Aries
Fiery, feisty and full of passion, the Ram is not a sign to be underestimated or trifled with lightly. Rams exude the Fire element, and just like their element, they are a primal force. When acting in moderation, or from a place of peace, they can warm and protect others, serving humanity greatly. But they also have an appetite for being seen, and for power. When this power is unleashed with no regard for people or whatever else surrounds them, destruction can ensue.
Ambition is a mighty force that, to many Aries natives, can feel as natural as breathing. They want to be the best, whether in their work, relationships or friendships. Their blazing-hot minds are always thinking up new plans and goals and ways of doing things that can impress the right person.
If you are a loved one of an Aries and want to know how to consistently support them, you have to learn how to stand back. Aries absolutely have their own ideas about doing things, and they’re not particularly impressed with people telling them ‘no’ or casting doubt on their plans.
While this sign is not of a fixed temperament (unlike its zodiacal neighbour, Taurus) the gift of fire makes these natives men and women of action. They are impulsive and can often execute a plan or scheme with minimal planning or pondering the likelihood of a successful outcome. In some cases this may display entrepreneurial spirit, and in others, a lack of discernment and sensibility.
Say what you want about Aries, though – they are passionate people. The influence of Mars as a planetary ruler makes them almost militant in their pursuits. If the Aries can combine this passion with steadfastness, consistency and the ability to compromise, their natural work ethic and drive will serve them well.
Taurus
Taurus is a sign of opposites. They often feel something on the inside, yet are unsure how to express it on the outside. This can cause other people who may be less patient with a Taurean’s natural reserve to not bother getting to know a Taurus better. But this would be a real loss for that person.
Taureans are warm and kind to all those whom they love, even if their calm and stable demeanour on the outside may make this immediately clear to onlookers. While natives of this sign do not wear their hearts on their sleeves, Taureans do have big hearts.
These natives prefer work that is stable, practical and methodical; work which allows them to go home at the end of the day having achieved something (worthwhile). They want to play a central role in the crux of important work. Not because of a need for glory or recognition, but because they want to be an active, useful worker who can contribute and pull their weight.
Taurus natives have a reputation for liking the finer things in life, and it’s often said that they enjoy indulging in sensory pleasures, whether that be through food, clothes, sex, or luxury items. (In the Taurean’s defence, I once mentioned this to a native of the sign, who replied: ‘Who doesn’t like those things?’)
This need for sensory pleasure may be the case especially in a Taurean’s younger years, but as Taurus gets older, their focus tends to be on family and providing for them. To the Taurus, this is a far greater cause, and this belief makes them both happy and able to put such luxuries aside. And if they are able to have them both? All the better.
A Taurus has a fixed mindset, which means they can be resistant to change. A Taurean likes the tried and tested path, and approaches veering off it with caution. However, they may find that when they venture outwards from their established modes of thinking, this is truly where the emotional rewards may be.
Gemini
Oh Gemini, sign of the twins. This sign often gets a bad rap, being the unfortunate subject of derisive memes or just downright dislike from people professing the Gemini’s fickle nature. The twins totem has become fodder for ‘haters,’ letting them freely call Gemini’s fake B’s.
Geminis are not fake. Rather, they have two distinct sides, which can quickly become apparent to someone paying attention to the Gemini – both in a group setting and in a one-on-one conversation. There are two sides: the public Gemini and the private Gemini. The two may project so differently that it’s hard to reconcile that this is one and the same person.
Public Gemini is often social, gregarious, chatty, and quick to make a joke. They generally like social approval in some form or another. It makes them feel included and part of a group, which is natural and important to Gemini. They may often mix and match social groups, preferring a wide range of people who can stimulate their need for social interaction and their keen minds.
Public Gemini often likes witty banter, partying, and being the social centre of attention. They will not mind taking centre stage, and it will sometimes appear to onlookers that Gemini fancies himself or herself rather brilliant. You may think so, too… unless you’ve seen private Gemini.
