What Your Zodiac Sign Says About How You Deal With Breakups (2024)

We begin most relationships energized by the unknown, dazzled by the prospect of exploring a new partnership's potential. If and when it ends, we are forced to abandon not only what was, but our hopes for what could have been. Instead of aspiration, we're left with emptiness and heartache — and every sign of the zodiac deals with these feelings differently.

Breaking up is a pretty universal experience, but just as there are countless ways to sing the blues, there are unlimited approaches to separation. Sometimes, one of the worst parts of a split is discovering that you and your former lover have completely dissimilar breakup styles. If you're all about establishing closure through discussion but your ex wants nothing more than to pretend they never met you, their icy attitude could feel like salt rubbed into a wound. Alternatively, if you're the type to rebound quickly while your erstwhile partner embraces celibacy, you may be in for some unpleasant confrontations.

Thankfully, the teachings of astrology offer boundless insight into breakups. Your zodiac or sun sign, determined by your date of birth, defines your personality, basic preferences, and how you interact with the world. It reveals how you flirt, partner up, and get intimate. Unsurprisingly, your sun sign can also help you identify and understand your go-to relationship exit strategy.

While some signs relish post-breakup attention from their circles (Leo and Gemini), others are much more private, only seeking advice from their closest companions (Virgo and Pisces). Some try to avoid heartache altogether by pretending the relationship never even happened (Sagittarius and Aquarius). When it comes to moving on, some signs take lots of time to heal (Cancer and Capricorn), while others are quick to pursue a new physical connection (Aries and Scorpio) or dive into a serious relationship (Taurus and Libra). Ahead, discover what the stars say about your breakup style. Feel free to reflect on past partnerships — it may help mend old wounds (as well as help explain your ex's behavior). And don't forget, cosmic warrior, when the going gets tough, you can always explore your sign’s approach to masturbation.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Aries are the babies of the zodiac. These fiery rams are known for their zeal and ambition,along with their competitive nature and explosive tempers. They treat breaking up like a sport, andthey do not want to lose. Aries would rather dump than be dumped, and so if tension has been building, they're likely to be the ones to initiate the split. Since they want to move on faster than their exes, they're often the first to rebound, but they're rarely malicious. In fact, they often immediately regret their decisions — whether that's the decision to jump immediately into a new relationship or to break up in the first place.

A remorseful Aries will do anything to prove their love and devotion, including grandiose gestures such as planning elaborate reconciliation dinners or showing up outside their ex's window with a boombox (John Cusack's character in Say Anything was definitely an Aries). If you're an Aries wooing an ex, make sure you're not in the chase for the sake of an adrenaline rush: Do you really want to reunite, or are you just looking for another victory?

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Earth sign Taurus is ruled by Venus, and Taureans are enchanted by romance. Within a relationship, they are generous and sensual lovers. Taurus is a fixed sign, and accordingly, Taureans despise change: They have a tendency to stay too long in relationships, and they'll fight for a partnership until the bitter end. When it finally comes time to break up, though, they are deliberate and unwavering.

Taureans embrace logic and practicality, which often makes it difficult for these celestial bulls to explore the nuances of separation: A Taurus breakup is very black-and-white, and the Taurus ex is cordial but stubborn. There is no room for compromise once a decision has been made. What's more, hell hath no fury like a Taurus scorned. Loyalty is everything to a Taurus, so if Taurus's lover proves to be unfaithful, the breakup won't be fueled by obstinance alone — it will also be driven by rage. (Other signs be warned: When these celestial bulls see red, it's best to get far, far out of their way.)

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Gemini is symbolized by the twins, and this air sign is defined by its intrinsic duality. There are at least two sides to every Gemini, and during a breakup, they will be sure to reveal the full range of their personalities. Expression is everything to mercurial Gemini, and so their partnerships are fueled by communication. On the flip side, it's easy to tell when they're over a relationship: They simply go dark. Though Gemini are great at ghosting, their disappearing act isn't mean-spirited. They simply hate confrontation.

