Zodiac which is the Greek word for“circle of animals,” is a celestial sphere in the sky within which the paths of the Sun, Moon and the planets are found.   Simply put – the zodiac is a band of stars that encircle the earth. The size of the zodiac circle is 360 degrees.  Through that circle runs a line that is called the “ecliptic.” 

In astrology, the zodiac is divided into 12 zodiacal constellations (or, often referred to as the 12 signs of the zodiac).  Each is named after a constellation through which the ecliptic passes in that region of the sky.  The constellations (i.e. Astrological signs) begin with ARIES, followed in calendrical order by TAURUS, GEMINI, CANCER, LEO, VIRGO, LIBRA, SCORPIO, SAGITTARIUS, CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS, and ending with PISCES.  Each sign of the zodiac has certain characteristics which are based on the sign and the planet that rules that sign.

SIGNS of the ZODIAC

Aries  - first zodiacal sign
March 21 - April 20

Taurus  - second zodiacal sign
April 21 - May 21

Gemini  - third zodiacal sign
May 22 - June 21

Cancer  - fourth zodiacal sign
June 22 - July 22

Leo  - fifth zodiacal sign
July 23 - August 23

Virgo  - sixth zodiacal sign
August 24 - September 22

Libra  - seventh zodiacal sign
September 23 - October 22

Scorpio  - eighth zodiacal sign
October 23 - November 21

Sagittarius  - ninth zodiacal sign
November 22 - December 21

Capricorn  - tenth zodiacal sign
December 22 - January 20

Aquarius  - eleventh zodiacal sign
January 21 - February 19

Pisces  - twelfth zodiacal sign
February 20 - March 20