The zodiac signs are more than a set of character traits. Over the centuries they have gathered a wealth of folk superstitions: each sign was assigned lucky days of the week, numbers, colours and stones, which people turned to when making important decisions, setting out on journeys or choosing a talisman. Many constellations also have ancient legends behind them – Greek, Egyptian or Babylonian. Here is a short guide to this “superstitious horoscope”.
Aries (21 March – 20 April)
Aries opens the zodiac. According to an ancient myth, the world was created at the moment the Sun entered Aries – which is why this constellation is considered the first. Those born under this sign are credited with a fiery temperament and an often turbulent life full of excitement. Aries is ruled by Mars.
- Lucky numbers: 7 and 6
- Colour: red
- Stone: diamond
Taurus (21 April – 20 May)
Taurus is linked to the element of Earth and marks the height of spring. Its guardian is Venus. People born under this sign have a strong will and a firm character that rarely changes. They are very good at solving problems, although they sometimes need a little more time to do so.
- Lucky day: Friday
- Lucky numbers: 1 and 9
- Colour: blue
Gemini (21 May – 20 June)
The constellation of Gemini is formed by two bright stars – Castor and Pollux, named after the mythical brothers, sons of Leda. The sign was also sometimes associated with the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Those born under it are intelligent and flexible, adapting brilliantly to new situations, as well as attractive and charming – though they often put things off until later.
- Lucky day: Wednesday
- Lucky numbers: 3 and 4
- Colours: silver, grey
- Stone: agate
Cancer (21 June – 22 July)
According to Greek myth, a crab nipped Heracles on the foot during his battle with the Hydra. Hera, the hero’s enemy, rewarded it by placing it in the sky as a constellation. Astrologers of old believed that storms arriving while the Sun was in Cancer heralded disasters. The sign is ruled by the Moon. Cancerians are sensitive, value peace and quiet, and can be oversensitive to what others say.
- Lucky day: Friday
- Lucky numbers: 3 and 8
- Colours: white, silver
Leo (23 July – 22 August)
Leo is ruled by the Sun. An Egyptian legend holds that the astrological Lion symbolises the summer season, when the Nile floods and lions come down to the river. People born under this sign have vivid imaginations and crave honours and splendour. Deep down they are warm-hearted and dream of a great love, although they sometimes tend to put on airs and order others about.
- Lucky day: Sunday
- Lucky numbers: 5 and 9
Virgo (23 August – 22 September)
Virgo, the Maiden, is depicted in a long gown, holding a palm leaf and a sheaf of wheat. According to one legend, the Sphinx at Giza has the head of Virgo and the body of Leo, uniting the two neighbouring signs. It is the sign of purity, truth and honour. Virgos are trustworthy, proud, loyal and highly practical.
- Lucky day: Wednesday
- Lucky numbers: 4 and 8
- Stone: sapphire
Libra (23 September – 22 October)
Libra, the Scales, is the symbol of balance and justice – the only sign of the zodiac represented not by a living being but by an object. People born under this sign have many talents, especially artistic ones. They are interested in beauty, but in material matters too.
- Lucky day: Friday
- Lucky numbers: 6 and 9
- Colour: blue
- Stone: opal
Scorpio (23 October – 21 November)
Scorpios are regarded as calm people endowed with inner strength, sharpness of mind and a deep understanding of the world. They can be loners, yet at the same time they dream of a great, passionate love. Traditionally the sign is under the influence of Mars.
- Lucky day: Tuesday
- Lucky numbers: 3 and 5
- Colour: red
- Stone: topaz
Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December)
The symbol of Sagittarius is the centaur archer, whose prototype is sought in depictions of the Babylonian god of war. People born under this sign are cheerful and full of enthusiasm and inner strength. They love adventure, and travel above all. They are well balanced, though they can be impractical.
- Lucky day: Thursday
- Lucky number: 9
- Stone: turquoise
Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)
Capricorn, once known as the Goat, is one of the oldest constellations of the zodiac. It is ruled by Saturn. People born under this sign are practical, dependable and consistent in what they do.
- Lucky day: Saturday
- Lucky numbers: 3 and 7
- Colour: dark green
- Stone: garnet
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)
Aquarius is the ancient Water Bearer. The Egyptians believed that the Nile flooded every time the Water Bearer dipped his jar into it, making the land fertile. Over time Aquarius became a symbol of the thirst for knowledge and of sharing it with others. Those born under this sign are innovators with an unconventional way of being – bold and go-getting, though they often follow their own paths.
- Lucky day: Wednesday
- Lucky numbers: 4 and 8
- Colours: pastels
Pisces (19 February – 20 March)
The sign’s symbol is two fish swimming in opposite directions – an image of the extremes and contradictions in the character of those born under it. The constellation itself is made up of two distant stars joined by a string of fainter ones. According to a Roman legend, Venus and Cupid turned themselves into fish to escape the wrath of the monster Typhon. Pisceans are dreamers, idealists and optimists – very emotional and sensitive, though they sometimes lack a sense of realism.
- Lucky numbers: 5 and 8
- Colour: lavender
First published (Polish original): 15 July 2011. Written by astrologers and esoteric specialists working with our editorial team; edited and translated for HOROSCOP.SPACE. © All rights reserved.
