Are you aware of what the zodiac actually entails? You may have encountered various details about it, but were you aware that astrology was once recognized as a legitimate science before the dawn of the scientific revolution? Until it was superseded by astronomy, individuals would explore the sky for meaning. These individuals, known as astrologers, held the belief that they could gather knowledge about human matters and earthly events through the stars. The zodiac was a fundamental concept within astrology. There existed several zodiacs (Chinese, Indian, Western, etc), but today our focus will be on the Western zodiac as it is the most recognized among those who communicate in English. Here are 25 Remarkable Facts About Zodiac Signs that Everyone Should Understand.
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Although the history and development of astrology is rather complex, the main thing to know is that the zodiac (western astrology) came to us from ancient Babylon via the Greeks and the Romans. It consists of 12 signs and each sign corresponds to the various positions of the sun throughout the year.
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The first sign is Aries. Its symbol is a ram and its duration is between March 20 and April 19. It is a sign of bravery and leadership but also headstrong independence.
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Individuals born between these dates are called Arians or Ariens. They are seen to be strongly autonomous and uncomfortable with inaction. Sometimes they are compared to a child who is frank, enthusiastic, and fierce.
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The second sign is Taurus. Its symbol is the bull and its duration is between April 19 and May 20. The symbol of the bull is based on the Cretan bull of Greek legend. This was the white bull that fathered the Minotaur (that was eventually killed by Theseus)
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People born between these dates are called Taureans. They are seen to have a strong-willed character with great perseverance and determination.
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The third sign is Gemini. Its symbol is the twins (Castor and Pollux) and its duration is between May 20 and June 21. The Twins are based on a Greek legend known as the Dioscuri. These were two mortals who were granted shared godhood after death.
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People who are born during this sign are called Geminis. They are believed to have a multifaceted personality (because of the Twins). On one hand they have a very volatile temperament but on the other hand they are very responsible and disciplined.
Source: astrology.com 18
Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac. Its symbol is the crab (sometimes depicted as a lobster) and its duration is from June 21 to July 22. The symbol of the crab is based on Karkinos, a giant crab that harassed Heracles during his fight with the Hydra.
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People born during this sign are known as Cancerians. They are said to be people of sensation and feeling, judging the world through intuition rather than logic. Typically very spiritual, they are characterized by emotional tension and heightened ambition.
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The fifth sign is Leo. As you may have guessed, its symbol is the lion and its duration is July 22 to August 22. This sign's symbol is based on the Nemean lion, which had impenetrable skin.
Source: astrology.com 15
People with this sign are known as Leos. They are seen as having high self esteem yet being very devoted and kind. In spite of being a bit hot headed, they are also said to be forgiving.
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The sixth sign is Virgo. Its symbol is the maiden and its duration is from August 22 to September 22. The symbol of the maiden is based on Astraea. In Greek mythology she was the last immortal to leave Earth at the end of the Silver Age when all of the gods fled to Olympus.
Source: astrology.com 13
People born with this sign are called Virgos or Virgoans. They are seen as being kind, hardworking, analytical, and practical. On the flip side they are also shy and tend to worry often.
Source: astrology.com 12
The seventh sign is Libra. Its symbol is the scales and its duration is from September 22 to October 23. The symbol is based on the Scales of Justice held by Themis, the Greek personification of divine law.
Source: astrology.com 11
People born during this sign are called Libras. They are thought to be ruled by balance and harmony. They have a very diplomatic nature and tend to get along well with everyone.
Source: astrology.com 10
The eighth sign is Scorpio. Its symbol is the scorpion and its duration is from October 23 to November 22. The symbol is based on Scorpius, a giant scorpion sent by Gaia to kill Orion.
Source: astrology.com 9
People with this sign are called scorpios and they are seen to be ruled by their desires. Their strength, however, is their resourcefulness. They can be very intense and are known to question everything.
Source: astrology.com 8
The ninth sign is Sagittarius. Its symbol is the archer and its duration is from November 22 to December 21. The symbol is based upon the Chiron, a centaur who mentored Achilles in archery.
Source: astrology.com 7
People with this sign are known as Sagittarians. They are said to have a positive outlook on life and incredibly vibrant personalities. On the flip side they can also be reckless.
Source: astrology.com 6
The tenth sign is Capricorn. Its symbol is the fish-goat hybrid and its duration is from December 21 to January 20. The symbol is based on the Sumerian god of wisdom and water, Enki. It has the upper body of a goat and the lower body of a fish.
Source: astrology.com 5
People born during this sign are known as Capricorns. The goat side of their personality is said to reflect ambition, intelligence, and steadiness. The fish side of their personality is said to reflect passion, spirituality, and intuition.
Source: astrology.com 4
The eleventh sign is Aquarius. Its symbol is the water bearer and its duration is from January 19 to February 18. The symbol is based on Ganymede, the cupbearer to the gods.
Source: astrology.com 3
People with this sign are called Aquarians. They are said to not care what others think of them. They seize every opportunity and are quite creative.
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The twelfth and final sign is Pisces. Its symbol is the fish and its duration is from February 18 to March 20. The symbol is based on the ichthyocentaurs, who were basically underwater centaurs.
Source: astrology.com 1
People with this sign are known as Pisceans. They are said to be very sensitive and reserved, often making good listeners and friends.
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