Zodiac 101 by Shoppe Geo
What is Western/Tropical Astrology
Based on ancient Greek and Babylonian philosophy, this zodiac system highlights personality traits associated with 12 birth signs and constellations.
The zodiac consists of 12 divisions of star constellations that appear in our night sky. This belt of stars is centered on the ecliptic path of the planets we see from Earth. Planets pass through these star constellations at certain points in their rotation around the sun. For example, Earth passes through all 12 signs of the zodiac throughout a 365 day cycle. The constellation under which the Earth is passing at the day of your birth, determines your zodiac sign. The zodiac wheel is formatted counterclockwise, reflecting our view of the sky as we orbit (east to west).
Note: The precession of Earth spinning on its axis around the Sun has shifted since the conception of this astrological system, so constellations now astronomically align at slightly different times of the year, making the contemporary approach more fluid. You may have personality traits that resonate with different zodiac signs and that is absolutely alright – we all have these stars within us!
12 Zodiac Signs of the tropical zodiac of Western Astrology
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Common personality traits: accepting, independent, supportive
Character: the water carrier
Numerical association: 4
Chakra association: third eye chakra
Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20):
Common personality traits: compassionate, intuitive, creative
Character: the fish
Numerical association: 7
Chakra association: crown chakra
Aries (March 21 – April 19):
Common personality traits: determined, passionate, adventurous
Character: the ram
Numerical association: 9
Chakra association: solar plexus chakra
Taurus (April 20 – May 20):
Common personality traits: loyal, patient, practical
Character: the bull
Numerical association: 6
Chakra association: heart chakra
Gemini (May 21 – June 20):
Common personality traits: spontaneous, social, curious
Character: the twins
Numerical association: 5
Chakra association: throat chakra
Cancer (June 21 – July 22):
Common personality traits: sensitive, empathetic, protective
Character: the crab
Numerical association: 2
Chakra association: third eye chakra
Leo (July 23 – Aug 22):
Common personality traits: imaginative, confident, charismatic
Character: the lion
Numerical association: 1
Chakra association: solar plexus chakra
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22):
Common personality traits: grounded, organized, trustworthy
Character: the maiden
Numerical association: 5
Chakra association: throat chakra
Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22):
Common personality traits: fair, charming, artistic
Character: the scales
Numerical association: 6
Chakra association: heart chakra
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21):
Common personality traits: resourceful, brave, emotional
Character: the scorpion
Numerical association: 9
Chakra association: sacral chakra
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21):
Common personality traits: curious, optimistic, generous
Character: the bow and arrow (the archer?)
Numerical association: 3
Chakra association: sacral chakra
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19):
Common personality traits: ambitious, disciplined, practical
Character: the sea goat
Numerical association: 8
Chakra association: root chakra
Your "Big Three": Sun, Moon, and Rising Signs
Your “big 3” is made up of the sun, moon, and rising placements of your birth chart. Each placement affects different facets of your personality and life experience. To discover your “big three,” search “zodiac birth chart calculator” and choose one of the top links. Be ready with your birthdate, time of birth, and city you were born in!
The Elements of the Zodiac
Each zodiac sign is associated with an element: Earth, Water, Air, or Fire. Each element corresponds with 3 zodiac signs and influences overarching personality traits of those signs.
The Modalities of the Zodiac
Each zodiac sign falls under one of three “modalities”: Cardinal, Fixed, or Mutable. These categories determine how each sign expresses their overarching energy.
