What’s your sign? According to astrologists, it’s something you really ought to know.
That’s because your Zodiac sign says a lot about your personality, temperament, and how you communicate in the world. What’s more, you can choose specific crystals to balance anything needing adjustment to create a better life for yourself and those on the planet.
In a roundabout way, our Zodiac sign tells us a lot about ourselves.
What Exactly Is the Zodiac?
Webster defines it as...
"An imaginary band in the heavens centered on the ecliptic that encompasses the apparent paths of all the planets and is divided into 12 constellations or signs each taken for astrological purposes to extend 30 degrees of longitude," and B: "A figure representing the signs of the zodiac and their symbols."
While the zodiac has been around since Babylonian times, it continues to fascinate the western world. But when most modern folks think of the zodiac, they think in terms of constellations, their symbols, and signs.
The Sign, the Four Elements & the Three Modalities Create the Zodiac Cycle
The word "zodiac" originated from the Ancient Greek phrase, "zōidiakòs kýklos," which meant, "cycle (or circle) of little animals." This "cycle" of zodiac symbols is made up of the actual sign, the four elements, and the three modalities, all of which combine to play a role in your personality.
The Signs
The western zodiac is divided into 12 signs, each representing about a month. Western astrologists based the first sign on the Northern hemisphere's vernal equinox (spring), which happens around March 21st every year.
From there, the zodiac signs’ dates were set based on the dates of the sun's passage through the respective constellations during Ancient Greek times.
The Four Elements
Back in the fifth century BC., a Greek philosopher named Empedocles said the universe was composed of two opposite forces—love and strife—that held power over the four elements – air, earth, fire, and water. In different combinations, these elements explained the natural world, and ultimately influenced our personalities.
The Three Modalities
Each sign is assigned a modality, which is how a sign expresses itself. The three modalities include:
- The cardinal modality represents the beginning season and initiation. All cardinal signs either mark the start of a new season or a solstice.
- The fixed modality represents the middle season and sustaining. Fixed signs all begin in the middle of a season.
- The mutable modality represents the end season and change. Mutable signs start during the change between seasons.
The 12 Zodiac Signs
The 12 zodiac signs in the zodiac include Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Greek manuscripts dating back to the Middle Ages show that each sign holds its symbol based on the zodiac constellations and their characteristics. constellations, and their attributes.
Let’s have a look at how all this plays out in the signs...
Personality Traits of the Zodiac Signs & How to Thrive Using Crystals
It’s pretty amazing how closely our personalities align with our zodiac signs. Each sign radiates beautiful qualities, as well as ones we can work on. Our birthstones can help us along the way, as can other powerful gemstones we can use to help us with some shifts we might need to make. Using crystals can help us thrive.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Represented by the constellation, the ram, Aries is the first of the twelve zodiac signs. Folks born under this sign are known to be dynamic, ambitious, and competitive. While Aries are known for their leadership qualities, they do have a tendency to be blunt.
Aries should focus on stepping out of their comfort zone. Tiger’s Eye will help.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Represented by the constellation, Taurus, this is the second of the twelve zodiac signs. Taurus the bull is known to be dedicated, reliable, focused, and creative. Taurus folks are known for being intelligent and trustworthy – as well as stubborn.
Those under this sign should work on communicating what they want more clearly. Lapis Lazuli can help.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The third of the twelve zodiac signs, Gemini aligns with the constellation Gemini and is made up of twins. This sign is known to be energetic, smart, and playful. While Gemini is known also for having an outgoing nature, they also can earn a reputation for being two-faced.
Gemini needs to work on balancing their emotional needs. This sign worries about the feelings and needs of others but can neglect themselves in the process. Moonstone can help with this balancing act.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
That is the fourth of the twelve zodiac signs? It's Cancer. This sign is often depicted as the crab and is represented by the constellation Cancer. This sign is bold, compassionate, protective, and intuitive. While they are excellent caregivers, they can also become distant and passive-aggressive.
While Cancers are emotional, they sometimes spin out of control. Try Red Jasper to stay calm when life gets overwhelming.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Sixth in line is Leo, depicted by the lion. Everyone knows when a Leo is in the room because they’re outgoing and command a strong presence. But while Leos are known for their warm personalities, they can tend to be proud or jealous.
So Leo needs to work on self-empowerment. Tiger’s Eye is the stone that helps.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Virgo is the sixth of the twelve zodiac signs and is depicted by the constellation, the maiden. Virgo is practical, analytical, and sophisticated. Virgos are known for their kindness and attention to detail, but they can have a tendency to let perfectionism darken their energies.
Stubborn Virgos sometimes have trouble with change. Lepidolite can help them embrace it.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
The scales represent Libra, which is the seventh of the twelve zodiac signs. As the scales imply, those born under this sign are balanced and diplomatic. While Libras are selfless by nature, they can tend to be insecure.
Libras need to decide what’s best for them so they can lead more fulfilled lives. Choose Lapis Lazuli for clarity and focus on taking the next steps.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Eighth in the lineup of the twelve zodiac signs is Scorpio, represented by the constellation the scorpion. Loyal, resourceful, and focused, Scorpios are known for their courage, but they can appear irritable and closed off to others.
Scorpios need to work on their self-esteem. The Charoite stone helps them decrease insecurities and offers spiritual insights.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
The archer represents Sagittarius, the ninth of the 12 signs. These folks are optimistic, independent, and intellectual. While the Sagittarius is known for being attractive and generous, they can tend to be a bit arrogant and too direct.
Sagittarians should work on cultivating friendships. Hematite helps increase bonds with others.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Capricorn, the tenth of the twelve zodiac signs, is depicted by the constellation the goat. Those born under this sign are patient, hardworking, and disciplined. While Capricorns are known for their tenacity and preference for rules, they can tend to be stubborn and too focused on perfection.
Capricorns need to focus on abundance. Malachite is the key for them.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
The water bearer represents Aquarius, the eleventh sign of the zodiac. Aquarians are original and innovative. While they are loved for their creativity and rebellious nature, Aquarians can be aloof with loved ones.
Aquarians should work at learning new things. Labradorite will feed their curiosity.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces is the final of the twelve zodiac signs and is depicted by the constellation, the fishes. Pisces is intuitive, creative, and empathetic. While known for their compassion and artistic nature, Pisces can become overly sensitive.
Pisces need to reduce distractions so they can focus on their intuition. Rainbow Fluorite helps the Pisces.
The Wrap
We can use the zodiac to learn about others and ourselves when we take stock of how it influences the 12 zodiac signs. Each sign features beautiful qualities as well as a few things on our shadow side.
Knowing your sign can help you navigate your life and access tools to balance your personality. You can learn a lot about other people by learning about their signs, too. Thankfully, we have powerful tools such as gemstones to help us. Start Your Journey Here: Shop Our Zodiac Collection
