Zodiac Signs by Month and Date: Dates, Traits & Meanings

Introduction

Ever wondered if you've been reading the right horoscope all along? Many people are surprised to learn that zodiac sign dates can shift slightly, and being born on the "cusp" can create real confusion about which sign truly defines their personality. Getting your sign right is the first step to unlocking the insights of astrology.

This comprehensive guide provides a definitive breakdown of the zodiac signs by month and date. We’ll explore the exact date ranges and core personality traits for all 12 signs, from the fiery ambition of Aries to the intuitive depth of Pisces. You'll gain clarity on your unique astrological profile and understand the energy tied to your birth month.

We also tackle common questions, like the difference between the astrological and astronomical zodiacs and whether the mysterious 13th sign, Ophiuchus, truly counts. Let's dive into the complete astrological calendar to find your place among the stars.

How Are Zodiac Signs Determined?

Your zodiac sign, also known as your sun sign, is determined by the position of the Sun at the exact moment of your birth. Western astrology uses the Tropical Zodiac, a system that divides the sky into 12 equal 30-degree sections. These sections form a 360-degree wheel, and each one corresponds to a specific zodiac sign.

This system is tied to the Earth's seasons, not the current positions of the constellations in the sky. The starting point, 0 degrees Aries, marks the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, a time of new beginnings. As the Sun appears to travel through the sky over the course of a year, it moves through each of these 12 sections. Therefore, to answer the question, "what is my zodiac sign by birth date," you simply need to know which of these astrological seasons you were born in. Knowing this can help you look into a future horoscope based on your date of birth.

Understanding this foundational concept is the first step to identifying your sign and its associated traits. Now, let's explore the specific zodiac sign dates for all 12 signs.

The 12 Zodiac Dates and Traits

Here is a comprehensive guide to the 12 zodiac signs and their dates, along with their core characteristics, element, and modality. You can easily find your star sign by matching your birth date to the ranges listed below.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, representing new beginnings and raw energy. Known for their passion, courage, and competitive spirit, Aries individuals are natural-born leaders who are not afraid to take initiative. They dive headfirst into challenges and inspire others with their enthusiasm, driven by a desire to be first in everything they do.

• Element: Fire
• Modality: Cardinal
• Core Traits: Ambitious, Impulsive, Enthusiastic, Courageous

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus is an earth sign known for its grounded, practical, and reliable nature. Ruled by Venus, Taureans appreciate beauty, comfort, and the finer things in life, seeking stability in all areas. They are incredibly determined and persistent, but can also be stubborn. Their loyalty to loved ones is unwavering and rooted in a deep need for security, a trait that also makes them highly reliable in their professional lives.

• Element: Earth
• Modality: Fixed
• Core Traits: Reliable, Patient, Stubborn, Devoted

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Gemini is the sign of the twins, symbolizing duality and communication. Geminis are intellectually curious, adaptable, and sociable. They thrive on information and social connection, acting as the messengers of the zodiac. Their restless energy can sometimes make them seem inconsistent, but their quick-witted nature makes them fantastic conversationalists.

• Element: Air
• Modality: Mutable
• Core Traits: Curious, Adaptable, Expressive, Inconsistent

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cancer is a deeply intuitive and sentimental water sign. Ruled by the Moon, Cancers are highly attuned to the emotions of themselves and others. They are natural nurturers who value home, family, and security above all else. Like their celestial spirit animal, the crab, they possess a protective outer shell to guard their sensitive inner world.

• Element: Water
• Modality: Cardinal
• Core Traits: Nurturing, Emotional, Protective, Intuitive

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leo, represented by the lion, is a sign of royalty, creativity, and theatrical flair. Ruled by the Sun, Leos are warm-hearted, generous, and love to be the center of attention. They possess a natural confidence and leadership ability that draws people to them, and their loyalty to their "pride" is fierce and unwavering.

• Element: Fire
• Modality: Fixed
• Core Traits: Confident, Charismatic, Generous, Dramatic

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Virgo is an earth sign associated with precision, diligence, and a practical approach to life. Virgos have a keen eye for detail and a deep-seated desire to be helpful and of service to others. They are analytical, organized, and often perfectionists, driven by a need to create order from chaos and improve everything they touch.

• Element: Earth
• Modality: Mutable
• Core Traits: Practical, Analytical, Kind, Hardworking

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Libra, the sign of the scales, is focused on balance, harmony, and justice. Ruled by Venus, Libras are charming, diplomatic, and sociable individuals who seek fairness in all things. They thrive in partnerships and are skilled at seeing all sides of a situation, though this can sometimes lead to indecisiveness.

• Element: Air
• Modality: Cardinal
• Core Traits: Diplomatic, Gracious, Fair-minded, Social

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Scorpio is a passionate, resourceful, and powerful water sign. Known for their intensity and determination, Scorpios are not afraid to delve into the deeper, darker aspects of life in their quest for truth. They are incredibly loyal and protective but can also be secretive and assertive, embodying the power of transformation.

