Discover the Rarest Zodiac Sign Based on the Data

Astrology is the study of the sun, moon, stars, and planets and their impact on human events and behavior. Though rejected by science, astrology and its 12 zodiac signs are popular areas of interest today. Many individuals use their astrological signs to better explain themselves or others, associating different attributes to specific signs. Learn all about the history and cultural significance of zodiac signs, their designated meanings, and the rarest zodiac sign of all 12. 

Overview of Zodiac Signs

Zodiac signs originate from Babylonian astronomy, dating back to 1894 BC. As the Babylonians studied the night sky and constellations, they discovered you could measure celestial time by dividing the sky into 12 segments, which later became the 12 zodiac signs. Eventually, the Greeks adopted the zodiac and popularized Western astrology. In fact, the zodiac signs are named after Greek gods. 

Today, astrology has gained popularity across all cultures. However, it has extreme cultural significance in India, Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Rome, and Persia.

Aries

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, embodying passion, confidence, and independence. They tend to be fiery, self-motivated, and courageous — with a soft side that most don’t expect.

• Dates: March 21 to April 19
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 0-30 degrees
• Symbol: The Ram
• Ruling Planet: Mars
• House Ruled: First
• Element: Fire
• Mode: Cardinal

Taurus

As the second sign of the zodiac, Taurus is all about the finer things in life, including love and pleasure. While they’re often known as the nap lovers and foodies of the zodiac, Tauruses are hardworking and grounded beings who crave security and comfort.

• Dates: April 20 to May 20
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 30-60 degrees
• Symbol: The Bull
• Ruling Planet: Venus
• House Ruled: Second
• Element: Earth
• Mode: Fixed

Gemini

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac and represents two personalities — “the twins.” Geminis are known to be expressive, sociable, and intelligent. 

• Dates: May 21 to June 21
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 60-90 degrees
• Symbol: The Twins
• Ruling Planet: Mercury
• House Ruled: Third
• Element: Air
• Mode: Mutable

Cancer

Cancerians have a reputation for being emotional and sensitive, but this fourth sign is deeply nurturing and empathetic. Many people joke that Cancer is the “mom” of the zodiac; they value security and typically rely on their intuition and emotions when it comes to decision-making.

• Dates: June 22 to July 22
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 90-120 degrees
• Symbol: The Crab
• Ruling Planet: Moon
• House Ruled: Fourth
• Element: Water
• Mode: Cardinal

Leo

Leos exude confidence and determination. As the fifth sign of the zodiac, Leos often take charge through assertive (sometimes dramatic) actions. This sign loves to be the center of attention. 

• Dates: July 23 to August 22
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 120-150 degrees
• Symbol: The Lion
• Ruling Planet: Sun
• House Ruled: Fifth
• Element: Fire
• Mode: Fixed

Virgo

Virgos are the sixth sign of the zodiac and thrive best when they are of service to others. This sign embodies health and well-being, organization, and intellect.

• Dates: August 23-September 22
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 150-180 degrees
• Symbol: The Maiden
• Ruling Planet: Mercury
• House Ruled: Sixth
• Element: Earth
• Mode: Mutable

Libra

Ruled by Venus, Libra is the sign of harmony and relationships. This sign represents aesthetics, beauty, and balance in all areas of life. 

• Dates: September 23 to October 22
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 180-210 degrees
• Symbol: The Scales
• Ruling Planet: Venus
• House Ruled: Seventh
• Element: Air
• Mode: Cardinal

Scorpio

Dubbed the most “intense” sign of the zodiac, Scorpios are highly intuitive and magnetic. Though emotional, they have the ability to influence others and achieve incredible transformation throughout their lives. 

• Dates: October 23 to November 21
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 210-240 degrees
• Symbol: The Scorpion
• Ruling Planet: Pluto and Mars
• House Ruled: Eighth 
• Element: Water
• Mode: Fixed

Sagittarius

A philosophical sign of the zodiac, Sagittarians are intelligent, adventurous, and curious individuals. This zodiac sign represents idealism, optimism, and honesty.

