Sometimes, love works in mysterious ways — or it works according to the stars. Certain zodiac signs are more compatible with others based on their core personality traits, so if you’re curious about who would make a great partner for you, astrology can provide some possibilities. To help find your ideal mate, we looked to Athena Perrakis, PhD, founder and CEO of Sage Goddess, who clarified that just because someone shares your sign doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re a good fit for you.
“In partners we look for complements, not carbon copies of ourselves,” Athena told POPSUGAR. “We intuitively look for people who can ‘fill in our blanks’ or be the yin to our yang, though too much difference of course creates conflict.”
Aries
Best matches for Aries: Leo and Sagittarius
“Aries’ need for adventure and action means they will mesh best with Leo and Sagittarius, the other Fire signs of the zodiac, who understand their fiery temperament and can match that fire with more fire. Libra is the opposite sign of Aries, and in general the over-communicative Air signs frustrate Aries, who doesn’t want to talk; they want to act. In relationship, Aries can fear loss of independence. Use frangipani essential oil to let go of fears around commitment, soften your approach, and invite the sweetness of love and partnership into your life.”
Taurus
Best matches for Taurus: Virgo, Capricorn, Libra
“Taurus’ eye for beauty and desire for deliciousness and comfort means they will mesh best with the other Earth signs, Virgo and Capricorn, who also enjoy indulging in sensual pleasures. Libra, ruled by Venus along with Taurus, is a good match for shared appreciation of the arts. Taureans rely on their self-sufficiency, sometimes afraid to merge with others. Opoponax essential oil can help you open to deeper connection and more emotional intimacy, while feeling safe and supported.”
Gemini
Best matches for Gemini: Libra, Aquarius, and Leo
“Gemini will enjoy the other Air signs, Libra and Aquarius, who can keep up with their intellectual ventures and indulge their love of good conversation. Gemini also meshes well with outgoing Leo, but might not be a good match for Water signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, who want to experience more deep emotional and physical connection than intellectual banter. The Gemini mind can be all over the place. Use frankincense essential oil to drop out of your head and into fuller centered presence with yourself and others.”
Cancer
Best matches for Cancer: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio
“Cancer has to tread carefully in partnership because they are the most easily hurt of all the zodiac signs, and many signs are just too rough for their tender souls. Cancer meshes well with the other Water signs, especially imaginative and loving Pisces, who isn’t afraid to cry and feel with them. Capricorn, Cancer’s polarity, can provide support, security, and grounding, but is not the most sensitive partner. The Crab is self-protective and needs to toughen up a little. Jasmine essential oil helps you embrace your inner strength and unconditional love.”
Leo
Best matches for Leo: Aries and Sagittarius
“Leo likes to think everyone loves them, but not everyone can manage or work well with Leo’s fiery passion and larger-than-life personality. Leos mesh well with Aries and Sagittarius, the other Fire signs, who are as strong as Leo and unafraid to offer honest feedback, which Leo needs. Inspiring others from the heart one moment, and sucking the air out of the room the next, Leo is hard to overlook. Two Leos in partnership can be too much – a fight for the crown. To cool their blazing fire, and take a step back with mental clarity, Leo can use peppermint essential oil.”
Virgo
Best matches for Virgo: Capricorn and Taurus
“Virgo dislikes drama, and shows love through acts of service. Their practical nature is well matched with signs that don’t bring the drama, like the other Earth signs Capricorn and Taurus. They look for partners who work as hard as they do – even though no one works harder than Virgo. Fire signs can bring spice to Virgo’s life, but their unpredictability and lack of attention to detail can make Virgo nervous. Clary sage essential oil is wonderful for easing Virgo’s anxiety and tendency to find the flaws – it is known for making you feel beautiful just as you are.”
Libra
Best matches for Libra: Gemini and Aquarius
“Libra really does mesh well with almost everyone, because they are the chameleons of the zodiac. Libra knows how to adapt, cooperate, and harmonize. This social and intellectual sign enjoys chatty Gemini and innovative Aquarius, the other Air signs. Libra wants a smart, composed, attractive partner – so signs prone to emotional mess, like Cancer and Scorpio are a risk. Air needs warmth to move, making get-up-and-go Fire signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius good sources of inspiration. Libra can be cool and conflict averse, afraid of disturbing the peace. Use cassia essential oil for warmth, and courage to assert yourself.”
Scorpio
Best matches for Scorpio: Cancer, Pisces, Capricorn, and Taurus
“Scorpio sees what’s beneath the surface – the image is never enough. With a strong sexual and emotional drive, Scorpio needs someone with desire and endurance. They mesh well with the other Water signs, Cancer and Pisces, who understand their deeply subterranean variety of love, where so many deep feelings emerge in different ways. Scorpio is intense and dedicated, likely to feel betrayed by flighty Gemini and Sagittarian wanderlust. Empowered Capricorn and Taurus can make fantastic, sensual lovers. Scorpio is easily overwhelmed with feelings. To balance the tendency to ‘go dark,’ use champaka essential oil to uplift and soften your emotions.”
Sagittarius
Best matches for Sagittarius: Aries, Leo, and Gemini
“Sagittarians are the wanderers of the zodiac, they love freedom, and they are always moving toward the next best thing. The other Fire signs, Aries and Leo, can travel well with them, sharing zest and passion for life. Remember that not all who wander are lost; Sagittarius can’t bear a partner who wants to control, change or fix them, like Scorpio, Virgo and Capricorn. Sagittarius needs someone to explore and have fun with, like Gemini and Aries. Sagittarius can be hard to rein in, physically and mentally. Use eucalyptus essential oil for mental concentration and focus.”
Capricorn
Best matches for Capricorn: Taurus, Virgo, and Cancer
“Capricorn meshes well with anyone who takes life seriously and wants to advance professionally. Taurus is the ideal partner for that, but Virgo inspires Capricorn with their work ethic. Leo inspires Capricorn to take risks, though Leo scares Capricorn for that same reason. Cancer and Capricorn complement each other, and share traditional views on romance and family. Capricorn’s responsible nature is irritated by impulsive Aries and self-centered Leo. Balance Capricorn’s rigid, driven nature with the sweet, gentle, uplifting, peaceful properties of gardenia essential oil.”
Aquarius
Best matches for Aquarius: Libra, Gemini, Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo
“Aquarius can’t stand confines or restriction, so they do best with free-thinking partners like Libra and Gemini, the other Air signs. Aries and Sagittarius are pioneers in their own right, and can motivate Aquarius to move on their brilliant ideas. The Water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces can be emotionally smothering for Aquarius, who prefers some detachment when it comes to intimacy. Sometimes, Aquarius needs to come back to the heart, to personally shine and connect, and Leo partners can show them how it’s done. Use grapefruit essential oil to increase your sense of self-love and self-approval.”
Pisces
Best matches for Pisces: Cancer and Scorpio
“Pisces’ need for emotional compatibility means they will find kindreds spirits in Cancer and Scorpio, the other Water signs, who understand their emotional needs and can meet them easily. Virgo is the opposite sign of Pisces, and in general the Earth signs will provide stability to Pisces, but may make them feel lonely or sad because of their inability to express deep emotions. Pisceans are extremely receptive and sensitive to the energy around them, and fiery Aries, Leo and Sagittarius can be difficult to absorb. Lavender essential oil can help bring peace, calm, and sense of protection.”