Zodiac Signs Explained: Dates, Elements and Modalities
The 12 zodiac signs with their dates, the four elements and three modalities, and what astrology fans mean when they talk about compatibility.
Western astrology divides the year into 12 zodiac signs, each linked to a range of dates, one of four elements (fire, earth, air, water) and one of three modalities (cardinal, fixed, mutable). Many people enjoy astrology for reflection and fun; it is a cultural tradition, not a science, and is not supported by scientific evidence as a way to predict personality or events.
The 12 signs and their dates
| Sign | Approximate dates | Element | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | March 21 to April 19 | Fire | Cardinal |
| Taurus | April 20 to May 20 | Earth | Fixed |
| Gemini | May 21 to June 20 | Air | Mutable |
| Cancer | June 21 to July 22 | Water | Cardinal |
| Leo | July 23 to August 22 | Fire | Fixed |
| Virgo | August 23 to September 22 | Earth | Mutable |
| Libra | September 23 to October 22 | Air | Cardinal |
| Scorpio | October 23 to November 21 | Water | Fixed |
| Sagittarius | November 22 to December 21 | Fire | Mutable |
| Capricorn | December 22 to January 19 | Earth | Cardinal |
| Aquarius | January 20 to February 18 | Air | Fixed |
| Pisces | February 19 to March 20 | Water | Mutable |
Dates can shift by a day from year to year, so people born at the edge of two signs, often called a cusp, may want to check the exact year.
The four elements
- Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): traditionally described as energetic and spontaneous.
- Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): described as practical and steady.
- Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): described as social and curious.
- Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): described as intuitive and emotional.
The three modalities
- Cardinal: signs that start each season, associated with initiative.
- Fixed: mid-season signs, associated with persistence.
- Mutable: end-of-season signs, associated with adaptability.
Sun sign vs birth chart
Your sun sign is based only on your birth date. Astrologers also look at a full birth chart, which uses the date, time and place of birth to position the moon, planets and the rising sign. That is why astrology fans often say a sun sign alone is only part of the picture.
What about compatibility?
In popular astrology, signs of the same element or of complementary elements (fire with air, earth with water) are described as getting along easily. Treat it as a fun conversation starter, not a reason to judge a relationship.
Looking for more ways to reflect and recharge? Try our self-care routine for busy adults.
