There are two ways to group the twelve signs. The first way is to divide them into four groups, based on the four elements. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are in the Fire group. Fire signs are very intense and exciting, inspirational and imaginative. Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are in the Earth group. Earth signs have characteristics such as common sense and stability. Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are in the Air group. Air signs are very sociable and intellectual. Lastly, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are in the Water group. Water signs are very emotional and have great intuition.

The second way to group the zodiac signs is to separate them into three modes. The three modes are based on creativity. Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are in the first mode called Cardinal. Cardinal signs are inclined to initiate change. They cause things to happen. Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius are in the mode called Fixed. Fixed signs are inclined to sustain, preserve, endure and solidify change. They are very focused and determined. Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces are in the last mode called Mutable. Mutable signs are very adaptive and flexible. They take things and attempt to adapt or alter them.

If you combine the two classification systems, you will find that each sign has a different combination of the two groups. For example, Taurus is fixed earth and is the only sign that has that combination. This is what makes each sign unique and what creates different characteristics in people.

People that are Aries are born between March 20th and April 18th. This sign is represented by the ram and ruled by Mars. Some characteristics of Aries are independent, impulsive, competitive, arrogant, dynamic, adventurous, energetic and courageous. Aries always wants to be the best and wants to lead. Aries is very faithful to friends and family. Aries are good matches in relationships with Gemini, Leo, Libra and Scorpio.

If you are born between April 19th and May 20th then you are a Taurus. This sign is represented by the bull and is ruled by Venus. People under the Taurus sign are dependable, practical, reliable, patient, stubborn, warm hearted and loving. They are very faithful to family and friends, but if insulted, they won't forget it. Taurus makes good matches in relationships with Libra, Scorpio and Capricorn.

Gemini falls between the dates May 21st and June 20th. This sign is represented by the twins and is ruled by Mercury. Some characteristics include curiosity, adaptability, versatility, witty and expressiveness. Geminis are great communicators; they love to talk. They can be pessimistic sometimes due to the duality of their nature. Gemini makes good matches in relationships with Virgo, Libra and Sagittarius.

The dates of Cancer are June 21st to July 22nd. This sign is represented by the crab and is ruled by the moon. People under the Cancer sign are sensitive, sympathetic, emotional, romantic, shy and lazy. These people take everything personally because they are so sensitive. Cancer makes good matches in relationships with Pisces, Scorpio and Aquarius.

If you are born between July 23rd and August 22nd then you are a Leo. This sign is represented by the lion and is ruled by the sun. Some characteristics include creativity, optimism, loyalty, confidence, generosity and boastful. Leos love to get everyone's attention; they often will buy very expensive items. They also love to entertain. Great matches for Leo are Scorpio, Capricorn and Leo.

Virgo falls between the dates August 23rd and September 22nd. It is represented by the virgin and is ruled by Mercury. Some characteristics are accuracy, competency, rational, intelligent and picky. Virgos need lots of adoration and attention. They are perfectionists and must have their home ordered and clean. Virgo makes good matches in relationships with Gemini, Pisces and Taurus.

People that are a Libra are born between September 23rd and October 22nd. This sign is represented by the scales and is ruled by Venus. These people are cooperative, persuasive, sociable, indecisive, loyal, caring, adaptive and devoted. Libras want everyone to receive fair justice. They are very trustworthy in relationships; however, this sometimes makes them possessive. Great matches for Libra include Aquarius, Aries and Taurus.

If you are born between October 23rd and November 21st, then you are a Scorpio. This sign is represented by the scorpion and is ruled by Pluto. Some characteristics include passionate, motivation, resourceful, clever, intuitive, non-compromising, temperamental, suspicious and sarcastic. Money is very important for these people. Scorpios can say one thing but be thinking another, which makes them great actors. Great matches for Scorpio include Capricorn, Leo and Pisces.

Sagittarius falls between the dates of November 22nd and December 21st. The sign is represented by the archer and is ruled by Jupiter. These people are enthusiastic, generous, blunt, impatient, optimistic, honest and faithful. Sagittarians are not very emotional. They also will quickly adapt to different situations. Some good matches for them are Gemini, Aries, Taurus and Virgo.

The dates for Capricorn are December 22nd to January 19th. This sign is represented by the goat and is ruled by Saturn. Some characteristics of Capricorn are responsible, careful, practical, shy and reserved. They are very faithful to family and friends. They are very affectionate and kind but this is often suppressed due to their shyness. They are also very insecure about their abilities. Good matches for Capricorn are Cancer, Leo, Taurus and Virgo.

Aquarius falls between the dates January 20th and February 18th. This sign is represented by the water-bearer and is ruled by Uranus. Some characteristics are independent, unpredictable, intellectual, charming and sincere. These people aren't very sociable and prefer to be by themselves. However, they can entertain easily. Good matches for Aquarius are Aries, Gemini and Libra.

People that are Pisces are born between February 19th and March 19th. The sign is represented by the fish and is ruled by Neptune. Some characteristics include compassionate, dreamy, artistic, independent, sensitive, loving, impractical and timid. They can easily adapt to different situations and can handle many different tasks at the same time. Good matches for relationships include Aquarius, Cancer and Scorpio.

These twelve zodiac signs can easily explain why people are the way they are and why they do certain things. Zodiac signs can also help you in relationships. This can explain why many relationships don't work out and why others do.