WHAT IS THE ZODIAC AND ITS 12 SIGNS?
The vast dome of the heavens has always been a source of Man’s inspiration and wonder. From the dawn of civilization, we associated powers and godhood with the sun, moon, and planets, and to the constellations, we imbibed our fate.
Even to this day, the association of one’s identity and destiny with the stars hasn’t gone out of fashion, evident in the popularity of horoscopic astrology.
Taking inspiration from the Zodiac, our Zodiac Necklace gold collection arrives in unique celestial designs. Wear each Zodiac sign in these stunning and meaningful necklaces crafted only by our most skillful artisans. Each piece is sure to speak the wearers' individuality making them the perfect gifts for the one-in-a-million woman in your life.
WHAT IS THE ZODIAC AND ITS 12 SIGNS?
The Zodiac is the patch of the sky divided into 12 signs, each 30 degrees apart, where the sun crosses throughout the year. It is also the path the moon and the planets take across our sky. Consequently, the 12 Zodiac symbols directly coincide with the 12 months of the year.
It was the ancient Babylonians who divided the sky into these signs to track the changes of season and to predict what each month under the corresponding sign have in store for them. This astrological system was later adapted and refined by the succeeding empires such that of the Greeks and the Romans. This remains the basis of Western Astrology today.
We may not be trying to divine the future using the star signs as the ancient priests and scholars did, but many people still use it as attributes of personality.
As you might already be familiar with, an individual’s personality trait is defined by the Zodiac sign he or she was born into. This branch of Horoscopic Astrology is called Natal Astrology.
ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)
To the early Babylonians, in connection with agricultural labor, Aries was first called “The Agrarian Worker” or “The Hired Man”. Later on, at around 1000 BCE, Aries’ symbol shifted to the ram due to its growing association with Dumuzi, a Mesopotamian god with a ram’s head. Dumuzi was considered a patron of shepherds.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF ARIES
At their best, people born under this sign are vibrant and energetic. They are natural-born leaders who like taking on challenging tasks. They dislike inactivity and are always on the move accomplishing something, be it repairing the fence or climbing up the career ladder. They are single-minded and passionate in their pursuits. Their confidence and determination allow them to take risks and are optimistic about the outcome of their endeavors.
These people excel most in physically challenging activities, and their individualistic flair makes them attracted to individual sports.
When it comes to dressing up, they prefer to be simple and comfortable rather than be flamboyant, unless otherwise, it's part of the job.
BIRTHSTONE OF ARIES
Diamond, like Ariens, possesses intense amounts of energy. Ariens prefer to act than theorizing or mulling over a perfect strategy which can be beneficial if they are patient enough. Diamond helps Ariens with this by enhancing their imagination. The inner visions they will gain can further enhance their potential to achieve great things.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER THE SIGN OF ARIES:
Emma Watson, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Kristen Stewart, Robert Downey, Jr., Charlie Chaplin
TAURUS (APRIL TO MAY)
In between the Copper Age and Bronze Age, around 4000 BCE to 1700 BCE, Taurus marked the approach of the spring equinox. It is when the length of daytime and nighttime were approximately the same as the northern hemisphere came out of winter. Babylonian astronomy recorded the constellation as “The Bull of Heaven”.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF TAURUS
People born under this sign are best known for their steadfast devotion to their relationships, work, and beliefs. They prefer the tried and tested methods of doing things and are not fond of experimentations. Practical and responsible, they expect and ensure that they will only reap the best possible fruit of their labor.
Their pragmatism translates to their preference for physical pleasures and visual aesthetics. They are sensual people who like receiving love, especially in the physical sense.
Whether it’s about friends, partners, career, or a cause, people of Taurus will stand up and fight to protect those they care about. Such is the Bull’s strong will, loyalty, and commitment.
BIRTHSTONE OF TAURUS
Emerald has always been popular with nobilities since ancient times and was associated with beauty, fertility, and love. It’s also a symbol of wisdom and patience. For a Taurus who tends to be possessive, emerald allows the individual to find the insight in letting go.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER THE SIGN OF TAURUS:
John Cena, Kelly Clarkson, Channing Tatum, Gal Gadot, Adele, David Beckham
GEMINI (MAY TO JUNE)
In ancient Babylon, Gemini was known as the “Great Twins” and represented in the sky by the stars Castor or Pollux. These twins were considered minor deities.
Castor and Pollux were also present in Greek mythology as half-brothers. Tyndareus, king of Sparta, was Castor’s father while Zeus was Pollux’s. Their mother was Leda.
