These Are the Most- and Least-Compatible Zodiac Signs, Per Astrologers
[table-of-contents] stripped
Do you ever look at couples and wonder how they could be such a perfect match? They have impeccable energy, great communication skills, and they even look amazing together. Some believe in soulmates and others will say they have the foundation for a healthy relationship, but a select few look to the stars. The answer to true love could be following astrology to discover the best and worst partners for you based on your zodiac sign’s compatibility.
Jordane Maree, astrologer and founder of Girl & Her Moon says astrology is rarely as simple as pairing two signs together and dubbing them a perfect match. “Like all good things in life, astrology is rarely this simple, however...there is so much more to uncover and learn from about ourselves, especially in the world of compatibility,” Maree says. “We all have every zodiac, and every planet, alive within us shaping the magic of who we are and how we relate to others. Our sun, moon, and Venus signs are a beautiful place to start—and, there are many more layers waiting to be uncovered if we so desire, too.”
Meet the experts: Jordane Maree, astrologer and founder of Girl & Her Moon; and Michele Knight-Waite, astrologer, author, and creator of The Knight-Waite Tarot Deck.
Whether you’re curious if Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are built to last (spoiler, the stars say they are), or you’re wondering if your new partner could be the one astrologically, understanding zodiac sign compatibility can offer some other-worldly insight. At the very least, it’s an interesting topic and can open a discussion about wants, needs, and boundaries in a relationship.
Zodiac sign compatibility
Maree shares the best and worst pairings for each zodiac sign, emphasizing that it’s not always as simple as a best or worst pairing. “While the elements can give us some clues, it’s always our lived experience that will tell us the most,” she says. “What are your experiences with a Leo, or a Scorpio? Do you find yourself surrounded by Geminis or Capricorns?”
Understanding your sun sign and what that means for your personality can give clues into what type of partner you’re looking for. Read on for an overview of your zodiac sign and discover which signs could be your perfect match (or your worst).
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
Best: Gemini, Aquarius
Worst: Cancer, Capricorn
Aries is a fire sign that is known for competitiveness, boldness, and high-energy personalities. “If your Sun sign is Aries, and you’re being spontaneous, courageous, and bold, you’re not only acting as your authentic self—you’re constantly recharging your energy and self-confidence at the same time!” says Michele Knight-Waite, is an astrologer, author, and creator of The Knight-Waite Tarot Deck. It’s also a cardinal sign, which explains Aries’ natural-born ability to lead others and determination to get what they want.
People who are Aries stereotypically fall in and out of love quickly, but their best pairings will be with Geminis and Aquarians. Aries want someone who can keep up with them, and intellectual Geminis or unique Aquarians can step up to the challenge. On the flip side, Cancer’s sensitivity and Capricorn’s value of logic can make for a bad pairing with Aries’ intensiveness and impulsivity.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
Best: Cancer, Pisces
Worst: Leo, Aquarius
Maree says the earth and water signs “tend to hold a more reserved, internal, sentimental, and nurturing energy.” Taurus is a fixed sign, so they value loyalty and stability—something fire and air signs are not typically known for. Tauruses are represented by the bull, which perfectly represents their headstrong nature, resistance to change, and ability to hold a grudge.
Cancers and Pisces are the best fits for Taurus, according to Maree. Cancers and Tauruses are both homebodies, love a plan, and consistency. Pisces and Taurus are both highly sensitive and value connections. The extrovertedness and love of change that Leos and Aquarians exhibit do not pair well with a Taurus, so it can be hard for these signs to find activities to do together.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
Best: Aries and Leo
Worst: Virgo and Pisces
Gemini is an air sign, so it will typically pair well with fire signs and fellow air signs. “Both fire and air signs are exciting, lively, curious, and quick moving,” Maree says. “There is a similarity in their approach to life and what brings them joy and fulfillment.”
Geminis are stereotypically labeled as two-faced, but they simply have the ability to match the energy of a room. People with this sign can be introverted and extroverted, and their superpower is learning or talking about any topic under the sun.
