It feels like there’s something in the air right now, doesn’t it? My friends are making moves, asking big questions and taking stock of what they want out of their careers. It seems like this piece from Callie Ahlgrim, originally published in October 2017, might be worth revisiting right about now. Enjoy! – Nora Taylor
The best thing about astrology, besides the fact that it’s fun, is that it feeds the vanity chip in our brains that begs for self-analysis. It is the original BuzzFeed personality quiz. If you believe it, the breakdown of your sign can illuminate strengths, weaknesses, goals and passions — traits that can point you in the direction toward a more fulfilling life or, in the context of your career, a more fulfilling livelihood. There’s nothing like a little introspection to get those ambitious fires ignited, which is why we’re here today: What job best suits you according to the stars?
If you’re in the throes of a job crisis, many astrologists will direct you to the sixth and tenth houses in your chart, which represent work/daily life and career/reputation, respectively. But if you’re looking for something more bite-sized and digestible than your whole chart, you’ve come to the right place.
The below guide is not overly interested in the zodiac’s stereotypical career paths. As my Pisces friend once said: “If I read one more blog that tells me to become a marine biologist, I’m going to scream.” Instead, it focuses on the characteristics of each sign that affect aspirations, challenges and workplace morale. It’s also based solely on your sun sign, which is the one that’s determined by your birth date (a.k.a. the one you probably have on a necklace somewhere).
Aries
If you’re an Aries who pays attention to astrology, you’ve probably read somewhere that you ought to become an athlete, a police officer, a firefighter. Or maybe the astrologist got a little specific and told you to pursue boxing — you know, because you’re a ram and you’re aggressive.
There is some truth to those clichés: Aries is a notoriously competitive sign and often excels in organized sports. There’s a strong physicality there. The typical Aries cannot be passive, still or excessively patient; they hate tedium. A desk job would be ill-advised. Ideally, your career would give you a sense of worth and self-sacrifice (that’s where the police officer advice comes in), as well as a healthy dose of self-importance.
As an Aries, you’re a natural leader. People remember you for your courage, boldness and willingness to confront a challenge head-on. You are defined by incredible perseverance, and that will serve you well in any workplace. Many people will read you as having great managerial potential — but be careful not to come on too strong. Keep taking initiative, keep taking risks, but don’t brag about your inventiveness or accomplishments. Allow your work ethic and intelligence to speak for themselves.
Taurus
Here’s the thing about being a Taurus: People either assume you’re lazy, which may sometimes be true, or they assume you’re super stubborn and persistent, which is definitely true. The bull operates in two speeds, especially when tackling an assignment. You’ll take your sweet time to organize, strategize and plan out the attack — then you’ll charge, full-steam ahead. In school, you probably spent Friday through Sunday writing your weekend to-do list and solely Sunday night checking everything off in a Redbull-induced haze.
Taurus needs stability, routine and comfort. You rarely get bored with the mundanity of everyday office life. You’re highly productive and extremely thorough, never leaving an email unread and proofreading all responses. But while this is an admirable work ethic, you should remember not to get too frazzled when a sudden change occurs. Maybe your favorite coworker gets laid off. Maybe your Thursday meeting gets pushed back. These little disruptions may be very unsettling to you, but just take a deep breath and reorganize.
Since Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of romance and beauty, you also likely have an eye for aesthetics. I bet that impeccably-organized calendar is color-coordinated and your handwriting looks like a font. While you may gravitate toward routine and repetitive work, low-energy offices and dingy environments take a serious toll on your morale. Don’t forget to decorate your desk! Throw some doodads and trinkets on there. And maybe consider pursuing an artistic job — design, fashion and cinematography all come to mind — or a creative role within your existing position.