Upon Castor’s death, the demigod Pollux wished his half-brother to be made immortal. Zeus granted his son’s wish and he reunited the two as the stars in heaven.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF GEMINI
A Gemini’s personality possesses duality. One is solemn, thoughtful, and a bit restless. The other is more sociable and fun-loving. Regardless of which aspect they manifest, they are known to be curious and extremely adapted to changing environments. They actively venture out in search of novelties be it a new sight to see or a new book to read. Consequently, they dislike routine and repetitive tasks.
BIRTHSTONE OF GEMINI
Moonstone was noted by a Roman historian for its transforming look and associated it with the moon’s waxing and waning, hence the name. This stone exemplifies Gemini’s eccentric and intellectual nature.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER GEMINI
Marilyn Monroe, Kendrick Lamar, Chris Pratt, Natalie Portman, Tom Holland
CANCER (JUNE TO JULY)
From the Greek name Karkinos, Cancer was the position of the sun during the summer solstice in ancient times. This was the time when daytime was longer than nighttime in the northern hemisphere. Also throughout these eras, Cancer was represented by various types of creatures living in the water or have a hard shell-like the lobster and snapping turtle.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF CANCER
People born under this sign are deeply emotional and sentimental. Guided by their heart rather than their mind, they use their value judgment when making decisions. Their brand of morality allows them to be compassionate to people even beyond the confines of their home and circle of friends. They care about what’s happening to the world and it’s easy to mistake them for being pessimists because they are aware of the bad things that are happening which affect them genuinely.
With their well-developed empathy and emotional persuasion, they can easily call people to follow behind them to fight for a worthy cause.
BIRTHSTONE OF CANCER
Ruby signifies devotion and faithfulness. It readily applies to romantic relationships but for Cancer who with an all-encompassing love, the stone takes a more profound meaning and emotional depth.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER CANCER:
Ariana Grande, Khloe Kardashian, Elon Musk, Tom Cruise, Post Malone
LEO (JULY TO AUGUST)
Among the oldest constellation in archeological records. The recognition of this sign can be traced back to around 4000 BCE in Mesopotamia. The Indians, the Syrians, the Turks, and the Persians all had a name for Leo meaning “Lion”.
The Babylonian astronomers called it the “Great Lion”. The brightest star in this constellation was called Regulus and was known as the “King Star”.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF LEO
People born with their Sun in Leo are known to be fun-loving and warm-hearted. Just like Ariens, Leos are natural-born leaders. But since Leo is more cheerful, they are less intimidating and people find them easier to approach despite their strong personality. This provides them with a more diplomatic quality, best for uniting people with different values and cultures.
Unlike the more practical Ariens, Leos are proud of their refined taste for exquisite and expensive things. They like things that colorful and vibrant.
BIRTHSTONE OF LEO
Peridot stone blends well the warm and gentle nature of Leos. This stone amplifies Leos's ability to create a bridge between people and achieve peace and harmony.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER LEO:
Barack Obama, Napoleon Bonaparte, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Daniel Radcliffe
VIRGO (AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER)
A portion of the Virgo constellation represented a Sumerian goddess named Shala who was associated with good agricultural gains. Eventually, the people of Mesopotamia attributed fertility to the whole constellation.
The succeeding empires of Greece and Rome adapted this constellation to be associated with their respective goddesses of fertility Demeter and Ceres.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF VIRGO
Virgos are down-to-earth and adaptable people. They might be a bit shy, but under this soft-spoken veil, they are extremely analytical and notices the tiniest details that are easily missed by the inattentive. This is particularly true when it comes to other people’s motives. This makes them the most cautious of all zodiac signs.
They have methods when it comes to doing almost anything. This translates to being hard-working.
Their observant nature allows them to see through people’s façade, and often they are disappointed. This is why they prefer the companion of pets and books over toxic people.
BIRTHSTONE OF VIRGO
In the olden times, Sapphire was a favorite stone of priests and kings for its purity and wisdom. These qualities speak of that of a Virgo. This gem is also believed to ward off evil, poison, or venom, which is congruent to a Virgo's kin senses to detect such energy from situations and even people.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER VIRGO:
Keanu Reeves, Freddy Mercury, Cameron Diaz, Jack Ma, Amy Winehouse
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER)
Known to Babylonian astronomy as MUL Zibanu which means “balance” or “scales”. The scales were often portrayed to be held by the Mesopotamian deity Shamash, the sun god of truth and justice. Since ancient times, Libra had been associated with fairness, law, and civility.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF A LIBRA
Of all the people, Libras are the kindest and reasonable. Their basic principle is the golden rule, “don’t do unto others what don’t want others to do unto you”. Other than lawyers, they also make good advocates and diplomats like Cancers. This applies not only to the grander scheme of society but to their relationship as well. They are good listeners, and because of that, they give excellent and effective advice that comes from genuinely understanding where the other is coming from. Ironically, Libras avoid opening up and showing others what they feel. This avoidance of confrontation translates to the build-up of unpleasant emotions.
