The zodiac refers to the belt or band of constellations through which the Sun, Moon, and planets traverse during their celestial journey across the sky. Astrologers have assigned special significance to these constellations. Over time, they developed a system comprising twelve zodiac signs, each associated with specific constellations that the Sun passes through during the year—constellations that are metaphorically described as being “enlightened by the mind.”

In Western astrology, most practitioners employ the tropical zodiac, which commences with the sign of Aries at the Northern Hemisphere Vernal Equinox, typically around March 21 each year. The Western Zodiac is constructed based on the Earth’s fixed positions in the sky and its relationship to designated celestial markers, as well as the changing seasons.

On the other hand, the Sidereal Zodiac is drawn based on the Earth’s position relative to the actual constellations themselves, tracking their movements across the sky. The phenomenon of precession of the equinoxes—where the Earth’s axis slowly rotates like a spinning top over a 25,700-year cycle—results in a gradual shift between Earth’s seasons (and calendar) and the constellations of the zodiac. Consequently, the tropical zodiac aligns with the Earth’s position relative to fixed celestial points (as seen in Western Astrology), while the sidereal zodiac is anchored to the constellations’ positions (as observed in sidereal astrology).