Astrology might frustrate you if it seems to only apply to other people. That is, you might be into the concept of having the stars forecast your future, but while your Scorpio friends feel like Scorpios, and your Gemini friends feel like Geminis, the profile designated for you by your sun sign just doesn’t resonate with you. So what does it mean if you don’t identify with your zodiac sign? Well, many variables may be keeping you from aligning with astrological stereotypes—but it might just be that you’re not living up to your true self.

Let’s say you’re an Aquarius. You know, the zodiac sign that’s not big on romance and actually avoids emotions altogether. On the contrary, you consider yourself to be sensitive, so you must not be a true Aqua—right? “The birth chart personality—which is basically the person that is described by the positioning of the solar system in each constellation—is not you, but the description of your ideal self,” says Veroshk Williams, PhD, astrologer and clinical psychologist.

“The birth chart personality is not you, but the description of your ideal self. This guides the individual throughout life to basically achieve that ideal self.” —Veroshk Williams, PhD, astrologer

“This guides the individual throughout life to basically achieve that ideal self. If you aren’t that ideal self, that’s how you might feel like you are not aligned with your zodiac sign.” Interesting. So, instead of regarding your sun sign as an indicator of your core identity, reframe its description as something to aspire to—the person the stars are pushing you to be.

“This guides the individual throughout life to basically achieve that ideal self. If you aren’t that ideal self, that’s how you might feel like you are not aligned with your zodiac sign.”—Veroshk Williams, PhD, astrologer

If you’re seeking realignment in order to reach this ideal description, Dr. Williams suggests you learn more about your star sign and work through any identity issues precluding you from feeling at one with it. “Basically, know all about your ideal self and work to become it,” she says. “This can be done in conjunction with psychological therapy focused on self-concept, self-understanding, and acceptance.”

If you want to start small, you can get in tune with your sign’s element. For a rundown, there are fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), and Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn). Dr. Williams suggests making it a goal to apply what you know about your element to everything in your life.

And if you suspect something else is the culprit for your misalignment, there could be other possibilities. Below, Dr. Williams outlines three major examples.

Is there any correlation between zodiac signs and personality?

Astrology is as insightful as it is controversial. Are zodiac signs real? Well, there are insufficient studies to prove the accuracy and proof that your star sign influences your personality—but there has been evidence that suggests that the details of your birth do have a say in who you become later in life. Such as this study, which shows an association between the season someone was born and personality traits like impulsivity and a sense of adventure.

But the caveat is that in astrology, your personality is more than just the season you were born, it’s a myriad of other planetary influences in your birth chart. For example, the sun represents the core personality traits, the moon rules over emotional temperament, and your rising sign discerns how you show up in the world. Whether science can disprove astrology or not, like most belief systems, they’re a great way of perceiving and understanding the world around you.

That said, here are key star sign characteristics that you may or may not align with.

Astrological personality stereotypes by zodiac sign

Aries

Eager, competitive, and risk-taking, Aries embodies a strong sense of self and passion. “Aries likes adventure, competition, and being at the forefront of innovation,” says astrologer Danny Santos. “They can be spontaneous and impatient at times, preferring action over contemplation.”

Taurus

Taurus signs are loyal homebodies, preferring time spent in their safety zones. “Taurus likes luxury, comfort, and traditions that provide a sense of security and continuity. They appreciate art, music, and fine cuisine, often savoring life’s simple pleasures,” explains Santos

Gemini

Geminis are strong communicators, adaptable, and tend to be mischievous. “Gemini individuals are versatile and quick-witted, often engaging others with their charm, wit, and ability to see multiple perspectives,” says Santos. “They are curious about the world around them and thrive on mental stimulation and variety.”

Cancer

Known for their moodiness and caregiving nature, Cancers “are protective and caring, often putting the needs of their loved ones above their own. They are empathetic listeners who excel in providing emotional support and understanding,” Santos says.

Leo

Leo zodiac signs are courageous, confident, and passionate. “Leo individuals thrive on recognition and take pride in their accomplishments, often pursuing creative endeavors and seeking opportunities to showcase their talents to the world,” explains Santos. “They are generous and enthusiastic, with a magnetic personality that draws others to them.

Virgo

Organized, altruistic, and a bit judgy, Virgos are known for having an eye for detail. “Virgo individuals are practical and conscientious, with a strong sense of duty and responsibility. They are skilled problem-solvers who approach challenges with a logical and systematic approach,” Santos explains.

Libra

Known for their effortless beauty and social skills, Libras are all about the finer things. “Libra individuals are skilled mediators who prioritize collaboration and seek mutual understanding in their interactions,” Santos explains. “They have a natural sense of justice and fairness, often advocating for harmony and equality in their social circles.”

