Give me a sign ...

If Ms Spears were asking me a literal question in her pouting pop tune, as her astrologer I might answer “first stop, try Leo or Aries”. You see, she’s Sagittarius, a fire sign, and the fiery folk tend to set each other aflame. Get on like a house on fire, and so forth.

Allow me to explain. Wouldn’t we all love to know before we fall for someone totally inappropriate whether or not it’s worth the effort? To save wasting weeks, months, (sometimes years!) trying to make a relationship work only for it to crash and burn, Astrology can give us some nifty insights. Some of them go very deep, if you consult a professional. She’ll look at your birth chart, and the chart of the object of your desires both individually and as a combined entity, considering your Venus and Mars, the planets of love and sex, not to mention whether you’re compatible in all manner of other different ways … But sometimes you just don’t have time for all that, let alone the right information at your fingertips! If everyone walked around with their date, time and place of birth tattooed on their forehead life would be much easier for astrologers and their clients everywhere. But as we’re not in an ideal world, here’s a “quick and dirty” method for deciding whether your next squeeze is right for you.

Almost everyone knows the sign the Sun was in when they were born. It’s the sign you look up when you read your horoscope. Although your average astrologer looks to at least nine other different planetary energies in the birth chart when considering the whole personality, the Sun is one of the most important. It describes the nature of your life journey and the way you express your self-identity. It represents the path you’re on, so it makes sense to walk along it with someone who’s headed in a similar direction.

The way planets – and therefore people - relate in astrology depends largely on the type of sign they’re in. Generally speaking (and yes, I’m generalising a little here) Earth and Water signs are compatible, and Air and Fire signs are compatible. But there’s more to it than that.

Following are two lists. The first is a key describing types of relationship you might encounter, based on the sign of the zodiac each person’s Sun occupies in relation to the other’s. The
second gives you the low down on what kind of relationship you might have with the other signs!

KEY:
SQUARE: square relationships may seem difficult at times. But they promote growth and development – character building, if you will. So if your Sun squares the other person’s, you may at times want to throttle them but they can make you a better person in the end!

OPPOSITE: The old adage comes in here, “opposites attract”. We find ourselves magically drawn to this type of person, as they represent some quality we can’t see within ourselves. Beware, though, although we might be lucky enough to strike a harmonious balance in opposite type relationships, opposites can also repel, especially once the novelty has worn off!

TRINE: In this type of relationship there’s an easy flow. You feel comfortable in the other person’s company, like they’re a kindred spirit. All well and good, but there’s got to be some excitement too, or this type of relationship can rapidly become boring and peter out.

SEXTILE: This can be the most interesting type of relationship. Someone whose Sun is in a sextile position to yours is sufficiently similar to yourself for you to hit it off initially, but there’s also enough that’s different about them to keep your interest going after the first flush of romance is passed. These are the kinds of people who might bring you opportunities in life, and you’re able to return the favour.

So now you’ve got an idea of the types of relationship you might encounter, look up your Sun sign in the list below to see which zodiac signs best suit you!

ARIES
Square: Capricorn, Cancer. They’ll be as eager as you are to get things started. They both do things very differently to you, though, so be prepared to put your ego on hold.
Opposite: Libra. Initially you might admire their charm and diplomacy. But you’ll get tired rather quickly of trying to get a straightforward answer out of them!
Trine: Leo, Sagittarius. Adding fire to fire will get things off to a roaring start. Just make sure things don’t burn out of control!
Sextile: Aquarius, Gemini. You inspire them, they come up with ideas for you to put into action. But there might be too much talking and not enough doing for your tastes.

TAURUS
Square: Leo, Aquarius. You’ll appreciate the individuality and creativity of both these signs, but be warned, they’re both just as stubborn as you are!
Opposite: Scorpio. You’ll find this sign magnetic, mysterious, attractive. But be ready to face some pretty intense emotions, things might get a tad too complicated for your liking.
Trine: Virgo, Capricorn. These two earth signs are practical, down to earth and you know where you stand with them. Both are hard working but neither have your indulgent tastes, meaning it’s all work and no play.
Sextile: Cancer, Pisces. These guys put you in touch with your emotional side in a much less confronting way than Scorpio. They also want to look after you, which suits you fine!

