Everything you know about star signs is wrong. Here’s what the world’s oldest and most accurate Zodiac says about you… as FULL list of 18 signs is revealed for the first time

Humans have been consulting their zodiac signs for thousands of years, on subjects as life-changing as what job they should do, to the person they should marry.

Even those who don’t believe in the power of horoscopes still probably know their own star sign, and have at least a passing knowledge of its key characteristics.

But a new exploration into an ancient tablet, stored in the British Museum in London and with its roots in ancient Mesopotamia, has revealed that everything we thought we knew and trusted about the 12 signs is all wrong.

‘During half a century of investigating historical mysteries – such as King Arthur, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Holy Grail – one enigma has continually intrigued me,’ author and historian Graham Phillips told The Daily Mail.

‘A 2,600-year-old cuneiform tablet in the British Museum, catalogued as BM 86378, was excavated from ancient ruins in Iraq during the late 1800s.

‘It reveals that our familiar 12-sign zodiac derived from a far older system of 18 very different signs.’

But while the tablet revealed that each sign – named for a wild animal – corresponded with certain constellations and certain periods of the year, few of the animals were actually named.

It was only recently – with excavations at Göbekli Tepe, a 12,000-year-old standing-stone complex in eastern Turkey – that the full set of wild creatures was revealed in ancient carvings, completing the picture.

‘But how were these signs interpreted?’ asks Phillips. ‘Astrology posits that the zodiac constellation the sun appears in at a person’s birth influences their personality.’

However, because few constellations resemble the symbols representing them – the Cancer constellation, for instance, looks nothing like a crab and even the most creatively visual person would struggle to see a ram in Aries – he concluded that it was most likely they were named after creatures that fit the traits of the people born under them.

So, to recreate the 18-sign zodiac in full, he conducted his own survey of 400 people, to determine what those born in each sign might have in common.

His subjects – all volunteers – came from diverse backgrounds. He took notes on each participant’s likes, dislikes, hobbies, habits, employment, health information, and other pertinent aspects of their lives and identities

‘The results revealed striking similarities,’ he said.

Now, for the first time in millennia, he believes he is able to reveal the personality, character, and destiny of those born in each of the original zodiac’s enigmatic signs. And the results are published in full in his new book, The Original Zodiac.

But which one are you? And do you agree with his results?

The Spider (Mar 21–Apr 9)

Independent and inventive, Spiders weave ideas into tangible creations. Visionary yet practical, they excel in design, engineering, and entrepreneurship. However, they can be mistrustful or overly self-reliant. Most compatible with The Mouflon, The Serpent, and The Crane, who appreciate their creativity and balance their solitary streak.

The Aurochs (Apr 10–May 3)

Strong-willed leaders with unwavering determination, Aurochs inspire loyalty and confidence. Practical and steady, they thrive in management, politics, or strategy. Yet, they can be stubborn or controlling. Compatible with The Lioness, The Wolf, and The Horse, who ground and energize them in equal measure.

The Mouflon (May 4–May 21)

Dreamers and visionaries, Mouflons are imaginative and deeply intuitive. They excel in art, writing, and counselling but may struggle with indecision or escapism. Their creativity flourishes with The Spider, The Fish, and The Crane, who appreciate emotional intelligence and shared imagination.

The Vulture (May 22–Jun 10)

Strategic and far-sighted, Vultures plan with precision and thrive in analysis, investigation, or leadership. Their caution keeps them safe, but overthinking can paralyze them. They’re most compatible with The Scorpion, The Fox, and The Crayfish, who respect their tactical mind and adventurous spirit.

The Gazelle (Jun 11–Jul 1)

Graceful, resourceful, and daring, Gazelles leap toward opportunity with charm and ingenuity. They shine in performance, travel, or business but risk impulsivity or inconsistency. Compatible with The Horse, The Swallow, and The Eagle, who admire their courage and vitality.

The Serpent (Jul 2–Jul 20)

Wise and intuitive, Serpents read people easily and guide others with insight. They succeed in psychology, healing, or diplomacy. However, secrecy or manipulation can cloud their wisdom. Best matched with The Spider, The Fish, and The Scorpion, who value their depth and perception.

