Your Star Sign Explained: Dates, Traits & Modes Of Each Zodiac (2024)

For an ancient practice, astrology has made a major comeback over the past decade. Fuelled by Instagram and TikTok, most people’s understandings of their astrology chart and how to interpret it have become increasingly advanced. However, before diving into the deep end of each planet and astrological house, it could pay to brush up on your astrology 101, i.e. what are the basic dates and traits of every star sign.

Knowing the basic characteristics of each sign can work as a shorthand for understanding your sun, moon and rising signs, i.e. the Big 3. While any astrologer will tell you that each star sign is complicated and will be affected by other placements in your chart, we’ve narrowed it down to three key traits to remember when trying to understand star signs.

All The Star Signs, Explained

1. Aries

The baby of the zodiac, Aries are known for their boldness. Even if you’re not ‘high energy’, you may find a deep well of passion driving you in life—and you’ll never back down from a challenge. While your downsides are that you can be impatient, impetuous and perhaps a little childish when things don’t go your way, this is bound to be the case when you’re always ready for action.

Aries Dates: March 21 to April 19
Key Traits: Courageous, determined, confident
Element: Fire
Modality: Cardinal

2. Taurus

Taureans are defined by their love of comfort and security. A fixed earth sign, there is nothing getting by a Taurus. On a bad day you’re possessive and materialistic, but most days, you just want to indulge in whatever makes you feel good and comfy.

Taurus Dates: April 20 to May 20
Key Traits: Reliable, grounded, stubborn
Element: Earth
Modality: Fixed

3. Gemini

Symbolised by twins, Geminis are comfortable with dualities and the changing nature of things. You’re curious and crave new ideas, and are usually skilled in intellectual games.

Gemini Dates: May 21 to June 20
Key Traits: Adaptable, outgoing, intelligent
Element: Air
Modality: Mutable

4. Cancer

Cancerians are known for their hard shell, but squishy interior. While you are a tough nut to crack, most Crabs possess great intuitive skills and the capacity for superior emotional intelligence.

Cancer Dates: June 21 to July 22
Key Traits: Nurturing, sensitive, compassionate
Element: Water
Modality: Cardinal

5. Leo

Hello, sunshine. Leos love attention. We could just leave it there, but in truth Leo’s are big hearted, friendly, and fierce around those they love. Just be cautious about dwelling on the drama, Leos!

Leo Dates: July 23 to August 22
Key Traits: Charismatic, creative, generous
Element: Fire
Modality: Fixed

6. Virgo

The perfectionist of the zodiac, Virgos seek order and efficiency. However, as a mutable sign, Virgos seek to accommodate and are able to bring an entire group into order. They are the ones to tap when you need someone to organise the girls’ trip. Just try not to stress them out.

Virgo Dates: August 23 to September 22
Key Traits: Analytical, organised, practical
Element: Earth
Modality: Mutable

7. Libra

Librans are symbolised by the scales of justice, and can be seen working any room to get the most beneficial outcomes for all. However, sometimes, their need to evaluate the situation can border on detached if their compassion isn’t tapped. They may also struggle to make a decision, wanting to have all options at once.

Libra Dates: September 23 to October 22
Key Traits: Diplomatic, charming, fair-minded
Element: Air
Modality: Cardinal

8. Scorpio

A fixed water sign, Scorpios are known for their intensity. They are passionate and aren’t afraid to be vulnerable. With that in mind, you may find them all-too-willing to take a risk.

Scorpio Dates: October 23 to November 21
Key Traits: Passionate, resourceful, determined
Element: Water
Modality: Fixed

9. Sagittarius

Sagittarius finds its own way in life, bending and adapting to any new experience that comes their way. Their fiery nature propels them towards the new. Natural rule-breakers, you may struggle to keep a Sagittarius in line.

Sagittarius Dates: November 22 to December 21
Key Traits: Adventurous, optimistic, independent
Element: Fire
Modality: Mutable

10. Capricorn

Did you know Capricorns have the most Olympic gold medals out of all the signs? This is because when a Capricorn sets their mind to something, it’s almost impossible to slow them down.

Capricorn Dates: December 22 – January 19
Key Traits: Disciplined, ambitious, responsible
Element: Earth
Modality: Cardinal

11. Aquarius

Aquarians love a cause. While their independent nature may border on aloof, this air sign is a forward thinker and usually a unique character.

Aquarius Dates: January 20 to February 18
Key Traits: Innovative, humanitarian, independent
Element: Air
Modality: Fixed

12. Pisces

Empathy and creativity come easily to Pisces, who are well connected to their emotions and imaginations. Just don’t get too lost in your feelings.

Pisces Dates: February 19 to March 20
Key Traits: Empathetic, artistic, intuitive
Element: Water
Modality: Mutable

What Are Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable? The Astrology Modalities, Explained

You my hear the words cardinal, fixed and mutable thrown around when it comes to your zodiac, but what the heck does that mean? Here’s a shorthand:

Cardinal

Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
The first sign of any element, Cardinal signs are leaders, able to generate their own energy and gusto. Thy are the ones who can see the vision ahead and get things done.

Fixed

Fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
Fixed signs are, as the name suggests, immovable. They are not likely to be influenced by energies or people around them, and are probably best described as being set in their ways. They are strong in their opinions, habits and plans, and have a lot of loyalty and staying power.

Mutable

Mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
Unlike Fixed signs, Mutable signs are able to go with the flow and are comfortable with change.

What Are Fire, Earth, Water and Air? The Astrology Elements, Explained

The elements group together the signs of our zodiac, and provide a shorthand to understanding certain aspects of each sign. Here’s what we know about each element.

• Fire: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are linked by their go-getter attitudes that always propel them forward on new missions and adventures. They generate their own energy and are guided by this.
• Earth: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are all known for their pragmatism and their sturdy reliability. Like the ground beneath us, they will not move, nor will they let us fall.
• Air: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius share a knack for the conceptual and philosophical. They are keen to explore their intellect and ideas above all else.
• Water: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are known for their sensitivity and for being guided by their emotions.

Keen to explore more? It’s time to read:
What Exactly Is Your ‘Rising Sign’?
Understanding Your Moon Sign And Your Emotional Life
What Are The 12 Astrology Houses?