• Element: Water
• Modality: Fixed
• Core Traits: Passionate, Resourceful, Brave, Stubborn

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Sagittarius is the adventurer of the zodiac. This fire sign is driven by a quest for knowledge, freedom, and meaning. Sagittarians are optimistic, humorous, and philosophical, with a love for travel and exploration that broadens their horizons. Their honesty can sometimes be brutally direct, as they value truth above all else.

• Element: Fire
• Modality: Mutable
• Core Traits: Optimistic, Humorous, Generous, Idealistic

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Capricorn is the most disciplined and ambitious sign of the zodiac. This earth sign is focused on long-term goals, responsibility, and building a lasting legacy. Capricorns are masters of self-control and have the patience and drive to achieve great success over time, often climbing to the top of their chosen field.

• Element: Earth
• Modality: Cardinal
• Core Traits: Responsible, Disciplined, Ambitious, Realistic

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarius is the humanitarian and visionary of the zodiac. This air sign is independent, progressive, and original. Aquarians are forward-thinking individuals who want to make the world a better place, often challenging conventions and traditions. They value intellectual stimulation and freedom for the collective above all.

• Element: Air
• Modality: Fixed
• Core Traits: Independent, Progressive, Humanitarian, Original

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Pisces is the final sign of the zodiac, representing compassion, artistry, and spiritual depth. This water sign is incredibly empathetic and intuitive, often absorbing the emotions of those around them. Pisceans are dreamers who have a rich inner world and a gentle, patient demeanor that connects them to the mystical and unseen. Their unique blend of traits influences everything from their relationships to their daily well-being.

• Element: Water
• Modality: Mutable
• Core Traits: Compassionate, Artistic, Intuitive, Gentle

While these zodiac sign date ranges provide a clear guide, the exact moment the Sun transitions from one sign to another can lead to questions for those born on a day of change.

Understanding Cusp Dates: Are You Two Signs at Once?

If you were born on the day the Sun changes signs (for example, on April 20th, when Taurus season begins), you might consider yourself "born on the cusp." However, in astrology, the Sun can only occupy one sign at a time. This means you are either a late-degree Aries or an early-degree Taurus—not both.

The exact time the Sun changes signs varies slightly each year. To how to find your zodiac sign with certainty if you were born on a cusp date, you need to look at your precise birth time and location. The most accurate way to do this is to generate a natal (birth) chart using an online calculator, which will pinpoint the Sun's exact position at your moment of birth. This distinction highlights a crucial difference between the fixed astrological calendar dates and the ever-shifting reality of the cosmos.

Astrological vs. Astronomical Zodiac: Why the Dates Don't Match the Stars

Many people notice that the dates for the zodiac signs by month and date used in Western astrology do not align with the current astronomical positions of the constellations. This is not an error; it is by design. The two systems serve different purposes.

• The Tropical Zodiac (Astrological): This is a seasonal calendar. It is fixed to the Earth's relationship with the Sun. The first day of Aries is always the Spring Equinox, the first day of Cancer is the Summer Solstice, and so on. It is a symbolic system that measures the seasons and has been used consistently in Western astrology for nearly 2,000 years.
• The Sidereal Zodiac (Astronomical): This system is based on the actual, observable positions of the constellations in the sky. Due to a phenomenon called the precession of the equinoxes—a slow wobble in the Earth's axis—the constellations have gradually drifted from their alignment with the Tropical Zodiac's dates. This system is used in Vedic astrology.

Therefore, when you read your horoscope, you are engaging with the symbolic, season-based Tropical Zodiac. Understanding this foundational difference also clarifies the ongoing debate about a potential "13th sign."

The Ophiuchus Debate: Is There a 13th Zodiac Sign?

You may have heard claims that there is a 13th zodiac sign called Ophiuchus (The Serpent Bearer) and that the traditional astrological signs for each month are incorrect. This idea stems from the astronomical reality that the Sun does pass through the constellation of Ophiuchus for about 18 days between Scorpio and Sagittarius.

However, Ophiuchus is not part of the astrological zodiac for a simple reason: astrology and astronomy are not the same. Ancient astrologers chose to create a tidy system by dividing the 360-degree path of the Sun into 12 equal 30-degree segments. They selected 12 constellations to represent these segments for symbolic purposes. While astronomers recognize Ophiuchus as one of the many constellations along the Sun's path (the ecliptic), astrologers using the Tropical Zodiac stick to the traditional 12-sign framework that has been in place for millennia.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your zodiac sign is more than just a date range; it’s a reflection of the Sun’s position within the symbolic, season-based Tropical Zodiac. This framework is the key to demystifying common questions, from the precision required for cusp birthdays to why the astrological calendar intentionally differs from the astronomical constellations in the night sky. By recognizing this distinction, the debate over a 13th sign like Ophiuchus becomes irrelevant to your horoscope.

Looking ahead, identifying your Sun sign is merely the first step on a much deeper journey of self-discovery. The real insights emerge when you explore your complete birth chart, which includes your Moon sign (your emotional inner world) and your Ascendant or Rising sign (how you present yourself to others). These placements, along with the positions of all the planets, create a complex and nuanced astrological blueprint unique to you. The challenge isn't just to know your sign, but to understand how these cosmic energies work together to shape your life's path and potential.