While most Americans are familiar with the Western Zodiac, many are unaware that this isn’t the only zodiac system that has existed throughout history. Dating back to the time of the Ancient Egyptians, the Egyptian Zodiac provides a unique and insightful look into our true selves. If you’re looking to delve deeper into the mysteries of ancient civilizations, The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt is a comprehensive guide that will introduce you to the deities from this time period.

First discovered on the ceiling of the chapel of the Hathor temple in Dendera, the Egyptian Zodiac is also known as the Dendera Zodiac. Much like the Western Zodiac that we are familiar with, the Dendera Zodiac is also built on the classical 12 zodiac signs, which means that the signs correspond with those that we are already familiar with – Taurus, Cancer, Leo, etc., using the same date structure. This is due to the fact that the ‘classical zodiac signs’ upon which these systems are based was originally created by the Babylonians. Ancient Egyptian Architecture: A Visual Guide is a captivating dive into the structures and their significance in ancient Egyptian culture.

Each of the signs is associated with one of the Egyptian Gods or Goddesses. By understanding the strengths, weaknesses, skills, and talents of the godly influence on your sign, we can, in turn, predict elements of your own personality. Your Egyptian Zodiac sign can provide insight into your behavior, character, and the destiny before you. If you’re interested in enhancing your understanding through visual aids, Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt is an excellent resource, complete with illustrations and comprehensive information.

Determining your zodiac sign, however, is a little more challenging. There are two different schools of thought regarding which dates are assigned to each of the zodiac signs. While many websites and articles today will try to apply dates similar to those associated with today’s Western Astrology to the Egyptian Zodiac signs, these are not the original dates. Ancient Egyptians assigned 3 decans, or 30 days, to each of the signs, dates that sometimes spanned various points throughout the calendar.

Discover the secrets your Egyptian Zodiac sign reveals about your life:

The Nile (January 1-7, June 19-28, September 1-7, November 18-26)

Those who are born under the sign of the Nile are highly positive and forward-thinking individuals, with your attention on the future and where you are going rather than being caught up in the struggles of your past. This is a great quality, so don’t let anyone change the way you view life! You aren’t a fan of conflict at all, in fact, you avoid it at all costs. Try not to pass up an opportunity in life just to take the easy road – while conflict may be uncomfortable, it may also be the path to your biggest goals and dreams.

Amon-ra (January 8-21, February 1-11)

Natural born leaders, those who are born under this sign find that others follow your lead wherever you go, even when you aren’t trying to set an example. You have incredibly high standards and morals for your life, and you refuse to sacrifice them in any situation. This is what others are attracted to, confident that whatever decisions you make will be the ‘right’ one. By holding yourself to this standard, you push yourself to grow and evolve each and every day, becoming the best version of yourself.

Mut (January 22-31, September 8-22)

Nurturing and compassionate, those who are born under the sign of Mut often find yourself taking on the role of caregiver in your social circles. You’re the one that everyone turns to for understanding, support and advice regardless of what they may be facing. You have a calm demeanor, one that tends to calm everyone else down around you during times of crisis. While there is nothing wrong with caring for others the way that you do, be careful not to forget about your own self-care.

Geb (February 12-29, August 20-31)

While others may make decisions based on their own goals and dreams or personal gain, your attention is focused more on how you can make the world a better place. You have dedicated your life to something bigger than yourself, whether it’s an environmental cause, an important charity organization or fighting for a specific cause. Whatever it is, know that you are not only making a difference in this world, but you are also inspiring others to stand up for what they believe in.

Osiris (March 1-10, November 27 – December 18)

There are two very distinct and yet very different sides to your personality, and your biggest struggle will come in finding balance. On one hand, you are a bold, confident and determined individual who is prepared to take on the world without hesitation. However, beneath this strong exterior rests your other side, a vulnerable heart that is easily hurt in this negativity, violent and challenging world. Don’t allow the world to harden your heart, it is an integral part of what makes you who you are.

Isis (March 11-31, October 18-29, December 19-31)

If there is one thing that the people in your life can be sure of, it’s that they will always know, without a doubt, where you stand in this life. Blunt and straightforward, you are honest to a fault. In fact, you may want to remind yourself from time to time that you don’t need to share your unfiltered truth about everything all the time. There are certain moments in life that you may be better served by keeping your opinion to yourself, especially if you risk hurting someone’s feelings with no overall gain.

Thoth (April 1-19, November 8-17)

Wise beyond your years, you know what really matters in your life and you always keep this in perspective. Just spending time with you is all that it takes to inspire others to reconsider what areas of their life they are putting their time and energy into. You are a true romantic, willing to reveal your vulnerable side to those that you trust most in life. This may leave you heartbroken, but you refuse to let the pain harden you. Never change, the world needs more people like you.

Horus (April 20 – May 7, August 12-19)

There is a fire in your eyes that is unmatched in this world, combined with a courage and determination that refuses to back down regardless of what life may throw your way. When you set your mind to something, there is no holding your back or changing your mind. At the same time, you understand that nothing in life comes free, and you’re not afraid of a little hard work. You won’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty if that’s what it is going to take to earn your goals and dreams. If someone else tells you that it can’t be done, you’ll look them in the eyes and say, ‘just watch me’.

Anubis (May 8-27, June 29 – July 13)

In the fast-paced, high-energy world that we live in, you are like a breath of fresh air. You refuse to allow society to complicate your life, choosing instead to step away from the craziness. You surround yourself with peace and calm, taking the time to live in each moment and truly appreciate every blessing that you have been given in this life. While everyone around you is battling incredible stress and overwhelming demands, you are the reminder that there is more to life.

Seth (May 28 – June 18, September 28 – October 2)

You are a highly focused individual, with your eyes on the future. Well aware of what you want and what it will take to get there, you refuse to allow anything to get in your way, even if it requires sacrifice along the way. There is nothing that will rob you of your chances in life! You’ll move across the globe, make massive career changes, or hold off on life’s luxuries until you have earned it down the road. Keep plugging forward, there will come a day that you will be thankful for every choice that you have made along the way.

Bastet (July 14-28, September 23-27, October 3-17)

You are highly in tune with your intuition, a gift that will carry you far in life. Throughout your life, you are going to have many people tell you that it’s crazy or irresponsible to put so much trust in your gut. Don’t let them change your truth. You are a highly organized and detail driven individual, noticing everything and anything around you, even those finer points that the average person will overlook. This, combined with your intuition, makes you a powerful problem solver capable of finding unique and effective solutions to problems that may have plagued others for years.

Sekhmet (July 29 – August 11, October 30 – November 7)

You firmly believe in the concept of right and wrong, and the role that justice plays in our world, and you make this a priority in the way that you lead your life from day to day. This often leads you to take on leadership or management roles, sharing your strict morals with the world around you. Determined to see only the best in everyone around you, you may find yourself placing trust in those that don’t deserve it, a mistake that will leave your hurt. Brush yourself off and get back at it keeping in mind that one bad situation doesn’t negate the incredible difference that you have made in the world.

If you are intrigued by the wisdom and mysticism of ancient Egyptian culture, and you wish to incorporate it into your daily life, consider getting the Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day. It offers translated spells and rituals that were integral to the Egyptian understanding of life and the afterlife.