Astrologers, listen up: Your Sun sign is the zodiac sign you check every month, week, or even day. It’s called a “sun sign” because it’s based on where the sun was when you were born, says Narayana Montufar, senior astrologer at Horoscope.com and Astrology.com and author of Moon Signs: How the Moon Shapes Your Life. Find your inner power of light. The zodiac is made up of twelve Sun signs, and each one has certain traits that go with it.

“Your sign is based on the day, since the sun changes signs once a month,” says Montfar. “However, if a person was born on a day when the sun changes signs, their Sun sign will be based on the zodiac sign that the sun was in at the exact time of their birth.”

Also, this is why there are no “cusp signs,” or zodiac signs that fall between two different signs. Or, at least, not many astrologers know about them. Astrologer Sanasjia Clervoix says, “Technically, a planet can’t be in two signs at the same time.” Clervoix says that if you feel like you are more like the signs before or even after your Sun sign, you should have your full birth chart read to see where else these energies might be.

“Triplicities” and “quadruplicities” are two important astrological ideas that can tell you even more about your sign’s traits. Each zodiac sign belongs to one of four groups of three (fire, earth, air, or water) and one of three groups of four (fire, earth, air, or water) (cardinal signs, fixed signs, and mutable signs). About that in a minute.

Now that you know more about how astrology works in general, you can get more specific. Here’s everything astrologers say you should know about the dates, personality traits, triplicities, and quadruplicities of the 12 zodiac signs.

The Four Plurality

“The idea of triplicities refers to how the 12 zodiac signs are divided by natural element and form a harmonious trine aspect with each other,” says Montfar. “This shows that energy flows easily and in a good way between them.”

• Earth: The earth element rules Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Montfar says that this gives them personalities that are grounded, reliable, and hardworking, just like the earth itself.
• Water: Astrologer Valerie Mesa says that water represents feelings, dreams, healing, intuition, and the cycles of death and rebirth. Mesa says that Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are all water elements. They do best when they can just go with the flow because they prefer an emotional or intuitive way of living.
• Air: People with an air sign are known for being communicative, smart, and flexible, says Mesa. Mesa says that Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius all look at life from a logical point of view, but they can sometimes be unsure or change their minds.
• Fire: The fire element rules Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Montfar says that this makes them passionate, energetic, and creative. They are known for being spontaneous and having a knack for getting ideas.

The three sets of four

Montfar says that quadruplicities are another way to divide the 12 zodiac signs by mode. They show the problems and challenges that lead to growth in the end.

• Cardinal: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are all cardinal signs, which means they move quickly and want to get things done. Montufar says that the Cardinal Signs are the ones who start the Zodiac.
• Fixed: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are all fixed, which means they are stable and set in their ways. Montfar says that these signs show that a project will be finished.
• Mutable: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are all mutable signs, which makes them flexible and resourceful. Montfar says that they are the ones who finish off projects.

ARIES: MARCH 21 – APRIL 19

The ram is the symbol for Aries, and these people love being in charge. “Because Mars rules them and they are the first fire and cardinal sign, Aries like to start things rather than finish them,” says Montfar. Basically, if you need help starting a project or trying a recipe you’ve been dying to try, call an Aries.

Kerry Ward, who reads tarot cards, says that they also need to be kept busy or they can get bored quickly. She says, “Aries see everything as a competition, and they can fight in a room full of nothing.” For this sign, it’s important to remember that picking your battles can also be a win.

TAURUS: APRIL 20 – MAY 20

“Taurus, also known as “the bull,” is ruled by Venus. It is an earth sign whose motto is “slow and steady wins the race.” Montúfar explains. If you’re a Taurus, you definitely like to have fun and you’re kind of a genius when it comes to getting things.

Think of yourself as a money magnet because you are so good at manifesting. And because you’re an earth sign, you’re grounded, reliable, and hard-working by nature. Ward says that because of these traits, Taurus is made for stable, long-term relationships.

GEMINI: MAY 21 – JUNE 20

Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury, which is shown by the “twins.” “Gemini is known as the sacred duality that exists in the universe. They have a bright, quick-witted mind and are always interested in new things,” says Montfar. Ward points out, though, that their quick wit can backfire in a fight, which is why they prefer to go M.I.A. rather than face a fight.

Geminis are also very flirty and good at making friends. Ward says, “They take a while to settle down because they are so social and can’t stand being confined.”

CANCER: JUNE 21 – JULY 22

Cancers have a lot of loyalty. “Intuitive and determined, this sign stays true to its roots and is great at getting what it wants to protect its family and loved ones,” says Montfar. Also, the Moon rules them, and the crab is their symbol.

Cancers are water signs, so they usually have a good way with words and are in touch with their feelings. Montfar says that they are also part of the cardinal modality, which means that they use their intelligence to get what they want.

