By Tanya, Christina, and April

Go on

In astrology and
astronomy, the zodiac is
a circle of 12 divisions of
longitude centered upon
the path of the sun
across the celestial
sphere called the ecliptic.
The twelve divisions are
called signs; however,
since the divisions are
regular, they do not
correspond exactly to the
constellation for which
they are named.
Essentially, the Zodiac is
a celestial coordination
system.

What IS the zodiac?

Lesson Navigation
Use the Greek Soldier
to continue to the
next part of the
lesson.

Click on the zodiac to go back

to the main menu!

Use the group of constellation signs

to progress to the next constellations
in the lesson. Go ahead and click to
get started!

Lets Begin!
Aries

Taurus

Virgo

Capricorn

Gemini

Libra

Cancer

Leo

Scorpio Sagittarius

Aquarius

Pisces

Aries
Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac.
Aries is symbolized by the ram, which represents
male fertility, aggression, and courage.
Aries is an ancient constellation, but was not
officially recognized by the International
Astronomical Union until 1922.
The constellation contains several stars with
planets; Alpha Arietis has an orbiting planet with
a mass greater than Jupiter.

Other interesting facts:

Element: Fire
Ruler: Mars
Season: Spring
Metal: Iron
Stone: Amethyst, Diamond
Color: Red

Taurus
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac. It is one of the most
prominent and visible of all constellations.
It is also the oldest documented constellation, going
back as far as the Bronze Age.
The giant red star Aldebaran is the brightest star in
the constellation, and it is known as Taurus Eye. It is said to be
glaring at Orion, the hunter.
Seen as a symbol of strength, tenacity, virility, and power.

Other interesting facts:

Element: Earth
Ruler: Venus
Season: Spring
Metal: Copper
Stone: Emerald
Color: Green

Gemini

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac.

The symbol of Gemini is thought to be very
adaptable and flexible to the point of being
two different personalities.
The glyph for Gemini is two lines joined
together, showing the symbolism of the twins.
In Astrology, Geminis have gained the
reputation of being the incessant talkers.
Those who do not have the gift of the gab
are usually writers, or have an interest in
foreign language.

Other interesting facts:

Element: Air
Ruler: Mercury
Season: Spring
Metal: Mercury
Stone: Aquamarine
Color: Yellow

A thirteenth zodiac sign?

Cancer

Cancer is the fourth sign in the zodiac, and is the

dimmest of all the constellations. It is almost
impossible to see with the naked eyes, and
resembles an upside down Y.
Cancer represents the giant crab sent to attack
Hercules during the second of his 12 labors.
It is one of the four cardinal signs that indicate
when seasons are changing.
Cancers glyph represents the breasts as a symbol
of nurturing qualities.

Other Interesting facts:

Element: Water
Ruler: Moon
Season: Summer
Metal: Silver
Stone: Moonstone, Pearl, Opal
Color: White, Yellow

Leo

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac. It is one of the

earliest recognized constellations.
It is very easy to find, because the pointer stars of
the Big Dipper point to Leo.
The constellation becomes visible in the Northern
Hemisphere around the spring equinox.
The glyph represents the mane of a lion.

Other interesting facts:

Element: Fire
Ruler: Sun
Season: Summer
Metal: Gold
Stone: Peridot, Ruby
Color: Orange, Gold

Virgo
Virgo is the sixth astrological sign in the Zodiac, and
is the second-largest constellation. It spans the 150180th degree of the zodiac.
The symbol of the maiden is based on Astraea; she
was the last immortal to abandon earth at the end
of the Silver Age, when the gods fled to Olympus hence the sign's association with earth.
Virgo's symbol is sometimes shown as a woman
carrying a sheaf of wisdom, representing the
harvesting of wheat at the time of year of the Virgo
(late summer).

Other interesting facts!

Element: Earth
Ruler: Mercury
Season: Summer
Metal: Mercury
Stone: Sapphire
Color: Blue, Beige

Libra
Libra is the seventh sign, and it spans the 1802010th degree of the zodiac.
The symbol of scales is based on the Scales of
Justice system, held by Themis, the Greek
personification of law and custom. She was the
inspiration for Lady Justice!
Libras symbol is the only symbol in the zodiac
that is inanimate. Libra also represents the
setting sun, and an equality sign.

Other interesting facts!

Element: Air
Ruler: Venus
Season: Fall
Metal: Copper
Stone: Diamond, Quartz, Marble
Color: Pastel Green

Scorpio
Scorpio is the eighth astrological sign in the Zodiac. It

spans the 210240th degree of the zodiac.

Scorpio actually has a dual nature: A second symbol
for Scorpio is the Eagle. The Golden Eagle has been
regarded from ancient times as a symbol of courage
and power. The eagle represents clear vision,
intelligence, and power. It is a majestic bird, and also
symbolizes freedom.
Scorpio's glyph, or symbol, looks like a letter M with a
tail. The curves show the grounded nature of the sign,
ending in an upward-turned arrow, symbolizing the
need for action and the striving for something higher.

Other interesting facts!

Element: Water
Ruler: Pluto, Mars
Season: Fall
Metal: Steel, Iron
Stone: Topaz, Opal
Color: Gold, Purple

Sagittarius
Sagittarius is the ninth astrological sign.
Sagittarius is symbolized by the Archer--halfman, half-horse, based on the centaur Chiron,
who mentored Achilles in archery.
In Greek mythology, centaurs were
adventurous, brave, and wise; they were also
given to brawling and uncivilized behavior.
The glyph for Sagittarius is a straightforward
one -- it depicts the archer's arrow slung in a
bow

Other interesting facts

Element: Fire
Ruler: Jupiter
Season: Fall
Metal: Tin
Stone: Topaz
Color: Turquoise

Capricorn

Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac. Like

Cancer, it is very hard to see.
The tropic of Capricorn originally sliced exactly
through its constellation, but has since shifted
to go through Sagittarius instead.
Capricorns brightest star is Capricorni, a giant
white star.
Its glyph is more intricate than most; the V is
thought to depict the goats beard, while the tail
is that of a fish.

Other interesting facts:

Element: Earth
Ruler: Saturn
Season: Winter
Metal: Lead
Stone: Amber, Onyx
Color: Purple, Brown

Aquarius

Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. It is one

of the oldest documented constellations.
It is difficult to find Aquarius with the naked eye,
however, it is huge- Aquarius spreads out over 980
sq. degrees. It is the tenth largest constellation in
the sky.
The name Aquarius means cup bearer or water
bearer in Latin.

Other interesting facts:

Element: Air
Ruler: Uranus
Season: Winter
Metal: Uranium
Stone: Amethyst
Color: Sky Blue

Pisces

Pisces is the twelfth and final sign of the zodiac.

It is the fourteenth largest constellation in the
sky.
The vernal equinox has shifted from running
through Aries to slicing through Pisces.
Other constellations around Pisces are
Andromeda, Pegasus and Aries.
Eta Piscium is Pisces brightest star.

Other interesting facts:

Element: Water
Ruler: Neptune
Season: Winter
Metal: Tin
Stone: Jade, Coral
Color: Sea Green

Take the final quiz?

Click the zodiac to go back to the
main menu, or the Greek Soldier to
Continue on to the final exam!

Time to Prove your Knowledge

After learning about the zodiac constellations,
write a little bit about what you learned about
what YOUR constellation in the box below.

Can you remember??

Use the pen on the bottom of the screen to match
the zodiac signs correctly with their names!

Taurus

Aries

Gemini

Scorpio

Capricorn

Aquarius
Cancer

Leo

Sagittarius

Libra
Virgo

Pisces