Each sign was attributed characteristics of its own. The dates assigned to the signs of the zodiac are as follows, although different schools assign slightly different dates, and astrologers who use the constellations use significantly different dates. Neither the signs nor the constellations change places at exactly midnight sharp GMT on the dates given below, so at the beginning or end of each period there can be a variation of up to a day. An individual born into the main portion of any of the periods can say with safety that they are a Gemini or a Leo, etc. In addition to the individual characteristics listed on these pages, the signs of the zodiac are classified in three other ways.
Positive signs are spontaneous and self-expressive, negative signs withdrawn and passive.
The table below lists these characteristics.