Cancers will give you the world in a relationship, but they expect you to do the same, says Ward. So when their energy isn’t returned, they feel like they’ve been left alone.

LEO: JULY 23 – AUGUST 22

The Sun rules the Leo sign, which is symbolized by “the lion” and is king of the jungle. If you know a Leo, you know that making a good first impression is the most important thing. “This sign is at the center of life because it is creative and has a fiery pull,” says Montfar.

So, it makes sense that Leos are linked to the fire element, since their positive energy and passion make them great for being in the spotlight. Ward thinks that the fact that they are jealous might not be a coincidence. But she says that they do this not because they want to be mean, but because it’s in their nature to do so.

VIRGO: AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22

“Mercury rules Virgo, which is called “the virgin” and stands for the idea of wholeness and perfection,” Montfar says. Virgos are built to work hard, follow rules, and get things done. Because they have these traits, they can pretty much do anything.

Ward says the best way to describe this sign is as “precise, perceptive, practical, and a perfectionist.” Virgos are used to doing a lot of different things at once and often think they’re the best person to do everything. If someone challenges that belief, they will fight back and become stubborn. (Don’t step on it, non-Virgos!)

LIBRA: SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22

You know those signs with the scales of justice? Yes, that’s a sign of Libra. They are smart people who are ruled by Venus. They are the perfect example of beauty, balance, harmony, and a sense of fair play. (Get it? Scales? Balance?)

Libra is connected to the element of air, so they usually look at life from a logical point of view (there are those scales again!). Mesa says that they can be indecisive or change their minds sometimes.

Ward also says that they are easy to flirt with and love to be loved. “Many people get hurt when they think a Libra loves them, only to find out they are just one of many!” she says.

SCORPIO: OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

So, yes, Scorpio is “the scorpion.” Scorpios are emotional and strong, and Montfar says that they have a knack for “zeroing in on the most important questions and figuring out what secrets they hold.” Oh, and Mars and Pluto run them (which might explain why they can be kinda hot and cold).

As water signs, Scorpios are smart, talkative, and interested. And since they belong to the fixed mode, they tend to be set in their ways and stable.

Scorpios are also very independent because of these traits. Ward says that they won’t ask for help, mostly out of pride, which can get them into trouble. They also love deeply, so you can expect a Scorpio to fight for the people they care about until the end.

SAGITTARIUS: NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21

Sagittarius is called “the archer,” and the powerful planet Jupiter rules it. Sags are passionate, adaptable, and, most importantly, they want to know the truth. The best way for them to find answers is to connect with a lot of other people. So, Sagittarius feels closest to Aries and Leo, two other fire signs that are also creative and clever.

They tend to be free-spirited and adventurous, so if you want to get a Sag to commit to plans and dates, you’ll have a hard time. Ward says that this need for freedom can also get in the way of their other responsibilities.

CAPRICORN: DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19

Do you know what a “sea-goat” is? You know now that it’s a mythical water creature that represents the Capricorn sign. “Capricorns, who are ruled by Saturn, are ambitious and determined leaders,” says Montfar. If you are a Cap, you are definitely a tough person. (Like, when you face the biggest problems, you’re at your best.)

Caps are cardinal signs, which are the signs of the zodiac that move quickly and take the lead. This toughness is important because of this.

Montfar says that Capricorns are grounded, reliable, and hard-working because they are earth signs. The way they think about love is affected by these things. Ward says that Capricorns don’t just want to fall in love. Instead, they want someone who is just as driven as they are. They want to be a “power couple.” Still, their drive for success can hurt their personal relationships, so they need to find a good balance.

AQUARIUS: JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18

The “water bearer” is Aquarius. People born under this sign are often humanitarians, visionaries, and progressive souls who want to make the world a much better place. Saturn and Uranus rule this sign. (Can ya blame ’em?)

As an air sign, Aquarius is eloquent, curious, and intellectual. People with this Sun sign are known to be very honest, almost to a fault. Ward says, “Aquarians don’t like conflict, but they will say what they think, often with a lot of truth.” “They won’t hold back because they care about how others feel.”

Aquarius can also be hard to get along with in a relationship because they like to be alone and won’t commit to their partner.

PISCES: FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

Pisces is ruled by Jupiter and Neptune, and the “two fishes” are its symbol, which makes sense since it is a water sign. “Dreamy and spiritual, this sign marks the end of the journey through the zodiac,” says Montfar. “Pisces brings together all the best parts of the first eleven signs to make the spirit perfect and whole.” Not a terrible thing to be, right?

This wholeness is also shown by the fact that Pisces are curious and passionate, like water, and by the fact that they are mutable, which gives them the flexibility to round out the zodiac.

Ward says that because Pisces are kind, loyal, and loving, they are the dream partner for people of the same sign. They don’t like to fight and usually keep their feelings to themselves, but if you push them too far, they’ll bite back with sarcasm.