Learning Astrology: How to Interpret Your Own Sign

Each sign is represented by a 30-degree (1/12th of a circle) segment of the sky. Sun sign astrology, which is normally seen in newspapers and magazines, is based on the segment of the sky the sun is located in when you were born.

Note: Each of the books I own have different date ranges for each of the signs/segments (the books are off from one another by a day or two). I decided to use the dates from the book Sextrology: The Astrology of Sex and the Sexes, as it is my favorite.

Aries (March 21 to April 20)
Taurus (April 21 to May 21)
Gemini (May 22 to June 21)
Cancer (June 22 to July 22)
Leo (July 23 to August 22)
Virgo (August 23 to September 22)
Libra (September 23 to October 23)
Scorpio (October 24 to November 21)
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)
Capricorn (December 22 to January 20)
Aquarius (January 21 to February 19)
Pisces (February 20 to March 20)

However, along with the sun, every planet (and the moon), in relation to the Earth, also factor into chart readings and contribute to the overall understanding of the individual.

This lens will go into attributes associated with the sun, the moon, mars, and venus- for more in depth knowledge involving all the planets and their relationship to one another check out these Astrology sites.

Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac have one of four Elements associated with them; they are Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Starting with the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, the signs go in the sequence: Fire, Earth, Air, Water, and then rotate back to Fire again.

Fire Signs are attributed with: Ego, Action, Passion, Directed Will (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)

Earth Signs are attributed with: Material World, Stability, Practicality, Consolidation (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)

Air Signs are attributed with: Intellect, Perspective, Communication, Idealistic (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)

Water Signs are attributed with: Emotions, Imagination, Secretive, Seductive (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac also have Polarity; they can be either positive or negative. Starting with the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, the signs alternate between positive and negative.

Fire and Air signs are positive (+) in polarity and are attributed with being self-expressive. The positive polarities are considered Yang and influence these signs toward a nature that is more active and outgoing.

Water and Earth signs are negative (-) in polarity and are attributed with being self-repressive. The negative polarities are considered Yin and influence these signs toward a more withdrawn and introverted nature. They are receptive and responsive, and reactive to outside influences.

Masculine (yang) (+) signs are Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius

Feminine (yin) (-) signs are Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces

Each sign is also attributed with a specific quality or mode- Cardinal, Fixed, or Mutable.

Cardnal Signs are associated with: Initiatory, Originating, Creative Stage, Gets Things Going. These signs correspond with the beginning of each season. (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)

Fixed Signs are associated with: Stability, Determination, Maintaining, Gets Things Done. These signs sustain what has already been created. (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)

Mutable Signs are associated with: Resourcefulness, Adaptive, Flexible, Transformation. These signs correspond to the completion of one season, changing into another. (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)

English Name: The Ram
Element: Fire
Quality/Mode: Cardinal
Polarity: (+)/Yang
Ruled By: Mars
Keyword: "I am"

Characteristics: Independence, Energy, Competition, Exhibition

Sun: If Aries is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Aries when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Aries is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Aries when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Aries is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Aries when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness. (Because Mars rules Aries, these traits are amplified).

Venus: If Aries is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Aries when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.

Good/Positive Qualities: Courageous, Badass
Bad/Negative Qualities: Over-competitive, Bitchy

English Name: The Bull
Element: Earth
Quality/Mode: Fixed
Polarity: (-)/Yin
Ruled By: Venus
Keyword: "I have"

Characteristics: Ownership, Luxury, Maintenance, Candor, Sustenance, Security, Sensuality

Sun: If Taurus is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Taurus when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Taurus is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Taurus when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Taurus is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Taurus when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness.

Venus: If Taurus is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Taurus when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.(Because Venus rules Taurus, these traits are amplified).

Good/Positive Qualities: Sensual, Chill
Bad/Negative Qualities: Possessive, Insatiable

English Name: The Twins
Element: Air
Quality/Mode: Mutable
Polarity: (+)/Yang
Ruled By: Mercury
Keyword: "I think"

Characteristics: Curiosity, Division, Scrutiny, Friction, Ingenuity, Skepticism

Sun: If Gemini is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Gemini when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Gemini is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Gemini when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Gemini is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Gemini when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness.

Venus: If Gemini is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Gemini when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.

Good/Positive Qualities: Intellectual, Witty
Bad/Negative Qualities: Scattered, Judgmental

English Name: The Crab
Element: Water
Quality/Mode: Cardinal
Polarity: (-)/Yin
Ruled By: Moon
Keyword: "I feel"

Characteristics: Morality, Motherhood, Melodrama, Sensitivity, Creation, Affection, Withdrawal, Sorrow, Feeling

Sun: If Cancer is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Cancer when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Cancer is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Cancer when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity. (Because the Moon rules Cancer, these traits are amplified).

