The advent of technology and the internet has greatly transformed the way we communicate. As verbal tone and body language cannot get translated over text messages. This is why an alternate method has been developed to convey meaning, known as the emoji. Emoji is the new-age hieroglyphic language. These are pictographs, symbols, objects, and faces. Now, emoji are available in every messaging app. While different apps might have distinct emoji styles, their main intention is to translate your emotions or point across. If you are an ardent fan of astrology and zodiac signs, you are in luck, as now you have even zodiac sign text symbols to send to people.
Before we look into the emoji and zodiac signs, let us look into what zodiac signs are.
A Look into Zodiac Signs
Astrology is not a new concept. Since time immemorial, people have tried to determine the future by reading the stars and planets. This came to be known as astrology, from the Greek word, 'ástron', meaning 'star or constellation', and '(o)logy', meaning 'the study of'. The Sun Sign astrology is a system of Western astrology that considers the position of the Sun at the time of birth. The Sun is said to be placed in one of the 12 zodiac signs. The concept of the zodiac is a circle of twelve 30° divisions of celestial longitude that are centered upon the ecliptic. This imaginary belt extends about 8 to 9° on each side of the ecliptic, within which are the Sun, Moon, and planets' paths. This consists of 12 constellations and 12 divisions, which are called the signs of the zodiac. Each zodiac sign has its symbol. Having different birth dates mean that the Sun was at different points in the belt, corresponding to different signs and constellations. It is believed that the sign you are born under can profoundly influence your personality and character.
Emoji and Zodiac Signs
The 12 zodiac signs were made into emojis by modern-day programmers and then included as computer characters under Unicode in 1993. They then got a modern upgrade and got organised under Emoji 1.0 in 2015.
Let's take a look at these symbols.
Aries ♈
If your birth date is between March 21 and April 19, your sun sign is Aries. Individuals born under this sign are typically independent, energetic, impulsive, and creative.
The Aries emoji ♈ is a symbol that shows two curving lines that represent a ram. The constellation was first identified in ancient Babylonia between 1350 and 1000 BC. Its shape has been interpreted as a bull or labourer. Later the Greeks described the constellation as a ram. Now, it is usually depicted as a ram with curved horns. This image of the ram is why this zodiac is called Aries as Aries is the Latin word for 'ram'.
Taurus ♉
Those who are born between April 20 and May 20 have Taurus as their zodiac sign. As per astrology, individuals born under this zodiac sign are loyal and dependable. But, when they are provoked, they might have a little bit of a temper. They can also be quite stubborn.
The origin of the word 'Taurus' comes from the Latin word for 'bull' or 'steer'. Therefore the Taurus symbol is formulated as a bull with horns. This similar symbol can be seen in the emoji- ♉, where a circle with two horns represents a bull. The Taurus constellation is probably one of the oldest identified constellations, and it has been identified with the image of the bull by many different cultures around the globe.
Gemini ♊
If an individual's birth date is between May 21 and June 20, they are born under the zodiac sign- Gemini. Individuals who are Gemini are known for being outgoing, social, intelligent, and adaptable. They also have a maligned reputation of being two-faced.
In the Gemini constellation, Castor and Pollux are the names of the brightest stars. As per Greek and Roman mythology, Castor and Pollux are twins. Castor and Pollux, who were together known as the Dioscuri, are depicted as brave fighters and incredible horsemen. Moreover, the name Gemini comes from the Latin word Gemini which means 'twins'. This association with twin or twin-ness can also be seen in the Gemini emoji ♊ , which looks very similar to Roman numeral two or II, thus representing twins.
Cancer ♋
Individuals who are born between June 21 and July 22 have Cancer as their astrological sign. Typically, Cancerians are thought to be sensitive, caring, nurturing, and private.
Cancer is Latin for 'crab', so the Cancer emoji ♋ consists of two sixes in a circle. This can be seen as a simplified representation of two pinching claws of a crab. Some medieval representations of the constellation that we call Cancer are that of a lobster or crayfish. But, now the sign is identified with crab.
Leo ♌
An individual born between July 23 and August 22, have Leo as their zodiac sign. Leos are natural leaders and are loyal friends. They are also known for ego and pride.
Leo constellation is the home to the brightest star Regulus and Denebola. As per Greek mythology, Leo is usually associated with the Nemean lion, which Heracles or Hercules slew. Leo comes from the Latin word for 'Lion'. This is why Leo's symbol and the Leo emoji display the lion and its tail or mane. The emoji ♌ has a closed circle or core and a swirling tail or mane.
