Each sign in the zodiac stands for certain qualities/characteristics/personality traits, unique to that sign that separates him from the other signs. Each zodiac sign gives an insight into a particular individual's core nature i.e. what he is actually inside.

Virgo
22nd august-22nd September
Ruling planet: mercury
Symbol: virgin
Qualities: bundle of contradictions, emotionally reserved and detached, innocent, methodical, practical, level-headed, grounded, materialistic, gullible, honest, diligent, meticulous, analytic, extremely hardworking, sensitive, tireless thinkers, perfectionist, fickle minded, classy

Taurus
20th april-20th may
Qualities: passionate, materialistic, dominating, mercurial, practical, hard working, steady, stubborn, obstinate

Scorpio
24th october-22nd November
Ruling planet: Pluto
Symbol: the scorpion
Qualities: mysterious, secretive, investigative, calm and self-controlled on the outside; restless, very emotional and susceptible to pain inside; magnetic personality, leadership qualities, independent, strong, intelligent, passionate, intense, popular, jealous, obsessive, dominating

Gemini
21st may- 21st June
Ruling planet: mercury
Symbol: the twins
qualities: duality, restlessness, great communication skills, inquisitive, garrulous, flighty, changeable, social butterflies, double-faced, superficial, shallow, insincere, selfish, ambivalent, unfaithful, prone to divorce.

Libra
23rd september-23rd October
Ruling planet: Venus
Symbol: the balance
qualities: an incorrigible romantic with an artistic bent of mind, balanced, fond of dressing up, sensual, classy, elegant, impractical, fond of fair play and justice; imaginative, creative, fond of arts and humanities

Pisces
Qualities: sensitive, romantic, deep, imaginative, impractical, tendency to cheat on partner, cannot tolerate harsh reality or sharp words, unfaithful, profound thinkers, can sacrifice ego

Sagittarius
23rd november-21st December
Ruling planet: Jupiter
Symbol: the archer
Qualities: untiring seekers of wisdom, knowledge, greater truth, sublime experiences; adventurous, fond of freedom, liberty; intellectual, liberal, lighthearted, optimistic, sociable, fun-loving, flirtatious, changeable, restless, superficial, irresponsible, careless, fond of gambling.

Leo
Qualities: requires creative expression, regal, noble, mercurial, likes to live life king-size

Capricorn
22nd december-20th January
Ruling planet: Saturn
Symbol: goat/sea-goat
Qualities: introverted, shy, stoical, level-headed, grounded, practical, materialistic, passionately sensual, hardworking, ambitious, deeply loyal, melancholic, dominating, achievers, honest

Aries
21st march-19th April
Ruling planet: mars
Symbol: ram
qualities: determination, assertiveness, forthrightness, hasty, enterprising, aggression, leadership qualities, intrepidity, impatience, impulsive, selfishness, foolhardy, daredevilry, lacking in foresight, judgment, logic, leaving things half-done

Aquarius
Qualities: fond of experimentation, innovation, and exploration; playful, fond of liberty, superficial, unconventional, insecure, rebellious, uninhibited, free thinkers

Cancer
Qualities: nurturing, caring, loving, romantic, sensitive, full of depth, kind

Modes of astrology signs

Mutable
These signs are changeable and flexible. Pisces, Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo

Fixed
Dependability is their defining trait. Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo, Taurus

Cardinal
They are forceful by nature. Capricorn, Libra, cancer, Aries

Elements
There are four elements in astrology, with three signs out of the 12, belonging to each element.
Water: Pisces, Scorpio, cancer
Air - Aquarius, Libra, Gemini
Earth - Capricorn, Virgo, Taurus
Fire - Sagittarius, Leo, Aries

Cusps
They form the peripheral fringes of your signs in your horoscope. If you are born in a cusp- i.e. at the junction of 2 consecutive signs, you tend to have the influence of both signs. For e.g. if you are born on April 19TH you are an Aries Taurus cusp sign.