Zodiac

What is the zodiac?

The word zodiac comes from Greek (zōdiakós kýklos, “circle of animal figures”) and describes a band in the sky approximately 18 degrees wide that extends along the ecliptic. The Sun, Moon, and all the planets in our solar system move within this band. The zodiac is divided into twelve equal segments named after the constellations of the same name—from Aries to Pisces.

Important to understand: The astrological signs are not identical to the astronomical constellations. Due to the so-called precession of the Earth’s axis, the area of the sky that the Sun crosses in March has shifted over the course of millennia. Western astrology therefore works with the tropical zodiac, which is anchored to the vernal equinox, while Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, which is oriented toward the actual positions of the constellations.

An Overview of the Twelve Signs

Each of the twelve signs possesses specific qualities shaped by its element, modality, and planetary ruler. You can find a detailed overview in the article The Signs of the Zodiac. Together with the planets and houses, the zodiac forms the three cornerstones of astrological interpretation.

Is the zodiac the same as the signs of the zodiac?

The zodiac refers to the entire celestial band, while the signs of the zodiac are the twelve sections within it. The zodiac can be understood as the framework and the signs as its twelve chapters.

Why are there different zodiac systems?

Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac (based on the vernal equinox), while Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac (based on the constellations). Due to the precession of the earth's axis, both are about 23-24 degrees apart today.