Star signs and finances — a beginner’s guide to the the zodiac

From the never-ending dogs vs. cats debate to whether or not cilantro tastes good, there are plenty of divisive topics these days — and astrology is no exception. Some people put so much stock in star signs that they base everything from their relationships to their vacation plans on the movement of the planets. Others are more likely to roll their eyes at any mention of horoscopes. However, there’s a long history of studying the characters of different star signs — sometimes, with surprisingly accurate insights. Understanding these personas can offer a comprehensive overview of different personal attitudes to love and work. But it can also give insight into how different kinds of people approach their finances. 

In this article, we’ll explain the signs of the zodiac, how many star signs there are, and the key financial style of each sign. Unfortunately, your star sign can’t predict financial success or tell you how to get rich quick. 

The study of astrology dates back thousands of years. The star signs are based on constellations of stars that form patterns in the sky, such as Pisces, Leo, Virgo, and Sagittarius. Some 2,500 years ago, Babylonian astronomers created a kind of coordinate system, based on the 12 months of the Babylonian lunar calendar and consisting of 12 sectors — the signs of the zodiac. Because the planets of our solar system are in constant motion, the position of the constellations within these 12 signs of the zodiac also changes over the course of the year, until the cycle begins again. Though they’ve changed over time, the star sign symbols represent the key traits of each of the signs of the zodiac. Each star sign is also assigned an element: water, fire, earth, or air.

By the way, even though the terms are used interchangeably, there is a difference between star signs and the signs of the zodiac. Star signs are based on constellations, whereas the zodiac describes a zone within the sun’s visible trajectory that is divided into different sectors, or signs.

Essentially, the signs of the zodiac are interpretations of the various constellations. In ancient Greece, the Babylonian star signs were adopted and reinterpreted to represent Greek deities. So, the constellations we see in the sky got their meaning from Babylonian and ancient Greek history and mythology, which is one reason why the meaning of star signs is so controversial today. Scientists see no indication that the constellations have any influence on human traits or on how we deal with money. Yet belief in the meaning of star signs continues to this day, much like belief in many other systems and faiths. And while there isn’t clear scientific evidence for or against any ideologies, everyone is allowed to choose a belief system that works for them — no judgment!

Eighty-eight constellations have been identified, but there are only 12 star signs. That’s because the zodiac — the coordinate system we mentioned above — is based on the Babylonian lunar calendar. But there is speculation about a 13th sign of the zodiac, probably because the lunar calendar provided for a 13th month for leap years. Officially, however, there are only 12 — the same as it’s been for 2,500 years.

So, now wondering what the 12 star signs are and which one is yours? Here’s an overview of all the star signs, the star sign dates, and more.

We know what you’re thinking: why don’t the signs of the zodiac start on the first of the month? The reason is that we don’t use the Babylonian lunar calendar any more. Instead, we use the solar calendar, which divides the year and the months in a different way. That’s why there are no specific star sign months.

You can find your star sign by using your birthday. For example, if you were born on Feb. 25, your star sign is Pisces. If you were born on Aug. 9, you’re a Leo. But even more important for many people is the ascendant, or rising sign, which is the intersection of the eastern horizon with the course of the sun. In astrology, your star sign represents who you are, but your rising sign is what you project to the world and who you can become through self-development.

What’s more, the signs of the zodiac sit in various “houses” based on the configuration of the planets at the time when you were born. So, even if your star sign is Aries, your Jupiter placement might be in Aquarius and your Mars is in Pisces. The moon is perhaps the most significant of all. In many cultures, the moon represents emotions, desire, and the unconscious — after all, its gravitational pull causes the ebb and flow of the world’s waters. 

To calculate your rising sign, you need your date, place, and time of birth. You can find this information on your birth certificate — or you can ask someone who remembers these details! Your moon sign is calculated in the same way. The formula is complicated, but there are tools online that you can use to calculate your rising and moon signs. You can do the same if you want to calculate the star sign that applies to you for other planets.

