Zodiac vs Horoscope: What’s The Difference

 

Horoscopes and zodiac signs have long been around since the dawn of man. Although people in the past considered them scholarly, the modern age no longer turns to the stars for critical decisions. However, people still use them for fun today. 

Thanks to modern-day trends and technologies, such as social media and the #selfcare and wellness movements, zodiac signs are gaining popularity again among millennials and Gen-Zs. They have become fascinated by how celestial bodies affect human personality types and activities.

So, what makes it so interesting in today’s youth? Perhaps, ultimately, it’s the sense of being understood. From mundane day-to-day forecasts to relationship dynamics, astrology and horoscopes have something for everybody! 

 

Zodiac 101 

Zodiac 101

The zodiac is an imaginary belt of the heavens containing the twelve constellations that make up the signs we know today. Each person is assigned a sign at birth, depending on where the planets align. 

Additionally, each sign also has a designated element and modality. The chart divides the element part into four

  • Earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn)
  • air (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius)
  • fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
  • water (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio)

On the other hand, modality is related to the seasons. Here, the cardinal signs start the season, fixed are the middle, and mutable marks the end.

 

The Signs Say Hello!

The zodiac signs all have their traitsgood and badwhich otherwise stereotype and make for hallmark personalities. Below you can find a rundown of all twelve signs.

Horoscope

 

Aries (March 20 – April 20)

The ram represents the first sign in the cycle, the cardinal fire sign of the zodiac. Governed by the planet of Mars, those born under Aries are bold, ambitious, and highly competitive.

Like its mascot, these people face challenges head-on and rarely back down from a fight. Its element and modality combination means the sign is a raw force, a firebrand who inspires others due to their sheer passion and drive. 

 

Taurus (April 21 – May 20)

Championed by the bull, people born under Taurus are generally dependable, hardworking, and dedicated. The Taurus sign enjoys stability. In other words, they are most comfortable following a routine and being consistent. 

The sign also values honesty, a result of having a fixed modality. However, this sign can be too traditional or stubborn and not too fond of authority like the bull. 

 

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac, which the twins represent. Ruled by the planet of Mercury, this sign is very expressive and social. Adaptable and outgoing, Gemini is often curious to try new things. Due to this, many things and hobbies capture their interests. However, stereotypes peg them to be impulsive, indecisive, and unreliable

 

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

The cardinal water sign of the zodiac is none other than Cancer, otherwise known as the crab. Hallmark traits for this sign include being very sensitive and intuitive. They often wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Like the crab, they are comfortable being surrounded by familiar faces and will retreat into their shells if they feel the opposite. Before getting to know a Cancer, they may seem standoffish and introverted. But once you crack the hard exterior, you have a friend for life! 

 

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Make way for the king of the zodiac, Leo! The lion is the symbol for Leo, the sign best known as the zodiac’s firecracker sign. They are charming, charismatic, and passionate individuals ready to dominate everything they set their minds to.

On top of their determination, they make for natural leaders since they often know what they want, are self-confident, and are social. 

 

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Those born from late August to late September fall under the sign of Virgo, an earth sign associated with the maiden. Its element can give you a hint about what makes up a Virgo: logical and practical. This sign is very technical and analytical. But, people born in Virgo are generally reliable, hardworking, and quick thinkers. 

 

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Governed under Venus with the scales as its representation is the Libra. Most stereotypes describe them as a sign of balance, truth, and harmony.

Libras love symmetry and want stability in all areas of their lives. Among the signs, they are the most fair-minded, idealistic, and diplomatic, which they take pride in. As they serve as the group’s mediator, they can be non-confrontational. Those under the Libra can also become people, and pleasers if they feel it’s necessary to keep the peace. 

 

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

One of the more passionate signs, many often mistake Scorpio for a fire sign. Funnily enough, this water sign possesses many similarities to its fire equivalents: intense and magnetic. 

The enigmatic aura this sign emits makes it one of the more elusive yet dynamic zodiac figures. They build on their reserved personality and feel emotions so intensely. Due to this, Scorpios can become overly jealous, resentful, and secretive when push comes to shove. 

 

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

The final fire sign of the zodiac is the one and only Sagittarius. A mutable sign and classified as 

The Archer Sagittarians are the epitome of free spirits. 

They value their independence, making them the ultimate manic-pixie-dream person. They also love adventure and strongly dislike being restrained or kept in one place for too long. However, the independence notorious to this sign can get the better of them. As such, stereotypes often describe them as flighty and having difficulty committing to relationships.  

 

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Like its Taurus counterpart, Capricorns know that taking things slow and steady wins the race. Diligence, perseverance, and hard work are the names of the game for this sign. 

However, Capricorn’s resilience when approaching life comes at a cost. Some of their not-so-favorable traits often manifest as a secondary effect of their hard work and tenacity. Too much work and hustle can make this sign overly stubborn and a workaholic. 

 

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Don’t let its name fool you because Aquarius is far from a water sign. The water bearer represents the final air sign of the zodiac, Aquarians. One thing about this sign is that they believe the world is their oyster.

They are one of the more diverse signs in the zodiac. People born under this sign can be reserved and shy or outgoing and energetic, much like its element of air with no concrete forms or shapes.

Those in this eccentric bunch are true visionaries, believing everyone can contribute to a better world. This ideal also aligns with their strong moral compass and pursuit of justice. While admirable, this idealism can be a double-edged sword for the Aquarian. Their constant chase for perfection can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration if not achieved.

 

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

The final sign chronologically in the zodiac is Pisces, which the fish represents. Compared to the rest, people under Pisces are the most intuitive, sensitive, and empathetic. 

They are very generous and giving, often putting the needs of others before their own. Apart from being a “person for the people,” Pisces folks are also known for being dreamers. They may be social people. However, this sign is also prone to being emotional and overly trusting.

 

A Day in the Life

While zodiac signs talk about personalities, horoscopes are of what is to come or an astrological forecast. Usually, you can find horoscopes at the back of newspapers and magazines. Some may find excitement in reading about what will happen in their day. Others find relief that they can have a bit of control over what goes on.

R.H. Naylor, a British astrologer, played a huge role in how horoscopes came into mainstream publications and media. Over time, horoscopes eventually found a permanent home in print media. 

However, they are on the rise again in a new medium: social media. With apps like Co-Star and Chani, horoscopes have since been significantly accessible to people today.

But, why do we still read horoscopes even though they aren’t 100% accurate? Some believe the Barnum Effect is at play. This effect is where people accept generalized statements written as personal truths. That’s why when something as generic as “you are sometimes shy and like to keep to yourself” comes up, one potential response is, “that’s so me!”

As far as similarities go, zodiacs and horoscopes use the same twelve signs to classify and generalize people into groups and demographics. Zodiac signs have a set selection of traits and personalities from the get-go. Meanwhile, horoscopes differ because their novelty and appeal usually involve turning to fortunes and prophecies to determine someone’s future.

The astrology of today isn’t relied on for life-changing decisions anymore. However, its trend and appeal still love on despite having existed for hundreds of years. Ultimately, many still use it for harmless fun and as conversation starters whenever meeting new people.

 

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