Zodiac Signs
Zodiac Signs: Everything You Need To Know
Zodiac signs are a popular staple of spirituality, especially in astrology. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about zodiac signs and what they mean, including the best crystals for your zodiac sign.
What are zodiac signs?
Zodiac signs are a part of astrology. Astrology is an ancient belief system that relates to the positions and movements of celestial bodies like stars and planets and their influence on our planet, including nature, world events, and human traits and behaviors – which are namely determined by the twelve zodiac signs.
There are a few different types of astrology from around the world, from the sidereal zodiac to the Chinese zodiac with the twelve animal signs, but we’re going to be focusing on Western astrology.
In Western astrology, these signs are derived from the constellations and are listed in a horoscope that are marked by certain dates and are closely tied to how the Earth moves through the sky in relation to the stars. They’re also represented by different symbols and tied to the spiritual element that best matches their overall energy. However, the twelve signs are only part of the story.
In reality, everybody has a birth chart, which is a more detailed breakdown of the placement of every celestial body in relation to where we were on the Earth at the exact date and time that we were born.
They are very unique and individual and paint a much more comprehensive picture of our personalities, whereas our zodiac signs act as an overview of our general traits and characteristics, but this can still be very useful.
History of zodiac signs
One of the most fascinating things about astrology is that nobody is quite sure of where it came from. It is often mistaken for being a modern belief, but it is so old that it pre-dates religion. There are a few variations of astrology and zodiac signs, ranging from Chinese to Egyptian, but it is most commonly believed to have been invented by the Ancient Babylonians.
It is believed that Babylonian astronomers divided the sky into twelve equal signs in the 5th century BC, creating twelve months of thirty days. Each sign contained thirty degrees of celestial longitude; giving us the first celestial coordinate system.
The earliest known Greek text that uses this division is the Anaphoricus of Hypsicles of Alexandria. In the development of Western zodiac signs, this work and the work of another astronomer called Ptolemy, the Tetrabiblos, set out the planets, houses, and signs of the zodiac and their functions which we still use in Western zodiac signs and birth charts today.
Why pay attention to zodiac signs?
As mentioned above, we can use our zodiac signs and birth charts to deeper understand ourselves. It can help us to play to our strengths, make better sense of our past mistakes and less desirable behaviors, and allow us to make better-informed decisions about our futures, as well as evaluate our compatibility with the other people in our lives.
We can also use our zodiac signs to better heal ourselves and evolve our spirituality. Certain spiritual tools, such as elements, herbs, and crystals resonate better with different signs, so we can use these to boost our vibrations and amplify our energies when meditating, manifesting, and healing.
What are the zodiac signs?
As mentioned above, the twelve different zodiac signs are divided by dates and represented by different symbols and spiritual elements. The spiritual elements are Earth, air, fire, and water. Earth is the element of grounding and stability, air is the element of communication and life-force energy, fire is the element of warmth and passion, and water is the element of sensitivity and intuition.
Let’s take a closer look at the twelve signs of the zodiac and their dates, symbols, elements, and characteristics.
Aquarius
Date: January 20 – February 18
Symbol: Water bearer
Element: Air
Characteristics: Aquarius is known for being progressive, independent, intelligent, and idealistic. These people like their own space and have their own ideas, and their unique way of thinking is what truly sets them apart from the pack.
Pisces
Date: February 19 – March 20
Symbol: Fish
Element: Water
Characteristics: Known for being one of the most emotional signs in the zodiac, Pisces is incredibly sensitive but rarely oversensitive or dramatic. They are very gracious, empathetic, and romantic, but can get attached or heartbroken too easily.
Aries
Date: March 21 – April 19
Symbol: Ram
Element: Fire
Characteristics: Aries is associated with masculine energy, as they are assertive, brave, ambitious, and independent. They know what they want in life and aren’t afraid to go for it, but they can be a little scary if you get in their way!
Taurus
Date: April 20 – May 20
Symbol: Bull
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Taurus is sensible, intelligent, dependable, and hardworking, as well as dedicated to their cause. These are some of the most caring, down-to-earth, and genuine people you can meet, but their dedication can make them stubborn if things don’t work out in their favor.
Gemini
Date: May 21 – June 20
Symbol: Twins
Element: Air
Characteristics: Geminis are known for their double-sided nature. At best, this can mean they have a dual nature; for example, strong but gentle or creative but sensible, and at worst they can be two-faced. They are also flexible, clever, extroverted, humorous, and playful.
Cancer
Date: June 21 – July 22
Symbol: Crab
Element: Water
Characteristics: Like all water signs, Cancers are sensitive, nurturing, and compassionate, but they are also playful, silly, and fun to be around. These people make the best friends and parents that you can ever hope to have.
Leo
Date: July 23 – August 22
Symbol: Lion
Element: Fire
Characteristics: Leos are famously proud, attention-seeking, and dramatic. They love the limelight and they know how to make it work in their favor. Like all fire signs, they’re also very ambitious and tend to have big life plans, and they’re loyal to those that they care about.