Private Gemini can seem like a brilliant performer is stepping out of the spotlight and into the shadows. The thing about Geminis that often gets overlooked amongst all the memes and jokes is that Gemini is a deep sign. They think a lot – thanks to their Air element mixed with their penchant for communication.
Geminis can think in great detail about their past, their lives, their trajectory, the state of the world and how other people treat them. They are not necessarily self-absorbed; they just find it easy to use themselves as a reference point for thinking about the world.
Sometimes all this mental noise gets too much for Gemini. They may often turn to positive creative outlets to channel their complex feelings, for example through art or music. Or if these feelings are unresolved, and mix unfavourably with their public Gemini side/need to socialise, they may turn to drugs, alcohol, and other destructive means to silence the noise.
It is essential for Gemini to have some true friends – friends who see, and accept, the complexities of the Gemini character; who do not take them at face value and who the capacity for deep thinking, fun, and hurt all rolled up into this one Twins-y package.
Geminis have a lot to contribute to this world, often once they accept both sides of themselves – each twin, and after they have merged the two. It is possible to share their deep insights in a cohesive, creative, constructive, insightful way – and often with vulnerability at the fore.
This is how a Gemini can best truly, and deeply, connect with another human being. To take the best aspects of the confident performer and the quiet reflector, and make the world see how they shine.
Cancer
Oh hi, sensitive soul <3
Cancers are some of the most sensitive souls of the zodiac. Their totem, the crab, has a built-in shell to ward off even speculations from other people about what the Cancer may think or feel. This sign will only truly open up once they have been made to feel comfortable. If not, then you can forget it.
With an intuitive knack for reading into any social situation, being let into the Crab’s inner shell can only happen by being genuine. Cancers have a strong bullshit detector that they use to quickly retreat from anyone or anything that they don’t feel is in their best interests to be around.
It’s hard to say, in truth, whether the hard shell serves Cancer or not. Their thoughts and feelings are susceptible to being cracked like a fragile item if pulled apart by the outside world, even in jest or done without any ill intent. In this way, the shell acts as a tool of self-preservation. But when you’re on the inside of that shell, it is warm, cosy and safe with Cancer. Be sure that you earned that trust.
Being an emotional water sign, Cancers are dreamy, tending to take roost after flights of fantasy, whether that’s about romance (usually) or their careers. When Cancers are gently receptive, when they are given the chance to feel emotionally safe/ comfortable in their own shell, they do for the outside world what they do in their homes.
This is perhaps the most domestic sign, and they certainly enjoy the creature comforts of home, which is their haven. Cancers need a quiet, loving home space where they can be themselves and recharge. Home is the place that they will share their generous love and warmth most abundantly. Cancer loves making a space feel homely, whether through small things like candles, warm lighting or carefully selected pieces of artwork on their walls.
It may take a lot to anger a Cancer – they are generally patient and accepting of other people’s personalities, even ones different to their own.
Cancer, when irritated, is more likely to be angered by the way someone says something, rather than the actual words they use or the subject matter. It’s the insinuation, or emotional current, that Cancers can deftly pick up on. If they are slighted or criticised and it feels undeserved, a Cancer will retreat back into their shell until conditions have cleared up outside.
Leo
Leo, you are the King or Queen of their own wonderful program, The Bold in the Jungle. A Leo is an innately proud creature. They take pride in who they are, in their skills or abilities, or in the identity they represent. When you get a Leo talking about something they believe they have an informed opinion on (especially if they happen to be a subject matter expert on it) they may just talk your ear off.
Leos tend to make good leaders, as they are genuinely passionate and driven, and want to do an excellent job (even if they can be motivated by recognition, praise and money). However, if they are managing people, they may need to learn to value both the individual and collective needs of their team members as much as they do their own contribution or expectations of others.
Leos are an active, dominant, Fire sign. As a fixed sign, they have strong opinions that they often defend emphatically and sometimes even in an unpleasant or aggressive way. The bottom line is that Leos are passionate and if you don’t agree with them or pander to their egos at least a bit, they may not notice you at all.