Gemini
Geminis are masters of communication; they make for excellent novelists, poets and songwriters. As a Gemini, your company includes wordsmiths like Walt Whitman, George Orwell, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Tupac Shakur. It only makes sense that you’d want to pursue a job with plenty of opportunity to self-express. Geminis are animated and sharp with no lack of imaginative energy. You’re characterized by your sociability, wit, curiosity and inquisitive nature. In our landscape of ever-evolving media and volatile news cycles, journalism may suit you perfectly.
You do need a certain level of flexibility with your work, as you typically reject structure and can grow easily frustrated by routine. Your ability to adapt makes you valuable in times of transition, and you have no problem hopping around from one assignment to another. You may even feel as though a typical “career” does not suit your preferred lifestyle. For some Geminis, that is entirely true — for others, you simply need a job that gives you the freedom to define your own schedule and constantly evolve. Self-employment would be ideal.
While you have a knack for conversation, you are intensely independent and hate to ask for help. In any path you pursue, the inability to admit when you’re wrong will hinder your progress. You want to believe that you can hold yourself accountable, but there will always be someone to answer to for your mistakes.
Cancer
Cancers are often characterized as overly sensitive, but they usually don’t get enough credit. It’s probably the Cancer in your friend group that pours countless hours into their Secret Santa gift and reminds you to count your drinks at the bar. They care about everything more than you care about anything. Unless, of course, you are a Cancer — in which case, your friends owe you some thank you notes.
The Cancer image is intimately associated with feeling for and nurturing others. You shine the brightest when your mission involves helping and supporting people; you will likely find difficulty in emotionally connecting to a job where you don’t feel you’re making an impact on someone’s life. Your career may be creative, entrepreneurial or something entirely different, but that sense of purpose is integral to how you define success. As such, you may feel most at home in education, childcare or healthcare. The crab’s protective nature is uniquely primed for such pursuits.
Cancers are also highly sensitive to criticism, and will thrive most with positive reinforcement. While Cancers are finely tuned to the needs of others and enjoy offering support, they need to feel that support in return; many tend to retreat and shut down when feeling micromanaged or attacked. Visible, tangible impact is important to them — a simple Teacher Appreciation Day or complimentary email would work wonders. As a Cancer, try to remember that a lack of vocal appreciation does not necessarily mean your work does not matter.
Leo
When you consider that some of the highest-profile people in the world are Leos, it makes sense that every astrologist ever recognizes the lion as having a future in the public eye. From reality TV to the Oval Office, from boys who lived to Jennys on the block, Leos overpopulate the spotlight. They are notorious show-offs, adorned with a deep sense of pride and highly creative instincts.
But while it’s true that Leos are known for having massive egos, theirs are surprisingly fragile — as much as they thrive off validation and praise, Leos can easily crumble under scorn. If you are an especially sensitive Leo, you may want to work on developing a thicker skin (and/or mane) before stepping into the public eye. It’s not necessary, anyway: a Leo will shine wherever they feel needed and admired, especially if the work feels significant to their own personal values.
Leos are often immortalized for theatrics or power, but they are also genuine, generous people who delight in helping others. Leos need to feel proud in order to do good work, which may be why many take up charitable causes or try to make a difference through politics. As a Leo, your loyalty outweighs vanity every time. You’re happy to contribute to a group dynamic (as long as you get an equal amount of credit), and that makes you an excellent coworker. Feel free to follow a path that allows you to work independently and seek praise, but remember that you are at your best in a collaborative environment.
Virgo
A typical analysis of the Virgo sign would be: neat, organized, knee-deep in Lysol. And it’s true that a Virgo will thrive in a practical environment, often gravitating towards detail-oriented careers like healthcare or finance or scientific research. But far be it for Virgos to be pigeonholed — directors like Baz Luhrmann, Tim Burton and Ava DuVernay illustrate their Virgo natures through precise and intelligent filmmaking, carefully crafting worlds that feel both unique and convincing. Moulin Rouge may not scream “studious, sensible Earth Sign,” but its scrupulous attention to detail and fully immersive style truly reflects the sign’s greatest strengths.