This ever-changing personality pairs well with fire signs’ passion for change and zest for life. Maree says Aries and Leo make for the best relationships with Gemini. On the other hand, Virgo’s desire to be in control can push a Gemini away, and a Pisces’ need for privacy can be bothered by a Gemini’s large social circle.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
Best: Taurus and Virgo
Worst: Aries and Libra
People who are Cancers can get a bad reputation due to their big emotions, but they are simply in touch with their (and others’) feelings. Cancers can make for a great partner in a relationship because they are capable of supporting their partner as they are empathetic and understanding.
Highly emotional and desire for consistency makes Cancers a bad fit for a fiery Aries and an extroverted Libra. Instead, a Cancer pairs best with earth signs Taurus and Virgo because of their love for a night in, stability, and perfectly detailed itineraries.
Leo (July 23 to August 22)
Best: Gemini and Libra
Worst: Taurus and Scorpio
Confident, bold, and sometimes a bit too occupied with themselves (they mean well!) Leos are an ambitious and passionate fire sign. People with this sign are the life of the party, so they would love Gemini’s ability to talk to a stranger about any topic. Leos and Libras are highly compatible because they are both charismatic and communicate with one another fluidly.
Staying home is not a Leo’s ideal Friday night, which can explain Maree’s take that Taurus are the worst partners for Leos. Scorpio is another sign that prefers to be in control, and this can make Leos feel as if they’re being trapped in a box.
Virgo (August 23 to September 22)
Best: Cancer and Scorpio
Worst: Sagittarius and Gemini
Virgos love to be useful and helpful, want a set-in-stone plan, and can be perfectionists. People with this sign pair well with Scorpios because both signs are curious and can stimulate one another’s intellectual interests.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are a beloved celebrity couple known for their shared humor and monumental support of one another. Their compatibility could be pointed to plenty of factors, but astrology is in their favor as the Deadpool actor is a Scorpio and Lively is a Virgo, which Maree says is a perfect pairing. Virgos pair well with Cancers because they are both devoted, appreciate commitment, and value trust above all else.
Virgos’ need to be in control, loyalty, and dislike of change can cause them to butt heads with Sagittarians, as this fire sign thrives on change and is known to be impulsive. Virgos’ weakness of judging others can dampen Sagittarians’ and Geminis’ free-spirited, childlike nature.
Libra (September 23 to October 22)
Best: Leo and Sagittarius
Worst: Cancer and Capricorn
Libra is an air sign that is charming, compassionate, and wants to help others (sometimes to a fault). People with this sign hate to be alone and love a good conversation, making the highly social and chatty signs Leo and Sagittarius a dream-come-true relationship. Libras and Sagittarius’ hatred for monotony can encourage a relationship between these signs to explore new adventures and have tons of fun together.
The need for freedom in air signs makes Libras a bad fit for a relationship with Cancers. Libras’ desire to be liked can lead to people pleasing and holding in their feelings, so Capricorns’ directness can cause the two to butt heads.
Scorpio (October 23 to November 21)
Best: Virgo and Capricorn
Worst: Leo and Aquarius
This water sign is stereotyped as intimidating and intense—just like a Scorpion. While people with this sign won’t sting you with venom, Scorpios are always on the lookout for betrayal. In a relationship, a Scorpio wants to know someone fully. People with this sign hope to rise through the ranks and achieve all their goals, similar to the career-driven Capricorns.
Loyalty above all is important for Scorpios, making Virgos a great pairing and freedom-loving Aquarians incompatible. This water sign is highly in touch with its emotions and is known to have a more pessimistic outlook on life, and this can come off as a mood dampener for the always-positive Leos.
