The Zodiac Signs in Relationships: Expressing and Receiving Love

The Zodiac Signs in Relationships: Expressing and Receiving Love | Isthmus Nekoi

Not everyone expresses and receives love through the same values, and often, difficulties and misunderstandings can arise when those values are incompatible. What is especially difficult in a familial relationship is a poor moon connection, leaving both parties feeling like their basic needs are not being addressed. As we've discussed in the first part of the O.divinorum's chart interpretation article, the moon represents what an individual desires to feel secure and satiated; when these needs are consistently ignored by a partner, they may mistakenly interpret the situation as a lack of love. (Having said that, all planets contribute to interactions in relationships and you may emphasize certain planets for certain types of relationships. e.g. Mars/Venus for a primarily sexual relationship.)

An example of differences in love values would be a mother who works late hours in a job she doesn't particularly enjoy to provide a stable economic environment for her son, but is reticient in her displays of affections. However, her son does not really care for material possessions and instead desires a lot of cuddling and intimate quality time. While the mother does love her son, he may feel unloved. Now if these two have built up a good channel of communication they could probably work towards understanding each other. If not, the mother may end up feeling unappreciated and the son, neglected.

Children tend to assume that everyone sees the world as they do, and lack the ability to empathize with others. However, people can carry this tendancy into adulthood, especially in areas where they lack objectivity, such as relationships. People tend to express love the way they'd like to receive it! This would be fine if everyone was on the same wavelength or if we could choose the typologies of those near and dear to us. Reality isn't that easy or predicable however and often, especially in close family relationships, it takes a lot of hard work for people to come to accept and understand each other's differences.

Here's where astrology can be very helpful. It can give you a quick and dirty way to understanding the values an individual prefers to give and receive love through. Once you've established your differences in values or methods of expressing and receiving love, you can begin to work towards resolving conflicts and interpreting behaviours differently, as well as modifying your own (if you want to!). The following table gives a list of values each sign associates with love, broken down into expression and reception, as well as helpful things you can do to show someone with a weight towards that sign that you care. Please note that the table is not to be taken as a sun sign guide. As I've written before, one must always take the entire chart into account before interpreting a chart. This means examining planets in house, house rulers, aspects between them, the whole shebang.

Aries

Ariens are not sympathetic creatures and do not express love easily. They can be very passionate however, and if you happen to be the object of their affections, they can be very direct, if not demanding. Ariens can also be very loyal, and they will fight for you and defend you selflessly if they perceive you to be on their side.

Ariens can seem very contradictory in terms of receiving love. On one hand, they want to do everything their own way and yet, at the same time, they want you to be there for them. Support your headstrong Aries and his/her goals and beliefs.

Taurus

Taurus is one of the most conservative signs of the zodiac being a fixed earth. Taurians like practical shows of affection of a more sensual nature, being ruled by pleasure loving Venus. Taurus will share with you good food or wine, relaxing massages and sometimes even money itself.

Taurians like the good life, so take things slow and enjoy smelling the roses with them. Taurians best exemplify the saying that the "way to a man's heart is through his stomach." They're quite possessive types so make sure you do not meddle in whatever it is they need to possess! If that possession happens to be you, try to adapt if you must because this attitude is unlikely to change.

Gemini

Geminis can be very verbal about their affection for you, but they are not very emotional. They're more likely to want to try new things with you and will try to make life exciting and fun. Geminis would prefer not to focus on one person; it's not that they don't like spending time with you but rather, they have a have need to keep moving.

Variety is the spice of life for Geminis and they love spontaneity and speed. Don't bore a Gemini, that is practically the kiss of death for them. The best way to entertain them is to do anything new and different. Give them a lot of space to maneuver and don't try to pin them down.

Cancer

Cancers are very nurturing. Whenever you have a problem, Cancer is always willing to lend a shoulder to cry on. They're homebody types who would like nothing more than to curl up with their loved ones for a quiet, cozy evening. Cancers like to provide you comfort, and if they feel safe, will provide a space to share feelings.

