The Signs of the Tropical Zodiac are based on the cycle of the seasons. It always begins with Aries on the Spring Equinox, in the northern hemisphere, with three Signs per season. Each Sign expresses different characteristics of its season.
The Tropical Zodiac is more commonly used in astrology today, particularly in the Western world. The Sidereal Zodiac is an alternative that aligns the Signs with the constellations after which they are named. However, as the Earth rotates on its axis over time, the constellations shift and no longer align with the original 12 Signs. The constellations also differ in size, rather than being 12 equal divisions, while portions of other constellations stretch into the band of the zodiac (which is why we sometimes see stories about a 13th Sign - or more).
The Tropical Zodiac makes more sense because it's based on the seasons, which have both a direct and subtle influence on our lives (perhaps more so in the past, when we relied on the weather and seasons for growing our own food). Although most of us no longer need to rely on the seasonal cycle to survive, it still plays a significant role in our day-to-day lives, our moods and activities. This is why we tend to relate more to the Tropical (or seasonal) Zodiac Signs.
In the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed but the Tropical Signs keep the same dates and express the qualities of their opposing season. For instance, Aries becomes the first Sign of autumn and Libra is the first Sign of Spring.
Below are the seasonal traits for each Sign of the Tropical Zodiac in the northern hemisphere.
ARIES
(March 21 - April 19)
FIRST SPRING SIGN.
Seasonal Traits: Energetic, pioneering, and enthusiastic. Aries represents the start of the zodiac year and the rebirth of nature, symbolizing new beginnings and a fresh start.
TAURUS
(April 20 - May 20)
SECOND SPRING SIGN.
Seasonal Traits: Patient, reliable, and practical. Taurus embodies the stabilization and growth of spring, with a focus on security and enjoying the finer things in life.
GEMINI
(May 21 - June 20)
THIRD SPRING SIGN.
Seasonal Traits: Adaptable, curious, and communicative. Gemini marks the transition from spring to summer, representing changeability and a thirst for knowledge.
CANCER
(June 21 - July 22)
FIRST SUMMER SIGN.
Seasonal Traits: Nurturing, sensitive, and protective. Cancer aligns with the height of summer, a time for emotional connection, family gatherings, and home life.
LEO
(July 23 - August 22)
SECOND SUMMER SIGN.
Seasonal Traits: Confident, generous, and dramatic. Leo is synonymous with the peak of summer's warmth and light, embodying creativity, leadership, and self-expression.
VIRGO
(August 23 - September 22)
THIRD SUMMER SIGN.
Seasonal Traits: Analytical, practical, and diligent. Virgo signifies the end of summer and the preparation for harvest, focusing on attention to detail and service.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
FIRST AUTUMN SIGN.
Seasonal Traits: Balanced, diplomatic, and sociable. Libra represents the balance of day and night during the autumn equinox, emphasizing harmony and partnership.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
SECOND AUTUMN SIGN.
Seasonal Traits: Intense, passionate, and resourceful. Scorpio is associated with the deep transformation and introspection of late autumn, focusing on mystery and resilience.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
THIRD AUTUMN SIGN.
Seasonal Traits:
Adventurous, optimistic, and philosophical. Sagittarius marks the transition from autumn to winter, symbolizing exploration and the pursuit of knowledge and freedom.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
FIRST WINTER SIGN.
Seasonal Traits:
Disciplined, ambitious, and practical. Capricorn aligns with the cold, industrious nature of winter, emphasizing hard work, responsibility, and long-term goals.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
SECOND WINTER SIGN.
Seasonal Traits: Innovative, independent, and humanitarian. Aquarius represents the latter part of winter, often associated with forward-thinking, originality, social causes and collective progress.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
THIRD WINTER SIGN.
Seasonal Traits:
Compassionate, imaginative, and intuitive. Pisces symbolizes the end of winter and the transition into spring, embodying the themes of dreams, spirituality, and emotional depth, the subconscious and the arts.
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