A Leo needs time in the limelight to feel satisfied, and usually doesn’t mind being the focus of people’s attention. Since they are fiery, they often tend to say what they think first, and reflect on the consequences later; if they do this at all.
In relationships they can take and expect a lot from their partners without realising it. Once a Leo learns to make space for the other people in their lives – to genuinely listen and see people not as an object to project the Leo’s desires or expectations upon, that’s when Leo can start to have proper, meaningful relationships.
But if not, they will most likely find a feeling of success in their careers more so than anything else. A lot of corporate workplaces value the extroverted public speaking and ‘riffing ideas on the fly’ kind of attitude Leos often display. If they are able to conduct their interactions in the workplace more diplomatically, they may find both success and satisfaction here.
Virgo
Virgos are, by their very nature, pragmatic beings. They are also a sign that craves connection and intimacy. However, to connect with Virgos on a deep level, there has to be that intellectual click of connection. If a Virgo cannot understand (and respect) the way that you think, it may be a difficult task getting let into their heart.
Virgos make sense of themselves, other people, and the world that surrounds them largely through analytical thought. It’s like everything represents a piece of a jigsaw puzzle that they would intellectually like to solve – and they enjoy the process of doing that.
This process may take a while, but Virgos are patient. They may be more outwardly expressive than their Earth cousin the Capricorn, and less roused to passionate displays than the Taurean, the preceding Earth sign.
However, once a Virgo can understand and respect how your mind works, and they trust the way you see and process the world and your emotions, they will often whole-heartedly, and without reservation, let you into their inner world.
While they may seem reserved before, now a Virgo will enjoy talking about anything and everything under the sun. Reservations can melt away in favour of openness – for the unreserved Virgin has a crisp and hilarious sense of humour that often comes as an unexpected surprise.
If you approach your Virgo friend about a problem, they will listen attentively and be as empathetic and serious about helping navigate you through it as if it were their own problem.
In a stable Virgo who is aligned with their mental processes rather than fighting them, you will find a strong, steady, earthy companion that has your back during the fun times and the difficult, and who will stand up for you in a pinch. Virgos are loyal and kind, and most would go to the ends of the earth to help a loved one, whether a friend or family member.
On the flipside, the keen mind of a Virgo who doesn’t know how to self-regulate and be mindful can pick apart every mystery of an idea, event, situation or memory. When left to its own devices, the Virgoan mind may constantly end up doing itself a disservice.
A Virgo left alone without the tools to decrypt the constantly switched-on analytical prowess of their mind can be prone to worry, overthinking, becoming trapped in memory and its associated affiliations (regret, nostalgia, longing, comparisons to others, sadness, loneliness).
The good news is that once Virgos learn practical tools to step back from these mental patterns that can sometimes feel automatic, they have space from their own thinking. This allows for thinking to become a positive thing again – to help their life rather than overrun it.
A Virgo’s practicality also helps them in switching off, as long as they know how. This can give them a distinct advantage over other signs prone to thinking – like Water sign natives, Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio, who can find it difficult not to drown in the deluge of emotions that accompany these thoughts.
Libra
A Libra is, first and foremost, concerned about justice. Its totem is the Scales – the only non-animal totem of the 12 signs. This is perhaps a metaphor for a Libran’s ability to see things with an objective, reasoned eye. Libras have a lot of empathy and this, combined with their desire for peace and harmony, and a pervading general sense of calm in all their interactions with others, makes them very pleasant people to be around.
There is something girl-next-door or boy-next-door about Libran energy. It feels safe, comfortable and welcoming. They desire to make people feel at ease, and perhaps this is because of their inherent need for harmony.
They are often also the life of the party. Many, when young, can be hedonistic; loving pleasure and fun and the general luxuries of life. Many grow out of this later, but Librans often do feel comfortable in a social setting, and their batteries are usually well-recharged in the good company of friends and family.
