Constellations Explained

Zodiac Constellations

A constellation is a group of stars forming a pattern that have a symbolic meaning. Here are the 12 zodiac star sign constellations and their explaination.

Aquarius

20 Jan - 18 Feb

This well-known constellation of the zodiac represents a mouth pouring water from a jar. In Greek mythology, Aquarius (also known as Ganymede in Roman myth) was a beautiful young boy whom Zeus brought to Olympus to be the cup bearer of the Gods. It is suggested that Zeus fell in love with Aquarius.

Pisces

19 Feb - 20 Mar

Pisces represents the twelfth and final stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. Venus and her son Cupid escaped Typhon as two fish tied together. In Greek mythology, they are Aphrodite and Eros.

Aries

21 Mar - 19 Apr

Aries depicts the ram with the golden fleece, famous from Greek mythology, and is a zodiac constellation. In Greek mythology, the ram carried Athamas's son Phrixux and daughter Helle to Colchis to escape Ino. 

Taurus

20 Apr - 20 May

A highly impressive constellation of the zodiac, which is said to represent the Greek god Zeus disguised as a bull.

Gemini

21 May - 20 Jun

Zodiac constellation depicting the twins Castor and Pollux who sailed with the Argonauts in search of the golden fleece and who were later regarded by the ancient Greeks as patron saints of seafarers. They were the brothers of Helen of Troy. They are also the protectors of ships and sailors.

Cancer

21 Jun - 22 Jul

Zodiac constellation representing the crab that, in Greek mythology, was crushed by Hercules during his battle with the multi-headed Hydra.

Leo

23 Jul - 22 Aug

A majestic zodiac constellation depicting the lion that Hercules killed as one of his twelve labours.

Virgo

23 Aug - 22 Sep

This is the largest constellation of the zodiac and the only one to represent a female figure. Amongst others, she has been identified as Dike, the Greek goddess of Justice.

Libra

23 Sep - 22 Oct

One of the constellations of the zodiac and associated with Themis, the Greek goddess of justice. The only “non-living" object in the Zodiac. Romans chopped claws from Scorpio during Autumn Equinox to make Libra.

Scorpio

23 Sep - 22 Oct

A beautiful constellation of the zodiac, depicting the scorpion that, in Greek mythology, killed Orion with its sting. The old version of its name, Scorpio, is only used in astrology.

Sagittarius

22 Nov - 21 Dec

A zodiac constellation located on the Milky Way in the direction of the centre of the galaxy. It depicts Crotus, the son of the Greek god Pan and the inventor of archery, aiming his bow at a scorpion - neighbouring constellation Scorpius.

Capricorn

22 Dec - 19 Jan

Smallest constellation of the zodiac, depicting a fish-tailed goat. In Greek myth it is linked with the goat-like god Pan, who turned his lower half into a fish to escape the sea monster Typhon. Also known as Amalthea who provided for baby Zeus after Rhea saved him from Cronos.