Astrology

Astrology :: Character Traits & Personalities of Zodiac Signs

Astrology, Mythology, and Character Traits

Astrology and mythology are linked through the sky. The twelve zodiac signs are named after constellations, and the Greeks and Romans told myths to explain how those constellations came to be among the stars. The personality traits attached to each sign are a different matter: they belong to the astrological tradition, not to the myths themselves, and no ancient myth gives Aries bravery or Pisces compassion.

Constellations and Zodiac Signs

Astrologers base their interpretations on the zodiac, a band of constellations that follows the path of the sun through the year. A constellation is a pattern of stars; a sign is one of twelve equal divisions of that path used in astrology, so the two are related but not the same thing. Hyginus already links the two when he says that Hera set the Crab among the stars so that it would be with the twelve signs through which the course of the sun mainly runs (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.23).

Ophiuchus, the Serpent-bearer, is the constellation that does not appear among the twelve signs. It lies above Scorpius, holding a snake wound around its body, and Hyginus says that many identify it with Carnabon, a king of the Getae in Thrace who attacked Triptolemus (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.14). The sun crosses it for only a short stretch of the year, and astrology keeps to twelve signs.

The Myths Behind the Twelve Signs

Hyginus’ Astronomica gives the stories the ancient writers told about each constellation:

Aries: the ram that carried Phrixus and Helle across the Hellespont and had a golden fleece (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.20).
Taurus: the bull that carried Europa safely to Crete, as Euripides says; some say instead that it is Io, changed into a cow (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.21).
Gemini: usually the brothers Castor and Pollux, set among the stars by Zeus (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.22).
Cancer: the crab that bit the foot of Heracles when he fought the Lernaean Hydra, and was killed by him; Hera placed it among the stars (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.23).
Leo: the lion set among the stars by Zeus; some connect it with the first labour of Heracles, whose lion he killed without weapons (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.24).
Virgo: Hesiod makes her a daughter of Zeus and Themis, Aratus a daughter of Astraeus and Eos, and she is Justice, who left the earth when men grew greedy; others name Erigone, daughter of Icarius (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.25).
Libra: Hyginus says that the Scorpion is so large that it is split into two signs, one of which the Romans called Libra, the Scales (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.26).
Scorpio: the scorpion sent by Earth to kill Orion after his boasting, and placed among the stars by Zeus (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.26).
Sagittarius: some say a centaur; others call him Crotus, a son of Eupheme, the nurse of the Muses, who loved hunting and the Muses (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.27).
Capricorn: the figure of Aegipan, who was brought up with Zeus; he threw the first panic into the Titans, and in another story fled from Typhon with a fish tail (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.28).
Aquarius: most identify him as Ganymede, the cupbearer of the gods; others say Deucalion or Cecrops (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.29).
Pisces: Aphrodite and Eros, who turned into fish in the Euphrates to escape Typhon (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.30).

Character Traits and Personalities of the 12 Zodiac Signs

The traits below belong to modern astrology and are given as astrologers describe them.

Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, symbolizes new beginnings. Individuals born under this sign exhibit independence, bravery, and abundant energy.

Taurus, the second sign, is associated with stability and determination. Taurus individuals are known for their reliability and diligence.

Gemini, the third sign, signifies curiosity and an eagerness to learn. Geminis are open-minded, people-oriented, and lighthearted.

Cancer, the fourth sign, embodies sensitivity, sympathy, and compassion. Cancers are caring and nurturing, but may also experience moodiness.

Leo, the fifth sign, represents creativity, generosity, and leadership abilities. Leos are confident and often naturally gravitate towards positions of authority or leadership roles.

Virgo, the sixth sign, signifies analytical skills, precision, and intelligence. Virgos are logical, analytical, and thorough in their approach.

Libra, the seventh sign, embodies fairness, justice, and diplomacy. Libras are fair-minded and diplomatic, but can occasionally be indecisive.

Scorpio, the eighth sign, represents passion and intensity. Scorpios are determined, resourceful, and passionate about their work or interests.

Sagittarius, the ninth sign, symbolizes optimism, adventure-seeking, and open-mindedness. Sagittarians are enthusiastic, adventurous, and always see the bright side of life.

Capricorn, the tenth sign, represents responsibility, discipline, and ambition. Capricorns are reliable, hardworking, and disciplined individuals.

Aquarius, the eleventh sign, embodies rebelliousness, individualism, and eccentricity. Aquarians are independent, creative thinkers who follow their own path.

Pisces, the twelfth and final sign, symbolizes imagination, intuition, and empathy. Pisces individuals are compassionate, loving, and sensitive souls attuned to their own emotions and those of others around them.