If you are close with a Libra native, it soon becomes clear when in their private company that there is a deeper side to Libras. Those who are only vaguely acquainted with a Libra may be surprised that the character who is usually the life of the party or the class clown archetype in crowds is prone to thinking deeply about the state of the world and its problems, or larger issues that have meaning and significance to them; even if just problems in their family.
This is the Air sign in them – the quiet philosopher emerging when alone or in very close company. Libras have a secret understanding that all humans are equal, and were born that way. So the injustice and unfairness of the world, when brought to their attention, can sting on a level that somehow feels personal.
They may end up gravitating towards jobs or pastimes that allow them to be of service to humanity in some way. Otherwise they will find a way to share their caring spirit with others just beyond their immediate circle. It is something they may feel is counter to their sunny social disposition – this inclination towards deep thinking.
A Libra native will be the first person to make a joke about how they feel, or playfully self-deprecate about it. And they revert to being the clown and trying to make everyone laugh. But deep down, if Libras are inexorably drawn to service, they may feel like something is missing in their lives once they get to the end of it, knowing they could have done more to help others.
Scorpio
Scorpio you are, hands down, the most intense sign of the zodiac. Scorpios take everything seriously, not because they are morbid overthinkers (even though they can be, especially early in life). They are just serious in nature.
A Scorpio has their heart in the right place when they are emotionally honest with themselves. A lot of the astrological literature may describe Scorpios as vindictive and cruel in their ‘lowest form.’*
But how they treat others is an extension of, a reflection of, how they treat themselves. So it just means that the Scorpio is the sign most likely to be hard on themselves, well before they are ever likely to be cruel to others. The wellspring of their emotions runs so deep that it sometimes feels like an ocean they might drown themselves in.
When a Scorpio does talk about their feelings, they may be more impressionable to other people’s opinions of their emotions, dreams, desires, fears and worries than they would show or care to admit.
And that is why Scorpios guard their emotions, holding them like cards to their chest. This ‘secrecy’ that Scorpios are known for does not come from a desire to deceive or gain a strategic emotional ‘advantage’ over someone else.
They just know (even on a subconscious level) that making themselves emotionally vulnerable can have epic consequences that feel like personal earthquake aftershocks in a Scorpio’s body, when they divulge something personal to the wrong person.
This acute or suppressed wareness of their own sensitivity is also the reason that Scorpio natives take longer than most to warm up to someone new, and take that person into their trust. Whether they realise it or not, when meeting someone new they will put this person through a few integrity tests to gauge the level of emotional safety around this person.
This is what makes Scorpios (and Cancers) distinctly different from their third water cousin, the Pisces. A Pisces wears their heart on their sleeve, and while these natural socialites are just as likely to get their feelings hurt as a Scorpio or a Cancer, they will trust first and worry about the consequences later.
A Scorpio, on the other hand, will worry about getting their feelings hurt first. So they will trust (or not) according to their level of forecasted emotional safety. That way they cannot blame themselves later – and self-blame can be like poison to the growing Scorpio.
This high threshold of trust is the reason why many Scorpios have a small yet close and dear circle of friends. You are unlikely to see these water sign natives constantly surrounded by a gaggle of casual acquaintances. Such interactions drain them, as they are often censoring themselves in such company, even if they don’t mean to.
A Scorpio naturally loves their family dearly, and has ideals about family that may not be met. This can make dealing with family members during difficult times quite painful for the Scorpio.
A Scorpio is happiest when they are living with purpose, according to their values. They are not shy of hard work, especially when their work is meaningful to them. In this case, their work won’t feel like work, but pleasure. Many secretly hope and pine to make their mark in this world, to leave a legacy, by which they can be remembered by.
Despite their reserved and often unassuming natures, Scorpios are secretly terrified of fading into the background; of having their existence mean nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Scorpios are on a never-ending mission to prove themselves – most of all to themselves. And perhaps also to people who have professed not to believe in or support them in the past (the emotionally ‘unsafe’ people).
