Zodiac Signs by Month: The Complete Guide to Dates & Traits

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what your zodiac sign really is? With dates that can seem to shift and birthdays that fall on the cusp between two signs, it's easy to feel uncertain. Knowing your sun sign is the first step into the fascinating world of astrology, offering a valuable glimpse into your core personality, motivations, and desires.

This guide is designed to eliminate that confusion. We've created a simple, straightforward breakdown of the zodiac signs by month, complete with their exact date ranges, symbols, and defining characteristics. Whether you're a fiery Aries or a grounded Capricorn, you'll find everything you need to confidently identify your sign and begin to understand what makes it so unique.

Let's dive into the astrological calendar and unlock the unique energy your birth date holds.

How to Find Your Sun Sign (And What It Means)

Finding your zodiac sign is the perfect entry point into the world of astrology. Your sun sign is determined by the position of the sun at the very moment of your birth. Imagine the sky as a giant wheel divided into 12 distinct sections, each represented by a zodiac sign. As the Earth orbits the sun throughout the year, the sun appears to move through these sections. The specific section it occupied when you were born dictates your sun sign, which symbolizes your core identity, ego, and fundamental personality.

To find your zodiac sign by birth date, you simply need to see where your birthday falls within the astrological calendar. Each sign corresponds to a specific period, roughly spanning one month, making it easy to identify your sign and begin exploring the unique personality traits and tendencies associated with it.

Understanding your sun sign is like receiving a blueprint of your essential self. While a full birth chart provides a much deeper and more nuanced analysis, your sun sign offers invaluable insights into your motivations, inherent strengths, and life's purpose. With this foundational understanding, let's explore the complete list of zodiac signs by month to discover yours.

The Complete List of Zodiac Signs by Month

Here is the definitive guide to the zodiac calendar dates. Locate your birthday in the ranges below to identify your sun sign and learn more about its core energy and defining attributes.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries is the ultimate trailblazer. Governed by Mars, the planet of action and desire, Aries individuals are known for their fiery passion, boundless energy, and courageous spirit. They are natural-born leaders who aren't afraid to take risks and dive headfirst into new challenges with unwavering enthusiasm.

• Element: Fire
• Symbol: The Ram
• Key Traits: Ambitious, independent, impulsive, enthusiastic, courageous

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus is the anchor of the zodiac, an earth sign ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and value. Taureans are grounded, practical, and possess a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. They are known for their unwavering loyalty, patience, and determination, working steadily toward their goals to build a life of comfort and security.

• Element: Earth
• Symbol: The Bull
• Key Traits: Reliable, patient, practical, devoted, stubborn

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Gemini is the social butterfly of the zodiac, ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect. This air sign is characterized by its insatiable curiosity, adaptability, and mental agility. Geminis are quick-witted and expressive, constantly seeking new information, experiences, and connections to share with others.

• Element: Air
• Symbol: The Twins
• Key Traits: Gentle, affectionate, curious, adaptable, quick-learning

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cancer is a deeply intuitive and sentimental water sign, ruled by the ever-changing Moon. Cancers are the nurturers of the zodiac, highly attuned to the emotions of themselves and others. They value home, family, and comfort above all else and are fiercely protective of their loved ones.

• Element: Water
• Symbol: The Crab
• Key Traits: Tenacious, highly imaginative, loyal, emotional, persuasive

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leo is the charismatic and theatrical fire sign, ruled by the Sun itself. Leos are natural performers who thrive in the spotlight. They are warm-hearted, generous, and driven by a powerful need to create and express themselves. Their confidence and enthusiasm are infectious, inspiring everyone around them.

• Element: Fire
• Symbol: The Lion
• Key Traits: Creative, passionate, generous, warm-hearted, cheerful

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Virgo is the meticulous and analytical earth sign, governed by Mercury. Virgos possess a keen eye for detail and a deep-seated desire to be of service to others. They are practical, hardworking, and methodical in their approach to life, always striving for improvement and perfection in everything they do.

• Element: Earth
• Symbol: The Maiden
• Key Traits: Loyal, analytical, kind, hardworking, practical

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Libra is an air sign ruled by Venus, focused on balance, harmony, and justice. Libras are known for their diplomatic nature, social grace, and aesthetic sensibilities. They are natural peacemakers who thrive in partnerships and seek to create beauty and equilibrium in their environment.

• Element: Air
• Symbol: The Scales
• Key Traits: Diplomatic, gracious, fair-minded, social, cooperative

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Scorpio is a passionate and powerful water sign, co-ruled by transformative Pluto and assertive Mars. Scorpios are known for their intensity, determination, and profound emotional depth. They are strategic thinkers who are unafraid to explore the hidden aspects of life to uncover the truth.