Mars: If Cancer is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Cancer when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness.

Venus: If Cancer is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Cancer when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.

Good/Positive Qualities: Kind Hearted, Motherly
Bad/Negative Qualities: Clingy, Dramatic

English Name: The Lion
Element: Fire
Quality/Mode: Fixed
Polarity: (+)/Yang
Ruled By: Sun
Keyword: "I will"

Characteristics: Prestige, Drama, Impulse, Passion, Bravery, Expressiveness, Renown, Will, Flagrance

Sun: If Leo is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Leo when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image. (Because the Sun rules Leo, these traits are amplified).

Moon: If Leo is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Leo when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Leo is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Leo when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness.

Venus: If Leo is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Leo when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.

Good/Positive Qualities: Proud, Life of the Party
Bad/Negative Qualities: Egocentric, Theatrical

English Name: The Virgin
Element: Earth
Quality/Mode: Mutable
Polarity: (-)/Yin
Ruled By: Mercury
Keyword: "I analyze"

Characteristics: Compulsion, Virtue, Moderation, Precision, Deconstruction, Assimilation, Discrimination

Sun: If Virgo is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Virgo when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Virgo is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Virgo when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Virgo is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Virgo when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness.

Venus: If Virgo is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Virgo when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.

Good/Positive Qualities: Hard Working, Intelligent
Bad/Negative Qualities: Followers, Unoriginal

English Name: The Scales
Element: Air
Quality/Mode: Cardinal
Polarity: (+)/Yang
Ruled By: Venus & Saturn
Keyword: "I balance"

Characteristics: Harmony, Balance, Class, Extravagance, Adoration, Justice, Elegance, Strife, Proportion, Order, Liberalism

Sun: If Libra is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Libra when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Libra is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Libra when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Libra is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Libra when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness.

Venus: If Libra is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Libra when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality. (Because Venus rules Libra, these traits are amplified).

Good/Positive Qualities: Stylish, Playful
Bad/Negative Qualities: Passive Aggressive, Superficial

English Name: The Scorpion
Element: Water
Quality/Mode: Fixed
Polarity: (-)/Yin
Ruled By: Mars & Pluto
Keyword: "I desire"

Characteristics: Intensity, Oppression, Obsession, Darkness, Transformation, Sexuality, Secrecy, Symbiosis, Degeneration, Depth

Sun: If Scorpio is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Scorpio when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Scorpio is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Scorpio when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Scorpio is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Scorpio when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness. (Because Mars rules Scorpio, these traits are amplified).

Venus: If Scorpio is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Scorpio when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.

Good/Positive Qualities: Seductive, Strong
Bad/Negative Qualities: Controlling, Manipulative

English Name: The Archer
Element: Fire
Quality/Mode: Mutable
Polarity: (+)/Yang
Ruled By: Jupiter
Keyword: "I see"

Characteristics: Excitement, Expansion, Visualization, Exaltation, Romanticism, Self-confidence, Self-satisfaction, Exploration, Embellishment, Voracity, Philosophy, Experience, Glory

Sun: If Sagittarius is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Sagittarius when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Sagittarius is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Sagittarius when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Sagittarius is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Sagittarius when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness.

Venus: If Sagittarius is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Sagittarius when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.

Good/Positive Qualities: Exciting, Imaginative
Bad/Negative Qualities: Hypercritical, Childish

English Name: The Sea-Goat
Element: Earth
Quality/Mode: Cardinal
Polarity: (-)/Yin
Ruled By: Saturn
Keyword: "I use"

Characteristics: Endurance, Manipulation, Power, Reliance, Aristocracy, Reserve, Patience, Organization, Resource

Sun: If Capricorn is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Capricorn when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Capricorn is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Capricorn when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Capricorn is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Capricorn when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness.

Venus: If Capricorn is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Capricorn when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.

Good/Positive Qualities: Calculated, Classy
Bad/Negative Qualities: Gold Diggers, Elitist

English Name: The Water Carrier
Element: Air
Quality/Mode: Fixed
Polarity: (+)/Yang
Ruled By: Uranus
Keyword: "I know"

Characteristics: Detachment, Transcendence, Truth, Utopianism, Abstraction, Universalism, Humanism

Sun: If Aquarius is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Aquarius when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Aquarius is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Aquarius when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Aquarius is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Aquarius when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness.

Venus: If Aquarius is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Aquarius when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.

Good/Positive Qualities: Creative, Persuasive
Bad/Negative Qualities: Aloof, Flighty

English Name: The Two Fish
Element: Water
Quality/Mode: Mutable
Polarity: (-)/Yin
Ruled By: Neptune
Keyword: "I believe"

Characteristics: Vision, Divinity, Euphoria, Devotion, Self-sacrifice, Uncertainty, Imagination, Reflection, Delusion, Rebirth

Sun: If Pisces is your Sun Sign (the sun was in Pisces when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Inner-Self, your Core, and your Self-Image.

