Zodiac Signs and Zodiac Constellations

<< Introduction to Western Zodiac Signs

<< Herong's Notes on Astrology and Horoscope

This section describes what are zodiac signs and zodiac constellations.

In Western and Indian astrology, 12 zodiac signs are closely mapped to 13 zodiac constellation areas that are located along the ecliptic circle.

12 of 13 zodiac constellation areas are sharing names with 12 zodiac signs. One of zodiac constellation areas, Ophiucus, is not recognized in astrology.

In astrology, the ecliptic circle is divided equally with 12 zodiac signs. So each sign occupies a 30-degree area. But the 13 constellation areas are defined by the IAU (International Astronomical Union) with different sizes. The table below gives a good comparison of zodiac signs and zodiac constellation areas:

Zodiac Sign                          Constellation Area

Aries - Ram, 30 degree               Aries, 21 degree      
Taurus - Bull, 30 degree             Taurus, 35 degree     
Gemini - Twins, 30 degree             Gemini, 21 degree     
Cancer - Crab, 30 degree             Cancer, 15 degree     
Leo - Lion, 30 degree                Leo, 41 degree        
Virgo - Virgin, 30 degree            Virgo, 48 degree      
Libra - Balance, 30 degree           Libra, 17 degree      
Scorpio - Scorpion, 30 degree        Scorpius, 10 degree   
                                     Ophiucus, 19 degree   
Sagittarius - Archer, 30 degree      Sagittarius, 27 degree
Capricorn - Horned goat, 30 degree   Capricornus, 24 degree
Aquarius - Water bearer, 30 degree   Aquarius, 40 degree   
Pisces - Fish, 30 degree             Pisces, 42 degree