Astrology Symbols

Even people who claim that they don't believe in them, like to read their horoscope. In past times, astronomers were astrologers too and they would advise heads of state on the best course of action, based on the planetary movements. Most people are familiar with the twelve signs of the zodiac and astrology symbols, used in western astrology.

Each zodiac sign has been given certain personality traits, strengths and weaknesses. These are reflected in the astrology symbols that accompany them. They are mostly of animals but not all. Aries (March 21-April 19) is the sign of the ram and is illustrated with its face and horns. Leo (July 23-August 22) has the head and mane of a lion and Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) is the centaur, a mythical creature that is half human and half horse, carrying a bow and arrow. Taurus (April 20-May 20) is the face and horns of a bull, Virgo (August 23-September 22) is a virgin maiden, holding a wheat sheaf and Capricorn (December 22- January 19) shows the tail and horns of a goat.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) is the sign of the twins and is symbolized by the Roman numeral of two, which also represents the pillars of knowledge. The traditional sign of Libra (September 23-October 22) is the scales and the astrology symbol for this also denotes the setting sun. Aquarius (January 20-February 18) is the water bearer and the symbol shows ripples of water. Cancer (June 21-July22) is the crab, signified by crab's claws and by Ouroboros, an ancient representation of a serpent that swallows its own tail and makes the shape of a circle. Pisces (February 19-March 20) is symbolized by two fish; swimming in opposite directions and Scorpio (October 23-November 21) is a scorpion's legs and tail.

There are other interpretations of the zodiac in other cultures. Chinese astrology is an important part of Chinese culture and Chinese astrology symbols are associated with the five elements of fire, earth, wood, water and metal. It's possible to name the equivalent Chinese astrology symbols with their western counterparts. Aries is symbolized by the dragon, Taurus by the snake, Gemini by the horse and Cancer by the sheep. Leo is represented by the monkey, Scorpio by the pig and Sagittarius by the rat. The lion signifies both Virgo and Libra. Capricorn is symbolized by the ox, Aquarius by the tiger and Pisces by the rabbit. Every symbol is a real animal with the exception of the mythical dragon, representing Aries.