GEMINI
Square: Virgo, Pisces. These people are flexible and adaptable, qualities you admire. However, they’re very much more into catering for others’ convenience, which can tend to bore you.
Opposite: Sagittarius. Another ideas person, just as much into new horizons as you are, only their flights of fancy will waste too much of your time. You’ll want to move onto the next concept more quickly than they do.
Trine: Libra, Aquarius. Both are ideas and communications signs, so as long as you’re cool talking theory, you’ll both be happy. Depends on how much you actually want to get done …
Sextile: Leo, Aries. These people will inspire, intrigue and challenge you. But keep it pacey, as they have a limited attention span like you!

CANCER
Square: Libra, Aries. You may find Aries abrasive, and Libra non-committal, but these two can teach you a lot about yourself as an individual and in equality-based relationships.
Opposite: Capricorn. This sign will bring discipline, determination and practical achievement into your life. It’s just that there might not be enough emotional connection at the end of the day to make you want to see it through long-term.
Trine: Scorpio, Pisces. The thing you have in common with these two is an emotional approach to life. They understand your fluctuating moods, but don’t forget you’ll have theirs to contend with too!
Sextile: Virgo, Taurus. These guys ground you in a much more gentle and harmonious way than Capricorn. You bring caring and creativity into their lives. Go make sweet music!

LEO
Square: Scorpio, Taurus. Scorpio will flatter and caress your ego – you just have to decide whether there’s an ulterior motive. Taurus loves opulence and indulgence like you. Both are stubborn as hell: not always helpful when you want to be King of the Castle.
Opposite: Aquarius. You admire the altruistic nature and the rebel streak in this sign. They’re not always good at one on one, though, and you do need a lot of attention.
Trine: Sagittarius, Aries. Back to my Ms Spears analogy: you fire signs are all outgoing and lively, but there comes a point when you’ll get bored of fighting to be centre of attention, and the situation could ignite.
Sextile: Libra, Gemini. You draw inspiration from this charming pair, who bring new ideas to drag you out of the rut you sometimes get stuck in. They recognise your charisma too, but don’t expect them to hang around for long: watch and learn instead how they work the room.

VIRGO
Square: Sagittarius, Gemini. Focussed and particular these two aint! Although you are, it would do you good to look at the bigger picture from time to time, so its worth being patient with them.
Opposition: Pisces. You’re very self-contained. Pisces is lost in a sea of emotions (or whatever else happens to be around them). Going with the flow is good for the soul but remember, emotional barriers are there for good reason.
Trine: Taurus, Capricorn. These guys are practical, methodical and results-oriented, great for earthy Virgo. But after a while you might find Taurus a stick in the mud and Capricorn a little selfish.
Sextile: Scorpio, Cancer. Cancer shares your desire to help others. Scorpio speaks to your passions. Both can bring you out of yourself into an emotionally fulfilling partnership.

LIBRA
Square: Capricorn, Cancer. You admire the way these people take action in slightly different ways to you, but you may find the drive to personal achievement of Capricorn and the emotional whims of Cancer difficult to contend with.
Opposition: Aries. You like keeping the peace. Aries will do whatever it takes to win, even if that means turning the situation into a war zone! The lesson to learn is that both ways can ultimately be just as destructive. Take a tip from the Ram and try clearing the air once in a while.
Trine: Aquarius, Gemini. These signs love social interaction just as much as you do, so they’re great party dates. The downside is it may be all talk and no action …
Sextile: Sagittarius, Leo. These guys are very outgoing and, like Aries, a good deal more self-oriented than you. But they’re a little less confrontational than Aries, so you might be more willing to follow their example, which would do you the world of good. Think about what you want for a change!

