When you first dip your toe into astrology, whether by reading your horoscope or researching your new crush's zodiac sign, chances are you're learning all about a sun sign. The big, bright, gleaming celestial body spends approximately four weeks in each of the 12 zodiac signs, and toward the sun sign you were born under. November 12 babies — solid Scorpios. Field tons of "HBD" texts on May 4? You're a Taurus. (Keep reading for a full list of zodiac sign dates.)
Your sun sign can tell you about your confidence, self-esteem, self-image, sense of self, and identity. It'll also influence your life path. But it's just one detail of your overall astrological profile, referred to as a . (You can get one from an astrologer or by plugging your info into an online service such as .) Your chart serves as a glimpse of not just the sun but also the moon and the planets' placements in the sky at the specific moment you were born. It also takes the vantage point from your birth location into consideration. And when you work with a professional astrologer, they can tell you what each of those placements — and how they interact with one another — mean for your personality and journey in life. (Related: )
All these layers mean, for example, you could have been born with your sun in relationship- and balance-loving Libra but when you were born, Mercury, which rules how you communicate, was in the sign that's opposite Libra — argumentative, competitive Aries. So you might feel a push-pull between how you express yourself and your sense of self, and therefore, you're fiercer and more assertive than an airy Libra. is a perfect example of a fiery Libra, as her moon (astrological emotional compass) is in Aries, while her Venus (which affects her relationship style) and ascendant (which influences her outward impression) are in unfiltered, philosophical Sagittarius.
In short, we each have our own individualized "astrological DNA," which features a unique combo of signs spread across the sky. Here, an overview of each zodiac sign's meaning, including characteristics of each sign you'll want to bear in mind as you explore your birth chart.
Zodiac Sign Dates
If you're wondering what your zodiac sign is, see where your birthday falls in the 12 zodiac sign dates below. If you happened to be born on a day when the sun switches from one sign to another — called a cusp — you'll need your birth time to pinpoint your sun sign.
Aries ♈️: March 21 - April 19Taurus ♉️: April 20 - May 20Gemini ♊️: May 21 - June 20Cancer ♋️: June 21 - July 22Leo ♌️: July 23 - August 22Virgo ♍️: August 23 - September 22Libra ♎️: September 23 - October 22Scorpio ♏️: October 23 - November 21Sagittarius ♐️: November 22 - December 21Capricorn ♑️: December 22 - January 19Aquarius ♒️: January 20 - February 18Pisces ♓️: February 19 - March 20
