I’ve done it. You’ve done it. We’ve all done it. Even those who claim they don’t believe in astrology have done it. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t done it. So what, exactly, is it? It is trying to determine compatibility (generally speaking, the romantic aspect) by comparing your zodiac signs.
These days, it isn’t an adventurous hypothesis to posit that more young people are at least slightly convinced by astrology than ever before; in fact, according to Insider “young people, ages 18-29, more so than any other demographic are more likely to believe in astrology and use knowledge gleaned from their horoscope in their daily lives.” Furthermore, only 30% of the same age demographic stated when surveyed that they don’t believe in astrology “at all.” That means that a whopping two thirds of 18 to 29 year-olds are at least partial believers—we’re talking tens of millions of believers here, to whatever degree that may be.
This may not come as a surprise to many readers, who have probably seen the meteoric rise in apps like Co-Star and The Pattern over the last few years. These apps put powerful (and perhaps more importantly, convenient) chart reading abilities in the palms of our hands, and are most often used interpersonally for one of the oldest romantic tools of all—comparing astrological charts.
Astrology can be taken to vastly different degrees. Some people use it as an informative tool, to help make educated guesses about things they may have already picked up on. Some people use it as a definitive metric for what they will and will not do—for instance immediately writing off any potential partner whose birth chart bears the mark of the dreaded Scorpion. And some people, perhaps the largest category, are simply amused by the often uncanny accuracy with which astrological predictions seem to manifest, and use them as a loose guide for decision-making—various studies over the years have shown that people who read horoscopes daily often spend more time making important decisions, if for no other reason than the frame of context that the horoscope, looming in the back of their minds, may provide.
So, then, despite our varying degrees of belief, those two thirds of us may want to address the elephant in the room here… What astrological sign is the best match for me? Below we will examine the best match from within each element, and help you find your one true love. Just be sure to verify the match on Co-Star before getting down on one knee ;)
Before we begin, let’s get a quick refresher on how each sign is categorized within the zodiac—what are referred to as the elements:
FIre
Aries
Leo
Saggitarius
Water
Cancer
Scorpio
Pisces
Air
Gemini
Libra
Aquarius
Earth
Taurus
Virgo
Capricorn
Strongest Match for an Earth Sign: Taurus + Capricorn
Tauruses are notoriously Earthy (no surprise there), intuitive, and emotionally intelligent. They are highly grounded, and keep things very authentic and real—maybe too much so at times. It is critical for Tauruses to have an adventurous partner, and one who isn’t easily offended by their habit of telling it like it is. For this reason, Capricorns are a phenomenal match for a Taurus who exhibits the fundamental characteristics of their sign.
Capricorns share a similar sense of pragmatism with their Taurus counterparts, which is an important match for both sides. While Caps tend to be a bit more driven or ambitious than their Taurus partners, this often plays out in a positive way through motivating the (at times immovable) Bull from their position of rest. The pessimism (or realism, if you were to ask directly) that comes naturally to Capricorns is nicely counteracted by the Taurus’s positive outlook, though critically not in an annoying or overreaching manner. One thing to look out for though—both signs can have a predilection toward stubbornness, and a Bull butting heads with a Goat is not necessarily a pretty sight.
Strongest Match for an Air Sign: Virgo + Virgo
This may come across as a “hot take” of sorts, but in a world where Virgos play nice with so many signs, it seems like a waste not to make an adventurous recommendation. Virgos are loyal and sensible, but can be predisposed toward storing negative emotional energy without addressing it head on. This can be burdensome (or downright infuriating) for traditional matches like Scorpios, but can be empathized and understood by birds of their own feather.
The analytical nature of the Maiden can likewise be unpleasant for, say, Cancerian partners when turned toward them, but again can be used harmoniously from one Virgo to another. Ruled by Mercury, writing and communication are some of the strongest aspects of a true Virgo, and can be immense hangups for more unscrupulously Zodiac’ed partners. All the more reason to stay within their own constellation.
Strongest Match for Water Sign: Cancer + Leo
Another unconventional pick, but hear us out here. Though celestial neighbors, Cancerians and Lions are very different in some way—but likewise very similar in others. The “opposites attract” doctrine is heavily at play here, and presents itself in a couple of very pronounced varieties.
The introvertedness of Cancerians can often feel like a hindrance to those who experience its symptoms, and the shell (or in human terms, the home) is often the most comfortable place for a Cancer to dwell—both emotionally and physically. The outgoing and adventurous demeanor of Leos can be a recipe for getting our Cancerian friends out of their shells, which more often than not they don’t regret. There is a profound inertia of rest that must be overcome with Cancerians, and the tenacity and, for lack of a better term, ruling characteristics of Leo signs are the crack of the whip that Cancers must feel before taking action. And not least of all—the physical attraction between these two signs can be all the motivation our Crab friends need to get moving.
Strongest Match for Fire Sign: Sagittarius + Aries
The Archer is feelingful, whimsical, and deeply intellectual. A tough combination for many to internalize, they need a partner who is similar yet spontaneous and fun enough to keep things interesting. The innate intellect of a Sag gives them difficulty feeling close to individuals who don’t share such values, and they often turn to humor as a way of assuaging the distance they feel as a result. Enter Aries lover, here to save the day.
Both deeply passionate Fire signs, sexual compatibility is already checked off as a box, something critical to the happiness within a relationship for both signs. Though the passion-meter might be too close to off the charts for a casual onlooker, from the inside looking out a true Fire sign wouldn’t have it any other way. The uptight sexual and physical vanity often demonstrated by our Aries friends serve as an adventurous challenge for Archers, who thrive when trying to make people feel comfortable. And though this is often done through humor, despite the potentially reserved nature of the Aries the Sag’s humor somehow lands consistently, and acts as a tool for deepening emotional intimacy. This is a (no pun intended) fiery match, and has perhaps the most opportunity for lasting emotional and physical passion of any on our list.
Like it or not, Zodiac signs are more of a barometer for dating than they’ve ever been. When you meet someone new, chances are that they’ve already dialed in your charts side by side and determined whether or not you’re worthy of a shot. Ok, maybe not that far, but they’ve probably at the very least looked it up. And hey, whether or not your chart manifests as a perfect representation of your characteristics as a person, the very act of paying attention to astrology makes us more deliberate in our decision making, and perhaps makes us more perceptive to others’, as well as our own, behaviors. So keep reading your charts, get the apps, and give a match from the list above a shot at love!