When it comes to friendship — and in particular friendship make-ups, break-ups and everything in-between— it can sometimes be difficult to make sense of why some bonds can seem quite so difficult.
Friendships are vital, important and complicated elements of our lives that have the ability to both test and tether us. But sometimes when things seem harder than perhaps they ought to, astrology can give a helping hand as to which zodiac signs have the best potential for platonic synergy.
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So if your friendships are trying or testing you, or indeed making you feel more love than you ever have before, there's maybe just a little zodiac reason behind it all. Here's a helpful astrological guide to friendships, according to your zodiac (you, and your friends, can thank us later).
Astrological guide to friendships compatibility
Aries (March 21-April 19)
As the first sign in the zodiac, Aries is known for being, or at least feeling like, number one - and often insisting that everybody else treats them as such, too. As a fire sign, Aries is a passionate, motivated, and confident leader who has the ability to build community with their cheerful and hopeful disposition.
'Aries are the initiator of the zodiac, the ram charging at their goals,' Alice Smith, the resident Astrologer at London's Wellness Foundry, tells ELLE UK. 'This firey energy needs friends who can give them the ideas to back up their drive to action.'
An air sign, like a Libra, Aquarius or Gemini, would be a great source of enthusiastic guidance for an Aries. 'Libras in particular would be able to use the harmonising energy of the ruling planet to keep Aries in check if they get too impatient,' Alice says, adding that fellow fire signs like Leo and Sagittarius typically also make fast friends with Aries.
Pisces and Cancer are the signs most likely to bristle an Aries' feathers, owing to their high emotional needs not being something that an Aries typically prioritises.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
According to Smith, Tauruses are known for being slow and steady when getting to know someone new, so friendships with other grounded earth signs, like Capricorns or Virgos, are 'perfect to match the practical and somewhat rigid ways of the bull.'
'Cancers would be great too, as the watery crab also enjoys its creature comforts and cosy nights in,' she says. 'Be careful with Scorpios however, as they require a lot of trust and emotional understanding, which a Taurus may have trouble accommodating.'
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
'Geminis have the quick wit and social prowess to adapt to any group and make friends with almost anyone,' Smith says, noting that it is best for Geminis to spend time with fellow air signs, Libra and Aquarius, when they're in need of some mental stimulation and fast-paced conversation.
'Excitement can always be found wherever Leo and Aries are, so Geminis gravitate towards them,' she adds. 'The problem, however, comes when Geminis get flaky and cancel plans. Sagittarius is a sign that can be tricky for Geminis – it’s either love or hate from the get-go – so you might only be able to handle each other for a couple of hours at a time.'
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Friendships with fellow water signs tend to be where Cancers feel safest. ‘Cancers can be slow to come out of their shell and reluctant to socialise but when they do, fellow water signs will always be there to lend a sympathetic ear to sensitive hearts,’ says Smith. ‘Pisces and Scorpio are the safest bets.’
The grounded and sensible natures of Virgos and Tauruses can also balance out the emotional ups and downs that Cancerians go through, but they should avoid Capricorns as, Smith explains, they’re a bit too stuck in their grind set to accomodate Cancer’s emotional needs, so you might clash.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
‘Leos can be the life of the party if backed up by their fellow fire signs Aries and Sagittarius,’ Smith explains. ‘You can’t go wrong with a posse of fun-loving firey friends.’
Leos also tend to get on well with Libras and Geminis due to their shared ability to work a room and harmonise clashing energies.
As for the friendships that might be tougher to navigate for a Leo, Smith advises to be wary of Aquariuses.
‘Aquariuses are hit or miss when it comes to friendships with a Leo as they can often be a bit too cerebral and idealistic for action-driven Lions,’ she says. ‘But a wonderful balance of fire and air can be achieved if you work through your differences and learn from each other.’
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
As a grounded earth sign, friendships between Virgos and fellow earth signs Taurus and Capricorn are a platonic match made in heaven. ‘The strong-willed ambition of Capricorn, in particular, can make for an unstoppable force with a Virgo,' Smith says.
Water signs, Cancer and Scorpio, also match Virgo’s cautious nature and can help them to work through their emotions.
She warns: ‘Pisces could be difficult bond to forge, but if you put in the effort it could be an amazingly supportive friendship.’
Libra (September 23-October 22)
‘Libras can make most friendships work as they enjoy being liked more than anything,’ Smith says, noting that fellow air signs, Aquarius and Gemini, would make for flowing conversation and Libras wouldn’t feel they have to try. She adds: ‘Assertive signs like Aries can help when Libras gets stuck trying to make a decision, so that works out well for them if they can put up with being bossed around a bit.’
As for a sign that could cause friendship friction, the grounded and down-to-earth nature of a Virgo can pose a problem for a free-spirited and whimsical Libra.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
‘Scorpios have to go deep — no shallow fake friends where they're concerned — so fellow water signs Cancer and Pisces are a perfect match,’ Smith says. ‘A special and rare bond can be made between the Scorpion and the bull. If Scorpios can give Tauruses the space to grow, a strong supportive bond can be forged here.’
Scorpios tend to be least compatible in terms of friendships with other fire signs, Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, and air signs, Gemini, Libra, Aquarius. As a water sign, Scorpios are more introspective, whereas fire and air signs are more focused on the external realm.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
‘Sagittariuses can fire up almost any other sign with their zesty adventurous antics,’ Smith says. ‘There’s never a shortage of people to hang out with. Fire signs can match a Sagittarius energy the easiest. An Aquarius, of all the air signs, would be a great friend paring for the expansive archer, as they both seek to reach further and push boundaries where most people shy away.’
Virgo and Pisces though are two signs that might make a Sagittarius feel like they can't keep up properly, and that could lead the friction.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Capricorns aren't always the life of the party, but when they choose friends they are loyal and considerate.
‘Fellow earth signs work best for Capricorns, especially Tauruses, who they can bond with instantly over love of the finer things as well as their realistic goals and need for stability,’ Smith says.
Capricorns tend to chill out as they age, so over time it becomes easier for water signs like Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces to give them the emotional balance they need.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
According to Smith, Aquariuses loves mingling and making new friends, often putting their friendships above romantic connections.
‘It isn’t hard for them to bond with anyone. Aries have the fresh spark and go-getter energy that Aquariuses most crave, so friendships with the Ram work out well,’ she says.
Water signs might find Aquariuses a bit emotionally detached, so strong bonds with Cancers, Pisces and Scorpios can be challenging, unless the typically cool and objective views of Aquariuses are what they’re after.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces is a sign that will put in the work for a friendship even if it’s draining, Smith explains. ‘Compassion and self-sacrifice make Pisces such wonderful friends to have,’ she says. ‘Cancers in particular can reciprocate all the emotional support Pisces offers, having deep talks and getting to know everything about each other.’
But of all the signs that might struggle to strike up a friendship with Pisces, Virgo is one of them. ‘Virgos can be the polar opposite of Pisces and can make it hard to emotionally connect on a soul level which Pisceans so crave,’ she says.
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