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How to Be Happier, According to Your Zodiac Sign

Updated: Mar. 14, 2024

How can you become the happiest zodiac sign? Try these smart and surprisingly simple ways to boost your bliss.

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Happiness is written in the stars

As different as we all are, every person on the planet wants one thing: to figure out how to be happier. But while there are some common strategies we can use in our pursuit of happiness—from figuring out our purpose and finding our people—what really works for us depends on our unique makeup, including our unique astrological makeup. Our sun, moon and rising signs play a large part in determining what makes us tick and what can turn each of us into the happiest zodiac sign. (Also, find out what this spring’s solar eclipse means for your zodiac sign.)

Which is the happiest zodiac sign?

As you may have guessed, happiness comes more naturally to certain signs, just like some signs tend to be more polite or more trustworthy. According to astrologer Liz Simmons, Leo and Sagittarius are the happiest zodiac signs. “Leo is a fixed fire sign who’s ruled by the sun and associated with the 5th House, [which is the feel-good part of the zodiac],” she notes. “Usually the sun is considered an exceptionally positive celestial body, so Leo’s confidence and charisma would be evident thanks to its planetary ruler.” As a fixed fire sign, Leo is also “consistently upbeat, enthusiastic and self-assured,” Simmons adds.

Sagittarius is similar to Leo, though this mutable fire sign is ruled by Jupiter and associated with the 9th House of travel, belief systems and exploration. “This zodiac sign’s optimism is usually unwavering, since its planetary ruler is incredibly exuberant,” says Simmons. “And it tends to always move forward in search of brighter horizons.”

How can you be happier?

With a naturally positive attitude on their sides, Leo and Sagittarius might be the happiest zodiac signs, but any sign can boost their bliss—especially if they know their strengths and weaknesses. The following advice will point you in the right direction and have you smiling more in no time. Knowing your zodiac compatibility with other signs and getting a lift from these inspirational quotes will help too.

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Aries (March 21–April 19): Take the lead

“Aries are natural leaders, so they’re happiest when they get to be in charge, show off their trailblazing spirits and fully follow their impulses,” says astrologer Nina Kahn, author of Astrology for Life. With this in mind, people born under this sign enjoy having the opportunity to do something first. “Independence and putting the self first are key to being content,” Simmons explains.

Aries also finds joy in being the bigger person, which typically means walking away from smaller fights and unnecessary struggles. And, while it might be a challenge for the celestial ram, this zodiac sign can only be truly happy when it overcomes feelings of frustration or anger, so it’s a goal worth working toward! Your rising sign can also affect your overall happiness.

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Taurus (April 20–May 20): Start a meaningful collection

As an earth sign, Taurus is drawn to stability and security. So it should come as no surprise that for this sign to be happiest, it will entail just that—feeling stable and secure. “Ruled by Venus, Taurus tends to have a knack for materials, luxury and money,” says Simmons, “so Taurus may find that happiness comes from having enough to ensure a comfortable lifestyle.”

It’s no secret that Taurus treasures its belongings and finds a deep sense of security and belonging with them, so much so that the celestial bull tends to find its happiness rooted in knickknacks and sentimental items. Antiquing and thrifting can feel very purposeful for Taurus, and starting a meaningful collection that they can admire can make them feel happier at home.

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Gemini (May 21–June 20): Have deep conversations

“Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, Gemini is blessed with the gift of the gab,” says astrologer, clairvoyant and spiritual coach Tara Bennet. This sign is never at a loss for words and always has the best stories to entertain a crowd. And, surprise, surprise—the air sign thrives on this gift. But in order to be happy, says Bennet, they should “expand their conversations and dive deeper, opening up to their nearest and dearest.”

Additionally, Gemini loves to read, write and share intellectual insights with others. But they often fall short on execution, which can take some happiness away from them. “If Gemini wants to achieve happiness, then Gemini may need to focus on following through with what they have started,” says Simmons. Keeping a planner and setting and tracking their goals can help get them closer to the finish line and feeling truly satisfied.

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Cancer (June 21–July 22): Strengthen your relationships

Cancer is connected to the moon, home and family, which means those with Cancer as their zodiac sign tend to feel happiest when they invest emotionally in their home life. “Staying connected with family members or creating a cozy abode will help Cancer feel emotionally fulfilled,” says Simmons. Decorating with their zodiac power color can boost happiness even further. In addition to their physical home, Bennet says it’s also important for Cancers to “reevaluate their friendships and surround themselves with people who will support them and break down their barriers.”

What might that look like? They might want to schedule a regular FaceTime date with family or plan a monthly outing with their closest friends. This can make all the difference when it comes to becoming the happiest zodiac sign.

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Leo (July 23–Aug. 22): Let go of pride

As the happiest zodiac sign, Leo makes feeling happy one of its non-negotiables. And since it already has a solid happiness foundation, the celestial lion can home in on happiness even more. “Since Leo is ruled by the sun, Leo would feel best when they are recognized for their charisma, talents and cheerful disposition,” says Simmons. With that in mind, Leos are happiest when expressing themselves. “Being the center of attention will improve Leo’s mood, especially if Leo can focus on their passion projects and hobbies,” Simmons explains.

While Leos love to bask in praise, the applause of others isn’t the true reason they engage in these passion projects—and that’s something they need to remember. If Leos want true happiness, they will need to let go of their pride and learn that the praise they seek can be replaced with how amazing it feels simply to express themselves. “Once that happens,” Simmons explains, “the lion may feel incredibly self-assured.”

