What are the 12 Astrology Signs Dates?

Understanding Zodiac Sign Dates

Your astrological sign (also called your zodiac, star, or sun sign) is determined by the sun’s position at the moment of your birth. In Western tropical astrology, the ecliptic (the sun’s apparent path) is divided into 12 equal 30-degree signs. These are named after constellations, but unlike the constellations themselves—which are irregular—the signs are equal slices of the sky.

Because the sun enters each sign at a specific minute that changes slightly year to year (and depends on time zone), the boundary dates can shift by about a day. If you’re born near the start or end of a sign, check your exact time and place of birth to confirm.

• Quick way to be sure: run a free natal chart with your birth date, exact time, and location, or consult an ephemeris for your birth year to see the sun’s sign and degree.

As the sun moves through each sign (roughly four weeks per sign), everyone—not just people born under that sign—feels the seasonal flavor. Understanding these shifting tones helps you plan, pace, and even time your tarot work more effectively. You can also try a quick free reading to feel out the current season for you.

What are Astrology Signs Dates?

Aries Dates: March 21–April 19 (varies by year)

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 (varies by year)

Aquarius Dates: January 21–February 18 (varies by year)

Pisces Dates: February 19–March 20

Aries Dates (March 21–April 19)

Symbol: ♈   Triplicity: Fire   Ruler: Mars   Archetype: Ram   Modality: Cardinal

On the first day of spring, the zodiac begins at the first point of Aries, known as the spring equinox. Ruled by Mars, those belonging to this zodiac sign possess fiery energy. As one of only two times the sunlight directly passes the equator, intense light is characteristic of the Aries season, thus an Aries is considered exceptionally headstrong.

The new-born ram harks back to the Egyptian king of gods Amon, who was represented as either a man with ram’s horn or the animal itself. Amon was the god of fertility and creativity, meaning this first zodiac sign is the opportune time for innovation and goal striving. As the first cardinal sign, the Aries sign represents powerful beginnings and the embrace of change.

• Season focus: initiate, act first, prototype boldly.
• Practical step: pick one goal and set a 7-day action sprint.
• Tarot pull to try: “What deserves my first courageous step?” + “What fuels my momentum?” (Two-card draw)

Taurus Dates (April 20–May 20)

Symbol: ♉   Triplicity: Earth   Ruler: Venus   Archetype: Bull   Modality: Fixed

The second sign of the zodiac archetypes a calming shift, thanks to cool and collected Venusian influence. As the goddess of love and beauty, Venus rules one of the most sensual signs, a period where our senses are naturally revitalized. This often manifests as a greater affinity with nature or appreciation of art.

Taurus signs highly value rest and relaxation, so they can often be found taking things a little slow. Marked by the bull, a mythically stubborn character, convincing a Taurus otherwise is somewhat futile. This second zodiac period is the ideal time for self-care, which of course includes a little luxury and indulgence.

• Season focus: stabilize, resource, build sustainably.
• Practical step: choose one habit to “earth” daily (sleep schedule, money date, meal prep).
• Tarot pull to try: “What wants steady growth?” + “What nourishes my body and budget?”

Gemini Dates (May 21–June 20)

Symbol: ♊   Triplicity: Air   Ruler: Mercury   Archetype: Twins   Modality: Mutable

Gemini is the zodiac sign that most strongly exemplifies duality, represented by the identical twins Castor and Pollux, the former being the son of Spartan king Tyndareus and the latter the immortal offspring of Zeus. As a result, the Gemini season is when we feel naturally inclined to adopt new behaviors and explore the hidden elements of our own personality.

This period of bountiful light and vivacity is ruled by Mercury, god of commerce and travelers, whose winged feet allowed him to rapidly carry goods and messages. Accordingly, many feel an increased desire to move around, socialize and even give gifts during the Gemini transition.

• Season focus: learn, connect, diversify options.
• Practical step: start a “30 conversations” challenge or sample two new skills.
• Tarot pull to try: “What message needs sharing?” + “Where am I of two minds?”

Cancer Dates (June 21–July 22)

Symbol: ♋   Triplicity: Water   Ruler: Moon   Archetype: Crab   Modality: Cardinal

The Cancer season begins with the summer solstice, the northernmost point of the Sun’s journey. As this is when sunlight is most abundant, the Cancer zodiac sign represents rejuvenation and nourishment. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to simply cook hearty meals and lounge around with loved ones.

The sign of the crab is one of the best points in the year for self-reflection. As a cardinal water zodiac, ruled by the moon, this sign embodies intuition, security and emotion. You might naturally gravitate towards aquatic places to ponder your feelings or channel the tenacity of the crab archetype to assess innermost desires and make steps towards them.

• Season focus: nurture, protect, root at home.
• Practical step: create a comfort ritual (weekly soup + journaling, ancestor altar, photo curation).
• Tarot pull to try: “What needs my gentle care?” + “Where do I need better boundaries?”

