In astrology, the Zodiac Circle is a 360° celestial wheel divided into 12 signs, each representing distinct energies, personality traits, and life areas. Understanding the placement of signs helps interpret planets, houses, and aspects in a natal chart.
1. Zodiac Circle Overview
- The 360° circle represents the full spectrum of human experience and cosmic influence.
- Each sign occupies 30°, forming a continuous wheel from Aries to Pisces.
- The Ascendant (rising sign) starts the 1st house, setting the orientation of the chart.
2. Signs and Their Placement
Sign | Symbol | Element | Quality / Modality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | ♈ | Fire | Cardinal |
| Taurus | ♉ | Earth | Fixed |
| Gemini | ♊ | Air | Mutable |
| Cancer | ♋ | Water | Cardinal |
| Leo | ♌ | Fire | Fixed |
| Virgo | ♍ | Earth | Mutable |
| Libra | ♎ | Air | Cardinal |
| Scorpio | ♏ | Water | Fixed |
| Sagittarius | ♐ | Fire | Mutable |
| Capricorn | ♑ | Earth | Cardinal |
| Aquarius | ♒ | Air | Fixed |
| Pisces | ♓ | Water | Mutable |
- Elements represent core energies:
- Fire → Action, passion, creativity
- Earth → Stability, practicality, material focus
- Air → Communication, intellect, social interaction
- Water → Emotion, intuition, sensitivity
- Modalities describe approach and dynamics:
- Cardinal → Initiators, leaders, starters
- Fixed → Persistent, stabilizing, consistent
- Mutable → Adaptable, flexible, change-oriented
3. Practical Tips for Interpretation
- Sign placement affects how a planet expresses its energy in a chart.
- Ascendant and house cusps set the orientation of the zodiac circle in the natal chart.
- Element and modality patterns reveal personality tendencies and life approaches.
