Despite our reliance on technology and science, astrology has never been more popular. Millennials, in particular, are turning to astrology to reconnect with the world around them. 

But where do you start? What’s the difference between a sun sign and a star sign? Can horoscopes really tell the future?

If you’re looking for a guide to astrology for beginners, then you’re in the right place! Read on to learn more about the zodiac and how it all works.

What’s Your Sign?

Your zodiac sign refers to the sun’s location when you were born. It used to pass through the constellations, dictating the names of the signs.

The constellations have moved over time. But astrology divides the sky into segments. And these haven’t changed.

Dates vary according to the source, but only by a day or so. Part of this is because the sun’s speed varies. It doesn’t always enter or leave the segment on the same day every year.

• 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 22 – January 19
• Aquarius – January 20 – February 18
• Pisces – February 19 – March 20

The signs fall into four categories according to the elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. They work in that order, starting with Aries. 

Each sign has a ruling planet and a series of associated characteristics. They also refer to tarot cards, crystals, and herbs or trees.

If you sign up for a free daily horoscope, you’ll receive it based on your sun sign.

What Does Your Sign Mean?

It means you’ve got a new way to get to know yourself! Many find they’re better equipped to banish stress and anxiety by delving into astrology.

Knowing someone’s sign gives you a good insight into their personality. That’s great when it comes to gift giving time!

This is just a brief overview of each of the signs. Look at the descriptions and see if they match the people you know.

The Fire Signs

Arians are fiery go-getters, full of energy and passion. They can come across as pushy or demanding.

They’re really just focused and great for getting projects off the ground. Their ruling planet is Mars.

Leos are often very charismatic, but they do often tend towards drama. They can be tiring to be around for the quieter signs, but their love of fun makes them delightful company. Their ruling planet is the sun.

Sagittarians are explorers in many senses of the word. Keep feeding their curiosity to help keep their attention. 

Naturally optimistic, they’re flexible and love travel. Their ruling planet is Jupiter.

The Earth Signs

Taureans hate being told what to do but they’re fun to be around. Expect a great sense of humor!

They also enjoy their creature comforts. Their ruling planet is Venus.

Virgos are often perfectionists, and people may find them too critical. But they hold themselves to even higher standards than those around them.

Go easy on them, and they’ll reward you with loyalty. Their ruling planet is Mercury.

Capricorns are often tireless and pragmatic workers. They may seem rigid or hard-headed.

But they’re also funny, fair, and dedicated to protecting the truth. Their ruling planet is Saturn.

The Air Signs

Geminis carry the energy of two people, often showing a dual nature. They also need constant stimulation to stop them getting bored.

Around the right people, they’re a lot of fun. Their ruling planet is Mercury.

Librans love fairness and balance. They’re good at finding harmony in a situation and fixing problems. 

Expect a mellow nature though they can sometimes be indecisive. Their ruling planet is Venus.

Aquarians love expanding their mind and learning new things. Frequent travelers, they’re keen on expanding their horizons. Their ruling planet is Uranus.

The Water Signs

Cancerians are the peacekeepers of the zodiac. They’re homebodies and enjoy spreading a loving vibe to those around them. Their ruling planet is the moon.

Scorpios have a fiery side from the sting in their tail! But they hate drama and would rather just enjoy depths of emotion with loved ones. 

Their warlike tendencies come with a side helping of passion. Scorpio’s ruling planet is Mars.

Pisceans are the dreamers of the zodiac. They enjoy making those around them happy and take charge of caring for friends, family, or even the environment.

Expect artistic endeavors from these natural poets. Their ruling planet is Neptune.

What If Your Birthday Falls between Signs?

Does your birthday fall on a date at the start or end of a sign? This means you were born ‘on the cusp.’

Read the horoscopes for the signs either side. You’ll embody traits of both signs by being so close to both of them.

How Do the Signs Work for Personality?

The signs give a great overview of personality traits. The descriptions are often broad to accommodate all of the many types of people on the planet.

Skeptics scoff at zodiac signs and their accuracy in describing a person’s nature. Yet, scientists have studied the effect of the moon on human behavior. Why should the stars be any different to the impact of lunar cycles?

Still, there’s so much more involved in astrology than just knowing someone’s birth date.

Your personality also depends on where the moon and the planets are in the sky when you’re born. That’s why knowing the time and location of birth is so important when creating an astrological chart.

You might hear people saying they have ‘Capricorn Rising,’ or the Sun in Venus. This refers to the specific placement of the sun and stars at the moment of their birth.

Astrology for Beginners Can Be Fun

Astrology can be a fun way to engage with the people around you. Understanding the signs and their characteristics is a great icebreaker at social events.

And once you master astrology for beginners, you can go so much further! Explore astrological charts and see how the stars affect the patterns of your life.

Astrology also pairs really well with tarot. Why not check out our guide to tarot cards next?