You don’t find love, it finds you. It’s got a little bit to do with destiny, fate, and what’s written in the stars.” – Anïs Nin

You’ve probably always followed your gut when it comes to love. You know when you meet someone if there is a chance that you will connect romantically. Sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t, but the potential spark was there, and you felt it.

However, there are many ‘tipping points’ in a relationship when you need to make a difficult decision, and your gut is pulling you in multiple conflicting directions. Sometimes you meet more than one person that you like and need to decide where to focus your energy. Sometimes you’re at the point where you need to decide whether to take the relationship to the next level. Sometimes you are in a relationship, but you are having problems, and you need to decide whether to keep working or walk away.

While there is no magic playbook out there that can answer these questions for you with certainty, understanding your astrological chart, and the chart of your significant other, can help you understand your level of compatibility, and help inform your decision, which will of course be based on many factors.

Really understanding your own astrological chart, let alone another person’s, is a complex thing. But to get started, this article will give some basics on who you should be dating based on your respective sun signs.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

With your fiery energy you are excitable and impulsive, as well as driven by your need to be ‘the best’. On a good day, you’ll invigorate your partner with your energy, but on a bad day, your temper can make you hard to live with. You match well with fellow fire signs Leo and Sagittarius, as they can keep up with you and find your energy inspiring. Libra can also make a good match as they balance out some of your more challenging character traits.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You are both practical and romantic and sensitive to the things happening in the world around you. You match well with pragmatic Virgo and hardworking Capricorn, who share your earthy outlook on life. While a Scorpio may seem very different from you at the outset, they can challenge you in a way that others can’t, leading to a fruitful relationship of self-growth.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Intelligent and thoughtful, you are probably looking for an opportunity to make a deep connection. You’ll probably connect well with Libra and Aquarius as they also like to form deep connections and do everything together, and are looking for a long-term relationship. Sagittarius can also make for a truly dynamic partner, taking you to a new level of creativity and ensuring that life is fun.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You are sensitive and prone to building walls around yourself, so you need someone reliable and trustworthy if you are going to let them in. Pisces and Scorpio as other water signs have a love and passion that should be able to flow through the cracks in your walls. While a less emotional, Capricorns share your desire to nest and build safe spaces.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

You need attention and to feel like a superstar, which can sometimes make it difficult for the other person in your relationship. You’ll shine most brightly when connected to fellow fire signs Aries and Sagittarius as they will embrace your charisma and enthusiasm. Aquarius can also make a good match, and will be able to stroke your ego without losing any part of themselves.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

You are hard-working, selective, and often critical, as you hold everything to a high standard. Capricorn and Taurus share many of these qualities and also share your more relaxed approach to social life and will love to skip the club and spend the night on the couch watching Netflix with you. Pisces can also make a good match as you both like helping people, and while you bring a practical hand, they can bring the emotions that you prefer to keep private.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

With your love of socializing and deep conversation, you’ll match well with gregarious Gemini and intellectual Aquarius. You will likely form a strong connection quickly. You will also find relationships with the fiercely independent Aires interesting as they bring new challenges, experiences and people into your life.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

One of the fiercest signs of the zodiac, you use your powerful intuition to get the things you want in life. Cancer and Pisces will embrace your energy and match your emotional intelligence, leading to the mature and fulfilling relationship that you crave. Taurus will match your loving passion, which can be very satisfying for your romantic soul.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Always ready for an adventure and with an infectious sense of humour, you’ll match well with like-minded Aries and Leo who will compliment your fire. Gemini also make a great match as they share your belief in living life to the fullest and will expand your horizons with their different perspective on life.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Ambitious and hard-working, you focus on building safety and security in your life. You’ll match well with Taurus and Virgo, who also believe in the need to build solid foundations. Cancer can also make a good match as they are likely to share your more traditional view on romance and help you build domestic bliss.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

You lead a creative and energetic life, and need someone who can occupy that space with you. You will find that a connection with a Gemini or Libra fulfilling as it is built on communication and Passion. You may will also likely be drawn to relationships with fiery Leos, as you will find that their fire ignites your own.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

With your sweet disposition and enchanting creativity, you’ll match well with Cancers and Scorpios as they also enjoy exploring the unknown. You will also match well with Virgos who match your generous nature and you will be able to provide each other kindness and support.

Finally, astrologers generally discourage dating someone who shares the same sign as you, as it can be too much of a good thing…