What Are the 12 Zodiac Sign Dates?
From the moment you heard about astrology, you probably asked yourself the most basic question, “What is my zodiac sign?” You were probably told there were 12 zodiac signs—but are you familiar with the zodiac sign dates? While this one zodiac sign works as your main archetype and has a lot to do with your personality traits, we dare say it barely scratches the surface of your personality.
Your astrological sign—also known as your sun sign or zodiac sign—refers to the sign the sun was in at the moment you were born. As the star of our solar system, the sun spends approximately four weeks in each of the 12 zodiac signs, which is what the zodiac signs and dates are based on: the movement of the sun through the sky.
Therefore, when trying to figure out your sign, your birthday can easily guide you to it, unless you were born on the day the sun switched signs. This would mean you were born “on the cusp.” But contrary to popular belief, your sense of self doesn’t respond to two zodiac signs! Since the sun can only occupy one zodiac sign at a time, this means that your sun sign is defined by the minute you were born. Below, are a list of the zodiac cusp dates in case you’re curious.
When it comes to the parts of your personality that are conscious and on display, your sun or zodiac sign relates to your sense of self, your confidence, and your identity. If you don’t know what your astrological sign is, you can find it in our free birth chart calculator.
As you will soon see, your sun sign is only the beginning of a rich and complex journey that involves the rest of the planets, as well as the other 11 zodiac signs. That’s right: Your chart contains the entire zodiac wheel!
When talking about the zodiac wheel and the zodiac signs, it’s important to notice that there isn’t such a thing as a thirteenth sign! Sure, some astrologers consider the constellation Ophiuchus a 13 zodiac sign, but Western astrology is no longer based on constellations (like Vedic or sidereal astrology is).
While the ancient art of Western astrology began as a study of the constellations as archetypes, when astrologers realized that Earth was moving, this morphed into an Earth-centric practice centered on the points that mark our four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Indeed, it’s in this seasonal emphasis where astrology finds its laser-focused, spot-on predictions.
Let’s now unpack the energy of the 12 zodiac sign dates and various seasons. Regardless of your zodiac sign, you’ll be able to perceive how the energy of each season applies to you and everyone else around you!
What Are the Zodiac Sign Dates?
Aries Dates: March 21-April 19
Taurus Dates: April 20-May 20
Gemini Dates: May 21-June 20
Cancer Dates: June 21-July 22
Leo Dates: July 23-August 22
Virgo Dates: August 23-September 22
Libra Dates: September 23-October 22
Scorpio Dates: October 23-November 21
Sagittarius Dates: November 22-December 21
Capricorn Dates: December 21-January 20
Aquarius Dates: January 21-February 18
Pisces Dates: February 19-March 20
Aries Zodiac Sign Dates: March 21–April 19
Every year, the sun enters Aries on the same day as the Spring Equinox. This is the starting point of the zodiac and the astrological year. Ruled by fiery and intense Mars, Aries season is full of light and energy. It’s one of the two times each year when the sun shines directly on the equator.
Marked by the newborn Ram archetype, Aries season is all about embracing new beginnings and feeling alive as we channel our inner warrior and fearlessly reach for our goals. Impulsivity and aggressiveness are the negative expressions of Aries season, which can be channeled through active sports and healthy competition.
Taurus Zodiac Sign Dates: April 20–May 20
After a month of so much excitement, the sun moves into Taurus and suddenly the vibe mellows out and our natural rhythm slows a few notches. As the days warm, we now take the time to stop and smell the roses and see the flowers bloom. We are now under the spell of pleasure goddess Venus, when touch, smell, taste, sound, and sight deepen and reach their highest expression.
Our five senses are reawakened, reenergized, and refocused on our appreciation of nature, art, and all things beautiful. Being one of the most sensual signs, the nocturnal energy of Taurus loves rest and relaxation, which, of course, can sometimes make us a little lazy.
Gemini Zodiac Sign Dates: May 21–June 20
Then comes playful Gemini season, a time to socialize not only with our faves, but also with new and exciting faces. The sign of the Twins is ruled by intellectual cosmic messenger Mercury, the fastest-moving planet in the solar system. Following its swift steps, we feel jittery and jump from one get-together to the next—and how could we not?
It’s the middle of summer and there’s so much fun to be had! Another Gemini season signature is communication in all its forms: writing, speaking, reading, and learning. Of all the zodiac signs, Gemini is the one that best embodies the concept of sacred duality. At a deeper level, it’s also an opportunity to explore that same concept within us.
Cancer Zodiac Sign Dates: June 21–July 22
Every year, the sun enters Cancer on the same day as the Summer Solstice. Ruled by the maternal and nocturnal moon, this month is about getting cozy, cooking, eating delicious food, and chilling out with the ones we love. It’s also the perfect time to get in touch with our emotions and to spend time near the water, whether it’s a beach, lake, or river.
Self-care is another activity the sign of the Crab loves because it’s the type of energy that connects us to our bodies. But don’t confuse self-care with passivity! Like the tenacious Crab, this is also the season to be assertive about getting what we want.
Leo Zodiac Sign Dates: July 23–August 22
We’ve been focusing on self-care and we’re now ready to shine our brightest! We’ve reached Leo season, the peak of summer and the only month that’s ruled by the mighty sun. During the month ahead, Leo’s sunny influence wants us to get in touch with our creativity, our inner child, and what makes us truly unique.
