What Are Zodiac Signs?

Zodiac signs are sections of the sky. From the earth's point of view, the Sun, Moon, and planets lie in a circle known in astronomy as the ecliptic plane. The 360 degrees of the circle of this plane are divided into 12 equal sections of 30 degrees. Each 30 degree section is a zodiac sign.

There are 2 different systems of zodiac signs: the tropical signs and the sidereal signs. Sidereal zodiac signs are roughly equivalent to the constellations in the sky, except that the constellations of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc. vary greatly in size and are not 30 degrees in length, while the zodiac signs are precisely 30 degrees in length each.

Sidereal astrology is very rarely used in western astrology (that is, astrology as practiced in North and South America and Europe). Tropical astrology is much more common. Tropical zodiac signs are based on the position of the equinoxes and solstices, which are imaginary points on the ecliptic plane where the Sun is located when each of the 4 major seasons begin.

The zodiac signs are:

Aries	Taurus	Gemini
Cancer	Leo	Virgo
Libra	Scorpio	Sagittarius
Capricorn	Aquarius	Pisces

What are the qualities?

In astrology, the signs can be categorized based on seasons. There are three qualities, and each quality is associated with a different character trait.

What are the energies?

In astrology, the signs can be categorized based on polarity. There are two energies, and each energy is associated with a different character trait.

What are the elements?

In astrology, the signs can be categorized based on temperament. There are four elements, and each element is associated with a different character trait.