What do the following words and phrase have in common?

1. WAR
2. RACE
3. OATH
4. WINDS
5. NAIL
6. CARESS
7. SHIM
8. HEARER
9. LUBE
10. GIVING
11. PORTIONS
12. ASTER READER

HINTS:
A. The number of clues (12) is important.
B. Each word is one letter off from another word.
C. The new words are related.

Answer:

Each word is one letter off from the symbol of a sign of the zodiac:

1. WAR - RAM
2. RACE - CRAB
3. OATH - GOAT
4. WINDS - TWINS
5. NAIL - LION
6. CARESS - SCALES
7. SHIM - FISH
8. HEARER - ARCHER
9. LUBE - BULL
10. GIVING - VIRGIN
11. PORTIONS - SCORPION
12. ASTER READER - WATER BEARER

Credit:
Joseph Appel