Virgo
Date: August 23 – September 22
Symbol: The Maid
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Virgos are kind, humble, and hard-working people, but modest about their successes. They’re also very practical and methodical and like to plan out their every move, but they can get stressed when faced with a spontaneous decision or surprise!
Libra
Date: September 23 – October 22
Symbol: Scales
Element: Air
Characteristics: Libras are famously relaxed and have an easygoing attitude toward life. Despite their chilled-out nature, they tend to be quite extroverted, and somehow manage to be friendly and cozy at the same time. Like all air signs, they are great fun to be around but also double up as a great shoulder to cry on.
Scorpio
Date: October 23 – November 21
Symbol: Scorpion
Element: Water
Characteristics: Scorpios can be introverted and extroverted in equal measure. They are very emotionally sensitive, creative, and deep-thinkers. They’re also incredibly intuitive and spiritual and are known for being bold, attractive, sensual, dark, and mysterious. However, they can also become obsessive, vengeful, and get hooked on the occult.
Sagittarius
Date: November 22 – December 21
Symbol: Archer
Element: Fire
Characteristics: Sagittarius is bright, breezy, fun, and adventurous. They’re naturally bold people and think little of taking risks. These signs can be the absolute life of the party but also like to be alone and can hide their emotions.
Capricorn
Date: December 22 – January 19
Symbol: Sea-goat
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Capricorns are ambitious, hard-working, and organized. Like all Earth signs, they are practical and goal-oriented people that get set in their ways and tend to think they know best.
Best birthstones for zodiac signs
As mentioned above, certain crystals resonate more with certain astrological signs, and you can use them to keep you on the right path in life and bring you good health, good luck, good energy, love, success, and protection from bad vibes. Let’s quickly take a look at the best crystals for each sign.
Aquarius – Amethyst
Amethyst is a spiritual superpower that resonates with the third eye chakra to enhance spiritual intuition and put you in touch with your psychic gifts. It’s also a master-healer and supports personal growth, physical and emotional healing, deeper meditation, manifestation, and spell-casting.
Pisces – Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a beautiful water-like stone of courage that helps sensitive people like Pisces to speak their minds and live their truth. The name of the stone translates to water of the sea in Latin and it was used to give courage and protection to men at sea.
It connects with the throat chakra which governs truth, self-expression, and communication, and it provides emotional and spiritual balance, as well as peace and youthful energy.
Aries – Diamond
The diamond is the hardest and most expensive stone in the world. So, naturally, it brings out strength, fortitude, and courage – the perfect match for Aries. It is also a purifying stone and can be used to attract opulence and drive away negativity. It also resonates with the crown chakra which connects us with the divine.
Taurus – Emerald
The Emerald is a symbol of rebirth and good fortune. It connects with the heart chakra which governs love of ourselves and others and it can be used to manifest a more youthful, attractive appearance, as well as good health, creative energy, and abundance.
Gemini – Agate
Agates are excellent stones for the Gemini because they help to bring balance and stability to their intrinsic duality, absorb any negativity and transform it into good energy. There are many types of Agate – but they all carry these properties.
Cancer – Ruby
Rubies resonate with both the root and heart chakras. It is also a protective stone and it is often used to bring love, spiritual wisdom, and shield against psychic attacks. In addition, it’s a great booster of overall energy and concentration of the mind, as well as creativity and loyalty.
Leo – Peridot
Known as the stone of compassion, dreamy green Peridot is believed to bring good health, restful sleep, and peace to relationships and mental health. It inspires eloquence and creativity and attracts good, friendly vibes.
Virgo – Sapphire
Sapphire is associated with royalty and the throat chakra, and it is believed to be good for attracting abundance and miracles. It can also be used to protect against negative energies and calm the mind, as well as improve your intuition.
Libra – Opal
Opal amplifies energy, restores hope, and purifies energy. It resonates with all seven of the chakras and can also be used for cleansing and aligning the energy system as well as beginning a spiritual awakening or deepening your spirituality.
Scorpio – Topaz
Topaz is an ancient stone that was believed to be blessed by the sun god due to its glowing yellow color. It is believed to bring strength, protection, good luck, and reconciliation in daily life. It’s also been used to break evil spells and predict the future and is associated with the solar plexus and sacral chakras, which govern purpose, joy, confidence, sexuality, and creativity.
Sagittarius – Turquoise
Turquoise is a beautiful blue throat chakra stone and brings peace and tranquil energy, as well as good fortune, good luck, and monetary success. It’s very compatible with sagitarius energy and is also commonly used as a love charm.
Capricorn – Garnet
Garnet is a beautiful red stone that resonates with the root chakra; the first chakra in the body that connects us with nature and secures us in the physical world, taking care of all of our basic needs; including our health, appearance, and finances. It’s also associated with blood, life-force energy, passion, and commitment.
Final thoughts
Zodiac signs are often overlooked as being part of something vague and fluffy in new-age spirituality, but in actuality, it is part of an incredibly complex, detailed, and accurate belief system which pre-dates religion.
If you’re interested in learning more about your zodiac sign, we encourage you to look into getting a birth chart made and analyzed for a more comprehensive picture of who you are! You will not be disappointed!