Virgo ♍
If your birth date is between August 23 and September 22, your zodiac sign is Virgo. These individuals are said to be analytical, shy, and very hardworking.
The constellation Virgo has been identified by many names throughout history. It is typically depicted as a woman, sometimes depicted as carrying a shaft of wheat. There are many myths related to the symbol of the woman and the Virgo constellation, which lends a certain ambiguity to the Virgo symbol. Some people believe that the ♍ is associated with the first three letters of Parthenos's name in Greek. But, the more commonly believed notion is that the symbol resembles a maiden, wherein the 'M' represents innocence, virginity, and the loop represents chastity. Moreover, the word 'Virgo' means maiden in Latin.
Libra ♎
If your birth date is between September 23 and October 22, your sign is Libra. These people are tactful and diplomatic, but they have a difficult time making decisions.
The Libra constellation depicts the 'scales of justice'. The word Libra in Latin means 'scales' or balance. This is why the symbol of Libra is also believed to be 'balance'. The Libra emoji ♎is along the same lines and is depicted as a curved line on top of a straight line that denotes weights on a pair of scales. This is supposed to represent justice, fairness, and balance.
Scorpio ♏
If your birth date is between October 23 and November 21, you will have Scorpio as their zodiac sign. These people are known to be fierce, passionate, and brave, but, on the downside, they can be quite jealous.
The Scorpio emoji ♏ is stylised as a scorpion with its stinger. The 'M' symbol has an elongated and pointed tail, which represents the scorpion's sting. Scorpio is Latin for 'scorpion', and this same idea is depicted in the constellation. The Greeks considered that the constellation depicted the scorpion that killed Orion, the hunter who bragged that he could kill any animal.
Sagittarius ♐
If your birth date is between November 22 and December 21, Sagittarius is your zodiac sign. These people are known to be enthusiastic, giving, spontaneous, and optimistic. However, they aren't detail-oriented.
The Sagittarius emoji ♐ is depicted by the symbol of an arrow pointed skywards. This arrow is a symbol of wisdom and honesty. The constellation is believed to depict an archer. As per Greek mythology, Sagittarius is related to the centaur Chiron, who is considered the wisest and most just. Chiron is known for bow and arrow, which is the symbol of Sagittarius. Additionally, Sagittarius is Latin for 'archer'.
Capricorn ♑
If your birth date is between December 22 and January 19, your zodiac sign is Capricorn. These people are known to be disciplined and ambitious. However, they can also be quite uptight.
Since the Bronze Age, the Capricorn constellation is thought to depict a mythical sea goat, i.e., a creature which is half-goat and half fish. The Capricorn emoji ♑ portrays the hoof of a goat and the tail of a fish, thus representing the sea-goat figure. Capricorn comes from the Latin word- Capricornus, which is based on a Greek word, meaning 'horned like a goat'.
Aquarius ♒
If your birth date is between January 20 and February 18, you come under the sign- Aquarius. They are shy, open-minded, and incredibly brainy. Sometimes they might even be eccentric and arrogant.
The Aquarius constellation has always been connected to water and water jars. The symbol for Aquarius, as well as the emoji, depicts water. The emoji ♒ consists of two waves. This makes sense because Aquarius means 'water-bearer' in Latin.
Pisces ♓
If your birth date is between February 19 and March 20, you are born under Pisces' sign. These people are said to be romantic, genuine, and empathetic. However, these individuals tend to fall too quickly in love.
The constellation of Pisces is related to the Greek legend of Aphrodite and Eros. They escaped Typhon by turning themselves into fishes and tying themselves together with rope so that they didn't lose each other. This is why the constellation Pisces and the Pisces emoji ♓ depict two fishes attached although swimming in different directions.
Conclusion
The glyphs mentioned above that our ancestors used to represent various astrological signs have been added as emojis on our smartphones for easy usage. One cannot dismiss that technology has given us things at our fingertips that have already been in use for years.
Not only zodiac signs but also planets have their emojis. Some such examples are- Sun- ☉, Moon-☾, Mercury- ☿, Venus- ♀, Mars- ♂, Jupiter- ♃, Saturn- ♄, etc.
If you are looking to get a personalised horoscope analysis or want to know how the signs and planets influence your life, consult expert astrologers with Astroyogi.
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