What are Zodiac Signs? A Definitive Guide to the Stars

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Photo Courtesy of Nastya Dulhiier

Constellations are seen on a globe with zodiac signs. https://unsplash.com/photos/DFrlRyLhCOQ

The traditional Western zodiac signs are twelve signs that refer to twelve constellations: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Each consolation is represented by an animal and sorted into four elements: earth, air, water and fire. These constellations are assigned based on the day, month and time a person was born.

However, sometimes, people reach deep into the ideology and meaning of these constellations, as each sign has correlated traits, personalities and lifestyles. A person can look up their zodiac and find a website that gives them an explanation of their projected temperament, behaviors, what signs are compatible with their sign and which signs they should or shouldn’t marry. There are some individuals who plan their lives based on fulfilling these “prophetic” suggestions.

These twelve signs are commonly known by Americans; however, there are other kinds and types of zodiac signs in other countries. Another famous set of zodiac signs is the Chinese zodiac. Unlike the Western zodiacs, which are based on your birthday, Chinese zodiacs are determined by one’s year of birth. These zodiac signs are represented by twelve animal signs: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These zodiac signs are correlated with elements as well: earth, metal, water, wood, and fire.

Lesser known zodiacs exist in Hindu, Celtic, Egyptian and Native American cultures and beliefs which can vary from representing one’s skills to the amount of good fortune a person contains. Similarities between these cultures and their signs are how Native American zodiacs use animals as symbols like the Western signs, and differences, like how Celtic star signs are represented by thirteen different types of trees.

According to the ideas of astrology, prediction of the future is focused on the position of the sun, moon and planets in comparison to the zodiac constellations. Whether one believes in any of these types of signs or not, they can give a person a small understanding of where their traits or behaviors come from and a belief in something larger than themselves.

For more information about zodiac signs see https://www.rustico.com/blogs/news/whats-your-sign-astrological-signs-from-around-the-world