Zodiac Signs: Zodiac Signs and Their Dates Called Into Question

Most people know their Zodiac signs, and their dates, but it turns out those Zodiac signs might not be correct when an astronomical phenomenon called “precession” is taken into account. This might need a little explaining.

First, a Zodiac is broken up into 12 parts that measure, roughly, where the Earth is at on its year-long ellipse-shaped journey around the sun. Each of the 12 Zodiac signs is represented by a constellation. Whenever the sun appears to be in that constellation (based on where the Earth is at in its yearly ellipse), that’s the current sign which we’re under.

It can seem confusing, which is why each of the 12 phases have been conveniently broken up into the Zodiac we know, love and read about in horoscopes. Those dates are based on the premise that the vernal equinox takes place every year on March 20, which as enthusiasts will know is the beginning of the first Zodiac phase:But here’s where it gets messy. The vernal equinox is in a slow, continual flux thanks to a process called “precession” which basically makes the Earth wobble like a top. If you take precession into account, it actually changes many people’s Zodiac signs.

Below I’ve included the original with which many of us are familiar along with the Zodiac dates modified to reflect the effects of precession.

Original

1. Aries: March 20 – April 20
2. Taurus: April 20 – May 21
3. Gemini: May 21 – June 21
4. Cancer: June 21 – July 22
5. Leo: July 22 – August 23
6. Virgo: August 23 – September 23
7. Libra: September 23 – October 23
8. Scorpio: October 23 – November 22
9. Sagittarius: November 22 – December 22
10. Capricorn: December 22 – January 20
11. Aquarius: January 20 – February 18
12. Pisces: February 18 – March 20

Modified for Precession with All

1. Aries: April 18 – May 13
2. Taurus: May 13 – June 21
3. Gemini: June 21 – July 20
4. Cancer: July 20 – August 10
5. Leo: August 10 – September 16
6. Virgo: September 16 – October 30
7. Libra: October 30 – November 23
8. Scorpio: November 23 – November 29
9. November 29 – December 17
10. Sagittarius: December 17 – January 20
11. Capricorn: January 20 – February 16
12. Aquarius: February 16 – March 11
13. Pisces: March 11 – April 18