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)
Best: Libra and Aquarius
Worst: Virgo and Pisces
Fans of Taylor Swift wondering if Travis Kelce is “the one” will be happy to hear that astrology is on their side. The singer is a Sagittarius and her new beau is a Libra, which Maree ranks as the best pairing for this fire sign. Sagittarius is categorized as the life of the party, is known for changing interests and careers often, and lives for adventure and adrenaline. Libras’ and Sagittarius’ charismatic personality and talkative natures mesh well together.
Sagittarius also pairs well with Aquarius because they both value each other’s individuality and freedom—the very reason this free-spirited sign does not mesh well with Virgo’s desire to be in control. Pisces is also incompatible with this fire sign because Sagittarius’ bluntness can hurt this water sign’s emotions.
Capricorn (December 22 to January 19)
Best: Scorpio and Pisces
Worst: Aries and Libra
The studious, responsible, “mom” friend of your group is most likely a Capricorn. This earth sign is driven by its desire for success and achievement, and people with this sign respect Scorpios’ similar passion to pursue their dreams. Plus, both of these signs tend to be guarded with their emotions, so they’ll be on the same page about taking things slowly.
Capricorn’s loyalty and love of stability are attractive to Pisces, but not compatible with a Libra. Aries is all in with most things–especially love–so Capricorn’s reluctance to be vulnerable can be frustrating when trying to date in the beginning.
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18)
Best: Aries and Sagittarius
Worst: Taurus and Scorpio
Aquarius is a sign that is known for being unique, philosophical, and free-spirited. Sagittarians appreciate this air sign’s indulgence in philosophical ideas and love for deep conversation. Sagittarius, Aries, and Aquarius are all social, talkative, and freedom-loving signs, making these fire signs optimal matches for an Aquarius.
People with this sign are stereotyped as commitment-phobes, which can get on Tauruses’ and Scorpios’ nerves.
Pisces (February 19 to March 20)
Best: Taurus and Capricorn
Worst: Gemini and Sagittarius
The last sign in the astrology calendar is Pisces, a highly romantic and sensitive water sign. People with this sign thrive in a relationship with Taurus because of their loyalty and love of romance. Capricorn and Pisces go well together because they both value stability, so they will support each other in every facet of life.
While Sagittarius and Gemini are mutable signs like Pisces who are adaptable and flexible, they are not compatible with this water sign. Sagittarius’ bluntness can come across as mean to a more sensitive Pisces, and Gemini’s socialness can be too much for Pisces’ shy personality.
What does it mean for two signs to be compatible?
Compatibility for a relationship can come down to careers, lifestyles, values, and interests. Before the question of having kids or moral values are brought up in a new relationship, both parties’ personalities need to mesh well together for there to even be a second date. Similarly, two sun signs that tend to get along according to astrology may continue dating.
“Generally speaking, it’s the elements of the signs that give us insight into compatibility,” Maree says. “Fire and air signs blend well,” she says, “as do earth and water signs, and as do signs that fall in the same element (e.g., fire with fire, water with water).”
As a relationship progresses, zodiac sign compatibilities can play a role through each sign’s methods of communication. For example, fire and air signs may communicate similarly and share values. Whereas fire and earth signs may not see eye-to-eye when it comes to the relationship.
While these pairings may not be the end all be all to true love, learning about your sun, moon, rising, and Venus signs can help you better understand yourself. Discovering the traits that you’d like to improve on can help you show up better in a relationship. If you’re searching for your perfect match, take a look at the traits of compatible signs that you like—it may open your mind to new possibilities.
Is an “incompatible” relationship based on zodiac signs doomed?
If you just read through this list and were disappointed to see your partner’s sign not listed as your ideal match—fear not. Some signs may be viewed as more compatible than others, but just like a complete astrological birth chart, each person is complex and unique.
“With understanding, and a willingness to work at it, so long as we adopt flexibility and take the time to understand each other’s different needs, we can have beautiful and fulfilling relationships with any sign,” Knight-Waite says. “We can appreciate the traits we share while also loving what makes us different. But the key to any loving relationship with any sign is always loving and understanding ourselves, first.”
Is one planet more important for love?
