From the moment you heard about astrology, you probably asked yourself the most
basic question, “What is my zodiac sign?” You were probably told there were 12
zodiac signs—but are you familiar with the zodiac sign dates? While this one
zodiac sign works as your main archetype and has a lot to do with your
personality traits, we dare say it barely scratches the surface of your
personality.
Your astrological sign also known as your sun sign or zodiac sign refers to the
sign the sun was in at the moment you were born. As the star of our solar
system, the sun spends approximately four weeks in each of the 12 zodiac signs,
which is what the zodiac signs and dates are based on the movement of the sun
through the sky.
Therefore, when trying to figure out your sign, your birthday can easily guide
you to it, unless you were born on the day the sun switched signs. This would
mean you were born “on the cusp.” But contrary to popular belief, your sense of
self doesn’t respond to two zodiac signs! Since the sun can only occupy one
zodiac sign at a time, this means that your sun sign is defined by the minute
you were born. Below, are a list of the zodiac cusp dates in case you’re
curious. When it comes to the parts of your personality that are conscious and
on display, your sun or zodiac sign relates to your sense of self, your
confidence, and your identity.
As you will soon see, your sun sign is only the
beginning of a rich and complex journey that involves
the rest of the planets, as well as the other 11 zodiac
signs.
When talking about the
zodiac wheel and the zodiac signs, it’s important to
notice that there isn’t such a thing as a thirteenth
sign! Sure, some astrologers consider the constellation
Ophiuchus a 13th zodiac sign, associated with traits
such as courage and perseverance. Those born under this
sign are believed to be resilient and capable of
overcoming challenges. but Western astrology is no
longer based on constellations (like Vedic or sidereal
astrology is).
While the ancient art of Western astrology began as a
study of the constellations as archetypes, when
astrologers realized that Earth was moving, this morphed
into an Earth-centric practice centered on the points
that mark our four seasons of spring, summer, autumn,
and winter. Indeed, it’s in this seasonal emphasis where
astrology finds its laser-focused, spot-on predictions.
Zodiac Sign Dates
Aries
March 21-April 19
Taurus
April 20-May 20
Gemini
May 21-June 20
Cancer
June 21-July 22
Leo
July 23-August 22
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Libra
September 23-October 22
Scorpio
October 23-November 21
Sagittarius
November 22-December 21
Capricorn
December 21-January 20
Aquarius
January 21-February 18
Pisces
February 19-March 20
.
Aries
March 21–April 19
Every year, the sun enters Aries on the same day as the
Spring Equinox. This is the starting point of the zodiac and
the astrological year. Ruled by fiery and intense Mars,
Aries season is full of light and energy. It’s one of the
two times each year when the sun shines directly on the
equator.
Marked by the newborn Ram archetype, Aries season is all
about embracing new beginnings and feeling alive as we
channel our inner warrior and fearlessly reach for our
goals. Impulsivity and aggressiveness are the negative
expressions of Aries season, which can be channeled through
active sports and healthy competition
After a month of so much excitement, the sun moves
into Taurus and suddenly the vibe mellows out and our
natural rhythm slows a few notches. As the days warm, we now
take the time to stop and smell the roses and see the
flowers bloom. We are now under the spell of pleasure
goddess Venus, when touch, smell, taste, sound, and sight
deepen and reach their highest expression.
Our five senses are reawakened, reenergized, and
refocused on our appreciation of nature, art, and all things
beautiful. Being one of the most sensual signs, the
nocturnal energy of Taurus loves rest and relaxation, which,
of course, can sometimes make us a little lazy.
Taurus
April 20–May 20
Gemini
May 21–June 20
Then comes playful Gemini season, a time to socialize not
only with our faves, but also with new and exciting faces.
The sign of the Twins is ruled by intellectual cosmic
messenger Mercury, the fastest-moving planet in the solar
system. Following its swift steps, we feel jittery and jump
from one get-together to the next—and how could we not?
It’s the middle of summer and there’s so much fun to be
had! Another Gemini season signature is communication in all
its forms: writing, speaking, reading, and learning. Of all
the zodiac signs, Gemini is the one that best embodies the
concept of sacred duality. At a deeper level, it’s also an
opportunity to explore that same concept within us.
Every year, the sun enters Cancer on the same day as the
Summer Solstice. Ruled by the maternal and nocturnal moon,
this month is about getting cozy, cooking, eating delicious
food, and chilling out with the ones we love. It’s also the
perfect time to get in touch with our emotions and to spend
time near the water, whether it’s a beach, lake, or river.