Cancers needs you to be sensitive to their moods. You must be very demonstrative in your affections with Cancers whether it's through physical contact, verbalizing your feelings or giving gifts. Cancers like keepsakes (e.g. photos, letters) and appreciate things that are handmade by you. Don't leave Cancers alone for too long, don't come home late without calling and if you're in a committed relationship, don't even think about cheating.

Leo

Leos are loud. They'll shower you with gifts and lavish you with affection. Leo also has a tendency to spoil those they love: only the best for those the care for! Leos will not hesitate to boast about you, so be prepared to be shown off a little bit.

Leos feel most loved when you let everyone know how proud you are of them. They also need to feel special so you ought to be ready to give them lots of attention. Let your Leo know that you're devoted and loyal and make sure to give them some quality time. It doesn't really matter so much what you do, as long as you're doing it with her/him. If you buy a Leo a gift, you better make sure it is the top of the line of whatever it is.

Virgo

Virgos are not the most amorous of signs. They're more likely to express their love by performing some duty for you: cleaning up the kitchen, fixing your computer or managing your investments. More nitpicky Virgo types may demonstrate their love by worrying over you and nagging you to take better care of yourself!

Virgos need to feel needed. They loathe situations or tasks they feel they are incompetent with. Virgos like to be acknowledged for a job well done and a sincere compliment can go a long way (as does criticism). Virgos don't need showy demonstrations of love; just make sure they feel that their hard work is appreciated and useful.

Libra

Libras love to be in love. The smoothtalking socialites of the zodiac, a Libra is happy to flatter, to stroke your ego and make you comfortable. They're also very considerate of your needs and will always try to see things from your point of view.

Libras need good communication with others.They're peacemakers who function on a principal of harmony; so figure out how to iron out disagreements quickly because Libras dislikes ugly conflicts. (You should also try to be fair when dealing with Libra, but be prepared for a little scorekeeping!) Let your Libra know you're listening and always be ready with compliments. Libras also enjoy a pleasant time, so lots of socializing is encouraged. Tasteful gifts are also much appreciated by Librians!

Scorpio

While Scorpios can be highly committed and passionate, they are also very secretive and do not reveal themselves easily. If feeling insecure, Scorpios will resort to manipulation to keep themselves from getting hurt or appearing vulnerable. While Libra is happy to scatter the word "love" about like confetti, Scorpio practically recoils from something so open. A confident Scorpio will be more direct, but even still, s/he will not be so demonstrative. However, if a Scorpio grants you their hard earned trust, you can expect their devotion to you to be unshakable.

The number one factor of importance to Scorpios is dependability. Scorpios loathe those who back out on their word, or who disappear when the going gets tough. Let your Scorpio know you'll be there for them but be very careful when committing yourself; Scorpios have very high expectations and rarely do they forgive and forget!

Sagittarius

Sags aren't keen on commitment and can have a very flirtatious side. Don't be offended by their wandering eyes, for Sags are more likely to express their caring by opening you up to new and foreign vistas in learning and life. Sags are very warm, generous people and their light hearted enthusiasm and forgiving nature can be very healthy for those they love. You can also always count on a Sag to give you their blunt, honest opinion!

Sags need to feel free first and foremost. They want you to let them be independent, and to explore and roam to their heart's content. Sags don't appreciate being cornered and if you try, they will just wriggle their way out. The best thing to do is to give your Sag space to live it up and party all night long!

Capricorn

Capricorns have a heavy sense of duty and responsibility and will express their love practically by taking on obligations and commitments although this may be a little cold for some. Certainly Caps do not show much emotional warmth and they may be perceived as distant. They try their best to be dependable and trustworthy. Their love may not be very obvious when it comes to expressing it, but it is durable and steady.

Caps don't like surprizes and need stability and reliability. They also need you to think highly of them; honour is a big deal for Caps. Don't bullshit a Cap or play mind games with them. They haven't the time for what they perceive as foolishness. Be serious and get down to business.