SCORPIO
Square: Aquarius, Leo. These two are a lot more outgoing than you, but sometimes it’s good to come out of yourself a little. Aquarius will widen your social horizons but may not return the sense of strong attachment you need. Leo will give you the devotion you desire but you may find their constant need for attention from others too much to handle.
Opposition: Taurus. The main thing you’ll learn from this sign is objectivity. You’re instinctively subjective, and your rapid judgement could mean you miss some good opportunities. All in all, though, the passion you need is lacking in this combination.
Trine: Cancer, Pisces. Instinctive and emotional flow is what you have in common with these signs. You’re all working off your intuition. Neither sign is into playing the game to win as much as you are, though, so this may be what turns you off in the end.
Sextile: Virgo, Capricorn. You’ll find your analytical qualities reflected in Virgo, who can teach you a lot about attention to detail. Capricorn’s ability to play the long game is another skill you value, watch and learn!

SAGITTARIUS
Square: Pisces, Virgo. Of the two, Virgo is more likely to get on your nerves – such a perfectionist! But there’s a lot to be said for being a little more particular. Pisces lacks your fiery inspiration and independence, but reminds you we sometimes need to give to others to make our dreams come true.
Opposite: Gemini. Just as interested in a wide variety of subjects, but probably more easily bored even than you! You need too much attention to put up with the interest this sign will inevitably take in other potential mates.
Trine: Leo, Aries. You admire Leo’s enthusiasm and Aries’ drive. They’re more than happy to take a rollercoaster ride with you – but might just want to step off if turns out it’s not going their way.
Sextile: Libra, Aquarius. You admire this pair’s awareness of social issues. They believe in altruism and justice, concepts you’re closely aligned with. You inspire them with your liberal attitudes and sweeping ideas, ideas which they can conceptualise for you. They’re also good to party with!

CAPRICORN
Square: Libra, Aries. Whilst these guys, like you, like to get things done, you may not be keen on their methods. Aries is too pushy for your liking, but bear with it and you’ll learn about taking the direct route to your goals. With Libra there’s too much talk and not enough action, but you have to admit that there’s nothing wrong with rubbing people up the right way!
Opposite: Cancer. Don’t underestimate the power of Cancer to get its own way. It might seem like an overly emotional approach to you, but boy can it work!
Trine: Taurus, Virgo. You know where you stand with these two, which is important. Your approaches are similar, hard work being the central pillar of your joint philosophy. Don’t forget the old saying about all work and no play though!
Sextile: Scorpio, Pisces. These two water signs can teach you a lot about remembering to care as you steadily trek your way up the hill to success. In return, you teach them about consistency and achievement.

AQUARIUS
Square: Scorpio, Taurus. Scorpio’s emotional intensity may scare you, and Taurus’s practicality may bore you, but without love and a sensible plan who ever achieved anything great?!
Opposite: Leo. You both love people. You both need to be noticed. Perfect, yes? Not quite! Leo loves attention, individual attention. That means you have to be focussed on one relationship, which in turn means you have to face up to you. Scary. But then sometimes you need a little Leo playfulness to brighten your life up!
Trine: Libra, Gemini. The welter of ideas and the social buzz you’ll get from these guys is great. For a while. Then you realise maybe they don’t want to save the whole world like you …
Sextile: Sagittarius, Aries. Fiery energy inspires you and these signs have it licked! Big ideas, big egos, big potential. You can temper their impetuosity, take the best of their inspiration and remould it into a unique concept. Very fulfilling.

PISCES
Square: Sagittarius, Gemini. If it’s dynamic individuals and bright ideas you want, one of these is your guy. Just don’t expect either one to sit still long enough for you to make a meaningful emotional connection with them, they don’t have time for all that!
Opposite: Virgo. The self-discipline and self-contained nature of Virgos fascinates and at the same time scares you. It could be worth taking a risk, you will benefit from a caring but practical influence.
Trine: Scorpio, Cancer. Either of these combinations brings emotional flow, which suits you fine. It might not seem so great, though, when you realise they both have their own, possibly hidden agendas.
Sextile: Capricorn, Taurus. You can do the dreaming, but how do you make them come true? With a bit of common sense and hard work, maybe? These are the guys for the job! Without you they’re a little too limited in their thinking, so everyone wins.

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