Vibrant and playful Leo season is all about embracing big, bold vitality, beauty, and what lights our inner fire. This season activates our zodiac sign, so there is no better time to meditate on what it means to be a Libra, Scorpio, Pisces, or any other sign.
Virgo Zodiac Sign Dates: August 23–September 22
Life has been entertaining, but once the sun moves into Virgo, our mood becomes a bit more introverted. The mind is increasingly activated as we shift into mercurial territory. Like Gemini season, Virgo is ruled by communicative Mercury, except this is the nocturnal, not diurnal, manifestation of our cosmic messenger. We become master analysts and organizers, fine-tuning the routines that keep life working at its best.
Wellness, efficiency, and logic are all Virgo’s expertise, naturally gravitating us toward life practices that nurture body and soul. Being the studious worker bee of the zodiac, Virgo provides the perfect milieu to organize our finances and workload through efficient systems like apps and spreadsheets.
Libra Zodiac Sign Dates: September 23–October 22
Libra season begins on the day we welcome the Fall Equinox. Ruled by Venus, Libra season is all about enjoying the pleasures of life and classy things like high-end design, trendy clothes, and long, lavish dinners with our VIPs. Attuning us to the diurnal energy of Venus, the month ruled by Libra is a very social time in which we nurture our most important connections and friendships.
Harmony and equilibrium are also part of Libra’s realm, making this the best time of year to balance the masculine and feminine energies within us. Beautifying the home is also advised during this time, as Venus turns our eyes to all things aesthetic.
Scorpio Zodiac Sign Dates: October 23–November 21
Just as the air begins to cool in the Northern Hemisphere, so does the vibe around us. We have arrived at one of the most introspective times of the year because bold Scorpio is all about going inward and psychoanalyzing our deepest, darkest motives. It’s also the time when we celebrate the departed as well as our ancestral line.
Ruled by transformative Pluto and red-hot Mars, Scorpio season is primed for tapping into our sexual energy as the most sacred form of creation. Tricky to maneuver, no-nonsense Scorpionic energy is not for the faint of heart, and only those who dare to go deep in its journey of transformation will experience its profound riches.
Sagittarius Zodiac Sign Dates: November 22–December 21
The lights are back on again as the sun enters the sign of never-ending optimism: the sign of the Archer! Like its mythical symbol the Centaur, Sagittarius is all about chasing the horizon, either physically or metaphorically. Now is when we yearn for knowledge, and adventure is expanded by the abundant influence of our greatest benefic Jupiter.
Being one of the most positive planets in astrology, it wants us to see the big picture and believe the best in others and ourselves. Long-distance travel is also encouraged by this worldly sign, because travel exposes us to the richness that only other cultures can provide.
Capricorn Zodiac Sign Dates: December 21–January 20
Once the sun moves into industrious Capricorn, it’s time to get down to business! This traditional, pragmatic, ambitious sign knows how to climb the tallest mountains in order to build something of enduring meaning. Capricorn season is ruled by Saturn, the old sage and keeper of time, ultimately bringing our awareness to how well we use it.
Often referred to as the CEO of the zodiac, goal-oriented Capricorn connects us with the more material side of life like success, money, and social status. Out of all the seasons, this is the one in which to channel our inner boss as we chase our most precious goals and go for the gold.
Aquarius Zodiac Sign Dates: January 21–February 18
Going against tradition, here comes free birth chart calculator season, a sign ruled by two polar opposite planetary energies: Saturn and Uranus. In many ways, Aquarius awakens the inner rebel in us—but not without a cause—because its incredible intellect asks us to question everything we’ve been told about how things should be.
Community-oriented Aquarius season is also our best opportunity of the year to network with like-minded folks and reconsider how these connections relate to our biggest hopes and dreams. This is the sign of the people, the one that most represents the collective state of mind, so altruism is also encouraged during this time.
Pisces Zodiac Sign Dates: February 19–March 20
Last, we close the astrological calendar year by diving into the waters of Pisces. Suddenly, life naturally slows down, and we’re asked to tune into our intuitive, compassionate, and artistic side. Mystical and magical Pisces is the season of divine transcendence, holding the knowledge of all the other 11 signs.
This fascinating world is ruled by titans Jupiter and Neptune, whose almost intoxicating essence blurs the line between dreams and reality. For this reason, the month ruled by Pisces is ideal for getting in touch with our feelings and creativity instead of focusing on more tangible things and activities. Romance is also highlighted, and we now have cosmic permission to open our hearts.
Zodiac Sign Cusp Dates:
Aries-Taurus cusp: April 16-April 22
Taurus-Gemini cusp: May 17-May 23
Gemini-Cancer cusp: June 17-June 23
Cancer-Leo cusp: July 19-July 25
Leo-Virgo cusp: August 19-August 25
Virgo-Libra cusp: September 19-September 25
Libra-Scorpio cusp: October 19-October 25
Scorpio-Sagittarius cusp: November 18-November 24
Sagittarius-Capricorn cusp: December 18-December 24
Capricorn-Aquarius cusp: January 16-January 22
Aquarius-Pisces cusp: February 15-February 21
Pisces-Aries cusp: March 17-March 23
Explore Tarot today. Get a FREE live reading with an expert.