The Zodiac Signs Quick Reference guide
Aries
Element: Fire
Modality: Cardinal
Domicile: Mars
Exaltation: Sun
Fall: Saturn
Detriment: Venus
Body Parts: Head, Jaw, Eyes, Adrenals, Blood Pressure, Brain
Keywords: Dynamic, Energetic, Brash, Empowered, Fiery, Impulsive, Active, Fresh, Daring, Assured, Striking, Zestful, Industrious, Ardent, Enthusiastic
Tarot Correlations: The Emperor, 2 of Wands, 3 of Wands, 4 of Wands, Queen of Wands
Aries is a Cardinal sign, the initiator. They are the beginning of it all. Much like the Queen of Wands, everything must be met with inspiration. Aries values freedom and momentum, and when they feel stuck, there can be chaos. But it is from this chaos that creation can occur. They are best suited as generators, creators, and leaders as the monotony of everyday tasks can leave them feeling bored. Turning situations into a game or competition can be helpful to those with Aries placements, as it fans the flames of their desire to conquer and lead. They see the possibility in everything and can make something out of nothing. They are truly skilled pioneers.
Aries is ruled by Mars, oozing raw ferocity. They meet the world with fresh eyes. Embodying pure action, a force that moves mountains and never ceases to tire. Mars bestows Aries with dedication and verve, amplifying its fiery and creative energy. This may show Aries' need for independence and their ability to remain true to themselves no matter what. They are unapologetically genuine, never willing to compromise their identity for the sake of another. But in the same way, they can galvanize others to do the same. Very few can stand against the courage, strength, and radical authenticity of this Fire sign.
Taurus
Element: Earth
Modality: Fixed
Domicile: Venus
Exaltation: Moon
Fall: None
Detriment: Mars
Body Parts: Throat, Neck, Tonsils, Vocal Cords, Thyroid
Keywords: Sensual, Indulgent, Steadfast, Stubborn, Graceful, Patient, Abundant, Natural, Luxurious, Grounded, Prolific, Sultry, Peaceful, Tenderhearted
Tarot Correlations: The Hierophant, 5 of Pentacles, 6 of Pentacles, 7 of Pentacles, Knight of Pentacles
Known for their incredible diligence and steadfast nature, this Earth sign is Fixed in modality. Focused on growth and continuity, they sustain. With their fearless determination and ability to nurture all they touch, Taurus knows how to see anything through. They are the sign of abundance and wealth (spiritual and material). So, they are known to hold onto everything as a safeguard. They are sensual in nature, steeping themselves in the beauty of the world around them. Creative and embodied, they are tangible expressions of art. As the sign of manifestation, making room and clearing out what is not necessary allows for their powers of growth to come to life.
Taurus is the Bull, ruled by Venus and home in the 2nd House. They value harmony and existing in a world of beauty – but not just on the surface level. They are the essence of raw beauty. There is a level of quiet confidence found in them, but it may take years to materialize. Yet, when it does, they are an unstoppable force. Reserved at the start, they must get comfortable before they can fully open up and express themselves. Gifted with a breadth of vision, this sign can make their dreams come to life more than any other. Their talent lies in their ability to see and crystalize, ensuring all they wish to exist into reality.
Gemini
Element: Air
Modality: Mutable
Domicile: Mercury
Exaltation: None
Fall: None
Detriment: Jupiter
Body Parts: Arms, Hands, Fingers, Shoulders, Lungs, Nervous System
Keywords: Adaptable, Curious, Interested, Intelligent, Quick, Agile, Indecisive, Swift, Diametric, Mystical, Nimble, Communicative, Gracious, Malleable, Whimsical
Tarot Correlations: The Lovers, 8 of Swords, 9 of Swords, 10 of Swords, King of Swords
Gemini is the twins, two sides of the same coin, two halves of a whole, and yet still two individuals. Here, in this 3rd sign of the zodiac, we see polarity – and yet, not. To say that Gemini is extreme is to disregard the truth. Gemini is the gray area, the liminal, and the space that exists between those extremes. Therefore, Gemini is the entirety of the spectrum. Flexible and curious in nature, they integrate all that they learn into their own lives. They amalgamate everything, swirling it all around into their own complex natures.
