Zodiac Symbols: Symbolic Glyphs in the Zodiac
[Click to see Glyphs of the Signs | Planets]

Zodiac Symbols

Shown below are the shorthand glyphs (or zodiac symbols) representing the twelve astrological signs. Each glyph symbolises one or more particular functions of the chart factor represented. The glyphs are shown in pairs, indicating each sign and its polar opposite. In case you are looking for Ophiuchus, the so-called "13th Sign", this constellation is not and never has been a sign of the zodiac.
For more illustrations of the zodiac symbols (Ram, Bull etc) for each sign, see our Sun Sign and Relationship interpretations via the StarGuide. There are some other nice ones on our Weekly Teen Horoscopes and scattered around the site we have many other great symbols. Some are free to download. Click here to see a wide selection of zodiac images. For the planetary glyphs, click here.

NOTE: Critical degrees strengthen any planet placed within an orb of 3 degrees of the critical degree. These are based on the Lunar Mansions. The degrees are given here in the traditional format, i.e. 00°00'–00°59' = 1°; 01°00'–01°59' = 2°, etc. Remember that 29°00'–29°59' is the 30th degree, not the 29th.
Azimene degrees, also known as Lame or Deficient, are those which are traditionally considered deficient or "weak", revealing a tendency to lameness, deformity, or other disability such as blindness. Many astrologers consider both the first and the last degree of any sign to be azimene. The last in particular is called Anaretic, or "death-dealing". It is considered especially unfortunate, although it could also be seen as pushing one forward into a new stage of life (i.e., the next sign).
Some of the exaltations and rulerships are not traditional, but are widely accepted by astrologers today.
Click for a Table of Planetary Values, showing a calculus for the essential dignities and debilities of planets in chart interpretation. For definition of terms, see our comprehensive Astrological Glossary.
Click here to see a wide selection of zodiac images.

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20 Cardinal Fire Masculine (+) Yang Key: "I Am" Symbol: The Ram Ruler: Mars Exaltation: Sun Detriment: Venus Fall: Saturn Fortunate Degrees: 19 Critical Degrees: 1, 13, 26 Azimene Degrees: none Taurus Apr 21 – May 20 Fixed Earth Feminine (-) Yin Key: "I Have" Symbol: The Bull Ruler: Venus Exaltation: Moon Detriment: Mars Fall: no traditional fall Fortunate Degrees: 3, 15, 27 Critical Degrees: 9, 21 Azimene Degrees: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Gemini May 21 – Jun 20 Mutable Air Masculine (+) Yang Key: "I Think" Symbol: The Twins Ruler: Mercury Exaltation: Dragon's Head Detriment: Jupiter Fall: Dragon's Tail Fortunate Degrees: 11 Critical Degrees: 5, 18 Azimene Degrees: none Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 21 Cardinal Water Feminine (-) Yin Key: "I Feel" Symbol: The Crab Ruler: Moon Exaltation: Jupiter Detriment: Saturn Fall: Mars Fortunate Degrees: 1, 2, 3, 4, 15 Critical Degrees: 1, 13, 26 Azimene Degrees: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Leo    Jul 22 – Aug 21 Fixed Fire Masculine (+) Yang Key: "I Will" Symbol: The Lion Ruler: Sun Exaltation: no traditional exaltation Detriment: Saturn Fall: no traditional fall Fortunate Degrees: 2, 5, 7, 19 Critical Degrees: 9, 21 Azimene Degrees: 18, 27, 28 Virgo Aug 22 – Sep 21 Mutable Earth Feminine (-) Yin Key: "I Analyse" Symbol: The Virgin Ruler: Mercury Exaltation: Mercury Detriment: Jupiter Fall: Venus Fortunate Degrees: 3, 14, 20 Critical Degrees: 5, 18 Azimene Degrees: none

Libra Sep 22 – Oct 22 Cardinal Air Masculine (+) Yang Key: "I Balance" Symbol: The Scales Ruler: Venus Exaltation: Saturn Detriment: Mars Fall: Sun Fortunate Degrees: 3, 15, 21 Critical Degrees: 1, 13, 26 Azimene Degrees: none Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21 Fixed Water Feminine (-) Yin Key: "I Desire" Symbol: The Scorpion Rulers: Mars [+ New Age: Pluto] Exaltation: no traditional exaltation Detriment: Venus Fall: Moon Fortunate Degrees: 7, 18, 20 Critical Degrees: 9, 21 Azimene Degrees: 19, 28 Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 20 Mutable Fire Masculine (+) Yang Key: "I See" Symbol: The Archer Ruler: Jupiter Exaltation: Dragon's Tail Detriment: Mercury Fall: Dragon's Head Fortunate Degrees: 12, 20 Critical Degrees: 5, 18 Azimene Degrees: 1, 7, 8, 18, 19 Capricorn Dec 21 – Jan 19 Cardinal Earth Feminine (-) Yin Key: "I Use" Symbol: The Sea-Goat Ruler: Saturn Exaltation: Mars Detriment: Moon Fall: Jupiter Fortunate Degrees: 12, 13, 14, 20 Critical Degrees: 1, 13, 26 Azimene Degrees: 26, 27, 28, 29 Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 Fixed Air Masculine (+) Yang Key: "I Know" Symbol: The Water-Bearer Rulers: Saturn [+ New Age: Uranus] Exaltation: no traditional exaltation Detriment: Sun Fall: no traditional fall Fortunate Degrees: 7, 16, 17, 20 Critical Degrees: 9, 21 Azimene Degrees: 18, 19 Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 20 Mutable Water Feminine (-) Yin Key: "I Believe" Symbol: The Fishes Rulers: Jupiter [+ New Age: Neptune] Exaltation: Venus Detriment: Mercury Fall: Mercury Fortunate Degrees: 13, 20 Critical Degrees: 5, 18 Azimene Degrees: none

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