Different types of Zodiac Signs

Zodiac or star signs have become part and parcel of our culture and we’re all familiar with the traditional Western zodiac signs that relate to the four elements:

Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.

Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.

Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.

But these are just one of a myriad of zodiac signs that are recognised around the world, and by different cultures.

The Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese Zodiac is probably the most well-known “alternative” zodiac sign, which, instead of relating to the month you were born, assigns you a sign based on the year you were born. The twelve zodiacs are made up of twelve different animals which correspond with specific years. You can see a few examples below (you can find your specific Chinese Zodiac animal by having a quick look online):

Rat: 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Ox: 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Tiger: 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Rabbit: 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Dragon: 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Snake: 1977, 1989, 2001

Horse: 1978, 1990, 2002

Goat: 1979, 1991, 2003

Monkey: 1980, 1992, 2004

Rooster: 1981, 1993, 2005

Dog: 1982, 1994, 2006

Pig: 1983, 1995, 2007

Like our Western zodiac, different signs in the Chinese zodiac are associated with particular personality traits but it is also a lot more complicated than ours. Each year alternates between a yin and yang year whilst simultaneously cycling through the five elements: earth, metal, water, wood and fire.

So for example, a horse sign may be a yin earth horse or a yang fire horse.

One thing the Chinese zodiac is said to represent is love compatibility. Two peoples signs can determine whether or not they are a good love match and whether their relationship will last. A person with a horse sign for example, is best matched with a tiger, goat or dog but should stay away from a rat, ox, rabbit or another horse.

Another trait of the Chinese zodiac is that it is bad luck when your year comes around. However, you can ward off this bad luck by receiving something red from a relative.

The Hindu Zodiac

The Hindu Zodiac is the mainstream zodiac in India and is actually quite close to our own Western zodiac. For example, Meṣa is the ram and falls within the fire element which would correspond with Aries.

However, the Hindus have very different, and very specific meanings and attributes to each sign:

Meṣa (ram) – round eyes, mysterious, sexy

Vṛṣabha (bull) – strong thighs, happier in mid life, selfless

Mithuna (twins) – dancer, indulgent, indoor person

Karkaṭa (girl) – opportunist, drooping shoulders

Tulā (balance) – argumentative, brave

Vṛścika (scorpion) – honourable, sickly child, lotus marks on feet

Dhanus (bow) – short, hardworking, kind

Makara (sea monster) – lucky, shameless, sometimes lazy

Kumbha (pitcher) – voracious, eager, not great with money, lover of perfume

Mīna (fish) – bookish, loyal to spouse, lucky, intakes a lot of water

The zodiac is referred to as Jyotish in Indian which translates as “science of light.” It is named this because it is the science of observing celestial bodies which influence us and events due to the light and energy which is reflected upon the earth.

There are three factions of the Hindu Zodiac:

Siddhānta – refers to astronomy

Saṁhitā – used to predict events and details the best times to undertake certain activities such as moving jobs or building a house

Horā – detailed predictions

The Celtic Zodiac

The format of the Celtic Zodiac is the same as ours in that every sign is associated with your date of birth. However, the Celtic Zodiac assigns trees to each sign. It is based on the studying Robert Graves did on the ancient Celtic text called Ogham and it is said that you can tap into the knowledge of your specific tree which can help form your personality.

Which tree sign are you?

Birch – The Achiever (24 Dec – 20 Jan)

Commander, motivator of others, ambitious, tough

Rowan – The Thinker (21 Jan – 17 Feb)

Philosophical, visionary, cool demeanor, creative, influential

Ash – The Enchanter (18 Feb – 17 Mar)

Free-thinking, imaginative, highly artistic, quietly confident

Alder – The Trailblazer (18 Mar – 14 Apr)

Passionate, confident, doer, focused, hates wastefulness

Willow – The Observer (15 Apr – 12 May)

Highly creative, intuitive, realistic, patient, perceptive, reserved

Hawthorn – The Illusionist (13 May – 9 June)

Creative, adaptable, curious, humorous, listener

Oak – The Stabiliser (10 June – 7 July)

Strong, social, nurturing, knowledgeable

Holly – The Ruler (8 July – 4 Aug)

Regal, noble, high-minded, intelligent, confident, generous

Hazel – The Knower (5 Aug – 1 Sept)

Highly intelligent, organized, efficient, detail oriented, controlling

Vine – The Equaliser (2 Sept – 29 Sept)

Unpredictable, charming, refined, indecisive

Ivy – The Superior (30 Sept – 27 Oct)

Sharp intellect, witty, enduring, charismatic, soulful

Reed – The Inquisitor (28 Oct – 24 Nov)

Story-lover, honourable, truthfinder, talkative

Elder – The Seeker (25 Nov – 23 Dec)

Wild, thoughtful, thrill-seeker, honest, considerate

Who knew there were so many star signs and zodiacs to consider?