Tropical zodiac
The tropical zodiac sets 0° Aries at the March equinox. It divides the ecliptic into twelve equal 30° sectors.
How it is defined
Its reference is the equinox, not constellation boundaries. March brings spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere.
How to read it
Symbols work in combination: a sign modifies a function and belongs to an element and modality. That combination provides more context than an isolated label.
A concrete example
A person born in the southern hemisphere uses the same tropical division. Signs are not shifted by six places to compensate for local seasons.
Explore further
Compare Sun, Moon and ascendant within one chart. Identify which factor you are reading before applying a general description to your own situation.