Part of a Scorpio’s journey is to realise that their need for power and to always be in control can be let go of. When they let go of the need for control, they will still survive, and thrive.
Once they realise that their mental wellbeing and relaxation is just as important as success, recognition, legacy or respect; that they are worthy regardless of their thoughts, feelings, achievement (or perceived lack thereof), they can begin to fully step back into their own power.
*(Scorpio is a sign with three animal totems, which are symbols for the eighth house the sign rules – The House of Transformation. The ‘lowest form’ is the serpent, the scorpion is the evolving form, and the evolved incarnation of Scorpio is represented by an eagle or a phoenix).
Saggitarius
The Archer is a true fire sign, if there ever was one. Much like a Libra native (who a Saggitarius often gets along flamingly well with) most people who know a Sagg will describe them as social, the life of the party, inimitable. They seem at ease in crowds, and are usually extroverted, and feel at home being surrounded by people.
A Saggitarius likes to be liked; they get a little thrill of joy from it. The value that they do tend to place on friendships and social connection often does make them popular.
A Saggitarian rules the ninth house of philosophy and travel, and this duo seems to sum them up nicely. Travel encapsulates the yearning for adventure and new, stimulating experiences. A Saggitarius loves to explore and discover themselves by putting themselves in situations that exhilarate them, or raise their adrenaline levels.
This does not always culminate in actual travel. They may want to have fun and be excited by life through sexual discovery, perfoming arts and being centre stage, or through adventure sports. These natives tend to love putting themselves in situations that make them feel alive. So they seek out experiences that are new, exciting, unchartered territory.
A Sagittarius is born with confidence, and whether or not life takes this away, they will usually reclaim it. They believe in themselves as a matter of principle.
Sometimes they do this to the extreme, stubbornly holding onto a principle just for the sake of asserting they are right. They can rain down their opinions like arrows on the unsuspecting ears of people around them; whether those people are interested or not.
There is a flair for the dramatic with this sign that natives seem to wear like a badge of honour. If someone is brave (or silly) enough to point this out to them, the Sagg may smile glibly, not without a touch of amusement, or they may fire back, either directly or passive aggressively. It’s pretty hard to tell which way they will go.
Despite their apparent confidence, this can be a prideful sign. A lack of self-confidence (which anyone can fall prey to, irrespective of sign) and a need for showboating, or to appear a certain way to others in society, can result in a Saggitarius who is easily offended. They may be unable to modulate how their fragile pride responds to others who appear not to take them seriously.
The other aspect that Sagg rules is philosophy. They often have an opinion on the morals or ethics underpinning social issues. Depending on their upbringing, or how any showboating translates at a practical level – calling them to more ‘prestigious’ or well paid titles, Sagittarius natives may be drawn to charity work.
Many, however, may not take their stance on the problems in the world further than engaging in impassioned debates about social issues with family and friends. They may like to argue the rightness of their speculations, though not always weighing in the merit of other people’s opinions, even when this is warranted.
It is important to note that while Saggitarius may seem the very portrait of confidence, this is not always the case on the inside. Bad relationships (not just romantic, but with family members or friends) can rock them to their core, leading them to question the very goodness of humanity itself. It can take a great deal of time and healing for a Saggitarius to dig themselves out of this dark place.
Once they do, a defensiveness may creep into their social personalities, at times when they themselves least expect it. They are wary of getting both their pride and feelings hurt in the future.
Having a one-on-one conversation with a Sagg can be very different to being around them in a crowd. If they feel safe around you, they may stop performing, showing you a calmer, deeper side of themselves that feels very special to have shared with you.
Capricorn
Slow, steady and ambitious. This sign likes working towards their goals, and putting their heads down diligently, to achieve a task. They enjoy long-term projects, and are happiest after achieving a work-related goal. Work, and the success that comes with hard work, is often tied to a Capricorn’s Identity and feelings of self-worth – whether this is helpful or unhelpful for them.