Leo Dates (July 23–August 22)

Symbol: ♌   Triplicity: Fire   Ruler: Sun   Archetype: Lion   Modality: Fixed

The Leo zodiac sign is the only period ruled by the sun, thus this stage of the journey celebrates consciousness and uninhibited expression. It really is the time to burn as bright as the fiery influences from which Leo gets its power. Having fixed modality, Leo symbolizes excellent willpower, so many become assertive and motivated during this time.

Amid the Leo astrology dates, our confidence is elevated and we are ready to accept the spotlight. The sun is indeed the only star in our solar system, so it’s not surprising that we feel more vivacious and stimulated during the zodiac period exclusively influenced by this ultimate giver of life. Much like the lion archetype, Leo is characterized by unchained vibrancy and fiery playfulness, so take this time to walk on the wild side.

• Season focus: visibility, joy, creative risk.
• Practical step: ship one bold piece (portfolio post, performance, pitch) and celebrate publicly.
• Tarot pull to try: “Where am I ready to shine?” + “What keeps my heart brave?”

Virgo Dates (August 23–September 22)

Symbol: ♍   Triplicity: Earth   Ruler: Mercury   Archetype: Maiden   Modality: Mutable

As we once again feel the influence of Mercury, our mood shifts down from extroversion to introversion, where we naturally become more contemplative and analytical. This is the ideal period for organization and planning, so find yourself a notebook and start scribbling.

The maiden archetype is historically associated with harvest, specifically the ancient Egyptians who began reaping wheat crops as soon as the sun entered the Virgo constellation. Nowadays, this transition is interpreted more generally as accumulation, so many of us will be more inclined to evaluate possessions and finances during this month.

• Season focus: refine, declutter, improve systems.
• Practical step: do a 1% better audit: tidy your workspace, update budgets, sharpen tools.
• Tarot pull to try: “What requires precision?” + “Which small habit has big payoff?”

Libra Dates (September 23–October 22)

Symbol: ♎   Triplicity: Air   Ruler: Venus   Archetype: Scales   Modality: Cardinal

Libra is the cardinal air sign, marking the autumn equinox. This is a crucial moment in the celestial calendar, where we once again fall under Venusian influence. During this phase of balance, you’ll probably find it easier to reward yourself for your earlier efforts. You’ll intuitively search for some of the finer things in life. After all, Venus is the goddess of prosperity and victory.

Represented by the scales, the Libra season exemplifies harmony and equilibrium, which applies to your inner conflicts as well as any external disorder. Just as you may commit greater time to rebalancing your masculine–feminine energies, you will feel a stronger desire to improve the aesthetic of your environment.

• Season focus: relationships, fairness, aesthetics.
• Practical step: schedule a partnership check-in (romantic, business, or creative) with clear give-and-take.
• Tarot pull to try: “What brings mutual benefit?” + “Where do I need to restore balance?”

Scorpio Dates (October 23–November 21)

Symbol: ♏   Triplicity: Water   Ruler: Mars (and Pluto)   Archetype: Scorpion   Modality: Fixed

As the sun moves into the Scorpio constellation, the intense heat and light of earlier months begins to dwindle. This is the time to determine our deepest motives and conquer. Once more we feel the burning influence of Mars, god of war, meaning that many adopt a do-or-die warrior attitude towards their immediate goals.

However, this passion also comes with introspection. The month of Scorpio is a chance to reflect on our own past battles, particularly losses. In fact, the scorpion originates from the Greek story of Orion, a brilliant warrior who was killed by a deadly sting. Scorpio is the phase of the zodiac where we deliberate themes of mortality, death and rebirth.

• Season focus: transformation, depth, honest power.
• Practical step: choose one fear to face and one attachment to release; document both.
• Tarot pull to try: “What must I shed?” + “Where is my hidden strength?”

Sagittarius Dates (November 22–December 21)

Symbol: ♐   Triplicity: Fire   Ruler: Jupiter   Archetype: Archer   Modality: Mutable

As the sun enters the sign of Sagittarius, it’s likely you’ll feel an urge to travel to new places. Jupiter’s influence places fortune and expansion in the forefront of our minds, meaning you will really want to roll the astrological dice, following impulse and seeking spontaneity. The Sagittarius period is the perfect time to chase dreams, where we listen to both our primal instincts and learned wisdoms, much like the mythical symbol of the archer.

As the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter reflects the most sunlight and is thus called the ‘greater benefic,’ believed to bestow good fortune. During the lucky Sagittarius phase, we think positively and take any opportunities. You should feel exceptionally optimistic towards adventure, especially those that require a long-distance journey.

• Season focus: expansion, truth-seeking, adventure.
• Practical step: set a 90-day “big quest” (course, journey, or publishing milestone) and name your guiding principle.
• Tarot pull to try: “What horizon calls me?” + “What belief propels me forward?”

Capricorn Dates (December 21–January 20)

Symbol: ♑   Triplicity: Earth   Ruler: Saturn   Archetype: Sea Goat   Modality: Cardinal

Despite the winter solstice marking the Sun’s entrance into the Capricorn constellation, this zodiac sign is actually a time for productivity, not conservation. Capricorn is highly goal-oriented, which is why people belonging to this sign excel in business. During this month, many channel this energy to consider aspects of life like wealth and social status.

