The 12 zodiac signs and their nature
Every sign has its own nature, element and ruling planet. Here is a plain-language guide to all 12 signs.
Indian astrology has 12 signs, each covering 30 degrees. The name, element and ruling planet give a framework for the sign’s nature. That framework helps understanding but does not fully define a person.
What a sign is
The 360 degrees of the sky are divided into 12 equal parts. Each part is a 30-degree sign. The Sun crosses one sign in about a month, so sun-sign dates stay roughly the same each year.
Sun sign and Moon sign
The sign the Sun was in at birth is your sun sign. The sign the Moon was in is your moon sign. The Moon stays in a sign for about two and a half days, so birth time matters when finding your moon sign.
How to check your sign
For the sun sign, the birth date is enough. For the moon sign and nakshatra, you need the birth date, exact time and city. Our free tools do this calculation inside your browser.
Sign, dates and ruling planet
| Sign | Period | Ruling planet | Element | Nakshatras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | Apr 14 to May 14 | Mars | Fire | Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika |
| Taurus | May 15 to Jun 14 | Venus | Earth | Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashira |
| Gemini | Jun 15 to Jul 16 | Mercury | Air | Mrigashira, Ardra, Punarvasu |
| Cancer | Jul 17 to Aug 16 | Moon | Water | Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha |
| Leo | Aug 17 to Sep 16 | Sun | Fire | Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni |
| Virgo | Sep 17 to Oct 16 | Mercury | Earth | Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra |
| Libra | Oct 17 to Nov 15 | Venus | Air | Chitra, Swati, Vishakha |
| Scorpio | Nov 16 to Dec 15 | Mars | Water | Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha |
| Sagittarius | Dec 16 to Jan 13 | Jupiter | Fire | Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha |
| Capricorn | Jan 14 to Feb 12 | Saturn | Earth | Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishta |
| Aquarius | Feb 13 to Mar 12 | Saturn | Air | Dhanishta, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada |
| Pisces | Mar 13 to Apr 13 | Jupiter | Water | Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati |
Common questions
How do I find my sign?
Your birth date and time give the positions of the Sun and Moon. Daily horoscopes use the Moon sign; enter your birth date, time and city in the moon sign tool to find yours.
What is the difference between sun sign and moon sign?
The sun sign is the sign the Sun was in at birth; the moon sign is the sign the Moon was in. Indian astrology reads the daily horoscope from the Moon sign.
Does a sign decide your whole nature?
No. A sign gives a hint. Upbringing, experience, nakshatra and the full chart shape a personality. Do not use it as a scale to judge people.
Panchang and planet positions use standard astronomical formulas. Astrological meanings come from tradition. Consult a professional for big decisions.
How we calculateMake a free kundli
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