Zodiac signs and horoscopes have managed to survive centuries of change. To this day, although most do not take horoscope seriously, a substantial number of people still consult horoscopes and zodiac signs for their concerns. The basis of horoscopes and zodiac signs is the position of the stars and the visible constellations at one’s time of birth.

Astrology is the basis of horoscopes and the zodiac signs. This ancient field is devoted to the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies (such as the Sun, Moon, and planets) and their influence on human life. Based on the movements, the relative proximity and of these heavenly bodies, astrologers perform divination. Through this, people are guided on decisions about business, marriage, children, and projects that they may favorably undertake.

Based on the movements, the relative proximity and of these heavenly bodies, astrologers perform divination. Through this, people are guided on decisions about business, marriage, children, and projects that they may favorably undertake.

The Western zodiac signs are actually considered spatial divisions of the heavens. They are also attributed with influence and given prominence according to their placement in the sky and by their angles relative to one another. The modern application of astrology is found in the zodiac signs which are supposed to hold sway over people born within the time when the specific constellation is visible.

Horoscopes and the Movement of the Stars

Astronomers and astrologers believe that the destiny and life of a person can be seen through the movements of stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies present in the galaxy. In the same manner, the astrological aspects and sensitive angles of the stars can chart a person’s fate at the time of a person's birth and other significant life events.

The Egyptians and Mesopotamians had already developed zodiac signs and horoscopes by 2000 BC. These were used to mark the seasons through the constellations we now know as Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, Aries and so on. These constellations also represented the twelve equal segments or divisions of the zodiac.

Many people believe that celestial phenomena influence and even determine human activity. This is founded on the adage that what happens in the heavenly realms is reflected on what happens below. This is partly the basis of horoscopes and the twelve zodiac signs that are used to represent the twelve basic human personalities.

The Zodiac Signs

Based on the belief that the’ movements of the stars influence human life, there is a strong relationship between the time of year a person is born and that person’s personality type. People born under a particular sign are assumed to have basic characteristics that they share with people born under the same time of the year. The twelve signs of the zodiac form a kind of "clock" that relates directly to the sun's position as the earth journeys through the heavens in an orbit or cycle that takes one year to complete. This is why the different signs of the zodiac are sometimes referred to as sun signs.

The following are the twelve constellations with their Latin names. These names are still used by many people and astronomers today:

• Aries the Ram (March 21 – April 19)
• Taurus the Bull (April 20 – May 20)
• Gemini the Twins (May 21 - June 20)
• Cancer the Crab (June 21 – July 22)
• Leo the Lion (July 23 – August 22)
• Virgo the Virgin (August 23 – September 22)
• Libra the Scales (September 23 – October 22)
• Scorpio the Scorpion (October 23 – November 21)
• Sagittarius the Centaur (November 22 – December 21)
• Capricorn the Goat (December 22 – January 19)
• Aquarius the Water Bearer (January 20 – February 18)
• Pisces the Fish (February 19 – March 20).

These are the common zodiac signs and horoscopes that are still used today. Many recognize these symbols and accept personalities that they attribute to those born under them.