Why Your Sun Sign Is Important for Compatibility

Compatibility is complicated, but astrology can help!

By Charm Torres

There are so many factors that go into astrological compatibility! After all, your chart has many signs and planets that all work together in totally unique ways. The simplest way to look at a match is to work with your sun sign, which is the sign you’re likely most familiar with as “your sign.” (If you’re not sure what your sun sign is, head to the Sanctuary app, where you can get your whole chart for free!)

Your sun sign shapes your impulse to embrace your life’s purpose. It can also help to connect to your essential and authentic self. The sign your sun occupies in your chart can reveal how you move through the world. When you look at sun sign compatibility with someone else, you are looking at how a relationship supports your essential and developing self. How do you encourage each other in achieving your life’s goals?

One way to match up the signs is to look at the planets that rule each sign, and see which signs share ruling planets (and have similar energies through this shared trait!)

Aries & Scorpio

Aries and Scorpio are ruled by Mars. Mars is all about taking decisive action and chasing what you want. Suppose your sun is in one of these signs. In that case, you inherently move through the world in a self-oriented fashion and value your independence. The sun in Aries can tend to be more confident and self-assured, and the Scorpio is thoughtful but determined. You may share and uplift these values with each other. However, the difference between the two could also be a source of conflict. Aries is a cardinal sign and a fire element, very active and expressive. Scorpio is a fixed sign and a water element, headstrong, and self-reflective. The similarities they share makes everything feel like a competition. One thing for sure is that this union will be full of fireworks, passion, and intensity.

Taurus & Libra

Taurus and Libra are ruled by Venus. Venus is the planet of values, and it aims to harmonize and beautify. Having your sun in one of these signs means you value sustainability, sensuality, and relationships when pursuing your goals. Both signs have a desire for comfort and pleasure, and this can be a bridge that connects the two. The sun in Libra may need more validation and encouragement, while Taurus may need some coaxing to get out of their comfort zone. Their differences can be a challenge. Taurus is a fixed sign whose element of earth prefers to be rooted. Libra is a cardinal sign and an air element and likes to launch into creative action. Taurus is practical, whereas Libra is more idealistic. While their methods may be different, both want to create a space for beauty and enjoyment.

Gemini & Virgo

Gemini and Virgo are ruled by Mercury, the planet of processing information and communication. These signs approach life in a curious, thoughtful, and potentially critical way. You are captivated by understanding how things work. But Gemini is an air sign, caught up in potential and idealism, while Virgo is an earth sign, more pragmatic and solution oriented. Their elemental difference can be a source of tension, but both signs are mutable, allowing them to be adaptable and flexible. No difference of approach can hold these two problem-solvers from coming up with creative and even delightful solutions to their disagreements.

Sagittarius & Pisces

Sagittarius and Pisces are ruled by Jupiter. Jupiter is the planet that helps you affirm your goals, heal your soul, and explore what the world has to offer. With one of these signs as your sun sign, your outlook on life can be optimistic, romantic, and expansive. These signs both tend to see the positive potential in people and situations. The challenge? Impulsive Sagittarius as a fire sign can be tactless, and water sign Pisces can be sensitive and react emotionally. But with a shared adventurous spirit and emotional bravery, the willingness of these mutable signs to be receptive, spiritually minded, and vulnerable provides a deep connection

Capricorn & Aquarius

Capricorn and Aquarius are signs ruled by Saturn. Saturn is about acquiring wisdom through time and practice. These signs value commitment and depth. If your sun is in one of these signs, you put a premium on discipline and hard work to get what you want. You aspire to achieve mastery and authority, working to find your life’s purpose. With a shared reputation for being a bit aloof, these signs know the meaning of slow and steady to build a relationship. In other ways, opposites attract: Capricorn enjoys routine, and structure, while Aquarius often thrives in the unconventional. But both these signs value respect and sincerity above all, and share many important values of the heart.

Cancer & Taurus

Cancer is the only sign ruled by the moon. If your sun is in Cancer, you move through the world in a perceptive, intuitive, and protective way. But just because the moon doesn’t rule other signs doesn’t mean there’s no love connection for Cancer! Taurus is a sign the moon exalts in, an astrological way of saying it’s very comfortable in Taurus. Together, these two signs connect with the moon and their similar approach to creating and holding space for the people they love. They also share a stubborn streak, but both value comfort, safety, and a nurturing dynamic that a relationship can thrive in. One challenge to this lunar dynamic? These two signs share so many qualities, they might be a little too cozy and comfortable, making it hard to find the motivation to grow. A focus on emotional resilience for Cancer and learning flexibility for Taurus can help them move forward together as good partners to one another.

Leo & Aries

Leo is the sign solely ruled by the sun, which is not surprising given how much Leo loves to shine. Bold, generous, and expressive in their drive towards their aspirations, Leo is a charismatic go-getter. Leo knows how to share with the right person, and for them, they can share their time in the sun with Aries, which the sun exalts in (meaning it shines extra bright in this sign as well.) Both of these signs are dynamic, courageous, and enterprising. The tricky part of this match is the face-off between Aries’ impulsive, changeable nature and Leo’s self-confident surety in all that it does. However, together they create quite an exciting and self-affirming connection that celebrates their individuality and flair.