Final answer:
Name signs fall under the categories of Common names and Proper names. In astrology, a zodiac sign's naming reflects past astronomical alignments rather than present ones. To know the constellations during your birth, consider the preceding astrological sign due to the precession over ages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two categories that name signs fall under are Common names and Proper names. Common names refer to general labels given to a group of entities that can be applied worldwide, such as 'tree' or 'star'. In contrast, proper names are specific designations given to a particular entity, like 'Saturn' or 'Mount Everest'. In astrology, each zodiac sign was originally named after a constellation, signifying a proper name, but due to the precession of the equinoxes, the dates associated with these zodiac signs have shifted over time. For example, the astrological sign of Aries, which used to correspond with the constellation of Aries, now actually lies within the constellation of Pisces. When reading a horoscope, the associated zodiac sign reflects historical constellation alignment rather than the current position of the Sun within the constellations. To know the actual constellation you were born under, you would look for the sign preceding your astrological sign.
Understanding the history and movement of astrological signs and constellations is crucial as it highlights how names and classifications have evolved over time. This is evident in the writings of Claudius Ptolemy from the second century CE who recorded the impacts of star signs on various ethnic groups, and the continued use of these names for cultural and historical references. The organization and significance of names reflect not only our perception but also the inherent structures we apply to understand our universe.