Aquarius

Aquarius is the most emotionally detached sign and their love is founded more on respect and friendship more than anything else. They would like to treat you as an equal, regardless of age, social role etc. They are not sentimental types when it comes to demonstrating love, but they don't withhold emotions for fear of being hurt; they just function on a more abstract, intellectual plane.

Aquarians, like Leos, need to feel special and unique. They need for those they love to accept them for who they are and to respect their differences. Don't try to tell an Aquarian what to think and don't push hard to involve them deeply with your emotions. Like all air signs, Aquarians value communication and socializing; the best way to care for an Aquarian is to be an open minded friend.

Pisces

Pisces is the most romantic sign and their love for you will be very warm and fuzzy if not spiritual. The thing to remember about Pisces is that they'll mean what they say when they're saying it. They have this tendency to be wishy washy about things. Pisces can be rather inconsistent about their expressions of love. They can show themselves to be remarkably thoughtful in their actions and then flake out the next day; try not to take it personally if a Pisces suddenly changes gears.

Pisces require a lot of understanding and patience. They're heavily influenced by their surroundings and need to have positive people around them. Because of this, you need to be gentle (but not insincere!) with sensitive Pisces. Try your best to empathize with a Pisces and to let them feel that you understand them (or are at least, trying to!).

Aries	Ariens are not sympathetic creatures and do not express love easily. They can be very passionate however, and if you happen to be the object of their affections, they can be very direct, if not demanding. Ariens can also be very loyal, and they will fight for you and defend you selflessly if they perceive you to be on their side. Ariens can seem very contradictory in terms of receiving love. On one hand, they want to do everything their own way and yet, at the same time, they want you to be there for them. Support your headstrong Aries and his/her goals and beliefs.
Taurus	Taurus is one of the most conservative signs of the zodiac being a fixed earth. Taurians like practical shows of affection of a more sensual nature, being ruled by pleasure loving Venus. Taurus will share with you good food or wine, relaxing massages and sometimes even money itself. Taurians like the good life, so take things slow and enjoy smelling the roses with them. Taurians best exemplify the saying that the "way to a man's heart is through his stomach." They're quite possessive types so make sure you do not meddle in whatever it is they need to possess! If that possession happens to be you, try to adapt if you must because this attitude is unlikely to change.
Gemini	Geminis can be very verbal about their affection for you, but they are not very emotional. They're more likely to want to try new things with you and will try to make life exciting and fun. Geminis would prefer not to focus on one person; it's not that they don't like spending time with you but rather, they have a have need to keep moving. Variety is the spice of life for Geminis and they love spontaneity and speed. Don't bore a Gemini, that is practically the kiss of death for them. The best way to entertain them is to do anything new and different. Give them a lot of space to maneuver and don't try to pin them down.
Cancer	Cancers are very nurturing. Whenever you have a problem, Cancer is always willing to lend a shoulder to cry on. They're homebody types who would like nothing more than to curl up with their loved ones for a quiet, cozy evening. Cancers like to provide you comfort, and if they feel safe, will provide a space to share feelings. Cancers needs you to be sensitive to their moods. You must be very demonstrative in your affections with Cancers whether it's through physical contact, verbalizing your feelings or giving gifts. Cancers like keepsakes (e.g. photos, letters) and appreciate things that are handmade by you. Don't leave Cancers alone for too long, don't come home late without calling and if you're in a committed relationship, don't even think about cheating.
Leo	Leos are loud. They'll shower you with gifts and lavish you with affection. Leo also has a tendency to spoil those they love: only the best for those the care for! Leos will not hesitate to boast about you, so be prepared to be shown off a little bit. Leos feel most loved when you let everyone know how proud you are of them. They also need to feel special so you ought to be ready to give them lots of attention. Let your Leo know that you're devoted and loyal and make sure to give them some quality time. It doesn't really matter so much what you do, as long as you're doing it with her/him. If you buy a Leo a gift, you better make sure it is the top of the line of whatever it is.