On the very rare occasion that these celestial twins initiate a breakup, they are also known to use clever mental and emotional tactics to make it seem as if the split is actually what their partner wants, a classic Gemini move. As the social butterflies of the zodiac, Gemini recover through storytelling, editing their breakup drama into sad and hilarious tales to share over drinks. While some might label this "kiss and tell" behavior, a Gemini calls it healing.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Cancers are symbolized by the crab, and accordingly, these water signs use their tough shells to protect their sensitive interiors. It takes time for these celestial crustaceans to build trust, so it's not easy for Cancers to enter serious, committed relationships. When a Cancer finally feels safe in a partnership, they do not want it to end. Cancers are romantics at heart, and they will always fight for their relationships.

But not all bonds are meant to last forever. In order for Cancers to release their grasp, they often need to vilify their exes. These water signs don't intend to be bitter, but when they feel heartbroken, they frequently enact firm boundaries, such as no-contact rules, to shield themselves. During difficult emotional times, these sensitive creatures value the support of their friends, who can nurture heartbroken Cancers with expressions of unconditional love.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Symbolized by the lion, Leos are known for their vivacious personalities and radiant extravagance. These fire signs are enchanted by romance — after all, Leo governs the heart— and Leo partnerships are often fueled by infatuation. Simply put, Leos love to be in love. But when the flame begins to dim and a Leo senses that a relationship is spiraling, they try to protect their pride by doing the dumping. They can usually bounce back fairly quickly from breakups they initiate.

When a Leo is dumped, however, it's a whole different story. A Leo's initial reaction to an unexpected split is often complete shock that someone could lose interest in them,followed by devastating anguish. During a breakup, Leos feel as if their sun has been eclipsed. It's a totally heart-wrenching experience, and these lions aren't afraid to showcase their suffering. Though other signs may perceive a grief-stricken Leo's behavior as overly dramatic (I know a Leo who wore a black veil for ten days after her breakup), their expressions of pain are genuine and they need their close friends to help them heal. But despite how low their spirits drop, these lions are resilient creatures who will always find their way back to the light.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, Virgo is the most analytical sign of the zodiac. Virgos' ability to process minutiae makes these earth signs incredible writers, orators, and editors, but also rigid perfectionists. Their relationships are often driven by romanticism and belief in the notion of an "ideal" partnership. But no match is without fault, and Virgos' unrealistic expectations may eventually dissolve into anxiety and doubt. By the time hope fades, Virgos often completely check out of their relationships —with or without informing their partners.

Since they prefer to avoid conflict, these earth signs frequently attempt to leave without a difficult discussion. When a conversation is unavoidable, Virgos are extremely apologetic and quick to alleviate the tension by assuming total and complete responsibility, proclaiming some variation of "It's not you, it's me." When a breakup takes a Virgo by surprise, on the other hand, these earth signs find it hard to let go. You can always spot a dumped Virgo by their carefully constructed arguments detailing why and how their former relationships were scientifically perfect. Virgos should remember that their romantic decisions should be informed by a partnership's reality, not its potential.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Libras are all about pairs. After all, Libra is represented by the scales, a symbol of harmony, and governed by Venus, the planet of love. Since Libras are happiest when they're coupled up, it's no surprise that these air signs move seamlessly between relationships. In Libra's perfect world, breakups wouldn't exist: Partnerships would be fluid states that can start and stop without any formalities. The truth is, Libras like to keep the door open. They acknowledge that different relationships satisfy distinct needs, and until a Libra knows exactly what they want long-term, they believe it's best to maintain their options. Why create rigid boundaries?

Likewise, when Libras initiate a split, they often lead with agreeable, ambiguous language (for instance, Libras would rather "take a break" than "break up"). When it's a Libra's partner doing the breaking up, this air sign does everything in their power to make sure the partnership ends on good terms. Libras care deeply about the impressions they make on others, so in the end, it's not just about romance for them — it's also about reputation.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Scorpio is defined by transformation, the foundation of all of this water sign's experiences. The ability to regenerate and rise from the ashes requires symbolic death, but that doesn't mean breakups are easy for Scorpios. In fact, they have an extremely difficult time letting go. Whether a Scorpio initiates or not, they always feel jilted after a breakup. It's not about whether the relationship was healthy (they can fully acknowledge when a dynamic is longer working): Breakups trigger Scorpios' signature control issues, sometimes causing these sensitive water signs to obsess over their broken partnerships.