• Element: Water
• Symbol: The Scorpion
• Key Traits: Resourceful, brave, passionate, stubborn, a true friend

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Sagittarius is the adventurer of the zodiac, a fire sign ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion and luck. Sagittarians are optimistic, freedom-loving, and have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and exploration. They are on a perpetual quest for meaning, chasing after new ideas, philosophies, and experiences.

• Element: Fire
• Symbol: The Archer
• Key Traits: Generous, idealistic, great sense of humor, philosophical

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Capricorn is the disciplined and ambitious earth sign, ruled by Saturn, the planet of structure and responsibility. Capricorns are masters of self-control and are known for their practical, down-to-earth nature. They are goal-oriented individuals who climb steadily toward success with patience and perseverance.

• Element: Earth
• Symbol: The Sea-Goat
• Key Traits: Responsible, disciplined, self-control, good managers

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarius is the forward-thinking humanitarian of the zodiac, an air sign ruled by Uranus, the planet of innovation. Aquarians are original, independent, and dedicated to making the world a better place. Their energy is often amplified during significant celestial events; for instance, a full moon in Aquarius can spark their rebellious and humanitarian instincts. They are innovative thinkers who march to the beat of their own drum, often championing progressive causes and social change.

• Element: Air
• Symbol: The Water Bearer
• Key Traits: Progressive, original, independent, humanitarian

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Pisces is the final sign of the zodiac, a compassionate and artistic water sign ruled by Neptune, the planet of dreams and intuition. Pisceans are deeply empathetic, imaginative, and intuitive. They possess a gentle and wise spirit, often absorbing the emotional currents of the world around them.

• Element: Water
• Symbol: The Fish
• Key Traits: Compassionate, artistic, intuitive, gentle, wise

While these star sign dates provide a clear framework, the transition days between signs can sometimes create uncertainty.

What If You're Born on the Cusp?

If your birth date zodiac falls on the day the sun moves from one sign to another (for example, April 20th or September 23rd), you are considered to be born "on the cusp." People born on these transitional days often feel they embody traits from both astrological signs. While it’s common to identify with characteristics of both neighboring signs, it's important to remember that in astrology, the sun can only be in one place at one time.

To get a definitive answer, you must know your exact time of birth. The sun changes signs at a specific minute on a specific day each year, and this timing can vary slightly. By generating a professional birth chart using your birth date, time, and location, you can discover precisely which sign the sun was in at the moment you were born. This clarifies your true sun sign and provides a more accurate foundation for understanding your core personality.

Beyond the nuances of cusp dates, another point of confusion that has emerged in modern discussions is the idea of a potential "13th sign."

Are There 13 Zodiac Signs? The Truth About Ophiuchus

You may have encountered headlines claiming that the traditional zodiac signs are incorrect and that a 13th sign, Ophiuchus, should be included. This recurring claim stems from a fundamental misunderstanding between two different zodiacal systems: the one used by astronomers and the one used by Western astrologers.

1. The Astronomical Zodiac (Sidereal): This system is based on the actual, observable constellations in the sky as seen from Earth. Due to the Earth's axial wobble (a phenomenon called precession), the positions of these constellations have shifted over millennia. From a purely astronomical viewpoint, the sun does pass through a 13th constellation known as Ophiuchus (the Serpent Bearer).

2. The Astrological Zodiac (Tropical): This is the system used by Western astrology for centuries. It is not based on the constellations themselves but is instead tied to the Earth's seasons. The Tropical Zodiac is a symbolic framework that begins every year on the spring equinox, which marks the start of Aries season. This system divides the sun's 360-degree path into twelve equal 30-degree segments, creating the 12 familiar zodiac signs by month.

In short, Western astrology uses the fixed, seasonal Tropical Zodiac, which has always consisted of 12 signs. Ophiuchus is an astronomical constellation, but it is not part of the traditional astrological system used to interpret horoscopes and personality traits. For all astrological purposes, there are only 12 zodiac signs.

Conclusion

Discovering your sun sign is more than just a fun astrological exercise; it’s a foundational step toward understanding your core identity, motivations, and natural strengths. By aligning your birth date with the zodiac calendar, you gain a powerful lens through which to view your personality, from the ambitious drive of Aries to the intuitive wisdom of Pisces.

This guide has equipped you with the tools to confidently identify your sign and has clarified common points of confusion, such as cusp births and the myth of Ophiuchus. But this is just the beginning of your cosmic journey. You can continue to explore how planetary energies affect you by checking your daily horoscope.

Looking ahead, the true value of astrology lies not in simple categorization, but in its potential for profound self-awareness. Your sun sign offers a brilliant snapshot, but a full birth chart reveals the intricate layers that make you who you are. The ultimate question isn't just "What is my sign?" but "How can I use this knowledge to navigate my life with greater purpose, clarity, and authenticity?"