These star signs spell breakup, but there's a reason to hold out hope, according to astrologers

Even if your birth charts don't exactly mesh well, that doesn't mean your relationship is doomed

a torn-up paper heart on fire
(Image credit: Vika-Viktoria/Getty Images)

When examining the zodiac, there are certain signs that spell breakup when paired together romantically. 

Taking astrological compatibility into consideration, if your sign squares your partner's—meaning they share the same modality—you're in great shape. Does that suggest that a sextile, trine or, dare we say, a conjunct, means our relationships are cosmically doomed? Sure, there could be some bumpy roads ahead, but the stars alone can't be responsible for our rollercoaster love lives. 

"When two signs that are incompatible come together, making their relationship work may require them to concentrate on alchemizing their differences," says Solaris the Hii Priestess. "By focusing on effective communication and understanding, both parties must truly want to make it work and ensure the positive aspects outweigh the negative."

Before you declare your romance over and create a Spotify playlist of the best breakup songs, read on. (That's right—put down the Adele albums.) 

Courtesy of Solaris the Hii Priestess
Solaris the Hii Priestess

Solaris the Hii Priestess is an Austin-based tarot reader, astrologer and newly published author—y.o.u. Your own universe, a children’s astrology book— is known for her contemporary method of divination using tarot. She has been featured at various festivals, such as: Mala Luna, SXSW, ACL and more. 

These are the star signs that spell breakup

As it turns out, there are plenty of wonky zodiac combinations when it comes to love.

When discussing Aries and Capricorn, astrologer Michelle Bell, the founder of Cosmic Fusion says that their "contrasting approaches to life and differing priorities" ultimately make for a difficult dynamic. In a sense, the two are on opposite ends of the spectrum.

"Aries are passionate, spontaneous and have a desire for immediate gratification.  On the other hand, Capricorns possess a cautious and practical mindset," she says.

Aries might also find themselves having a hard time making a serious relationship work with a Cancer. 

"They have very different approaches to life and may struggle to understand each other's needs and desires," says Nebula's astrologer Hillary Coke. "Communication can be a major issue between Aries and Cancer, as they have very different ways of expressing themselves."

And Dr. Jennifer Freed, who worked with Nebula to launch the app's new relationship check-in tool, thinks two of one particular water sign could be slightly problematic.

"Two Scorpios would not be suitable if they both want to be the power source and the controller," she says. "Scorpio is a fixed water sign and can be highly emotional and intense and bear grudges. If the lower side of Scorpio took over then you would have to stingers constantly wanting to hurt the other person."

astrologer michelle bell headshot
Michelle Bell

Michelle is an astrologer and the founder of Cosmic Fusion. It is the unique synchronization of the Western and Chinese Zodiac. The app, which is available on Apple and Android combines a person's Western Zodiac sign, Chinese element and Chinese animal to "create an incredibly unique character profile description of your personality."

hillary coke astrologer headshot
Hillary Coke

Hillary Coke is a Western Astrologer and tarot expert at Nebula: Horoscope and Astrology Platform. She has over five years of experience in astrological readings, helping people figure out love and career matters and find their inner peace. She is deeply into Tarot, as it's been a big part of her life since childhood. 

Dr. Jennifer Freed, Ph.D
Dr. Jennifer Freed, Ph.D

Dr. Jennifer Freed, Ph.D. is a renowned psychological astrologer with over 40 years of experience in teaching and consulting globally. Dr. Freed has worked with numerous celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Mila Kunis and Emily Morse. She is a certified trainer of social and emotional learning and has also received national training as a trauma care consultant.

The good news about star-sign compatibility

Now that you're feeling completely deflated and are in search of your astrological birth chart for clarification, rest assured all of our astrologers believe that even the not-so-perfect pairings are entirely, 100% possible. Breathe a sigh of relief, dear cosmic enthusiasts. Here's why any combination for work

1. Picking your opposite is common

More often than not, you're likely to gravitate toward someone who's on the opposite end of the astrological spectrum—and that's a good thing. 

"It's common for signs that don't match well to be drawn to each other because they need to learn how to grow," Solaris says. "The signs you attract into your life show what you need to embody."

2. All combinations are possible

While some pairings might work better than others, all combinations are worthy of success.

"It doesn’t matter how “naturally” compatible zodiac signs are, it’s all about understanding someone’s core personality," Bell insists. "You might have two zodiac signs that are extremely different, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a relationship. It just means that both individuals need to be willing to understand and appreciate each other's personality traits, strengths and weaknesses.

Likewise, astrologer Liz Simmons leans into this notion that differences also lead to growth and self-improvement. 

3. There's always help

Need a little assistance in the romance department? Simmons has a few suggestions. First thing's first, if you're determined to work well together astrologically, check out you and your partner's synastry.

"Synastry refers to comparing two birth charts to see how well two individuals work together through an astrological lens," she says. "Having a synastry session can help the star sign couple better understand what their innate strengths and weaknesses are, which can help them figure out what they need to work on in their relationship."

And when astrological details begin to look like hieroglyphics , venture over to the library.

I also recommend Love Signs by Linda Goodman (available at Amazon) and Sun Signs in Love: Relationship Compatibility by the Stars by Desiree Roby Antila (available at Amazon) as sources on synastry since both books do a fabulous job of highlighting what each zodiacal pairing needs to focus on in their relationship."

headshot of astrologer liz simmons
Liz Simmons

Liz Simmons is a freelance writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. She views astrology and tarot as another tool in our arsenal to understand the cosmic interplay in our lives. Currently, Liz contributes astrological articles and horoscopes to StyleCaster, POPSUGAR and Astrology.com. She is also the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. 

And hey, at the end of the day, if you're one of the star signs that handle breakups best, you've got nothing to worry about! We kid—all relationships are challenging, regardless of circumstances, but we wish you nothing but love!

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.