Can You Blame the State of Your Love Life on Your Zodiac Sign? We Investigate

We’ve all heard the pick-up line “what’s your sign?” — that’s because star signs have been used as a way to identify celestial compatibility for centuries.

But beyond breaking the ice on a first date, can we really trust the zodiac to tell us which signs are actually a match made in heaven, or a cosmic collision? 

This one’s for the babes that have wondered whether their love life is predetermined by the stars. Let’s get into it.

Astrological Compatibility  

While each zodiac sign has its own attractive qualities uniquely influenced by the element they are assigned to (earth, fire, air, and water), not all of them work well together romantically. 

“Signs are generally more compatible when you take into account the interaction of the elements that they represent,” explains Sydney-based Astrologer, Jordan Reed.

“For example; Sagittarius is a fire sign, and will generally relate well to other fire signs in the first instance. However, bringing elements from other signs will often build a balanced and dynamic relationship.” 

Astrology as Dating Insurance 

Aside from revealing which signs are more likely to connect or clash, can astrology legitimately be used as a form of dating insurance? 

In today’s dating app scene, astrological compatibility can be a deal breaker. According to Tinder’s Australian spokesperson, Kirsty Dunn, profile mentions of “zodiac” in singles bios have increased globally by 75 per cent since 2020. Some singles will even filter their dating preferences by zodiac sign and choose to not swipe right if the star sign of a potential match is not compatible with their own.  

However, Susan Miller — the world-renowned astrologer and founder of Astrology Zone (visited by 13 million readers each year) — says that astrology cannot predict the fate of a relationship. “Astrology is not a cookbook of ingredients that will guarantee a certain outcome,” she says. 

Thomas Rezek, co-author of The Secret Language of Birthdays and The Secret Language of Relationships agrees with Miller.

“You have freewill,” Rezek states. “You’re unique to the universe. Nobody has your energy. I don’t think anybody can tell you who is the right match.” 

So, what do you do if you come across someone who you hit it off with from the start, but according to their Zodiac sign, you aren’t compatible? 

Star Crossed Lovers 

While knowing someone’s star sign can help to recognise and navigate the possible strengths and challenges of a relationship, Miller says, “No one is just their Sun sign. We are a blend of eight natal planets plus the natal Sun and Moon.”

“By assuming you can base a decision on whether to date someone by their Sun sign you may easily reject someone who is perfect for you — that person could be the love of your life.”

However, according to Jordan Reed; “star crossed lovers do exist”. But does this mean the hapless union should just throw in the towel?

“Challenges and harmonies between the charts will ultimately be won or lost based on the free will, perseverance, and determination of the individual,” Reed explains.

“Although some star signs aren’t as well-suited, not all relationship charts are designed to be forever charts. Sometimes people come into our lives for a shorter period of time and it is thought that people and relationships enter our lives to teach us about relationships but largely about ourselves.” 

But then, if not all relationships are meant to last, is there any point in asking your date what their sign is? 

Cosmic Coincidences  

If you research your previous partners’ birthdays, Reed says you notice “see patterns emerging that will indicate your type. An example can be having multiple partners born in the sign of Capricorn”.

Miller also claims that about 70% of brides “marry the sign of their mother or father” because “you are more at ease with that sign and tend to gravitate to it”.  

Despite this cosmic coincidence, Miller asserts that “once you ask someone’s sign, you label that person”. Therefore, she suggests “giving the other person you are dating a chance. Open your heart. Do not be judgemental. Look for the unique qualities in the person who has intrigued you.”

Is Astrology Destiny? 

While Miller claims she is able to tell you “exactly when a marriage will hit a hard point astrologically”, she does not think that our love lives are predetermined by the stars. “Nothing is destined. Astrology is not fortune-telling,” she says.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering post-breakup, “was it me or our astrology?” remember that according to Miller, the stars “systematically challenge and reward us, but we make our own decisions and cannot blame planets when things don’t work out”. 

Instead of being dissuaded by an incompatible chart, perhaps it’s better to keep in mind that “free will and true love will conquer all”, according to Reed.

And, if you’ve lost faith in finding your cosmic match, also remember that the stars aren’t necessarily the be all and end all. “Choose a person with good character who can weather life’s occasional storms with you with courage and commitment,” Miller advises.

So, although the Zodiac might serve as a roadmap, ultimately, we may have more control over who we date and the outcome of our love lives than we think we do.