If Cap’s aren’t given due recognition for their work ethic or talent, they can grow inwardly resentful. If working for an employer, they’re more likely to leave if they can’t fix this situation. They like financial stability and wealth portfolios, and will likely find comfort in maximising theirs.
However, while security is high on their list of priorities (in relationships just as much as finances) it’s not just cash in the bank that Capricorn wants. It’s the recognition that they have worked really, really hard to get where they are in life.
Often dubbed as hard to read, Capricorns can indeed be emotionally reserved. It often takes them a long time to open up and trust someone, and even longer than that for them to be expressively comfortable, in the form of smiles, affection and affirmations of how much they value and enjoy your company.
It’s not that they’re emotionally cold, it’s just that they have a hard time expressing how they feel in a public setting. They are private by nature. But once you have their hard-won trust and respect, you will often have an ally for life.
Trust lost, however, makes redemption a difficult path to walk with the Capricorn. It’s a hard pill for this sign to swallow – opening up, and being met with anything but a feeling of safety and security once they have invested time and effort into a friendship or relationship.
The Capricorn’s mask is often seen as one of indifference, apathy, or complacency. But don’t let it fool you – Capricorns do feel things, it just may take some time and patience for them to be more forthcoming about how they feel.
Aquarius
Aquarians are a brave, heady, usually chatty and social bunch. Even if they’re shy by nature, they love having people around them. They love exchanging ideas, their own of which can be quite eccentric and unconventional. They often display out-of-the-box thinking or humour that seems to come to them in flashes of random inspiration.
Aquarians are unique, and often they have no trouble in following their sometimes-wacky insights. It is often what makes so many natives of this sun sign wonderfully creative.
You might not find many Aquarians on the best seller lists or Top 40 charts, but they have a quiet, inspired charm that lends itself to accolades from people of a more perceptive kind. These long-term fans and friends will recognise that rare blend of poignancy and jubilation that is behind Aquarian energy – uplifting and yet somehow deeply philosophical.
It’s no wonder; Aquarians are air signs and so they love pondering, at an intellectual level, the great mysteries of life and the systems behind it. This can include anything from social justice to pop culture to sport and music. They are simply interested in the world and this bright-eyed wonder in Aquarians young and old makes them bring cheer and liveliness wherever they go.
Pisces
The Pisces is a sign to behold. As it’s easy to guess from this sign’s totem, the Fish, this is an emotional water sign. This sign often comes across as a gregarious Air sign – they are lively yet emotional, social yet reflective, and they can be both creative and innocently self-destructive.
Creative pursuits are where Pisces typically feel the most comfortable expressing themselves, and understanding others. They are also enthusiastic conversationalists, and they can take even a simple conversation to a creative level; talking to a Pisces can feel like an art form. Creative energy, to the Pisces, is the perfect blend of intuition and introversion. Mixed with the Pisces’ innate need to be social and express themselves, creativity finds a worthy outlet.
The Pisces has an innocent, giving energy. They also feel the need to share with humanity, to give of the best of themselves – loving, complex or confused. Since they are emotional and they can be all three at once.
A Pisces may wonder at times how they can crave, almost in equal measure, social stimulation and the need for serenity in solitude – to be quite alone. But this contradiction can be the Pisces’ greatest strength, as they bridge the gap by pouring themselves into their chosen art form or study.
Pisces love to be around other people. Their greatest strength often lies in bringing people together, even if unwittingly so. Their gentle reserve combined with their delight at togetherness can help unite introverts and extroverts, both of whom are energised by Piscean energy. They can swim easily between many different social interactions and groups.
Taken to the extreme, this can manifest in a need to please others, but in a healthy Pisces, self-confidence will alert them if and when they are giving too much of themselves.
As with all water signs, the Pisces is home to a hidden depth that can, at times, become dark.
Challenges with depression, low self-esteem and questioning their self-identity and place in the world are not uncommon experiences. As long as the Pisces learns to practice being patient with themselves, over time giving themselves the same kindness and understanding they naturally give others, they can truly overcome any obstacle.