Ruled by Mercury and at home in the 3rd House, we find that they have an attachment to the local community and to siblings, cousins, and friends. They care for those within their circle and are willing to bend for those they love. The mercurial aspect of this sign relates to its need to be the messenger. Mercury has ties to Hermes, the Messenger God. Thus, we see why they often are caught up in the news and current events. They fly in their own winged shoes, flitting from one person to the next, every time sharing their perspective of the world while also understanding the recipient’s perspective as well. With Gemini, there is reciprocity, for they know that nothing in life is ever one thing or another. Like them, life is all about the gray area.
Cancer
Element: Water
Modality: Cardinal
Domicile: Moon
Exaltation: Jupiter
Fall: Mars
Detriment: Saturn
Body Parts: Chest, Breast, Stomach, Diaphragm
Keywords: Nurturing, Empathetic, Protective, Flowing, Loving, Nostalgic, Perceptive, Receptive, Intune, Youthful, Caring, Soft, Enveloping, Clairvoyant, Tenacious
Tarot Correlations: The Chariot, 2 of Cups, 3 of Cups, 4 of Cups, Queen of Cups
Cancer is home. It seeks to provide shelter to those that need it most, glowing with a warm receptivity that’s unmatched by any other sign. As a Cardinal sign, it does initiate. However, it does not charge ahead boldly but instead steps side to side, approaching obstacles cautiously and thoughtfully. This is because Cancer leads but with a soft heart. Don’t underestimate this sign, for it is fiercely protective. It will stand up for anyone in its sphere. The Cancer’s shell isn’t just for protecting others, but also for the self. Beneath that hard exterior lies a vulnerable, soft interior that Cancer strives to hold close. They are sensitive and imaginative, but that aspect of their personality isn’t for everyone. You must earn their trust to enter their fortress. Sometimes, Cancer can appear in the form of a kind face that holds a world of secrets beneath it.
As a Water sign, we see it ebb and flow. The Moon affects the tides, and Cancer’s emotions are just as changeable. This isn’t a weakness; it is part of what makes them so powerful. They feel what others feel, with a deep sense of empathy. Cancer is like water, it cleanses. It filters, takes it in, and replenishes. It baptizes. They purify the world around them and keep the waters overflowing to ensure that no one ever goes thirsty. When their cup is full, it can flow endlessly. But like water, Cancer is also fluid, moving in and out of spaces and ideas with ease. It is the creation and the creator—the child as much as the parent, and the art as much as the artist.
Leo
Element: Fire
Modality: Fixed
Domicile: Sun
Exaltation: None
Fall: None
Detriment: Saturn
Body Parts: Heart, Spine, Spinal Column, Upper Back, Hair
Keywords: Brave, Warm, Affectionate, Creative, Authoritative, Generous, Valorous, Dramatic, Dignified, Regal, Courageous, Captivating, Charismatic
Tarot Correlations: Strength, 5 of Wands, 6 of Wands, 7 of Wands, Knight of Wands
Leo is a Fire sign that is ruled by the Sun—a luminary that sits at the center of our solar system. Leo is bright, effortless, and naturally optimistic. They are the Sun in many ways, a constant source of pure energy that inspires and lights the way for others. Leo is a natural leader, equipped with Fixed energy to keep them focused and undeterred from their goals and passions. What you give is what you receive with Leo, and rightfully so. They are generous, and those they choose to surround themselves with become an extension of them, thus benefiting from their radically loving natures.
Leo has a playful, childlike nature. They are creative, bold, and courageous. They know how to bring the heat and light up a room. They are infectious in their ability to bring their solar flare with them anywhere they go. They don’t often overthink or remain in the past. Instead, they blaze forward, charging ahead into the future with eyes fixed on possibility. It is because of this that they often benefit from taking risks and leaps of faith. They trust their gut, and above all else, their hearts. The strong connections Leos create are resounding and they burn as vibrant as the Sun itself. If there is one thing to honor in a Leo, it is their deeply soft and sensitive side that is given only to those they trust most. If you care for them in the ways that they need, they will give it back tenfold. They will bring their star-like brilliance with them and light up your whole world.