Moon: If Pisces is your Moon Sign (the moon was in Pisces when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

Mars: If Pisces is your Mars Sign (Mars was in Pisces when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness.

Venus: If Pisces is your Venus Sign (Venus was in Pisces when you were born), the above characteristics are attributed to your Beauty, Aesthetic Awareness, Relationships, and Feminine Sexuality.

Good/Positive Qualities: Alluring, Deep
Bad/Negative Qualities: Confused, Victim

You can think of planets as the main topic (ex. Sun= Inner Self/Self Image)

You can think of signs as what you can attribute to the topic (ex. Cancer= Morality, feeling, and sensitivity)

So, in this example, if your sun sign is cancer, then you can attribute your Inner-Self/Self Image to qualities like being moral, emotional, and sensitive.

Each planet (sun and moon included) represents a part of yourself. Whichever Zodiac section they are located in when you are born, you can associate the characteristics of that Zodiac sign to the part of yourself represented by that planet.

So, if Jupiter is in Aries when you were born. You know that Jupiter represents your search for meaning, luck, expansion, and the philosophical part of yourself. And you know that Aries represents characteristics like Independence, Energy, Competition, and Exhibition.

So, that means that if Jupiter is in Aries when you are born you may pursue your philosophical side- your search for meaning in this world- with a kind of do-it-yourself/independent attitude. You also may like to show off and express what you've learned in life so far, or at least what you are learning right now. With regard to expansion or growth in life, you definitely have a competitive nature- you have a drive toward personal development. And you may look at personal growth as a competition, comparing your achievements and milestones in life to others.

Further Interpretation: You also know that Aries is a fire sign, a cardinal mode, and has positive polarity. You can use the characteristics associated with them to further your understanding of Jupiter in Aries. Fire signs are active and passionate. Positive polarities are self-expressive and outgoing. Cardinal modes are initiatory and get things going. How would you mix these traits with the characteristics of Jupiter (search for meaning, luck, expansion, and philosophy)?

Also note that if a sign (ex. Aries) is ruled by a planet (ex. Mars) and that planet is in its own sign when you are born, the effect of those characteristics is amplified.

Examples of this are:

Moon in Cancer- The characteristics of Cancer (Morality, Melodrama, Sensitivity, Affection, Feeling) become magnified when pertaining to your Emotion, Adaptability, and Receptivity.

"If you think Cancer Suns are hopeless victims of their emotions, a Cancer Moon kicks any Sun sign's whine factor up several notches. The Moon may be at home in Cancer, but it's more Psycho House than Happy Days. Cancer's excessive emotionalism and fluctuating moods coupled with the constant waxing and waning of the Moon's cycles create a personality scarily close to manic-depressive. Self-pity is never far removed from a lunar Crab's psyche. They invented the pity party. They are more possessive than Taurus, more controlling than Scorpio; and their nag-meter is set at shrew... All Cancer Moons have extremely intense feelings..." (Quoted from Hazel Dixon-Cooper's Love on a Rotten Day p. 58)

Sun in Leo- The characteristics of Leo (Prestige, Impulse, Passion, Expressiveness) are magnified when pertaining to your Inner-Self, Inner Core, and Self Image.

"Leos are ruled by the Sun, the brightest star in our little corner of the universe. And male or female, the Lion expects you to revolve around him or her, just like the planets orbit old Sol. Leos thrive upon, demand, and need your undivided attention at all times. They don't walk into a room; they make an entrance... Leos live for high drama. This differs from the crises-ridden emotionalism of the Water signs. A Lion's sense of self-importance is inflated..." (Quoted from Hazel Dixon-Cooper's Love on a Rotten Day p. 67).

Mars in Aries- The characteristics of Aries (Independence, Energy, Competition, Exhibition) become magnified when pertaining to your Drive, Male Sexuality, Impulse, and Competitiveness

"Mars rules Aries and is at home here, comfortable, powerful, and seething... Aries Mars must win at everything. Work, play love, and sex are all competitions and, male or female, this person is an easily aroused, sexually potent force. They are also spontaneous to the point of thoughtlessness, easily bored with routine..." (Quoted from Hazel Dixon-Cooper's Love on a Rotten Day p. 14).

Get your astrological chart reading here and see how your own interpretations compare to readings of the pros!

You can also tease your friends and acquaintances using the positive and negative traits listed with each sign. For example, if you find someone who is a Scorpio, you can say, "It's cool, you're a scorpio, so that means you are exciting and imaginitive... But... scorpios are also really controlling, so... I don't know if I can talk to you anymore." Then kind of turn away from them a little in a teasing fashion and with a smile on your face. Experiment and have fun with it!