From new friends to dating, asking someone's zodiac sign is a common ice breaker that people ask all the time.

A person's zodiac sign, also known as their sun sign, is determined by the position of the sun at the date of their birth. There are 12 zodiac signs in total. The season of each zodiac sign is about a month long, and the season in which someone is born determines their zodiac sign.

So, for example, if someone were born on March 1, they would be a Pisces, but if another person were born on Oct. 25, they would be a Scorpio.

One's zodiac sign is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to astronomy. People can create complete birth charts filled with information about their moon sign, rising sign, and more using apps or hiring professional astronomers.

But for now, here's a basic guide on what you should know about the zodiac signs.

Zodiac sign dates:

  • Aries: March 21 – April 19
  • Taurus: April 20 – May 20
  • Gemini: May 21 – June 21
  • Cancer: June 22 – July 22
  • Leo: July 23 – August 22
  • Virgo: August 23 – September 22
  • Libra: September 23 – October 23
  • Scorpio: October 24 – November 21
  • Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21
  • Capricorn: December 22 – January 19
  • Aquarius: January 20 – February 18
  • Pisces: February 19 – March 20

Learn more about each Zodiac sign

Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces

What is my Zodiac sign?

Aries: March 21 – April 19

Aries is a fire sign, and it is the first in the Zodiac. Known to be competitive, those born under Aries are courageous, strong-willed and carefree. Appropriately, the sign is symbolized by the ram.

Compatible signs:

  • Leo
  • Gemini
  • Scorpio

Taurus: April 20 – May 20

Taurus is an earth sign and is commonly associated with stubbornness. Fittingly, its symbol is the bull. Tauruses are also generous and dedicated, unafraid to take their time and resilient.

Compatible signs:

  • Pisces
  • Libra
  • Virgo

Gemini: May 21 – June 21

Gemini is an air sign and is symbolized by a set of twins. Bearers of this sign are communicative, intellectual and curious, often filling their plates so that busyness abounds.

Compatible signs:

  • Other Geminis
  • Aquarius
  • Virgo

Cancer: June 22 – July 22

Cancer is a water sign, rounding out the four elements. It is represented by the crab. Despite their hard exteriors, Cancers are deeply emotional creatures. They often experience high levels of sentimentality and compassion.

Compatible signs:

  • Leo
  • Aquarius
  • Pisces

Leo: July 23 – August 22

Leo is a fire sign and is symbolized by the lion. They are natural-born leaders and are driven by a courageous spirit. Leos are also considered to be hard-working, confident and loyal.

Compatible signs:

  • Aries
  • Cancer
  • Libra

Virgo: August 23 – September 22

Virgo is an earth sign, symbolized by a maiden (who is occasionally seen holding wheat). Virgos are said to be analytical, detail-oriented and highly practical. This occasionally leads to perfectionism. They love to help but are fierce self-critics.

Compatible signs:

  • Capricorn
  • Scorpio
  • Pisces

Libra: September 23 – October 23

Libra is an air sign. Represented by scales, it's no surprise that this sign loves harmony. Libras are said to be creative and idealistic. Those born under the sign can also be indecisive and often weigh their options, struggling to commit.

Compatible signs:

  • Leo
  • Aquarius
  • Pisces

Scorpio: October 24 – November 21

Shocker: Scorpio is represented by a scorpion. The water sign is known to be determined, passionate and competitive. Those born under Scorpio are also considered mysterious and intense.

Compatible signs:

  • Capricorn
  • Taurus
  • Cancer

Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21

Sagittarius is a fire sign, symbolized the archer. The sign is quite adventurous and free-spirited, constantly seeking travel and change. However, this carefree nature can lead to inconsistency.

Compatible signs:

  • Gemini
  • Aries
  • Aquarius

Capricorn: December 22 – January 19

The final earth sign, Capricorn, is represented by the sea goat. Those born under the sign are seen as ambitious, practical and focused. They can be a shoulder to lean on, but they can also become pessimistic or cold.

Compatible signs:

  • Virgo
  • Scorpio
  • Libra

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18

Aquarius is an air sign, not a water sign, despite its symbol: the water bearer. They are forward thinkers and tend to be clever, creative and intelligent. They can also be distant and struggle to express emotion.

Compatible signs:

  • Cancer
  • Libra

Pisces: February 19 – March 20

Pisces is symbolized by two fish and is the last of the water signs. Those born under the sign are considered empathetic and intuitive. They can easily read the emotions of others and are ruled by their own. Pisces are understanding and romantic, experiencing the world through heightened sensitivity.

Compatible signs:

  • Taurus
  • Gemini
  • Virgo (sometimes)

Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is my zodiac sign? What to know about astrology

Reporting by Julia Gomez, Olivia Munson and Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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