While this story dove into the details of compatibility between sun signs, it’s important to pay attention to the other planets in your chart. Considering your entire birth chart can help you and your partner create a more fulfilling relationship—especially if you take into account the planet of love. “Venus is the planet of love in astrology, speaking to attraction, beauty, our values, and how we desire to connect with another,” Maree says. “It also speaks to our self-value, self-worth, and openness to receiving as well as giving—reminding us that love goes both ways.”
This does not mean you should disregard your sun, moon, and rising signs altogether. Rather, each sign can give you some insight into what you want and need in a relationship. “While Venus shows what we desire from another and what traits we are attracted to if our sun sign isn’t seen, appreciated, and supported; if our moon sign isn’t being nurtured or doesn’t feel safe; or if our mercury sign isn’t being communicated in ways it understands, Venus may not take us far on its own,” Maree says.
Knight-Waite says all planets can be expressed positively or negatively, so understanding your signs can help with self-improvement and being the best version of yourself. For example, someone with Venus in Pisces may love being in a relationship, but this can also be their downfall. “Venus in Pisces can fall in and out of love too easily, put their partner on a pedestal—and be devastated when they fall off it, and lack boundaries,” Knight-Waite says. “But we all have a choice in how we use planetary energy. Suppose we have Venus in Pisces and are in a committed relationship but find ourselves daydreaming about a work colleague. In that case, it’s a sign to look at how to bring intimacy back into our current relationship—or else be honest about your feelings.”
What are the “Big 3?”
The Big Three is a term used in astrology to explain the three planets that give an all-around explanation of our personalities. The Big Three refers to your sun, moon, and rising signs, which all play important roles in our identities.
If you really want to dive into the ins and outs of the best and worst relationship pairings for zodiac sign compatibility, reviewing your Big Three can help you understand what “compatible” means in terms of astrology. Read on to learn more about the meaning behind signs and planets, and what it could mean for your love life.
Sun sign
Your sun sign is likely the one that comes to mind when talking astrology. There are 12 sun signs, and Knight-Waite says they represent how we express ourselves. “When we embrace our sun sign personality traits, we activate our superpower,” Knight-Waite says.
The 12 sun signs are:
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
When you think of who you are at your core and the biggest traits of your identity, those characteristics should align with your sun sign. Our “energies” align with the sun—a.k.a., the energy source for the world.
“Our sun sign shows us our desires, our sense of identity and individuality, and our overall ‘flavor’ of how we move through the world,” Maree says.
Moon sign
Our personal emotions and how we express them are ruled by our moon sign. “The moon represents our deepest emotional self, what we feel, our emotional needs, and how we nurture and want to be nurtured in turn,” says Knight-Waite.
Relationships are all about emotions, and the moon sign comes into play when communicating and strengthening a bond with someone. “In relationships, our partner’s moon sign holds the key to translating their love language, accessing their emotional depths, meeting their needs in a relationship, and shows us how we can get closer to them,” Knight-Waite explains. “Understanding each other’s moon is the key to emotional intimacy and connection.”
Maree says a key difference between the sun and moon signs is that the sun is expressed outwardly, while the moon is kept within (our internal dialogues and diaries). “Our moon sign speaks to our emotional world, how we desire to be nurtured and loved, and what provides a sense of safety and security,” she explains.
Rising sign
Oftentimes referred to as your ascendant, the rising sign explains how others perceive you. Knight-Waite compares it to a cloak or a mask as it’s an illusion we often project. “It’s a theatrical costume for the role we play in life,” she says. “But it’s not the complete picture of the complex puzzle that makes us who we are!”
Maree says the rising sign is the archetype that serves our desires and purpose as we interact with the world and people around us. “Our rising sign is the interface, or doorway, through which we meet life and all that exists outside of us,” Maree explains. “Within us are entire worlds, contradictions, depths, directions, and more, and to express all of that into our surroundings in every moment would be impossible, or at least overwhelming.”
You Might Also Like
