The Zodiac

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The Zodiac

It is believed that the zodiacal signs originated in Mesopotamia as early as 2000 BC. The Greeks adopted the symbols from the Babylonians and passed them on to the other ancient civilizations. The Egyptians assigned other names and symbols to the zodiacal divisions. The Chinese also adopted the 12-fold division, but called the signs rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, hen, dog, and pig. Independently, the Aztec people devised a similar system.

A horoscope is divided into twelve sections, called the signs of the Zodiac, which include Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Astrologers assign every planet (which in astrology includes the sun and moon) with a particular sign, depending on where that planet appears on the ecliptic at the time for which the horoscope is cast. Each planet represents basic human drives, and each sign represents a set of human characteristics. When astrologers designate a person as a certain sign—a Leo or a Pisces, for example—they are referring to the person's sun sign— that is, the sign that the sun occupied at the time of the person's birth.

The horoscope also is divided into twelve houses, which make up the 24-hour period during which the earth rotates once on its axis. Each house deals with certain areas of a person's life, such as marriage, health, work, travel, and death. Astrologers make predictions by interpreting the position of astronomical bodies within the signs and houses of the horoscope.







zodiac

Signs of the Zodiac Constellation English Name Symbol Dates
Aries The Ram Mar. 21-Apr. 19
Taurus The Bull Apr. 20-May 20
Gemini The Twins May 21-June 21
Cancer The Crab June 22-July 22
Leo The Lion July 23-Aug. 22
Virgo The Virgin Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Libra The Balance Sept. 23-Oct. 23
Scorpio The Scorpion Oct. 24-Nov. 21
Sagittarius The Arch...