Virgo
Element: Earth
Modality: Mutable
Domicile: Mercury
Exaltation: Mercury
Fall: Venus
Detriment: Jupiter
Body Parts: Digestive System, Pancreas, Intestines, Colon, Ears
Keywords: Analytical, Refined, Pensive, Methodical, Orderly, Intricate, Detail-Oriented, Sensitive, Earthy, Nourishing, Devoted, Careful, Proactive, Precise
Tarot Correlations: Hermit, 8 of Pentacles, 9 of Pentacles, 10 of Pentacles, King of Pentacles
Virgo is an incredible refiner. They whittle down the excess to only expose the true, core essence. They care about their output and tending to the world around them because they find worth and value in completion. They long to provide safety, comfort, truth, and efficiency. “Providing” is a word that Virgos hold closely because, at their core, they are nurturers. They show their love through actions, care, and giving their time and energy. The beauty of Virgo is tangibility. They know and understand the earthly world more than most other signs. They see the value in creating security based on their efforts. They plant seeds, take the time and care to nurture them, and allow them to flourish into beautiful fruit-yielding crops. They love the harvest, and to taste the power of completing a task or job.
They take an idea and make it real, adapting to any obstacles that may arise by evolving a concept into something that is continually blooming. Virgos possess a vivid and beautiful imagination. They are intuitive due to the Mutable nature of their sign. It may benefit them to take a cue from their Pisces polarity and to let go from time to time, for this will achieve the sense of harmony that they desire. They are stewards of nature. Because they rule the physical world (the body), they must connect the body to the spirit. They truly can create magic in the mundane, extending their power out into the world.
Libra
Element: Air
Modality: Cardinal
Domicile: Venus
Exaltation: Saturn
Fall: Sun
Detriment: Mars
Body Parts: Kidneys, Skin, Lumbar Region, Endocrine System, Buttocks
Keywords: Balanced, Harmonious, Receptive, Understanding, Reflective, Just, Fair, Indecisive, Cohesive, Compromising, Aesthetic, Intelligent, Charming, Social
Tarot Correlations: Justice, 2 of Swords, 3 of Swords, 4 of Swords, Queen of Swords
Libra, the Cardinal Air, brings communication to the forefront. They mirror, reflect, and take in the movements, energies, and thoughts of those around them. They can put themselves in others’ shoes, and feel what they feel, see what they see. This is a special kind of empathy that is often overlooked in this Air sign. They know where to find middle ground in order to build safety and security. This isn’t to say that Libra doesn’t have opinions or a sense of morality. They certainly do as a sign of justice. They just understand that their actions have consequences.
Libra is ruled by Venus, so beauty is innate to them. They have a refined sense of aesthetics. They care about presentation, and thus they see themselves best when they step outside of themselves — witnessing who they are from the outside looking in. This may leave little room for error, but more room for personal criticism. They look at themselves as a reflection of who they are with, where they are in their life, and what they value. A Libra wants to be seen as they see. They seek validation from others because they give it endlessly. They seek understanding because they have it in wells as deep as space itself. To disregard a Libra as superficial or aloof is to not see a Libra at all for their true depth of character. They can see past all your flaws in order to understand who you are at your very being, and that is what they seek more than anything else in return. However, don’t mistake their kindness for weakness. They hold within them more than you may see on the surface.
Scorpio
Element: Water
Modality: Fixed
Domicile: Mars
Exaltation: None
Fall: Moon
Detriment: Venus
Body Parts: Hormones, Reproductive Organs, Genitals, Pubic Bone, Blood System
Keywords: Intense, Devoted, Mysterious, Passionate, Idealistic, Deep, Investigative, Uncompromising, Shadowed, Romantic, Psychic, All-Encompassing, Obsessive
Tarot Correlations: Death, 5 of Cups, 6 of Cups, 7 of Cups, Knight of Cups
It is no surprise that Scorpio is the sign of death, transformation, and magic. They are the ever-vigilant healers and mystics of the zodiac, always ready to go where others may fear to tread. They submerge themselves into the shadow, and much like the phoenix, they set flame to all that is no longer useful and turn it to ash, where they then mix it back into the Earth to produce new life. It is from this process that Scorpio renews, refreshes, and restores. Through their lives they start again from a new place, far more resilient than they ever had been before. Death is only a door, and they walk right through.