The Crayfish (Jul 21–Aug 10)

Logical, patient, and strategic, Crayfish excel at planning and problem-solving. They thrive in law, research, and science. Sometimes too cautious or detached, they need flexibility. Compatible with The Vulture, The Wolf, and The Crane, who appreciate their calm intellect.

The Lioness (Aug 11–Aug 30)

Creative and confident, Lionesses lead with warmth and vision. They flourish in art, leadership, or design. Yet pride or perfectionism may hinder them. Best with The Aurochs, The Goat, and The Horse, who admire their passion and strength.

The Swan (Aug 31–Sep 20)

Graceful and sensitive, Swans conceal deep emotions beneath a calm surface. They excel in healing, music, or hospitality, but can be withdrawn or moody. Compatible with The Fish, The Mouflon, and The Serpent, who understand their emotional depths.

The Crane (Sep 21–Oct 11)

Resilient and innovative, Cranes turn scarcity into success. Calm in crisis, they excel in logistics, innovation, or emergency work. Overwork or anxiety can unbalance them. Compatible with The Spider, The Mouflon, and The Crayfish, who value their inventive spirit.

The Scorpion (Oct 12–Nov 4)

Mysterious and protective, Scorpions blend adaptability with fierce loyalty. They excel in investigation, research, or defense. Possessiveness or secrecy can be their downfall. Compatible with The Vulture, The Serpent, and The Wolf, who appreciate their strength and complexity.

The Horse (Nov 5–Nov 24)

Adventurous yet grounded, Horses explore with courage and practicality. They shine in travel, consulting, or education, but may become restless or impatient. Compatible with The Gazelle, The Lioness, and The Aurochs, who balance their dynamic nature.

The Goat (Nov 25–Dec 12)

Disciplined and visionary, Goats combine hard work with humility. They thrive in management, engineering, or leadership. Overwork or self-doubt may slow them down. Compatible with The Lioness, The Wolf, and The Eagle, who share their drive for achievement.

The Wolf (Dec 13–Dec 23)

Analytical and loyal, Wolves solve problems with logic and persistence. They succeed in science, medicine, or law. Emotional distance or skepticism may isolate them. Compatible with The Aurochs, The Crayfish, and The Goat, who appreciate their steady intellect.

The Fish (Dec 24–Jan 14)

Empathetic and creative, Fish connect deeply with others. They excel in healing, music, or caregiving. Yet, emotional overwhelm can cloud their clarity. Best with The Mouflon, The Serpent, and The Swan, who share emotional depth and compassion.

The Swallow (Jan 15–Feb 7)

Romantic and lively, Swallows enchant others with their stories and passion. They thrive in entertainment, teaching, or travel. Prone to nostalgia or dramatics, they need grounding. Compatible with The Gazelle, The Fox, and The Eagle, who embrace their zest for life.

The Eagle (Feb 8–Mar 1)

Bold and visionary, Eagles soar toward goals with courage and intuition. They excel in leadership, exploration, or aviation. Impatience or intensity can challenge them. Compatible with The Gazelle, The Goat, and The Swallow, who admire their strength and daring.

The Fox (Mar 2–Mar 20)

Clever and adaptable, Foxes take bold risks that often lead to success. They shine in business, politics, or innovation. Impulsivity or cunning may backfire. Compatible with The Vulture, The Horse, and The Swallow, who respect their wit and resilience.

If you’re still a non-believer, it’s worth noting that recent research does back up the idea of a link between ancient astrology and each of our personality traits.

‘Distant stars might not influence human characteristics,’ concedes Phillips, ‘but the timing of birth may matter.

‘A 2021 study from the Department of Molecular Cell Biology at the Weizmann Institute of Science, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrates that humans exhibit hormonal rhythms that vary throughout the year.

‘These fluctuations may impact embryonic development.’

The research reasons that, since individuals born during the same period share similar gestational times, they may also develop comparable physical and psychological traits.

‘This could explain why groups born in the same season display patterns historically associated with zodiac signs,’ said Phillips, ‘not because of the stars, but rather due to seasonal biological factors.

‘If this is the case, studying ancient astrology, like the original zodiac, might even enhance our understanding of ourselves and improve our lives.’

The Original Zodiac by Graham Phillips is published by Bear & Company