BIRTHSTONE OF LIBRA
Opal brings forward one's emotions to be scrutinized and inspected with all honesty. This stone helps Libras confront and respect their feelings which is an important step to coping with their hidden emotional turmoil.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER LIBRA:
John Lennon, Hugh Jackman, Kim Kardashian, Cardi B
SCORPIO (OCTOBER TO NOVEMBER)
Greek mythology related Scorpio with Orion. Several versions of the tale exist, but both involved a battle between the two before Zeus came in and puts them up to the sky.
In Babylon, the constellation was called MUL. GIR. TAB meaning “the creature with a burning sting”.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF SCORPIO
Scorpios are decisive and single-minded in their pursuit that others might call them stubborn. Once they find something to be true and worthwhile, they will gather all the resources at their disposal, which includes people, to achieve their goal.
They can be argumentative but only because they want to be true to people whether stranger or friend.
BIRTHSTONE OF SCORPIO
Complementing Scorpio’s innate leadership skills, passion for their goal, and desire for a long-lasting friendship, Topaz helps Scorpios unleash the full potential of their resourcefulness.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER SCORPIO
Bill Gates, Hilary Clinton, Julia Roberts, Pablo Picasso, Marie Antoinette
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER)
Pabilsag is its Sumerian name. Pabil meant ‘elder paternal kinsman’ while Sag meant ‘chief’. As one, it can be understood as ‘Chief Ancestor’ or ‘Forefather’.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF SAGITTARIUS
Like Gemini, people born under Sagittarius are curious and intellectual exemplified in their love of philosophizing things and life in general. But unlike Geminis who prefer to ponder on things, they like to take action and use what they know to achieve their goal very much like an Aries. They are the best of both worlds.
BIRTHSTONE OF SAGITTARIUS
Turquoise amplifies Sagittarius' intuition and helps them loosen up to express their individuality more. Often caught up either intellectualizing or pragmatizing, Sagittarius needs to take a break from the external world and give more time to understanding what their thoughts and feelings are telling them.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER SAGITTARIUS:
Brad Pitt, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Lucy Liu
CAPRICORN (DECEMBER TO JANUARY)
The ‘Goat-Fish’ symbolized the Babylonian god Ea associated with water, knowledge, and creation. It is also referred to in Greek mythology as Amalthea who fed the newborn Zeus. Pan is another association, as the deity with a goat’s legs and horns.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF CAPRICORN
Capricorns are most known for their discipline and responsibility. And like Virgos, they prefer their environment and methods to be grounded on traditions and conventions. They are greatly independent which manifests in personal and professional progress. Capricorns make excellent managers be it in a business or household setting.
BIRTHSTONE OF CAPRICORN
Garnet is from Latin Granatus meaning “seedlike” referring to its resemblance to a pomegranate seed. Pomegranate in turn symbolized love and eternity in Greek Mythology. This speaks of a Capricorn’s steadfast love and devotion mostly found nowadays in traditional relationships.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER CAPRICORN
Kit Harington, Denzel Washington, Gayle King, Alison Brie, Kate Middleton
AQUARIUS (JANUARY TO FEBRUARY)
In the Babylonian star catalog, Aquarius was recorded as GU.LA or “The Great One”. Greek mythology associated this symbol with Deucalion who built an arc to prepare and endure a catastrophic flood.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF AQUARIUS
Aquarius-borns are intellectual people who use their minds deconstructing systems they deem to be detrimental to humanity’s well-being. Ironically, for someone compassionate about all people, they are quite reserved if not a little bit shy. When not thinking about the grand scheme of things, their perceptiveness and empathy allow them to see consider both sides of a conflict and provide an unbiased solution.
BIRTHSTONE OF AQUARIUS
Amethyst magnifies Aquarius’ objectivity which enables them to see the world and people as they are.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER AQUARIUS
Alicia Keys, Elijah Wood, Ellen DeGeneres, Neil Diamond
PISCES (FEBRUARY TO MARCH)
Ancient Greek and Roman myths have roughly identical associations with Pisces. Both involved a mother and son (Aphrodite and Eros; Venus and Cupid) escaping danger by either transforming into fish or being rescued by two fish.
CHARACTER TRAITS OF PISCES
Pisces-born people are known for being friendly and selfless. They can be seen in the company of different types of people. They don’t look at a person’s status or appearance to turn strangers into long-term friends.
BIRTHSTONE OF PISCES
Aquamarine represents hope, youth, and health. This complements Pisces' light and friendly nature.
POPULAR PEOPLE BORN UNDER PISCES
Justin Beiber, Rihanna, Savannah LaBrant, Albert Einstein
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