The beauty of this Fixed Water sign is that they are sustainers and refiners. They are perceptive and see right through any situation. Intimacy is big for them, as wholly understanding someone is part of their mission. Their vulnerability is their strength, and it is from this place they can connect with others in profound ways. Empathy is exchanged when they let people see them for who they truly are. There are few people as devoted and understanding as Scorpio. Their passion moves through them like a volcanic river, driving them to overcome every obstacle that stands in their way. They don’t merely climb a mountain, they dissolve it. They consume whatever is in their path, throwing power struggles aside to make room for others to walk as they do. They understand more than most that stagnation is the enemy of evolution. They will shed their skin time and time again to be reborn, as others marvel in their transformations.
Sagittarius
Element: Fire
Modality: Mutable
Domicile: Jupiter
Exaltation: None
Fall: None
Detriment: Mercury
Body Parts: Liver, Hips, Thighs, Sacrum, Lumbar Vertebra, Pituitary Gland, and Sciatic Nerve
Keywords: Adventurous, Excitable, Bold, Fun, Wise, Knowledgeable, Open-minded, Honest, Goal-oriented, Philosophical, Escapist, Intuitive, Abstract, Expansive
Tarot Correlations: Temperance, 8 of Wands, 9 of Wands, 10 of Wands, King of Wands
Sagittarius is the truth-seeker, through trial and error they learn, grow, and adapt, but above all, they share. Sagittarius is not just focused on the acquisition of knowledge. They give, enlighten, and open doors for themselves and others based on what they have learned. Potential is a word that runs through the veins of this Mutable Fire sign. They carry the flame of potential in their hands, and bend fire and smoke to create a torch that lights the way on their next adventure or next creation. They seek opportunity and know how to live life to the fullest, as they leap into the unknown while guided by that torch, which is their own innate intuition. This is the force that pulls them toward every goal and vision that lies before them.
They are the storytellers, the teachers, and in some ways, the creators. They reach beyond the horizon and touch the space where the sky meets the earth –– kissing the stars in the twilight. They tell tales of lives lived, lessons learned, and moments that have yet to come. They guide others, as well as themselves, into the next phase. Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius is open, expansive, and lives without bounds. Freedom gives them the space to explore as they need to, helping quench their thirst for life. They find new ways around their obstacles and are creative in their pursuit toward their heart’s desires–– only confrontational when something or someone stands in their way. It is important to remember that Sagittarius will only ever live wholly in earnest. For them, life is not a fairytale but an adventure. An eternal quest in the pursuit of truth.
Capricorn
Element: Earth
Modality: Cardinal
Domicile: Saturn
Exaltation: Mars
Fall: Jupiter
Detriment: Moon
Body Parts: Knees, Joints, Skeletal System, Tendons, Bones, and Teeth
Keywords: Structured, Strong, Reserved, Focused, Wise, Powerful, Responsible, Protective, Ambitious, Determined, Self-Aware, Sophisticated, Sensual, Stoic, Discerning
Tarot Correlations: The Devil, 2 of Pentacles, 3 of Pentacles, 4 of Pentacles, Queen of Pentacles
Half fish, half goat, Capricorn is where the Earth meets the sea, and they utilize their keen intuition to push themselves towards meeting their goals. We often don’t connect this Cardinal Earth sign to something that is more ethereal or intangible, but this does Capricorn a great disservice. Ruled by Saturn, they hold infinite wisdom, gained through trials and tribulations. Even if they may not seem psychic or intuitive, they are moved by something far more powerful than anything we can see or touch. They create something divine and bring it into a crystalized reality. They understand the importance of turning their visions into something that others can use. Their dreams collide with the present, so long as they aren’t held down by limitations.
