Everyone feels differently about astrology—some use it to guide their lives, others think it’s B.S. While I don’t believe astrological signs necessarily predict the future, they can be helpful for setting intentions. Take what resonates with you and leave the rest.
Full disclosure: I’m not an expert on astrology. Everything I know about the subject I’ve learned from people who know more about it than I do. But I am a Scorpio sun with four additional signs in Scorpio, so I am nothing if not determined.
Below are some traits about the astrological signs in relation to recovery.
Aries (March 21st to April 19th)
Aries are fiercely independent. Recovery is always unique to each individual, but recovering Aries might be especially likely to forge their own path. Your impulsivity and willingness to try new things may not have helped in addiction, but they will certainly help as you find new ways to recover. Aries can get bored easily, but you can keep recovery exciting by setting big goals or getting involved in community work.
Taurus (April 20th to May 20th)
Taurus is pleasure-seeking, and while drugs and alcohol become imprinted as pleasurable in the brain during addiction, recovery promises much more fulfilling pleasures. It’s also okay to eat a bunch of ice cream (as long as your health permits it) to celebrate your continued sobriety. Taurus loves consistency and routine, which will help you create healthy habits in recovery to counter any less healthy ones.
Gemini (May 21st to June 21st)
Geminis are big learners who are curious about the world. It might be helpful to channel that energy into learning about addiction and recovery; we’ve listed some books about recovery and mental health here, here, and here, as well as podcasts about those topics here. Gemini is adaptable to different people, places, and circumstances, meaning that you are well-equipped to make the big life change of getting sober.
Cancer (June 22nd to July 22nd)
Cancers are deeply emotional; many people use drugs and alcohol to try to evade difficult feelings, so when Cancers get sober, your emotions may be overwhelming. However, this trait will be an advantage as you work towards emotional sobriety. You are committed and loyal, which is just as important in sobriety as it is in relationships. This trait will help you really commit to doing the work in—and stick to—recovery.
Leo (July 23rd to August 22nd)
Many people worry how they’ll socialize once they get sober, but Leos tend to be outgoing and confident. This may be helpful as you venture back out into the world without substances. Leos also tend to be natural leaders with big hearts, which could make you a great candidate to advocate for those in recovery.
Virgo (August 23rd to September 22nd)
Virgos take responsibility seriously; once you commit to sobriety, you will likely thrive in it. You tend to love rules and structure, so creating routines can help your sobriety. Virgos also tend to take care of others before themselves. Being of service is helpful for recovery, but self-care is equally important. In recovery, you can learn to ask for help and prioritize your well-being.
Libra (September 23rd to October 22nd)
Libras are social creatures who love connection, and sobriety will allow you to connect on a much deeper level. You might do well in support groups, 12-step fellowships, or other forms of sober community. Libras tend to crave balance, and you can find a lot more of this in your life when you are sober.
Scorpio (October 23rd to November 21st)
We Scorpios can be single-minded and obsessive; this trait didn’t help us in addiction, but we can channel it by working towards recovery goals with our usual intensity. Scorpios are also highly emotional, so don’t be surprised if some of the feelings you tried to suppress in addiction come back strong in recovery. Scorpios love honesty, so make sure to be honest with yourself about what you’re feeling—and allow yourself to feel it.
Sagittarius (November 22nd to December 21st)
Sagittarius tends to value freedom; people in throes of addiction are far from free, so sobriety can finally give you real freedom. You can explore the world or ideas with impunity now, whereas substances held you back both physically and mentally. Sagittarius is also independent and innovative—meaning you will likely do your own thing in recovery.
Capricorn (December 22nd to January 20th)
Capricorns tend to be extremely hardworking, meaning you are likely to commit to sobriety with the same ambition you bring to everything else. You tend to accomplish whatever you set your mind to, so don’t hesitate to have big plans or dreams for your recovery. It might be helpful for you to set routines, so that you can consistently check off goals.
Aquarius (January 21st to February 18th)
Aquarius tends to be intellectual and original. These are traits that can help you get curious about addiction and sobriety—and then create your own meaning around them. Aquarians also tend to be non-conformist, so don’t assume you have to go the typical route of recovery.
Pisces (February 19th to March 20th)
Pisces are empathetic, generous, and emotionally attuned. You can use this trait to be of service, a part of recovery that helps both yourself and others. Pisces tend to be emotional and intuitive, and sobriety will help you connect more deeply to other people. Pisces also tend to be creative; now you can use the energy and time freed up from not using substances to focus on creative projects.