Though we do tend to mentally hibernate during the colder months, the Capricorn season welcomes ambition and commitment. Take advantage of Saturn’s influence, which promotes structure and self-control, by pragmatically plotting out the future or drafting elaborate schemes. As a cardinal earth sign, and the place in which our Gregorian calendar restarts, Capricorn is the perfect moment to define your dreams.

• Season focus: strategy, mastery, long-range effort.
• Practical step: write a one-page plan with milestones and non-negotiable habits; calendar them.
• Tarot pull to try: “Which mountain am I climbing?” + “What structure sustains me?”

Aquarius Dates (January 21–February 18)

Symbol: ♒   Triplicity: Air   Ruler: Uranus (and Saturn)   Archetype: Water-bearer   Modality: Fixed

Aquarius is arguably the most altruistic zodiac sign, where being a bringer of change, making the world a better place, is their principal concern. Ruled by Uranus and Saturn, the planets of liberation and discipline respectively, the season of Aquarius is likely to bring out your idiosyncrasies and eccentricity and wrap them in a charitable glow. You’ll feel a stronger sense of duty, encouraging you to volunteer or donate to worthy causes.

The Aquarius period is the time for socializing, whether that’s being more available to your community or professionally networking. Unlike the industrious Capricorn season which preceded, Aquarius favors shared responsibilities over individual pursuits. It’s time to reconsider how social bonds relate to larger ambitions, especially those of a humanitarian nature.

• Season focus: innovation, community, future-thinking.
• Practical step: join or start a group aligned with your cause; pilot one unconventional idea.
• Tarot pull to try: “What change wants me as its vessel?” + “Who are my allies?”

Pisces Dates (February 19–March 20)

Symbol: ♓   Triplicity: Water   Ruler: Neptune (and Jupiter)   Archetype: Fish   Modality: Mutable

As the final sign in the zodiacal cycle, Pisces unites the overriding properties of all previous members, meaning it’s an exceptionally intuitive and perceptive (even psychic) sign. It’s natural to feel a little fantastical or ethereal. The ruling influence of Neptune is heavily associated with dreams, which works together with Jupiter’s good luck charms.

The Pisces season is one of renewal, which applies to your inner self and the world around you. You will likely be more receptive to the emotions around you, so be sure to embrace those that you love. Use this opportunity to mentally reset, warmed by greater light and the promise of the spring equinox. It’s crucial that you make efforts to seek clarity and receive spiritual closure, which includes letting things go that have been causing grief.

• Season focus: surrender, imagination, compassion.
• Practical step: protect dreamtime, reduce noise, and complete a forgiveness or release ritual.
• Tarot pull to try: “What wants to be released?” + “What dream deserves trust?”

Astrology Sign Cusp Dates

If you are born on the cusp—those transitional days when the sun is moving between signs—you may identify with themes from adjacent signs. In such cases, there is a huge range of qualities that may blend together, resulting in unique characteristics that combine contrasting rulers, triplicities and modalities.

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)

Cusp zodiac signs can be insightful for understanding how signs relate, but astrologically the sun occupies only one sign at a time—you don’t truly have two sun signs. If you were born near the changeover, use your exact birth time and place to determine your sign. Often, people who “feel cusp-y” have personal planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars) in the neighboring sign, which colors their style.

• How to confirm: in a natal chart, look at the sun’s degree. 0–29° of a sign is definitive; if it’s 0–1°, you’re early in that sign; if it’s 29°, you’re late in the previous one—but it’s still one sign.

Useful Notes on Dates and Systems

• Date drift is normal: equinoxes/solstices and time zones can shift the start/end by a day. If you’re born on boundary dates (e.g., March 20–21, June 20–21, September 22–23, December 21–22; or around the 19–21 at month ends), check the exact ingress for your year and location.
• Tropical vs. sidereal: this guide uses the Western tropical zodiac. In Vedic (sidereal) astrology, the sun sign dates differ due to a different reference frame.

FAQ

Do the 12 astrology sign dates change every year?

They’re broadly consistent, but the exact minute the sun enters a sign shifts slightly each year. That’s why boundary births should verify with a birth time.

Is my rising or moon sign more important than my sun sign?

They describe different layers. Sun = core vitality and direction; Moon = needs and emotional climate; Rising (Ascendant) = your approach and timing. For forecasts, many readers check both sun and rising.

How can I use tarot with the zodiac seasons?

Pull a two-card check-in at each solar ingress: Card 1 “Seasonal gift,” Card 2 “Seasonal caution.” Journal one concrete action from the reading and schedule it within the sign’s dates.

Whether you’re born on a cusp or not, we all move through the same yearly arc—from fiery beginnings to reflective endings. No zodiac is good or bad; each season offers a distinct toolkit. When you combine mindful timing with a simple tarot practice, the calendar becomes a supportive rhythm rather than a mystery.