Wise beyond their years, they are mentors, leaders, sages, and guides. They impart their otherworldly knowledge to others to help them secure their tangible goals, while providing a foundation of support. They are very self-aware, sometimes meaning they are riddled with self-doubt. However, they are gifted with tenacity, determination, and great focus. They clearly see the outcomes and aren’t afraid to power through to the end. They forge new pathways for others to walk and take the lead in the pursuit of their desires. There’s no obstacle too challenging for them to overcome. The ground they walk on becomes a platform for their success. More than any other sign, they hold the world in their hands. Endless possibilities lace their fingertips, sewing together stories with their touch. They are the beginning, the end, the pinnacle of it all.
Aquarius
Element: Air
Modality: Fixed
Domicile: Saturn
Exaltation: None
Fall: None
Detriment: Sun
Body Parts: Ankles, Legs, Circulatory System, Calves, Shins, Heels
Keywords: Unique, Authentic, Connected, Intelligent, Creative, Loyal, Humanitarian, Stubborn, Rebellious, Aloof, Rational, Honest, Righteous, Observant, Thought-provoking, Electric
Tarot Correlations: The Star, 5 of Swords, 6 of Swords, 7 of Swords, Knight of Swords
Aquarius rules exalted mental states, where we break the barriers of what we know, and grow into a place of universal understanding. They are visionaries, idealists, and revolutionaries that help propel us forward in time and space. More than any other sign, Aquarius integrates the mind, body, and soul. Simultaneously ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, Aquarius breaks rules in order to create new ones. It takes the foundations of Human understanding and deconstructs them – bending them to work with their hopes – often hopes that focus on the humanitarian cause. Early adopters, Aquarians are on the cutting edge, seemingly radical, or offbeat in the face of the norms. They challenge expectations.
They are the reformers, the scientists, the future-seekers. They believe in collective success, often able to put their personal motivations aside to help others. They are selfless, understanding, and thought-provoking – pushing people past their limits and helping them see what is coming next. At its best, Aquarius will leave nobody behind, running toward equality and equity as a leader on the forefront. They see what others are unable to. They sense what we may not. Their electric energy lights up a room as quickly as it ignites their mind. When they feel fueled by something in their entire being – nothing can stop them. They are a force of nature, a hurricane of inescapable change taking the world by storm.
Pisces
Element: Water
Modality: Mutable
Domicile: Jupiter
Exaltation: Venus
Fall/Detriment: Mercury
Body Parts: Feet, Lymphatic System, Veins, Tongue, Hypothalamus
Keywords: Imaginative, Sensitive, Open, Receptive, Enigma, Changeable, Magical, Alluring, Artistic, Intuitive, Dreamy, Liminal, Compassionate, Ethereal, Extraordinary
Tarot Correlations: The Moon, 8 of Cups, 9 of Cups, 10 of Cups, King of Cups
A Pisces is a dream within a dream, an altered reality—and yet so captivating. They are running water through your fingers. A Pisces’ beauty is in their depth of humanity and emotion. An artist and creative, they are born with a breadth of vision. As a mutable sign, they are impressionable and adaptable, taking in every subtle nuance around them—a true enigma. Their emotional nature can be muddled by the energy of others, often leading them toward escapist tendencies. However, what may seem like a weakness to some, is actually their greatest asset. They are resilient and bright when at their best, able to bounce back from every trial with a greater sense of their own purpose and being. They can be unstoppable forces in the face of adversity. Nothing is more astounding than their deep, compassionate nature.
Pisces is ruled by Jupiter, traditionally, and by Neptune in a modern sense. Pisces are keen intuitives, understanding the world through feeling first. Their power is found when they embrace their sense of being and learn how to channel their otherworldly energy into their physical bodies. Pisces’ symbol is two fish swimming in opposite directions, but eternally tied to one another. This represents their ability to have one foot in one world and one foot in another. They may feel like they exist in two places at once. They sit at the threshold, the liminal. The challenge for them is to remain in balance and not to fall too far into one realm or the other. A Pisces is a raging river, a quiet stream, a heavy current, and a deep ocean. They are the tide that carries us home and nourishes us as we begin again.