For many people, star signs are an important indicator of whether two people are a good match. Since specific traits and financial habits are associated with every sign, the idea is that some people are well-suited to each other and some are not. For example, Capricorns are hard-working and stubborn, while Pisces are described as emotional, chaotic, and creative. Although this combination has the potential to spark conflict, Pisces and Capricorns are actually considered compatible: A Pisces will value the structure that a Capricorn can give them, while a Capricorn will be able to reveal their soft side to a sensitive Pisces. In astrology, there is more than one compatible star sign combination. Want to know which star signs are compatible with yours? The answer might depend on the astrologer you’re asking or the tool you’re using — there are plenty of factors to bear in mind.

Of all the star signs, it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t like Sagittarians. People with their star sign in Sagittarius radiate dynamism and positivity. They’re visionaries and have a knack for getting other people enthusiastic about their ideas. Sagittarians enjoy being around others, and they’re eloquent and helpful. They sometimes speak before they think, but they’re not too proud to apologize and admit their mistakes. If there’s a popularity contest, Sagittarians are definitely among the winners. 

Scorpio might be the least popular sign of the zodiac — not that Scorpios care much about popularity. Many people find it difficult to get along with Scorpios’ intense nature. For Scorpios, the mantra is “all or nothing.” They can be exuberantly happy or deeply sad, affectionate one day and prickly the next. Although they can be loners, Scorpios fascinate other people with their inscrutability, powers of observation, and brutal honesty. 

Because Scorpios are independent, good in a crisis, and full of deep feelings, they’re seen as extremely powerful. This is also the case for Taurus:Nothing knocks a Taurus down easily. People with this star sign are patient, tenacious, modest, and goal-oriented — no matter what’s happening around them.

Wondering why the Snake, Horse, and Rabbit were missing from the star sign table? Well, there are signs of the zodiac with these names, but they’re from the Chinese zodiac. They are: 

• Rat
• Ox
• Tiger
• Rabbit
• Dragon
• Snake
• Horse
• Goat
• Monkey
• Rooster
• Dog
• Pig

There are actually many more Chinese star signs, but only the first 12 animals are well known internationally.

Chinese star signs correspond to years and not to specific configurations of planets. This means that your year of birth determines your Chinese zodiac sign, with the cycle starting over every 12 years. Since the lunar calendar is divided up differently to the standard solar calendar, there are overlaps here, too. For example, if you were born in 1986, you’re a Tiger — but not if you were born on Jan. 1, because the start date of the zodiac changes every year. Usually, it’s around the end of January or the start of February. And just like the star signs, certain ones are ascribed to different Chinese signs of the zodiac.

How you deal with money can be connected to deep parts of your personality and background — and perhaps to your star sign, too. The serious Capricorn has a good grip on their finances, while dreamy Pisces is likely to spend more money than they probably should. Geminis dislike routine and want as much flexibility as possible when it comes to saving money. Aquarians are also reluctant to tie themselves down and prefer innovative budgeting tools. 

Visionary Sagittarius is happy to invest — they’re always coming up with new business ideas, after all. However, this also means that they often have loans to pay off. Just as optimistic and generous are Leos, who (like the lavish Aries) enjoy treating their favorite people — when they don’t have money worries, that is.  

Libras are seen as hesitant and often make their decisions based on others, which can be challenging when it comes to managing joint finances. Cancers are the complete opposite: They listen to their gut, love security, and always have a little put aside for a rainy day.

The steadfast Taurus will stick to their savings plan — even during a recession — and rigorous Scorpios never forget a bill. Virgos are also strategic, organized, and down-to-earth, taking good care of their financial wellness.

Want to learn more about your star sign and the financial habits associated with it? Our blog has articles on each sign of the zodiac. Ready to make the most of your money no matter what your star sign is? N26 lets you intuitively manage your finances and build your savings — 100% mobile and without any paperwork. 

Use N26 Spaces to set aside money in up to 10 sub-accounts and steadily meet your savings goals. Just drag and drop funds into one of your Spaces — saving for the future is that simple. And with N26 Shared Spaces, you can do the same with up to 10 other people and easily manage a joint budget. Plus, Rules let you plan transfers in advance to make sure you always pay your bills on time. 

Whether you’re a Virgo with a detailed budgeting spreadsheet or a Pisces who can’t remember how many scented candles you bought last month, you can use N26 Insights to see an overview of your monthly income and expenses. This innovative tool automatically sorts all your transactions into categories and shows you where there’s potential for saving. Compare our accounts and discover the bank account that’s most compatible with you — and you.