5 days ago
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We all like to think of ourselves as reasonable, fair and good to other folk — and, I bet, most of the time that is true. But we all also have our moments, right?
Astrology is a great tool for holding a mirror up to probe, ever so gently, what your good and bad traits might look like.
Under pressure, in defence, at the end of a tether, every sign has the capacity to display toxic behaviours.
So here it is: the toxic trait every star sign needs to own.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
Toxic trait for Aries: Self-centred impatience
You burn with passion and ambition, but when things aren’t going your way or going fast enough for you, the default is to bulldoze through anyway. You can also prioritise your needs so quickly that others feel steamrolled.
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, so selfishness and putting oneself first is a natural follow on of that position. Don’t dim your fire, but think about the consequences before you go full steam ahead next time.
Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries
Taurus
April 21 to May 21
Toxic trait for Taurus: Digging your heels in too deeply
The flip side of your steadfast, loyal and resolute power is an unrelenting stubbornness. When you’ve decided something, you can be immovable — even when it’s clearly not working.
The thing is that it’s usually you who ends up losing out because of this: staying in broken roles, jobs or relationships long past their sell-by date. Flexibility and learning to move faster when your intuition tells you to is the way ahead.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus
Gemini
May 22 to June 21
Toxic trait for Gemini: Avoiding discomfort by keeping it surface-level
You’re witty, adaptable and funny so folk love talking to you and learning from you. But when things get tough, challenging or awkward, you can default rapidly to humour or deflection that wrong-foots people who thought they were building a bond with you.
It’s a verbal ‘ghosting’ and people sometimes don’t know where they truly stand with you. The trick you must learn is to stay present and engaged when the shadows emerge. You can do it.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini
Cancer
June 22 to July 23
Toxic trait for Cancer: Moods for days
You feel everything — deeply, strongly, and frequently. Living life in full emotional technicolour is your superpower and makes you able to understand others authentically and compassionately. But when hurt, you can retreat, sulk or expect others to guess what’s wrong.
There’s an element of punishment in it, perhaps because you give so much so often that you expect the same in kind. Which rarely happens. It’s faster, better and easier in the long run to say you feel hurt and why, then tackle it head on.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer
Leo
July 24 to August 23
Toxic trait for Leo: Seeking validation while pretending you don’t
All Leos are dramatic, bold, proud and confident. Folk buy tickets to your show — but when you don’t feel seen or appreciated, your ego flares. And then you feel annoyed that it’s flared and that you need their attention, praise or interest, which makes you defensive and even competitive.
It can tie you in knots and spoil your fun. So, next time you feel like seeking out that external adoration, try to keep in mind: your light is real. It doesn’t need constant applause to shine.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo
Virgo
August 24 to September 23
Toxic trait for Virgo: Nitpicking
Virgos all have a streak of perfectionism that makes them successful and organised and reliable, the standards are high because you care. But under pressure, this can become more like toxic nitpicking for the sake of it, to exert control over things, reassure yourself that you still know best, or establish a pecking order that works for you.
It’s important to remember though, sometimes folk just crave your understanding and listening ear, not optimisation.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Toxic trait for Libra: Shape-shifting without wanting to
All Librans love harmony, calm, and togetherness and so are naturally diplomatic and tactful. But in trying (too hard?) to avoid conflict, you often say yes when you mean no. And when this shapeshifting to please others becomes too much to bear, you feel unbearably resentful and things can boil over.
Folk are often horrified because there were no signs of your frustration or anger building. Eradicate this idea that other people’s needs or comfort is more valid or worthy than your own.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra
Scorpio
October 24 to November 22
Toxic trait for Scorpio: Being a gold medal grudge-holder
You don’t forget betrayal. You don’t forget insults. You don’t forget dismissals or disrespect. What for others might be a strong but soon-to-fade annoyance can become a decades-long blood feud because your intensity makes love powerful — but it also makes conflict nuclear.
They say that hating someone is like swallowing poison yourself and expecting it to kill them. This is a trait that you must notice, temper, and manage. It can be self destructive.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio
Sagittarius
November 23 to December 21
Toxic trait for Sagittarius: Opting out.
All Sagittarians crave, need and pursue freedom, almost above everything else. And yet so much in life requires consistency, steadfastness even in boring times, or emotional labour. And, honestly, you can check out or disappear.
Not every responsibility is a trap. Hold yourself back from bolting every time life gets a little demanding or dull. Sometimes what you endure these phases for is worth it. Know that this too shall pass! The good times will always return when you’re in the right place.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius
Capricorn
December 22 to January 21
Toxic trait for Capricorn: Emotional numbness
When strength and resilience were being handed out, Cap, you were at the front of the queue. You are Teflon-coated. But that armour can make you emotionally distant.
You prize output and status over processing feelings or sharing vulnerabilities, and this can make you dismissive of your own (and others) emotions. Letting people see your softer side won’t undermine the respect people have for you, in fact it will only increase it.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn
Aquarius
January 22 to February 19
Toxic trait for Aquarius: Detachment by default
You often analyse emotions instead of experiencing them. It comes naturally to you to step back, detach, and sift through events from a rational standpoint, and this makes you a great scientist or researcher or inventor, but it can bring a coolness to relationships.
Sometimes it can leave partners or friends feeling shut out. Folk might describe you as uncaring or aloof or selfish. And despite the fact none of those statements are true, it’s the impression this auto-detach switch creates. Can you learn to override it?
Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius
Pisces
February 20 to March 20
Toxic trait for Pisces: Escapism
Pisceans are the zodiac’s fish and can swim in deep waters emotionally. This means that things can get overwhelming sooner and more intensely than they might do for other signs, and your default reaction is to escape — into fantasy, distraction or avoidance.
You’d rather hope things fix themselves than have the uncomfortable conversation. Learning to spot early signs of overwhelm and setting stronger boundaries that protect your peace are part of your personal development.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
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