If eating an extra serving of veggies, going for a run, or reaching for an aromatherapy blend isn't doing the trick, you might want to look up. Like, towards the stars.
Because your astrological sign could very well hold some compelling truths about what gives you an emotional boost.
According to astrologer and hypnotist Sandra Sitron of Strong Eye Astrology, everyone has a "happy spot," which is influenced by your sun sign, the cusp of your Fifth House ("that's where you find joy in your life," she explains), and your Mars sign (which provides the motivation needed for pleasure).
"Happiness really comes from your sense of purpose," Sitron explains, adding, "whether it's learning to make really good eggs or being a compassionate being."
The New York-based mystic emphasizes that you should take action with loving kindness towards yourself and not expect to be seeing a half-full glass 24/7. "We want to understand that sometimes we have to create some space for the dark side," says Sitron. "Through making space for our shadow we can understand ourselves more and really understand our purpose—and then get to that long-lasting happiness." (Really looking to dig deep? Sitron hosts a monthly workshop at Maha Rose in Brooklyn, where she leads a discussion about how to tap into each month's sign—followed by a powerful group hypnosis session to help you tap into your subconscious mind.)
To do that, she's determined both the best short- and long-term happiness picks for every sign—so that no matter what you're feeling right now, you can work toward fulfilling your sense of purpose.
Ready to look to your sign for happiness inspiration? Astrologer Sandra Sitron shares her short- and long-term picks across the zodiac.
Aries
Happiness cue: Lead (Aries needs to act).
Quick fix: Make a decision.
Long term: Create a life in which you have autonomy; be active—and stay in good health so that you can continue to be active; take on leadership roles; be unapologetically yourself.
Taurus
Happiness cue: Feel good in your body (Taurus needs to sustain life and to build).
Quick fix: Stretch in the morning, wear comfy clothes, eat delicious organic foods.
Long term: Create a high-value life—value yourself, value others, buy and create objects that are beautiful, long-lasting and sourced sustainably; honor your own pace.
Gemini
Happiness cue: Gather and share information (Gemini needs to learn).
Quick fix: Talk it out—grab a buddy and discuss what’s on your mind.
Long term: Get to class! Always find a way to be a student or a teacher—maybe even have both at the same. Since Gemini is the sign of the writer, keeping a gratitude journal is a great step.
Cancer
Happiness cue: Nurture (Cancer needs to feel).
Quick fix: Show your inner-child how treasured she is—imagine her sitting next to you and shower love on that kiddo.
Long term: Create a soulful home zone that reflects you and your relationships, and make sure every object in your home brings you joy; keep reminders of happy moments.
Leo
Happiness cue: Show your true self (Leo needs recognition).
Quick fix: Make something! It could be a sandwich or a painting. Make sure that it symbolically expresses your uniqueness. Give something! It could be a dollar or directions—it warms your heart to be generous.
Long term: Find your audience—a big part of your happiness has to do with feeling respected, loved, and honored. Practice putting yourself out there so that you can receive applause. If you are too shy to get up on a public stage, make sure you feel respected in your personal life.
Virgo
Happiness cue: Create perfect order in your life (Virgo needs to improve).
Quick fix: Clean out your junk drawer. Don’t have one? Good! In that case, do something small that feels like self-care. If your thoughts are feeling overwhelming, write them down.
Long term: Spend some time fine-tuning your daily habits. Decide which habits (schedule, diet, home organization, time management) work best for you and then put them into action!
Libra
Happiness cue: Partner with another person (Libra needs to connect and balance).
Quick fix: Talk it out with a best friend, partner, or therapist. Make a pro/con list.
Long term: Balance your home environment through feng shui or another system of home organization; define your personal boundaries in relationships and teach others how to treat you; master the arts of diplomacy; create a system for making decisions.
Scorpio
Happiness cue: Discover the emotional depth of another person or yourself (Scorpio needs to merge).
Quick fix: Have a deep conversation—skip the small-talk; read a book that helps you understand your motivations.
Long term: Start a process of forgiving those who may have hurt you. Forgiveness is a long process and it should only be begun if there is no longer a threat of being hurt again. If you feel safe enough, get the wheels turning by simply making a pact with yourself to forgive—then let it happen in its own time.
Sagittarius
Happiness cue: Explore (Sagittarius needs to expand).
Quick fix: Take a trip; explore a new neighborhood; read an inspirational quote.
Long term: Surround yourself with optimistic people; define your own truth and philosophies and live accordingly.
Capricorn
Happiness cue: Build structure that serves (Capricorn needs to utilize).
Quick fix: Make a plan.
Long term: Make a bigger plan with more details; create room for advancement in your life; prioritize achievement; practice gratitude.
Aquarius
Happiness cue: Invent (Aquarius needs to be unique).
Quick fix: Do the most spontaneous and unexpected thing.
Long term: Be your unique self; collect your inspired thoughts and creativity; allow yourself flexibility to shift directions; regularly connect with your dreams, hopes and aspirations; participate in group activities, especially if they're political or focused on social change.
Pisces
Happiness cue: Dissolve away the ego and connect with the mysteries of the universe (Pisces needs to identify the ideal).
Quick fix: Volunteer!
Long term: Create an energetically clean home environment; find ways to be of service to other people; listen—and then share your perspective; schedule in regular retreats.
Need more happiness-boosting tips? Start here. And if you are looking towards the sky, here's why you shouldn't be freaked out by Mercury when it goes retrograde.
Originally published July 25, 2016; updated May 22, 2018.
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