, stands for intensity, emotional courage, and investigative insight. Its element is Water, amplifying emotional penetration and privacy. As a fixed Water sign, Scorpio pursues depth in relationships and work, demonstrating resilience and a capacity for transformation when confronting hidden or challenging matters.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scorpio | Scorpion | Water | Fixed | October 23–November 21 |
Ophiuchus Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer, is an outlier that intersects the ecliptic where the Sun spends roughly 19 days each year. Astrologically, its influence is debated, but it falls after Scorpio and before Sagittarius, from about November 30 to December 17. Its imagery centers on healing, wisdom, and the capacity to manage complexity, echoing themes of transformation and integration.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ophiuchus | Serpent Bearer | Not formally assigned | Not formally assigned | November 30–December 17 |
Sagittarius Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Sagittarius, the Archer, represents expansion, exploration, and philosophical outlook. As a mutable Fire sign, it seeks growth through experience and learning. This modality fuels adaptability, optimism, and a drive to travel or broaden perspectives, balanced by a tendency toward overpromising or restlessness.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sagittarius | Archer | Fire | Mutable | December 18–January 19 |
Capricorn Dates and Core Profile
Symbol and Element
Capricorn, the Sea-Goat, embodies structure, ambition, and long-term discipline. Its element is Earth, providing a practical, goal-oriented foundation. As a cardinal Earth sign, Capricorn initiates efforts to build lasting foundations and institutions, while its modality ensures perseverance and a measured pace toward mastery.
| Sign | Symbol | Element | Mode | Date Range (Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capricorn | Sea-Goat | Earth | Cardinal | January 20–February 15 |
Summary Comparison of All 13 Signs
Below is a quick-reference overview of each sign’s elemental grouping, modality, and date range in the tropical zodiac sequence.
- Aquarius — Air, Fixed, January 20–February 18
- Pisces — Water, Mutable, February 19–March 20
- Aries — Fire, Cardinal, March 21–April 19
- Taurus — Earth, Fixed, April 20–May 20
- Gemini — Air, Mutable, May 21–June 20
- Cancer — Water, Cardinal, June 21–July 22
- Leo — Fire, Fixed, July 23–August 22
- Virgo — Earth, Mutable, August 23–September 6
- Libra — Air, Cardinal, September 23–October 22
- Scorpio — Water, Fixed, October 23–November 21
- Sagittarius — Fire, Mutable, December 18–January 18
- Capricorn — Earth, Cardinal, January 19–February 18
- Ophiuchus — Not formally assigned, November 30–December 17
FAQ
Reader questions
Why is Ophiuchus less known than the 12 signs?
Ophiuchus is rarely included in mainstream horoscopes and popular astrology, which traditionally use a 12-sign model. This practice stems from historical choices made by Ptolemy and later medieval systems that excluded the 13th constellation. Modern natal chart tools often include Ophiuchus, while daily horoscopes typically do not.
Do the dates overlap between signs?
The dates listed are approximate boundaries. In practice, the Sun’s ingress into a sign can vary by a day depending on time zone and year. If you were born near a cusp, the exact rising degree of the Sun (and the rest of your chart) matters more than a one-day difference.
Can I use this table to find my sign?
Yes—locate your birth date in the table or list above to identify your sun sign. If your birthday falls on a cusp or near November 30–December 17, an astrologer may consider Ophiuchus influence depending on your birth time and chart calculation method.