Self-care is another activity the sign of the Crab loves
because it’s the type of energy that connects us to our
bodies. But don’t confuse self-care with passivity! Like the
tenacious Crab, this is also the season to be assertive
about getting what we want.
Cancer
June 21–July 22
Leo
July 23–August 22
We’ve been focusing on self-care and we’re now ready to
shine our brightest! We’ve reached Leo season, the peak of
summer and the only month that’s ruled by the mighty sun.
During the month ahead, Leo’s sunny influence wants us to
get in touch with our creativity, our inner child, and what
makes us truly unique.
Vibrant and playful Leo season is all about embracing
big, bold vitality, beauty, and what lights our inner fire.
This season activates our zodiac sign, so there is no better
time to meditate on what it means to be a Libra, Scorpio,
Pisces, or any other sign.
Life has been entertaining, but once the sun moves
into Virgo, our mood becomes a bit more introverted. The
mind is increasingly activated as we shift into mercurial
territory. Like Gemini season, Virgo is ruled by
communicative Mercury, except this is the nocturnal, not
diurnal, manifestation of our cosmic messenger. We become
master analysts and organizers, fine-tuning the routines
that keep life working at its best.
Wellness, efficiency, and logic are all Virgo’s
expertise, naturally gravitating us toward life practices
that nurture body and soul. Being the studious worker bee of
the zodiac, Virgo provides the perfect milieu to organize
our finances and workload through efficient systems like
apps and spreadsheets.
Virgo
August 23–September 22
Libra
September 23–October 22
Libra season begins on the day we welcome the Fall
Equinox. Ruled by Venus, Libra season is all about enjoying
the pleasures of life and classy things like high-end
design, trendy clothes, and long, lavish dinners with our
VIPs. Attuning us to the diurnal energy of Venus, the month
ruled by Libra is a very social time in which we nurture our
most important connections and friendships.
Harmony and equilibrium are also part of Libra’s realm,
making this the best time of year to balance the masculine
and feminine energies within us. Beautifying the home is
also advised during this time, as Venus turns our eyes to
all things aesthetic.
Just as the air begins to cool in the Northern
Hemisphere, so does the vibe around us. We have arrived at
one of the most introspective times of the year because
bold Scorpio is all about going inward and psychoanalyzing
our deepest, darkest motives. It’s also the time when we
celebrate the departed as well as our ancestral line.
Ruled by transformative Pluto and red-hot Mars, Scorpio
season is primed for tapping into our sexual energy as the
most sacred form of creation. Tricky to maneuver,
no-nonsense Scorpionic energy is not for the faint of heart,
and only those who dare to go deep in its journey of
transformation will experience its profound riches.
Scorpio
October 23–November 21
Sagittarius
November 22–December 21
The lights are back on again as the sun enters the sign
of never-ending optimism: the sign of the Archer! Like its
mythical symbol the Centaur, Sagittarius is all about
chasing the horizon, either physically or metaphorically.
Now is when we yearn for knowledge, and adventure is
expanded by the abundant influence of our greatest benefic
Jupiter.
Being one of the most positive planets in astrology, it
wants us to see the big picture and believe the best in
others and ourselves. Long-distance travel is also
encouraged by this worldly sign, because travel exposes us
to the richness that only other cultures can provide.
Once the sun moves into industrious Capricorn, it’s time
to get down to business! This traditional, pragmatic,
ambitious sign knows how to climb the tallest mountains in
order to build something of enduring meaning. Capricorn
season is ruled by Saturn, the old sage and keeper of time,
ultimately bringing our awareness to how well we use it.
Often referred to as the CEO of the zodiac, goal-oriented
Capricorn connects us with the more material side of life
like success, money, and social status. Out of all the
seasons, this is the one in which to channel our inner boss
as we chase our most precious goals and go for the gold.
Capricorn
December 21–January 20
Aquarius
January 21–February 18
Going against tradition, here comes free birth chart
calculator season, a sign ruled by two polar opposite
planetary energies: Saturn and Uranus. In many ways,
Aquarius awakens the inner rebel in us—but not without a
cause—because its incredible intellect asks us to question
everything we’ve been told about how things should be.
Community-oriented Aquarius season is also our best
opportunity of the year to network with like-minded folks
and reconsider how these connections relate to our biggest
hopes and dreams. This is the sign of the people, the one
that most represents the collective state of mind, so
altruism is also encouraged during this time.