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Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): Rein in your perfectionism

Virgos have a natural desire for perfectionism—and that can get really draining if you don’t learn how to set boundaries. “Let others take control sometimes, and accept that the result will not meet your high standards,” says Bennet. This might not sound ideal to type-A Virgo, but having a more relaxed approach to life can greatly benefit their overall health and happiness.

If setting boundaries on their perfectionism is too great a challenge for Virgos, they can take it one step at a time. “Virgos can find the most happiness in simplicity, so spending some quality time recharging in the serenity of nature will quickly boost their sense of well-being,” says Kahn. Other ideas might include trying a grounding meditation that allows them to let go a little bit more, or engaging in a new activity that takes time to improve, such as pottery.

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Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Work on your relationship with yourself

“This Venus sign loves love, so Libra is usually happiest when they are with someone who equals them as a friend, lover or more,” Simmons explains. These ever-so-natural dinner-party hosts love surrounding themselves with wonderful connections, but this is where things can go awry, since their happiness cannot solely depend on other people. Of course, that’s a recipe for disappointment. In order to truly thrive and achieve long-term happiness, Libras should work on forming a relationship with themselves—just as they do with their friends.

Represented by a scale, this zodiac sign must strike a balance between internal and external friendships in order to become happier. They can do so by setting time aside to do things alone, whether that’s an at-home spa day, a solo lunch or a trip to a museum. They may even want to find a new hobby.

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Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): Explore your intellectual side

Scorpios tend to struggle a bit with happiness, says Simmons, “since Scorpio is co-ruled by two very intense planets: Mars and Pluto.” As a result, Scorpio tends to experience happiness in extreme and volatile waves. “To be truly happy, Scorpio will need to get in touch with their means of power, transformation and control,” explains Simmons. However, in order for that to happen, they must also “let go of power struggles, destructive tendencies and entanglements.”

Additionally, Bennet says it’s equally important for Scorpio—whose need for revenge can creep up from time to time—to let go of resentments and focus on living their own lives instead of trying to enact some payback. While this process of letting go can take time, it doesn’t mean that Scorpio won’t be happy in the process. To add a sense of pleasure to the day-to-day, Kahn says Scorpios should consider exploring life’s hidden truths, diving deeper into the celestial scorpion’s intellectual side for deeper satisfaction and happiness. Scorpios can do this by watching documentaries about world history, reading a book on a topic that intrigues them or even starting a podcast about their favorite intellectual topics.

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Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): Try new things

“Sagittarius may find that happiness comes naturally to them,” says Simmons. That being said, Sagittarius is the happiest zodiac sign when they feel a sense of freedom that allows them to roam, travel, explore and experience. But while we might associate these desires with getting out of the house, it’s about so much more than that. “They need to grow and experience new things—spiritually, intellectually and beyond,” Kahn explains. This could look like reading inspirational books, pondering the purpose of life, taking a course that expands their mind or—of course—traveling and visiting a faraway place.

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Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19): Set achievable goals

“Similar to Scorpio, Capricorn may struggle to find happiness due to being ruled by stoic Saturn,” Simmons explains. They tend to be incredibly hard on themselves, which can get in the way of feeling content. “But happiness is possible, especially if Capricorn learns to balance the ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality.”

As far as true happiness is concerned, Simmons says this zodiac sign needs to focus on what they have achieved thanks to their hard work. For Capricorns, perceived success plays a major role in their contentment and motivates them to continue on the right path. Creating a goal-setting vision board is a fantastic approach that will allow Capricorn to have a visual to look back on and marvel as the fruits of their labor ripen.

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Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): Be yourself

Much like Capricorn and Scorpio, Aquarius tends to struggle with finding happiness. According to Simmons, this is because Aquarius is co-ruled by Saturn and Uranus, which brings disruptive and tough-love energy into Capricorn’s orbit. “Happiness may feel like a social construct to Aquarius, especially since this zodiac sign may struggle to sit with their emotions and work through the initial fear of judgment,” she explains. “But once Aquarius is ready to take a leap of faith, they might find that their happiness is associated with being rebellious and authentic.”

For Aquarius, happiness comes from confidence, especially in relation to their individuality, eccentricity and quirks. They might cultivate feelings of confidence by allowing themselves to be more expressive, whether that’s in the way they dress or the music they listen to. Additionally, Aquarius can focus on being kinder to themselves and practice confidence exercises, such as writing down one thing they like about themselves every day in a gratitude journal and referring back to that as needed. By feeling confident, Aquarius can step into a true energy of happiness and feel more at peace with themselves and the world around them.

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Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20): Express your creativity

Known for being one of the dreamiest signs of the zodiac, Pisces can typically attain happiness when they dive further into their daydreams, fantasies and artistic desires. “Since Pisces is co-ruled by expansive Jupiter and magical Neptune, happiness may come from living a whimsical life,” Simmons explains. Those with Pisces sun signs tend to make everything they touch feel dreamy, from the way they decorate their homes to their artfully crafted wardrobe.

Still, Pisces will need to work to keep their natural escapist tendencies in check. As the dreamers of the zodiac, Pisces might get a little too caught up in what’s going on in their minds and, therefore, might not be able to manifest those dreams into reality—life is but a dream, after all. But if Pisces is able to be more present in reality, this zodiac sign can derive happiness from playing around with its magical side through art, music, poetry and other forms of creative expression.

Need an immediate smile? These smile quotes and happy songs should do the trick!

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