Astrology Quick Guide: Zodiac Signs

The language of astrology speaks in planets, signs, and houses. In this post we will explore the 12 signs of the zodiac.

Where do the zodiac signs come from?

The 12 signs are derived from the constellations that mark out the Earth's path of orbit around the Sun. As the planets orbit the Sun, they move through these constellations at various speeds. This is what creates the changing of the signs.

For example, the Moon moves through all 12 zodiac constellations in less than 29 days, changing signs every 2 days while Mars will travel through the 12 zodiac constellations in 2 years, changing signs every 6-7 weeks. This creates the language we use in astrology of Moon in Libra or Mars in Virgo.

Each of the zodiac constellations is associated with a particular archetypal energy which forms the basis of the characteristics of the 12 zodiac signs.

What do the signs represent?

Zodiac signs represent the HOW in astrology. Basically, they provide personality traits for the planets that occupy them. ​​

Each zodiac sign is associated with an elemental property (earth, water, air, fire), a fundamental quality/mode (cardinal, mutable, fixed), and a planetary ruler. The combination of these provide the basis for exploration of HOW the planets express themselves in your life.

The 12 signs based on Mode/Element:

Cardinal/Fire (​Aries), Fixed/Fire (Leo), Mutable/Fire (Sagittarius)

Cardinal/Air (Libra), Fixed/Air (Aquarius), Mutable/Air (Gemini)

Cardinal/Water (Cancer), Fixed/Water (Scorpio), Mutable/Water (Pisces)

Cardinal/Earth (Capricorn), Fixed/Earth (Taurus), Mutable/Earth (Virgo)

To dive deeper into the zodiac signs, check out my Fundamentals of Astrology: Planets, Signs, & Houses course.