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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Manhattan chapter.

Astrology can be a helpful tool for gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you. It provides a new outlook on the relationships you hold at work, with a significant other, your family, and how you can strengthen those bonds or maybe cut some of them loose. Astrology does not claim to predict the future or tell you how to fix all your relationship problems, rather, it serves as a guide or direction to become the person you strive to be. Such a tool can provide comfort and answers as to why certain things are happening to us and how to move forward in a productive and positive way. 

Each sign has its own strengths and weaknesses, special characteristics, and personality traits that each correlate to one of the four elements. These elements, Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, represent your most essential energy that drives the individual. In this article, I will not be getting into specifics, such as compatibility between the different signs, instead, provide a general overview of each sign and their main character traits. I have split up the signs based on their element and provided descriptions of the element itself. I hope by reading this you discover more about yourself and learn how to embrace it!

 

WATER SIGNS (common characteristics: sensitive, emotional, intuitive, mysterious, intimate, know how to carry a conversation, and very supportive)

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

    I have always found it ironic how my sun is in Leo (a fire sign), but I identify most with Pisces (a water sign). Their compassionate, intuitive, and gentle character traits are something I have always related to. Pisces are the kinds of people who always put other people first and care deeply for their loved ones, even if that means sacrificing their own happiness. They are also very independent people who like being alone, but dislike confrontation or being criticized. 

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

    Cancers are another water sign that are very emotionally invested in other people (aka “emotional waterfalls”). As very sensitive, loyal, and empathetic beings, Cancer’s are that shoulder you can lean on whenever you’re having a bad day. On the other hand, they can be quite moody and insecure when it comes to intimate relationships. 

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

    The third of the water signs, Scorpio’s are passionate and assertive, yet stubborn individuals. These are the kinds of people who are great leaders who are good at being aware of themselves and other people. If you ever need an honest opinion, they are the people to go to. On the other hand, Scorpio’s can be very manipulative and know how to get what they want; anything for their own benefit. 

 

EARTH SIGNS (common characteristics: grounded and know how to bring people back down to earth, calm, conservative, realistic, emotional, loyal, and supportive)

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

    This may be a biased perspective of Taurus due to the fact that I live with one, but I can attest to the fact that a Taurus gives off very grounding and stable energies (a great balance to my fire energy). They are probably some of the most reliable, devoted, and responsible people you will ever meet. However, they can also be stubborn and will ask others for advice, but tend to make their own decisions. They find pleasure in the material world and appreciate the physical acts of giving. 

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

    A Virgo’s approach to life is very methodical, analytical, and practical. They tend to be very critical of themselves and others, and often shy away from truly expressing themselves. They are very kind and hardworking individuals, but their reserved nature makes it difficult for them to connect with others on a deeper, more emotional level. 

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

    Capricorn’s are probably one of the most disciplined and responsible signs compared to all the others. These are the kinds of people who are determined, career-driven, and know what they want when they want it. However, their naturally serious nature often causes them to ignore and leave their emotions on the backburner. If you ever need career or professional advice, they are the people you want to talk to. 

 

AIR SIGNS (common characteristics: rational, social, love communicating and forming new relationships, big thinkers, intelligent, friendly, analytical, but can be superficial)

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarius is a very unique sign because it is one of the rarest to find due to the fact that the fewest amount of people are born in this season. They tend to easily navigate social situations and find their place in groups very easily but are not always 100% honest with their feelings. Those born in this season are seen to be more emotionally detached and find it difficult to be honest with themselves and others, especially in relationships. 

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

    Gemini’s are a representation of a mixture of personalities and it’s always a surprise when you interact with them. They are very curious, take pride in their knowledge, and love to express their ideas. They can be sociable people who love to converse and engage with large groups, but at the same time, they can get serious all of a sudden. It is not uncommon to find them having a hard time making decisions or worried that there is not enough time for them to explore all of their curiosities. 

    Libra (September 23 – October 22)

    Libra are the kind of people you want in government or positions of power because of how cooperative and fair-minded they are. They are all about balance, harmony, and will avoid confrontation or conflict at all costs. Libra are not known to be very decisive people, but when they are, they are set in their ways. 

 

FIRE SIGNS (common characteristics: passionate, short-tempered but forgive easily, energetic, outgoing, adventurous, an inspiration for others, intelligent, self-aware, and creative)

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

    As a fire sign, Aries are confident individuals who are passionate about their future aspirations and endeavors. Their highly enthusiastic personalities open them up to a multitude of opportunities but, impulse and short tempers can throw them off course. They can also be easily influenced because of their tendency to feed off of other’s energies and desire to please them. 

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

    Finally, we get to my sun sign! By “textbook” definition, the most common characteristics of a Leo include creative, passionate, and warm-hearted, and generous. We are natural-born leaders who will achieve anything they set their minds to. However, some of us can also be quite stubborn, arrogant, and lazy. As I Leo, I definitely associate with some of the given traits more than others. I get overwhelmed very easily, therefore I like staying on top of things and rarely find myself procrastinating. We are also natural leaders, which I do have to agree I like being in charge and taking the lead on various projects, even though confidence is a trait I often lack. I am loyal to those who add value to my life and care deeply for those who care for me. 

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

    Last, but not least, Sagittarius’s are natural comedians who know how to light up a room and bring a smile to your face. They are some of the most curious, energetic, and well-traveled people you will probably meet. If you are ever looking for a buddy to go on a hike with or explore the outdoors, find yourself a Sagittarius! On the other hand, their free-flowing personalities make it hard to contain or settle down. 

To learn more about yourself specifically, consider filling out your birth chart: https://cafeastrology.com

P.S. Shoutout to my roommate for providing her input and expertise on all things astrology!

Jana Clark

Manhattan '22

Jana Clark is a senior at Manhattan College majoring in Communication with a minor in Environmental Studies. Her passions include writing, photography, and health/nutrition! One day she hopes to work for a nonprofit organization where she can be part of the effort to end the marginalization of vulnerable communities and fight for social justice. You can often find Jana volunteering, at the gym, or exploring different parts of the Big Apple.
Michaela Carnesi

Manhattan '21

Michaela is a Childhood Education Major with Concentrations in Math and Spanish at Manhattan College. She will be continuing her studies in the Masters program at Manhattan, and earn a Masters Degree in Special Education. She was a member of Her Campus at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA and is now the Campus Correspondent and Senior Editor at Manhattan! She is beyond excited to be a Jasper and that she found her home at MC!