Last, we close the astrological calendar year by diving
into the waters of Pisces. Suddenly, life naturally slows
down, and we’re asked to tune into our intuitive,
compassionate, and artistic side. Mystical and magical
Pisces is the season of divine transcendence, holding the
knowledge of all the other 11 signs.
This fascinating world is ruled by titans Jupiter and
Neptune, whose almost intoxicating essence blurs the line
between dreams and reality. For this reason, the month ruled
by Pisces is ideal for getting in touch with our feelings
and creativity instead of focusing on more tangible things
and activities. Romance is also highlighted, and we now have
cosmic permission to open our hearts.
Pisces
February 19–March 20
Born on the Cusp?
As an astrologer, many people who are interested in their sign but have
little knowledge beyond that tell me, “But I was born on the cusp,” as
if it means something significant. They feel that if they are born on
the edge of two signs, it somehow means they may have both traits or
that their sun sign is muddled in some way. I’m here to tell you that is
not true.
Cusp dates are real, but cusp
signs are not. If you were born on the cusp, it does not mean that your
sun sign is anything different than what you were born with. Let’s get
that straight. For example, if you were born on March 20, perhaps born
at 29 degrees Pisces, your sun sign is Pisces.
The reason we might associate more with our “cusp” sign more than with
our own is because there may be other placements in your birth
chart with that sign. All planets follow pretty closely to the sun, so
whichever sign the sun is in, other planets are likely to be in the same
sign or close to it.
Zodiac
Sign Cusp Dates
Aries-Taurus cusp
April 16-April 22
Taurus-Gemini cusp
May 17-May 23
Gemini-Cancer cusp
June 17-June 23
Cancer-Leo cusp
July 19-July 25
Leo-Virgo cusp
August 19-August 25
Virgo-Libra cusp
September 19-September 25
Libra-Scorpio cusp
October 19-October 25
Scorpio-Sagittarius cusp
November 18-November 24
Sagittarius-Capricorn cusp
December 18-December 24
Capricorn-Aquarius csp
January 16-January 22
Aquarius-Pisces cusp
February 15-February 21
Pisces-Aries cusp
March 17-March 23
Cusp Dates
& Meanings
Aries-Taurus Cusp: April 17 – April 21
A person on the cusp of Aries and Taurus may have spontaneous qualities
in some aspects, but may also strive for security in other aspects.
Taurus-Gemini Cusp: May 18 – May 22
Someone on the Taurus and Gemini cusp is likely to have a quick mind, a
cheeky sense of humor, and potentially an ability to be a bit
disdainful.
Gemini-Cancer Cusp: June 19 – June 23
A person on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer will have quirky
characteristics and enjoy making others laugh. This person is also
likely to be a bit moody.
Cancer-Leo
Cusp: July 20 – July 24
The Cancer and Leo cusp will bring in a love of play and childhood fun.
This kind of person enjoys living in the moment and embracing the fun in
every situation.
Leo-Virgo
Cusp: August 20 – August 23
A Leo and Virgo cusp person is likely to think highly of themselves.
However, they may also find that they are people-pleasers who focus too
much about what other people think.
Virgo-Libra
Cusp: September 20 – September 24
The Virgo and Libra cusp person is likely to be detail-oriented and have
a distinct ability to carry themselves with poise. This person throws
the most lavish and amazing parties, but is also very collected.
Libra-Scorpio Cusp: October 21 – October 25
A Libra and Scorpio cusp will influence a person to be invested in other
people—likely to their detriment. This person lives to devote
themselves. If they aren’t careful, they may become clingy.
Scorpio-Sagittarius Cusp: November 19 – November 23
With Scorpio and Sagittarius linking up, this can make a person very
independent and freedom-seeking. They will embrace adventure and the
unknown with ease.
Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp: December 19 – December 23
A Sagittarius and Capricorn cusp person will be very intellectual, but
will also enjoy risks every once in a while—particularly calculated
risks (like investments or stocks).
Capricorn-Aquarius Cusp: January 17 – January 21
A Capricorn and Aquarius cusp person may come off as a bit of a
know-it-all. But this person likely has the smarts to prove themselves.
Aquarius-Pisces Cusp: February 16 – February 20
Someone on the cusp of Aquarius and Pisces is likely to be very
empathetic and able to connect easily with others. This person may be
naturally intuitive and would do well in a psychic career.
Pisces-Aries Cusp: March 18 – March 22
A Pisces and Aries cusp person lives and breathes with their emotions.
This is good because they know how to ask for what they want, but it
also creates a bit of a moody kind of person.