The Most Compatible Zodiac Signs, According to an Astrologer
Wondering if you and your partner’s love story is written in the stars, or maybe just completely star-crossed? As it turns out, the best zodiac matches for long-term compatibility might, in fact, be both. Sun signs who sit in direct opposition to each other on the zodiac wheel (so, six signs apart out of the twelve) are referred to as polarities, meaning they couldn’t be more different—and therein lies the potential for dynamic compatibility.
We caught up with astrologer and relationship expert Colin Bedell to understand why exactly “opposites attract,” and how digging into that playful cliche actually reveals a series of astrological truths we can all use as tools to foster and strengthen any relationship.
Colin Bedell is the founder of Queer Cosmos, an astrology and comparative spirituality resource for queer identities and allies. He is also the author of A Little Bit of Astrology: An Introduction to the Zodiac, Queer Cosmos: The Astrology of Queer Identities and Relationships, and Zodiac Signs: Gemini.
While Bedell laughs, saying, “We’re not shopping for a loaf of bread here, okay honey?” and acknowledges how these contrasted duos have to show up and put in work if they want to work, the ongoing transformation of opposition into balance creates a powerhouse relationship full of shared growth.
Before we get into why each polar pairing is ultimately so compatible, Bedell makes a point to share that he’s a firm believer every single sign can cultivate a fulfilling, lasting love with any other sign. He suggests all of us can benefit from learning about our opposing sign, and then utilize these insights to bring more harmony into every love story we choose to explore. Cheers to that!
Aries & Libra
Just like striking a match, sparks are bound to fly when fiery Aries and air sign Libra come together. According to Bedell, if these two are willing to appreciate and learn from their differences, they’ll create an unstoppable blaze.
Every sign has a planet whose energy influences its behavior, and with independent Mars in charge of Aries and harmonious Venus ruling Libra, Bedell is confident this pairing will “give each other the balance of autonomy and connection” every relationship needs to thrive. Whereas Libra can help Aries become more considerate and engaged in the community, he suspects Aries will frequently need to remind their Libra love, “Babe, [it’s okay to] take care of you, too!”
Taurus & Scorpio
Venus-ruled and an earth sign, Taurus is drawn to sharing tactile beauty (think sunset views and the most IG-worthy brunch hang of your life) while Scorpio, a water sign ruled by transformational Pluto, craves intensity and exploring what hides beneath the surface. As Bedell points out, the contrast here is exactly what makes this particular pairing so juicy and ripe for growth.
“Scorpio really deals with the reality of pain and pleasure,” he says, and is a fiercely loyal companion in helping Taurus embrace “all of the storms of life [as much as] rainbows and 400-thread sheet counts.” Alternatively, the infectious joie de vivre of Taurus gives Scorpio permission to step out of the ocean and realize how nice it is to just dig your toes in the sand once in a while. Together, this duo cultivates a lasting (and luxe) foundation that can weather anything.
Gemini & Sagittarius
Let freedom ring! An air and fire sign pair, Gemini and Sagittarius have all the ingredients for a relationship full of fireworks, foreign lands, and emotional inquiry. What really makes these signs compatible is, ironically, their mutual need for healthy boundaries.
Gemini is ruled by Mercury, which is the planet of not just communication, but internal evolution. “[They’re] always reinventing and exploring new personas,” notes Bedell, “and need breathing room for self-discovery.” Meanwhile, adventurous Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius goes outward for a sense of purpose, and requires “freedom to explore, get curious, and live from a place of continually broadening vision.” This pair really understands and celebrates each other’s need for ever-expanding horizons, and both feel grateful to have a partner committed to wondering and wandering.
Cancer & Capricorn
The only sign to be ruled by the moon, emotionally intuitive Cancer might seem like a more than unlikely match for logical, Saturn-led Capricorn. However, when this set of signs comes together as lovebirds, they create the perfect counterbalance between gentle flow and trustworthy structure.
Cancer’s oceanic healing energy finds a perfect companion in Capricorn’s grounded wisdom. “[Because] Capricorn can hold the weight of their deep emotionality, Cancer feels emotionally safe [and is] drawn to their partner’s reliability, discipline, and integrity,” he explains. On the flip side, “Capricorn appreciates Cancer’s generous vulnerability” and feels inspired by them “to step into and show up more fully for their [own] feelings.”
Leo & Aquarius
When Sun-ruled and fiery Leo joins up with Aquarius, an otherworldly air sign led by innovative Uranus, all the world’s a stage (and a spaceship). “Hello, power couple!” Bedell says of this combination, and it’s easy to understand why.
“What most people don’t know about Leo,” he shares, “is that these singular superstars can get a little lonely in their castle and crave both attention and connection.” As a result, Leo can’t help but “admire how universally adored Aquarius is,” and goes gaga for this air sign’s ability to “show them a whole new [community and] experience.”
Alternatively, Aquarius “appreciates Leo’s fearlessness [and] unshakeable sense of self-worth as amazing tools for liberation.” Recognizing confidence is contagious, Aquarius finds purpose in spreading their Leo sweetie’s message of self-love. This pair is freaky, fabulous, and can inspire us all.
Virgo & Pisces
Remember Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth?” This has to be the theme song for a Virgo and Pisces pair! Bedell considers this duo unbeatable in their combined ability to heal a hurting world, and these signs are continually moved and motivated by each other’s strengths.
While Virgo is skilled in understanding the intimate relationship between the body and nature (i.e. the friend who knows exactly which herbal tea you need to feel better), Pisces intuitively senses how to read the heart. “Virgo is in awe of Pisces’ transcendent, spiritual nature,” explains Bedell, and “Pisces benefits from Virgo’s ability to translate and apply their divine energy here on earth.” This couple hears, helps, and uplifts everyone (and everything) in their path.