• Dates: November 22 to December 21
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 240-270 degrees
• Symbol: The Centaur 
• Ruling Planet: Jupiter
• House Ruled: Ninth
• Element: Fire
• Mode: Mutable

Capricorn

If Cancers are the moms of the zodiac, Capricorns are the dads. Ambitious and morally sound, Capricorns are extremely practical, driven, and responsible. 

• Dates: December 22 to January 19
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 270-300 degrees
• Symbol: The Sea Goat
• Ruling Planet: Saturn
• House Ruled: Tenth
• Element: Earth
• Mode: Cardinal

Aquarius

This rebellious sign is the eleventh of the zodiac, symbolizing spontaneity, imagination, and logic. Those with major placements in Aquarius tend to take great risks, have high demands, and often appear detached. 

• Dates: January 20 to February 18
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 300-330 degrees
• Symbol: The Water Bearer
• Ruling Planet: Uranus and Saturn
• House Ruled: Eleventh
• Element: Air
• Mode: Fixed

Pisces

Pisces is a mystical sign that is deeply in touch with its emotions. Those with this placement are often introspective and friendly. Due to their dreamy nature, they make great artists and creatives.

• Dates: February 19 – March 20
• Degrees of celestial longitude: 330-360 degrees
• Symbol: The Two Fish
• Ruling Planet: Neptune
• House Ruled: Twelfth
• Element: Water
• Mode: Mutable

Population Data on Zodiac Signs

According to data on the population distribution of each zodiac sign, here are the most and least common signs of the zodiac in the U.S.:

Most Common Zodiac Signs

• Scorpio: makes up 9.6% of the U.S. population.
• Virgo: makes up 9.4% of the U.S. population.
• Gemini: makes up 9.3% of the U.S. population.
• Pisces: makes up 9.1% of the U.S. population.
• Libra: makes up 8.8% of the U.S. population.
• Cancer: makes up 8.5% of the U.S. population.

Least Common Zodiac Signs

• Aquarius: makes up 6.3% of the U.S. population.
• Leo: makes up 7.1% of the U.S. population.
• Sagittarius: makes up 7.3% of the U.S. population.
• Aries: makes up 8.1% of the U.S. population.
• Capricorn: makes up 8.2% of the U.S. population.
• Taurus: makes up 8.3% of the U.S. population.

The Rarest Zodiac Sign

Data shows that the rarest zodiac sign of all 12 signs is Aquarius — making up just 6.3% of the U.S. population. Since February is the least common birthday month and the overlap between January and February is the shortest in astrology, this sign has fewer birthdays. Additionally, many attribute the lack of birthdays to a decrease in conceptions during the month of May, when days are typically warmer and longer.

Significance of Zodiac Signs

While science does not acknowledge astrology as a factual or reliable area of study, many turn to zodiac signs for insight. In fact, many people closely identify with their zodiac placements and characteristics. Astrology pushes the idea that a person’s zodiac sign can predict their personality and even life path, crediting astronomical bodies for their influence over human events and behaviors. 

Additionally, some use astrology to help identify compatible partners. If you believe in astrology, you might pick up on the idea that some signs are more compatible with certain signs than others. Many think their zodiac sign impacts how they love and show up in romantic and platonic relationships. 

Another common idea is that certain signs match certain career or life paths. For instance, since Pisces are dreamers and creatives, they usually pursue art, whether that’s writing, painting, design, or another creative outlet. Leos, on the other hand, would thrive in a performative career, such as in acting or event planning. 

Whether you believe in astrology or not, zodiac signs can be interesting and fun to research. Daily zodiac readings might not be able to predict your future, but they can provide guidance that may or may not be relevant to your life — you get to decide how to apply the information.

Summary of the Rarest Zodiac Signs