Virgos generally prefer to work remotely and humbly rather than taking the helm, but you may find that it comes naturally to manage a project at work. Jump at opportunities to flex your executive muscles. It probably won’t be your first instinct to seize control, but coworkers respect a purposeful leader who lays out clear, reasonable expectations. You can create order from chaos, sort out complicated details and propose logical solutions. You’re a start-up’s dream.
As a Virgo, you perform best in peaceful and professional conditions. You’re not interested in water cooler gossip or after-work cocktail drama. And that’s perfectly fine. But allow yourself the opportunity to loosen up once in a while; ever the perfectionist, your greatest critic will always be your own self. Chances are you’re naturally intelligent, hard-working and widely admired — take the time to allow yourself a gentle pat on the back.
Libra
If you are a manager or recruiter of some kind, trust me on this: you want a Libra on your team. And my evidence for this claim rests with two famous, vastly different but equally impressive blondes: Elle Woods and Leslie Knope. These two women don’t have a lot in common as far as hobbies and mannerisms go, but the parallels are clear: these are highly capable, charming, passionate people who have found their callings and thrown themselves in head-first. This is the Libra mentality.
Libras are flexible people with a wide variety of interests. They are defined by their love for balance, equality and harmony. As a Libra, your sense of justice and your knack for intrapersonal connection suits you well for a career in justice or diplomatic relations: lawyer, mediator, judge, government official, etc. Libras can even charm the pants off of guarded Harvard students (Emmett) or stubborn, mustachioed men (Ron Swanson). Your abilities for negotiation — to lead people to see another point of view — are unparalleled.
You are a cooperative and fiercely loyal person, so you will likely perform admirably in any profession. People love a team player and you love a challenge; you will work tirelessly to find solutions to perceived injustices, making friends every step of the way. On top of that, since Libra is ruled by Venus, there is a notable streak of sophistication with everything you do. You will do anything you set your mind to — and you’ll make it look impossibly good.
Scorpio
Let’s get this out of the way: Scorpios are pretty. And not necessarily in the traditional sense but definitely in the glittery, intimidating, can’t-take-your-eyes-off-them sense. And let’s be clear about this, too: Scorpios know you’re looking. They love it. They bathe in the stares and glares alike. Is it any wonder that many find themselves on a screen or on a podium? As a Scorpio, you see a person sizing you up and take it as a challenge.
Scorpios have a talent for persuasion. They like to push the envelope and revel in a convincing argument, however risqué or taboo. Scorpios have the ability to be both charming and repellant — Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden are both Scorpios. Just those meme legacies alone speak to the vast spectrum of reactions that Scorpios in the public eye are capable of producing.
Under your impenetrable exterior, however, you may get impatient and angry with yourself. It’s not public opinion that matters, but your own inner voice. You often refuse to express these feelings of doubt, which will only exacerbate them, especially at work. Scorpios are almost obsessively determined and incredibly idealistic, which gives them the power to both self-analyze and self-sabotage. Take time to process your emotions in private, then express them in a healthy way. Take constructive criticism seriously rather than personally.
Sagittarius
Leos often get the rep as the kings or queens of the zodiac, but don’t discount the archer: Sagittarians are the jocks, the office darlings, the “Life of the Party” superlative winners. There’s nothing like a Sagittarius to liven up the company retreat — they’ll come equipped with donuts or vodka, probably — but don’t get too spoiled. Ever the adventurers, Sagittarians demand a high level of excitement and newness from employment. After too long on one path, they’re likely to start fidgeting; Sagittarius is a restless sign with a seemingly endless need for stimulation. It may be hard for many to settle down into one career or to feel fulfilled in a traditional job.
As a Sagittarius, your saving grace is your passion for others’ wellbeing. While you may seem flighty and shallow at times, Sagittarians are often deeply philosophical and curious creatures, always learning and growing. On top of that, Sagittarians have effortless charm and very little insecurities in social situations. This equips you perfectly for teaching, counseling or mentoring.
