Ever been not entirely sure whether or not someone is flirting with you? Even if you are picking up on flirtatious vibes, you worry you might be misreading things. One way to trudge forward? Do some flirting yourself to test the waters. The good news is that astrology can help as a tool for better understanding yourself and how you relate to others. A person’s zodiac sign provides intel about the characteristics, behaviors, likes, and dislikes for each. So, when you’re unsure whether or not someone is making a move, knowing how their zodiac sign flirts might be a good place to get some answers. Likewise, the knowledge can help you most effectively flirt with someone of a given sign, as well.

But before you optimize for a person’s sun sign, which is what you likely read for a horoscope, pause. With flirting, specifically, it’s important to know someone’s moon sign, says astrologer and cosmic coach Ocean Pleasant. Astrologically speaking, the moon is known for ruling over emotions and other important components of flirting. “The moon is not just the emotional body; it’s also desire, temperament, and the comfort zone of the individual,” she says. Knowing someone’s moon sign, then, can help you tailor your flirtation accordingly.

To figure out someone’s moon sign, input the date, time, and location of their birth into your favorite astrology app or an online generator. Then, keep reading to learn Pleasant’s suggestions for chatting someone up based on their moon sign.

Here’s how each of the zodiac signs flirt, according to their moon signs

Aries

“While it shouldn’t feel like a game, Aries appreciates getting to work for the desired outcome,” says Pleasant. And what if you shoot your shot and a lunar Aries hasn’t gotten back to you? Take these words from Pleasant: “If you ever have to wonder how an Aries moon feels about you, there’s your answer: They don’t.” Because Aries is a self-starting sign, they’ll likely let you know when (or if) they feel anything for you.

Taurus

Because Taurus is a sensuous sign, whose planetary ruler is Venus—the planet of love, beauty, and values—your best bet for flirting with a lunar Taurus is to find things that you have in common, says Pleasant. “If you can align yourself with their values and priorities, not only will that give you something to talk about, but it’ll demonstrate that you have enough in common to have a future together.” One thing to note: Taurus moons take their time to develop romantic connections, so try not to rush this placement or feel discouraged if they’re not moving at your speed.

Gemini

As a versatile air sign ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and thought processes, “Geminis flirt through intellectual stimulation,” says Pleasant. “If you can keep a Gemini guessing, that’s reason enough for them to return.” So, if you’re flirting with a lunar Gemini, you might want to skip the Netflix and chill—since that might not provide the most fertile grounds for conversation.

Cancer

How does one of the most empathic zodiac signs flirt? “Cancer moons flirt by taking care of you—by sending you soup when you’re sick, by making sure that whatever date is planned is catered to your needs and interests,” says Pleasant. Additionally, Cancer’s symbol is the crab, which means someone with this placement might retreat if they’re feeling uncomfortable. To avoid any misunderstandings, says Pleasant, “It’s important to remember that while they may dish it, they very likely cannot take it.”

Leo

According to Pleasant, fire sign Leo might not want to put themselves out there unless they know they feel appreciated. To show your appreciation to your Leo crush, Pleasant recommends “really validating them—from what they’re wearing, to what they’re saying, to what they’re feeling.” Try getting to know Leo beyond what’s under the surface.

Virgo

Virgo tends to have an interest in people who are well-versed in a topic, says Pleasant. “What is attractive to Virgo is someone who is really good at what they do; someone who can explain all the ins and outs of it.” For that reason, flirting with this zodiac sign might feel like they’re dissecting your brain. To be sure, that’s a sign that they’re interested, adds Pleasant. Before you start the banter, though, be prepared to match their energy.  “Virgos will bend over backwards for you, but if you do not do the same, they’ll stop trying,” says Pleasant.

Libra

Harmony-loving Libra is the quintessential romantic, says Pleasant. As such, they’ll go into all flirting interactions with a romanticized conception of love and may need a minute to sort out how they feel about you. (Read: do they like you or do they like the idea of you?) Libra’s approach to flirting is a bit more nuanced, says Pleasant: “They’re not going to chase after you, but they’re definitely going to start conversations to see who you really are—and you need to be ready to show up fully.”

Scorpio

Pleasant says that people with their moon in Scorpio—the sign of death, rebirth, and transformation—may have a particularly strong intuition. “You have to show up super authentically because a Scorpio can sniff out a lie from a mile away,” she says. As opposed to other zodiac signs, Scorpios may flirt by calling you out—just to see what your response is. “Try not to sugarcoat anything,” says Pleasant. “If you have to cancel, just be honest about why. If you’re having doubts, be upfront.”

Sagittarius

“Sagittarius moons have no filter,” says Pleasant, so their flirting style might be less, um, traditional. Usually, Sagittarius is the person delivering hard truths. “This is also how they filter out people who can and can’t hang; who are put off by extreme honesty,” Pleasant adds. “Their flirtation style is to thin the herd with their honesty before they even look at the prospects that are left over.”

Capricorn

Like Libra, goal-oriented Capricorn can also take a while to figure out how they feel about someone. Due to their practical nature, a flirtatious Capricorn might resemble someone who’s interviewing you for a job. They may ask you a lot of questions before they’re emotionally invested, Pleasant says. “When you’re flirting with a Capricorn, you need to keep in mind that even if you’re attracted and compatible, they need to know that the relationship would actually work.”

Aquarius

Because Aquarius placements tend to have eclectic interests and want things on their own terms, flirting with this zodiac sign might be something of a catch-22, says Pleasant. “Aquarians are open-minded and stubborn at the same time, so an Aquarius’s flirting style is probably going to be a very weird conversation.” Think: fun and random facts…or intense and philosophical debates.

Pisces

Pisces moons are incredibly romantic, says Pleasant. Pair that with the fact that Pisces is also a dreamy sign, and you may be able to see how their imagination might get the best of them when they’re flirting with a crush. “If they don’t know where you stand, they will make up stories that you’re not interested,” says Pleasant. To best flirt with a Pisces, then, Pleasant recommends “not showing your whole hand at once, but definitely making it clear that you’re still in the game.”

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