Scorpio

Mysterious, sensual, and emotionally reactive, Scorpios are known to have a tough exterior and a sensitive heart. “Scorpio individuals possess a magnetic presence and a strong sense of purpose,” says Santos. “They are perceptive and intuitive, with a transformative approach to personal growth and relationships.”

Sagittarius

Sagittarius signs are independent, adventurous, and noncommittal. “Sagittarius individuals are open-minded and expansive, often embracing change and seeking to broaden their horizons through travel, education, and cultural exploration,” explains Santos.

Capricorn

Enterprising and responsible, Capricorns are steadfast in work and their public image. “Capricorn individuals excel in roles that require responsibility and leadership, demonstrating resilience and a strategic approach to achieving success in their careers and personal endeavors,” Santos says.

Aquarius

Associated with rebellion and eccentricity, Aquarius people love to question the status quo. “Aquarius individuals are known for their intellectual prowess and unconventional thinking, often advocating for change and contributing to the greater good through their innovative approaches and humanitarian efforts,” explains Santos.

Pisces

Pisces tend to be big dreamers and a bit delusional at times. “Pisces individuals are artistic and spiritual, often channeling their emotions into creative pursuits such as music, art, or writing,” says Santos.

Why don’t you identify with your zodiac sign?

1. You’re born on the verge of two signs

When you’re born on the cusp of two zodiac signs, it can be that some of the traits from both signs merge together to form a cosmic blend to your personality. “Another possibility might be that because you’re born on the days that the sun typically changes from one constellation to another, which are days 18 to 25 of a month,” says Dr. Williams. “When you did your birth chart online or through an app, it didn’t calculate your zodiac sign correctly. This is why it is better to have professional astrological software to calculate your chart, which you get on a reading with an astrologer.”

While it’s normal to adopt traits of a different sign if you’re born on the cusp of two, you’re always one or the other. So if you’re born on the day the sun is supposed to move into a new astrological season, it could be worth fact-checking with an astrologer to see where you actually land.

2. Parental influence

It’s the age-old question: are you a product of your environment or genetics? Short answer: both. “It can happen that someone is not aligned to their zodiac sign because the person was raised by strong personalities from other signs that basically disable that person to achieve the integration of his or her sun personality to the self,” says Dr. Williams. “For example, someone who is Pisces is raised by Virgo and Sagittarius parents. This parenting combination might lead to self-misalignment and confusion.”

3. You have too many planets in one sign

Remember, while your sun sign is supposed to be your soul’s essence, there are other planets in the chart that provide nuance to your personality. When there are three or more planets in a zodiac sign (or in your house), it means you have a stellium. This means that a certain zodiac sign’s energy is concentrated in your chart, and you might be more aligned with this particular sign, even if it’s not your sun sign.

You might love differently from your star sign stereotype due to a strong Venus placement, or you might communicate in a certain way because of your Mercury sign. But if your Venus, your Mercury, your Mars, and your Pluto are all in the same sign, you just might show up as a radically different sign.

“Another reason for the misalignment is that your birth chart has more influence on another sign that is not your sun sign,” says Dr. Williams. “For example, you have the sun in Libra, but you have three other main planets in Leo. You might feel and act more like a Leo, and not so much as a Libra. The goal is to always look to be more like your sun sign.”

Of course, if you’re perfectly happy feeling like another sign, who are we to tell you how to to live? Go on with your faux Leo self!

4. You may identify with your sidereal astrology

Western astrology uses a tropical system, which follows the tropical zodiac based on the Earth’s seasons, explains Santos, but it’s not the only astrological system. Vedic astrology, on the other hand, uses a sidereal system, “which calculates positions of celestial bodies based on the fixed stars and takes into account the precession of the equinoxes,” says Santos. Because of that, your sun sign (and other placements) may differ based on which system you’re using.

You can use an online generator like this one to find out your sidereal birth chart. Go on, try it!

5. You relate more with the other two signs of your “big three” 

As mentioned before, your birth chart is a combination of planetary influences and where they sit in relation to the astrological houses. The planets represent different areas of our personality (our communication styles and aesthetics) while the houses discern certain aspects of life, such as our family dynamics and what kind of mark we wish to leave on the world.

The complexity of your birth chart could be the reason you don’t totally agree with the traits of your sun sign. “For example, someone might resonate more strongly with their moon sign, which represents emotions, inner desires, and subconscious tendencies,” explains Santos. Meaning, you could totally detest Aquarius’ emotional aloofness, but because your moon might be in a water or fire sign, where both elements tend to be sensitive and express themselves passionately, that you err on the emotional side.