Astronomical Signs

The Complete History of Astronomical Zodiac Signs

As per astronomy, the "zodiac" is a band in the sky that stretches about 8 degrees in each direction on the elliptic, or on the journey of the sun through Earth's sky during the course of a year. Each sign corresponds to a constellation and takes up around 30 degrees of latitude in the sky. In the zodiac, the sun, moon, constellations, and other planets are all visible. When most people think of a zodiac, they think of the constellations or the symbols that represent them.

The zodiac has been around since Babylonian times.

There are 12 signs in the zodiac belt. Each of the zodiac sign emblems represents around a month's worth of time. However, unlike our calendar months, time is calculated differently for zodiac signs.

This is because Western astrologists base the first sign on the vernal equinox (spring) in the Northern Hemisphere, which occurs on March 21st every year. The dates of the zodiac signs were then calculated using the dates of the sun's transit through the various constellations during Ancient Greece.

According to astrologists, a person’s personality largely depends on these three:

• The Sign
• Four Elements
• Three Modalities

Your sign, its element, and its modality are thought to have an influence on your personality.

Each of the 12 zodiac signs is associated with one of the four elements: Air, Fire, Water, or Earth. These components indicate a form of energy that is present in all of us. Astrology seeks to assist us in focusing these energies on the positive elements of our lives, as well as gaining a greater understanding of our potential and positive characteristics, as well as dealing with bad features.

These four components aid in describing the distinct personality types linked with astrological signs. The four zodiac elements have a significant impact on basic personality traits, emotions, behaviour, and thought.

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The 12 Zodiac Signs and Elements

The International Astronomical Union classified the sky into 88 constellations with distinct boundaries, assigning each star to one of them.

The Sun moves slowly in the Celestial Sphere as seen from Earth, passing through constellations and creating a large circle for a year. The Ecliptic is the name given to this circle. The Ecliptic is divided into twelve equal parts, each of which is 30 degrees long. Each section was given the name of the nearest constellation. These twelve sections were dubbed Ecliptic Constellations, and western horoscope beliefs were based on them.

Astrologers divide a year into 12 periods, with the sun passing through each constellation area. As a result, everyone gets a zodiac sign that corresponds to the time period in which his or her birthday falls.

The names of 12 astronomical zodiac signs with their dates are:-

• Aries (March 21 – April 19)
• Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
• Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
• Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
• Leo (July 23 – August 22)
• Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
• Libra (September 23 – October 22)
• Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
• Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
• Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
• Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
• Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

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The Four Elements of The Astronomical Signs

Water Signs

Water signs are highly emotional and highly sensitive. They have a strong intuition and can be as mysterious as the ocean. Water signs enjoy deep discussions and closeness. They are rarely honest about their actions and are always available for their loved ones. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are the Water Signs.

Fire Signs

Passionate, dynamic, and temperamental are the characteristics of fire signs. They are fast to become enraged, but they are also quick to forgive. They are intrepid explorers with boundless vitality. They are physically powerful and serve as an inspiration to others. People born under the fire sign are intellectual, self-aware, creative, and idealistic, and they are constantly ready to act. Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are the Fire Signs.

Earth Signs

Earth signs are grounded and deeply rooted people. They tend to be conservative and pragmatic, yet they can also be emotional. They are linked to our physical existence and can be converted into tangible products. They are sensible, loyal, and stable, and they support their loved ones through difficult times. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are the Earth Signs.

Air Signs

Air signs are sensible, social, and enjoy communication and interpersonal relationships. They are analytical thinkers who are sociable, intellectual, communicative, and thinkers. They enjoy philosophical debates, social events, and reading good novels. They enjoy giving advice, yet they can be shallow in their approach. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are the Air Signs.

It is to be noted that Air is highly compatible with Fire, while Water is highly compatible with Earth. Signs with the same element are naturally compatible since they understand each other well. Opposing signs are expected to have the strongest attraction, and their potential is always enormous.

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Three Modalities of Astronomical Zodiac Signs

Each sign has an associated modality in addition to the four elements. A sign's core functioning mode, or how it communicates itself, is called modality. In what is known as a "quadruplicity," each sign is associated with a modality, with four zodiac signs each allocated to each modality. While signs in the same group have essential features, each has its own personality.

The three modalities are: cardinal, fixed and mutable.

Cardinal Signs: The cardinal season and initiation are represented by the cardinal modality. The beginning of a new season or the solstice is marked by all cardinal signs. Aries, Cancer, Capricorn, and Libra are the cardinal signs. Traditional, leaders, and rational people are thought to be born under this paradigm. They can, on the other side, be aggressive and unduly cautious.

Fixed Signs: The middle season and sustaining are represented by the fixed mode. All fixed signage starts in the middle of the season. Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio, and Taurus are the fixed signs. People who are born under this modality are thought to be steady, dependable, and persistent. On the other hand, they might be obstinate and resistant to change.

Mutable Signs: The mutable modality indicates the completion of a season and the beginning of a new one. During the transition between seasons, mutable signs appear. Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are the changeable signs. This modality is associated with adaptability, flexibility, and versatility. They can, on the other hand, be restless and unpredictable.

Now you possess an understanding of your personality based on your sign, element and modalities. To read in detail about the traits of each zodiac sign, click here.

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