Astrological signs are famous for insight into personality, luck, life, and love. The periods that correspond to particular astrological signs are roughly a month long.
However, they do not always correspond to a single month because they do not follow the Gregorian calendar.
Understanding astrological signs means diving into their origins and the mythology associated with each sign.
Looking at the stories associated with signs gives insight into common personality traits associated with each sign.
Table of Contents
Is February 19th a Pisces or Aquarius?
February 19th is the first day of Pisces season, so anyone born on February 19th is a Pisces. Pisces season lasts from February 19th to March 20th.
Aquarius season ends on February 18th. It lasts from January 20th to February 18th, so anyone born in that period is an Aquarian.
When Are the Zodiac Seasons?
- Aquarius: January 20-February 18
- Pisces: February 19-March 20
- 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 23rd- October 22nd
- Scorpio: October 23-November 21
- Sagittarius: November 22-December 21
- Capricorn: December 22-January 19
History of Astrology and the Zodiac Signs
For centuries, the stars have offered guidance to humanity about life, nature, love, and more. Many people know of the tradition of using the North Star as a guide while traveling.
Ancient peoples were experts at charting courses based on information they could find in the stars.
Traditions dating back centuries also looked at how stars changed throughout the year to help determine seasons. Stars appear to “move” throughout the year as the Earth completes its rotation. This rotation changes the Earth’s relationship to those stars throughout the year.
Ancient civilizations would make predictions for their crops based on where the stars were located.
Astrology and zodiac signs are likewise ancient methods of using the stars to understand how the world around us works.
Records show that ancient Chinese noblemen would use the stars to predict the fortune of the current emperor.
The Babylonians tracked the movements of Venus and developed predictions based on it. The Venus Tablet of Ammisaduqa gives insight into using the planets and stars for guidance.
When Alexander the Great and the Greeks invaded the Babylonians, they ran with the idea of using the stars for divination purposes that the Babylonians had developed.
The Babylonians had divided the zodiac signs based on constellations, much of how the system we know today is based. The Greeks then labeled the constellations corresponding to their mythology.
Today, astrology assigns specific prominent constellations to dates throughout the year. People born on those dates are said to act in certain ways, given these divining practices set by the Babylonians.
Read also: What Do Mood Ring Colors Mean? (15 Colors Explained)
The Constellations that Correspond to Zodiac Signs
Aquarius
Aquarius represents the dates from January 20th to February 18th. The constellation of Aquarius is known as the “water bearer.” Aquarius comes from Greek mythology.
In Greek mythology, Zeus sent his eagle to kidnap Aquarius, and Aquarius became the cupbearer for the Greek Gods.
The water theme for this constellation was also noted by the Sumerians, who used this constellation to predict the start of their rainy season.
Pisces
Pisces represents the dates from February 19th to March 20th. The constellation of Pisces appears as two fish. Pisces means “fishes” in Latin. The constellation is relevant in both Greek and Roman mythology.
In Roman mythology, Venus and Cupid turned themselves into fish to escape Typhon. In some versions, Greek mythology, Aphrodite and Eros turned themselves into fish to escape to safety. Other versions have them ride on the backs of two fish.
Aries
Aries represents the dates from March 21st to April 19th. In Latin, Aries means “the ram.” The constellation looks like a set of ram horns. Aries is believed to be connected to the story of the golden fleece.
The golden fleece was thought to come from a golden-wooled winged ram. The fleece was used to establish authority.
Taurus
Taurus represents the dates from April 20th to May 20th. Taurus means “the bull” in Latin. The constellation Taurus looks like the head of a bull.
The Greek story associated with Taurus is the legend of Zeus disguising himself as a bull to abduct Europa.
Gemini
Gemini represents the dates from May 21st to June 20th. Gemini means “the twins” in Latin. It is meant to represent the Greek Dioscuri comprising of Castor and Pollux. The brightest stars in Gemini are also named Castor and Pollux.
Castor and Pollux are Leda and Zeus’ twin sons. They famously sailed with Jason on his journey to find the golden fleece.
Pollux and Castor are both renowned for their boxing skills. They are considered the gods of athletes and athletic contests.
Cancer
Cancer represents the dates from June 21st to July 22nd. It does not refer to the tragic disease of the same name but rather to the Latin word meaning “the crab.”
It is believed to look like a crab. The Greek mythological story of this constellation is a crab that Hera sent to kill Heracles. After its defeat, the crab was sent to the stars, thus resulting in this constellation.
Leo
Leo represents the dates from July 23rd to August 22nd. As a constellation, Leo appears as a lion. Leo is associated with the myth of the Nemean lion in Greek mythology.
The Nemean lion had golden fur that could not be penetrated by mortal human weapons.
It had claws sharper than swords. Ultimately, Heracles was able to defeat the beast.
Virgo
Virgo represents the dates from August 23rd to September 22nd. In Latin, Virgo means “the virgin.” It is a huge constellation.
In Greek mythology, Virgo is associated with Dike, the goddess of justice, and Persephone, the daughter of the harvest goddess.
Persephone’s abduction by Hades brought an end to eternal spring and gave the world seasons.
Libra
Libra represents the dates from September 23rd to October 22nd. In Latin, Libra means “the weighing scales.” Libra looks like a set of scales associated with the Greek goddess of justice, Dike.
Dike is associated with Virgo, the neighboring constellation.
Interestingly, Libra is the only constellation that depicts an object rather than a living creature.
Scorpio
Scorpio represents the dates from October 23rd to November 21st. It is one of the oldest constellations.
The Sumerians named it GIR-TAB, meaning “the scorpion.” In Greek mythology, Scorpio is associated with the story of Orion. In Greek mythology, a scorpion killed Orion, the hunter.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius represents the dates from November 21st to December 21st. Sagittarius represents the archer. It is generally depicted by a centaur with a bow and arrow. Sagittarius is associated with the Greek myth of Chiron, who was the son of the Titan Cronos.
After being poisoned by an arrow, he released Prometheus and took Prometheus’ punishment. As a reward for his kindness, Zeus immortalized him in the constellation.
Capricorn
Capricorn represents the dates from December 22nd to January 19th. In Latin, Capricorn means “the goat.” The constellation looks like a sea-goat from Babylonian mythology known as Enki. Enki is the God of water.
In Greek mythology, Capricorn is often associated with Pan. Pan is a satyr and the God of the wild.
References
https://time.com/5315377/are-zodiac-signs-real-astrology-history/
https://www.astrology-zodiac-signs.com/
https://www.constellation-guide.com/
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