Though mysterious Scorpios maintain their calm and collected exteriors, they often manifest their intense emotions in secret, compulsive behavior (for instance, a Scorpio may block their ex on social media, only to create an anonymous account to follow this ex's activity without detection). The best way for a Scorpio to mend a broken heart is to dive into the depths of their soul, confront their fears, and allow themselves to fully process their darker emotions.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

The last fire sign of the zodiac, Sagittarians are known for their insatiable curiosities. These passionate archers are always seeking new thrills, so their freedom needs to be honored in any relationship they pursue: If they feel stifled or controlled, they inevitably start to roam. Sagittarians are known for their "no bullsh*t" attitude, so when they initiate a breakup, the terms are straightforward. Nomads at heart, they find it easy to pack up and move forward as if a relationship never even existed. While this may seem harsh, fire wasn't meant to be contained.

When a Sagittarius is unexpectedly dumped, though, they sing a very different tune, making it their mission to reclaim their love. It may seem romantic, but in reality, these valiant efforts often have more to do with impulse than adoration: Sagittarians will stop at nothing to satisfy their passions, so whether their journey leads them down the Amazon River or to their ex's door with boxes of roses, archers will only be satisfied once the goal is achieved. If you're a Sagittarian yearning for an ex, think carefully about whether you're ready to stick around if they let you back in.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Capricorns are known to be stoic and unemotional. While these sea goats are certainly warmer than their reputations suggest, when it comes to breaking up, Capricorns excel at cutting the cord. Within a relationship, these earth signs are reliable, loyal, sensual partners. They're interested in building long-lasting partnerships to help them weather life's inevitable ups and downs (Capricorns are governed by taskmaster Saturn, and they're no stranger to hardship).

But while they fight tenaciously for relationships they believe in, if a partnership is simply no longer working, they accept it and move on. These earth signs would rather accept reality than delude themselves. Moreover, they never try to convince someone to stay if they're not interested. For clear-eyed Capricorns, heartbreak is simply another fact of life.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

The last air sign of the zodiac, Aquarians are recognized for their nontraditional approach to life. Symbolized by the water bearer, Aquarians represent the people and care deeply about humanitarianism. Because they're so motivated by the collective consciousness, they sometimes have a difficult time connecting on an interpersonal level. It's not that they don't care —they're simply more preoccupied with large-scale social issues than date nights.

Within a relationship, Aquarians are playful and inspiring, but they're sure to exhibit their signature aloofness during breakups. Whether or not they ask for a split, they approach separation from a highly intellectual perspective, closely analyzing the relationship's successes and failures. They may even find academic studies that support their theories. This clinical approach to heartache may seem detached, but it's how these heady air signs cope. Even if they express their emotions in unusual ways, they do feel them, and they need support from their loved ones to heal.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, and these fish are intuitive, creative, and happiest on the edge of fantasy and reality: Their spirit is defined by the mystical gray areas between worlds. Since their hearts are overflowing with wisdom and empathy, it's easy for Pisces to get overwhelmed and swim away to avoid an onslaught of emotion.

Pisces would rather not deal with difficult situations, and accordingly, their style of breaking up is often vague and inconclusive. Because these ethereal fish exist within the abstract realm, concrete boundaries are not their strong suit, and instead of establishing conclusive endings, they prefer to drift away from lovers and relationships, leaving more questions than answers in their wake. Since they often receive clarity through dreams, Pisces should get plenty of rest during breakups and trust their guts to tell them what decisions should be made.

Read more stories about astrology:

• This Is What You're Like in Bed, According to Your Zodiac Sign
• Birth Charts 101: An Astrology Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Planets
• Zodiac Sign Love Compatibility: Which Signs to Date — and Which to (Maybe) Avoid

Astrologer Aliza Faragher has the scoop on which sign your sign should date:

*Find Aliza on Instagram, Twitter, and her website.