Astrology What the Glyph of Your Zodiac Sign Represents

Aries (March 21 to April 20): The glyph for the sun sign of Aries is the horns and head of a ram. Just like a rutting ram will launch himself at another sheep at breakneck speed, Aries launches themselves into things that excite them. Aries does not master obstacles, as much as they pound them into pieces. Others allow Aries to lead the way because it is better to follow the battering ram than to be in front of it when it hits.

Taurus (April 21 to May 21): The glyph for the sun sign of Taurus is the horns and head of a bull. The native of this sign is yoked to the earth, and shares several characteristics with their animalistic icon. Taurus is determined and works in a slow and steady manner; others might view this as being stubborn, Taurus calls it being practical. Taurus knows that there is no such thing as a free lunch; if you want to eat, you have to work.

Gemini (May 22 to June 21): While the glyph for the sun sign of Gemini looks like the Roman numeral two, it is actually a set of twin children. The reason for this glyph is that it represents the mercurial nature of the sign, the ability to see both sides of any situation. The glyph also represents the fact that Gemini hops from idea to idea, project to project. Gemini's attention is always dividing further as they spot still more shiny baubles and possibilities.

Cancer (June 22 to July 22): To modern eyes, the glyph of Cancer does not resemble the animal that it represents, the crab. Cancer shares many traits with their animalistic icon. The native of this sun sign is most concerned with their home life, even if they do not strap it to their backs and carry it with them. Cancer also travels though life in a zigzag pattern, never moving directly towards their desired objects and goals, always approaching them from the side.

Leo (July 23 to August 22): The glyph of the sun sign of Leo is a stylized lion head. The native of Leo shares many traits with their animalistic icon, including courage, dignity, and the urge to rule over the group that they are in. Leo does not see this urge to be egotistic; they honestly believe that it is in the best interests of the group to listen to them. After all, they reason that someone has to be in charge.

Virgo (August 23 to September 22): The glyph for the sun sign of Virgo is based on the Greek word for "virgin." The Greeks did not attach the same meaning to the word "virgin" as we do. While the native of this sign may strive for perfection and project an aura of purity, it is wrong to think of this sign as chaste. Virgo is a fertile sign, symbolized by a goddess of growth, producing a rich harvest out of their own hard work.

Libra (September 23 to October 22): The glyph for the sun sign of Libra is a balance scale. It is an appropriate symbol for Libra, who is always weighing the pros and cons, merit and disadvantage, of any given situation. Unlike the blindfolded image of justice, Libra is aware of the human cost of their decisions, and tries to act ethically. Unfortunately, Libra will often not take any action at all while they try to perfectly balance the scales of cost and benefit.

Scorpio (October 23 to November 21): The glyph for the sun sign of Scorpio is a stylized scorpion. The natives of Scorpio are often considered sneaky and dangerous, and sometimes even downright venomous. Occasionally, the stereotype is true. But the glyph refers more to the intensity of a Scorpio's passions than it does to their intentions. Scorpios tend to move directly towards their goals and desires, a habit that can alarm people who have less confidence in their own abilities than Scorpio does.

Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21): The glyph for the sun sign of Sagittarius is a bow and arrow. The bow and arrow is one of the first tools that separated humankind from the animals. Just as many another tools can be used for both creation and destruction, the bow has a dual nature: hunting and war. The native of Sagittarius also has a dual nature, and can choose to use their energies for the evolution of humanity or to help hasten its destruction.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 19): The glyph for the sun sign of Capricorn is a sea-goat, a composite creature with the lower half of a fish and the upper half of a mountain goat. A modern image of this concept would be mountain climbing in a wetsuit. Despite the ridiculousness of the image, it does indicate two traits of Capricorn. The native of this sun sign is always striving to move ever upwards, and they try to be prepared for any situation that may arise.

Aquarius (January 20 to February 18): The glyph for the sun sign of Aquarius is traditionally two rippling waves of water. The image of this zodiacal glyph can be extended to include all waves, including electricity, sound and light. Aquarius is concerned with the distribution of information and ideas; they are the carrier wave of reform and invention. Aquarius is also a splash of cold water pointing out that humanity is not living up to its potential. The cutting edge belongs to Aquarius.

Pisces (February 19 to March 20): The glyph for the sun sign of Pisces takes the form of two fishes tied together, trying to swim in opposite directions. The native of this sun sign is also trying to go in two opposite directions. On one hand, Pisces desires mastery of the material realm with all the wealth and advantages that come with worldly success. Pisces also desires escape from the confines of the material world, and everything from drugs to religion is considered for this goal.