The archer is also renown for its boldness, refusal to back down and willingness to take risks. You are furiously optimistic and — though an unabashed charmer — independent at heart. You thrive in an environment devoid of tedium and repetition: a job that allows flexibility and movement. Sagittarians may pursue paths as pilots or flight attendants, travel journalists, stuntmen or explorers. They are often remembered for their joviality, sense of freedom and charisma.
Capricorn
Capricorns either skip the company retreat entirely, preferring to stay bunkered down in their minimalist, Wall Street apartment, getting ahead of the work week, or they’re the ones running it. Capricorns possess the invaluable combination of willpower and work ethic; there is no limit to what a Capricorn can accomplish once they’ve made up their mind. As a Capricorn, you are probably extremely comfortable in positions of power and responsibility. You don’t need to find your work “fulfilling” or “meaningful” — you get enough fulfillment from a simple job well done.
Business is often heralded as a special strength for the Capricorn sign. This is likely due to the nature of the work itself: status, productivity and financial success are usually much more important to a Capricorn than the company or goal. Earth Signs are attracted to stability, and Capricorns are most likely to take traditional career paths. You are known by your coworkers and superiors (if you have any of those) for your accomplishments, your legacy and your persistence, not necessarily your warmth or demeanor. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little discipline. Just because you’re not the office’s social butterfly doesn’t mean you’re not highly respected. Think Miranda from Sex and the City. You win admiration from your peers because you say what you mean, you mean what you say, and you get the job done without too much talking at all.
Your patience, determination and coolness under pressure is perfect for high-stress jobs and situations. But try not to overwork yourself; doggedness comes easily to you, so you may be overly willing to pick up other people’s slack. People will admire your integrity and seek you out for guidance, but remember that your own workload is usually more than enough.
Aquarius
I don’t expect many Aquarians will be reading this, as they’re usually minimally interested in material pursuits or traditions. True, the Aquarius sign is always at the frontline of progress, but that’s probably because they’re always looking at the big picture. And when I say big, I don’t mean an earthly definition of “big.” I mean galactic. Aquarians are always 10 steps ahead — they are endlessly curious, highly intellectual and the zodiac’s true humanitarians.
If you do happen to be an Aquarius reading these musings, I’d suspect it’s because you’re very indecisive about a “career” to begin with. I don’t imagine that you buy into the modern idea of work consuming your life, and that you’re fine with making money to live and having passion projects on the side. Non-profit and volunteer work is very common for the Aquarius sign.
Nevertheless, Aquarians are innovative, eccentric and inventive human beings. Those with a mind for math or science will likely find great personal gratification with a job in the tech world, working to discover new methods of progress. Aquarians desire to serve as the catalyst for positive change. They channel passion into their everyday lives with strong willpower and far-reaching idealism.
Pisces
Pisces is an imaginative, observant, difficult-to-define sign. They’re mislabeled as “dreamy” or “spacey,” which undermines the capabilities of the open Piscean mind. They have vast stores of empathy and scarily accurate instincts, which allow them to read people and understand human emotion on a profound level. As a Pisces, you may be drawn to helping others understand themselves — perhaps as a counselor or therapist — or to plumbing unknown, complex terrain like an astronaut, deep sea diver or psychologist.
You are far more likely to be driven by your respect for something’s value or mission rather than by financial or personal gain, which makes you both valuable and admirable in the eyes of your community. You’re probably approachable, easy to confide in and attentive, which makes you irreplaceable in the eyes of your coworkers.
Your optimism tends to inspire others and you may find yourself in a reluctant place of leadership. Don’t shy away from this responsibility. Your ability to understand motives, weigh all options before making a decision and value creative solutions makes you an effective manager, especially in non-traditional environments. However, run far away from any job that’s based in a competitive, profit-based environment. Your gentle, encouraging nature is not well-suited to manage people who do not share this disposition.
Illustrations by Allison Filice; follow her on Instagram @allisonfilice.