Virgo	Virgos are not the most amorous of signs. They're more likely to express their love by performing some duty for you: cleaning up the kitchen, fixing your computer or managing your investments. More nitpicky Virgo types may demonstrate their love by worrying over you and nagging you to take better care of yourself! Virgos need to feel needed. They loathe situations or tasks they feel they are incompetent with. Virgos like to be acknowledged for a job well done and a sincere compliment can go a long way (as does criticism). Virgos don't need showy demonstrations of love; just make sure they feel that their hard work is appreciated and useful.
Libra	Libras love to be in love. The smoothtalking socialites of the zodiac, a Libra is happy to flatter, to stroke your ego and make you comfortable. They're also very considerate of your needs and will always try to see things from your point of view. Libras need good communication with others.They're peacemakers who function on a principal of harmony; so figure out how to iron out disagreements quickly because Libras dislikes ugly conflicts. (You should also try to be fair when dealing with Libra, but be prepared for a little scorekeeping!) Let your Libra know you're listening and always be ready with compliments. Libras also enjoy a pleasant time, so lots of socializing is encouraged. Tasteful gifts are also much appreciated by Librians!
Scorpio	While Scorpios can be highly committed and passionate, they are also very secretive and do not reveal themselves easily. If feeling insecure, Scorpios will resort to manipulation to keep themselves from getting hurt or appearing vulnerable. While Libra is happy to scatter the word "love" about like confetti, Scorpio practically recoils from something so open. A confident Scorpio will be more direct, but even still, s/he will not be so demonstrative. However, if a Scorpio grants you their hard earned trust, you can expect their devotion to you to be unshakable. The number one factor of importance to Scorpios is dependability. Scorpios loathe those who back out on their word, or who disappear when the going gets tough. Let your Scorpio know you'll be there for them but be very careful when committing yourself; Scorpios have very high expectations and rarely do they forgive and forget!
Sagittarius	Sags aren't keen on commitment and can have a very flirtatious side. Don't be offended by their wandering eyes, for Sags are more likely to express their caring by opening you up to new and foreign vistas in learning and life. Sags are very warm, generous people and their light hearted enthusiasm and forgiving nature can be very healthy for those they love. You can also always count on a Sag to give you their blunt, honest opinion! Sags need to feel free first and foremost. They want you to let them be independent, and to explore and roam to their heart's content. Sags don't appreciate being cornered and if you try, they will just wriggle their way out. The best thing to do is to give your Sag space to live it up and party all night long!
Capricorn	Capricorns have a heavy sense of duty and responsibility and will express their love practically by taking on obligations and commitments although this may be a little cold for some. Certainly Caps do not show much emotional warmth and they may be perceived as distant. They try their best to be dependable and trustworthy. Their love may not be very obvious when it comes to expressing it, but it is durable and steady. Caps don't like surprizes and need stability and reliability. They also need you to think highly of them; honour is a big deal for Caps. Don't bullshit a Cap or play mind games with them. They haven't the time for what they perceive as foolishness. Be serious and get down to business.
Aquarius	Aquarius is the most emotionally detached sign and their love is founded more on respect and friendship more than anything else. They would like to treat you as an equal, regardless of age, social role etc. They are not sentimental types when it comes to demonstrating love, but they don't withhold emotions for fear of being hurt; they just function on a more abstract, intellectual plane. Aquarians, like Leos, need to feel special and unique. They need for those they love to accept them for who they are and to respect their differences. Don't try to tell an Aquarian what to think and don't push hard to involve them deeply with your emotions. Like all air signs, Aquarians value communication and socializing; the best way to care for an Aquarian is to be an open minded friend.
Pisces	Pisces is the most romantic sign and their love for you will be very warm and fuzzy if not spiritual. The thing to remember about Pisces is that they'll mean what they say when they're saying it. They have this tendency to be wishy washy about things. Pisces can be rather inconsistent about their expressions of love. They can show themselves to be remarkably thoughtful in their actions and then flake out the next day; try not to take it personally if a Pisces suddenly changes gears. Pisces require a lot of understanding and patience. They're heavily influenced by their surroundings and need to have positive people around them. Because of this, you need to be gentle (but not insincere!) with sensitive Pisces. Try your best to empathize with a Pisces and to let them feel that you understand them (or are at least, trying to!).