The zodiac is a belt-like region in the sky that extends approximately 8 degrees north or south of the ecliptic, which refers to the path of the sun across the celestial sphere over the course of a year. The term “zodiac” comes from the Greek word for "circle of animals," as it was believed by ancient cultures that the positions and movements of the sun, moon, planets, and stars within this region influenced events on Earth.
The zodiac is divided into 12 sections or signs, each representing a different constellation: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. These signs are used to determine an individual's astrological sign or sun sign based on the date of their birth.
The zodiac is also commonly associated with horoscopes, which are predictions about a person’s future based on the positions of celestial bodies at the time of their birth. While many people believe in and consult horoscopes for guidance, astrology and its interpretation is not an exact science, and there is debate among experts as to whether or not these predictions hold any validity.