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Astrology and Friendships: how your star sign affects who you get on with and who gets on your nerves

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Even though you think you’re compatible with your friends, your horoscope can tell you another thing. Healthista astrologer Gillian Knowles on how your star sign affects your relationships with others

We are all aware that in order to remain healthy and fit we need to practise mindfulness, eat sensibly and exercise regularly, but now recent research at the University of Bolton has shown that an absence of friends can lead to a feeling of loneliness, which is as bad for our health as obesity and yet how often do we say to ourselves ‘I feel anxious, sad, lonely, upset – I need to meet up with a friend’? 80 per cent of people aged 18-34 have taken part in the research which says that they feel lonely some of the time. Loneliness is described as a feeling of heaviness in the heart, like an ache, which isn’t surprising because the area of the brain that is activated when we feel lonely is the same area that experiences physical pain.

Having 1000 ‘friends’ on Facebook doesn’t assuage loneliness or mean that we are never lost for a shoulder to cry on, someone to meet for a coffee or go to a movie with.

Females in particular like to bond with their friends by ‘sharing misery’. We use our friends to moan about partners, bosses and family and to share news/worries/successes etc and doing this, face to face over a glass of wine, is so much more rewarding than communicating electronically.

We all need people in our lives that care about us, that we can care about. Friends are people we choose for ourselves, people who stick around because they enjoy our company but also give support when we need it.  Having friends gives us comfort, provides a feeling of belonging, is a rich source of affection and raises our self esteem.

Statistically we have the most friends in our mid twenties.  36 per cent of our true friends we meet at school, 22 per cent at work and 13 per cent at University. On average, people have about 4 close friends at any one time. Fleeting friendships begin when we are around 3 years old but we begin to form deeper attachments by about the age of four when we can look at things from another person’s perspective.  Even at this tender age, children develop a desire to interact with others and can learn that co-operation sustains friendships. By the time they reach school they realise that they can choose who they want to have as a friend.  Innate leadership skills emerge; outgoing children hold centre stage and some develop a talent for making others laugh, others are happy to share toys and show kindness and concern for their peers.

Over a lifetime we choose our friends for a variety of reasons and we like them for different qualities they possess.

So let’s look at what the zodiacal signs show us about our different friends and what we can expect from them:

Aries.jpgARIES (March 21-April 19)

A friend born under the sign of Aries is exciting, refreshingly honest and clear about what she wants (so don’t expect flattery if she doesn’t feel you deserve it).  She is happy to make arrangements at the last minute and keen to try new experiences if you recommend them.

She is an inspirational, lively companion, has a keen mind, loves to have debates or discussions about a wide variety of subjects and makes decisions quickly.

If you ask her to help you with a problem she will undoubtedly want you to be more assertive, but if you are feeling vulnerable or defenceless she will step forward and defend you, write a withering letter to anyone who has undermined you and challenge anyone who threatens you.

Aries is your warrior friend.

Warms up to: Leo, Sagittarius

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Libra

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

Clashes with: Cancer, Capricorn

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Taurus.jpgTAURUS April 20-May 20

Taureans make loyal friends but are choosy and prefer a small, close circle of people who appreciate their reliability and steadiness.  A Taurus will love to go on shopping trips, gourmet meals out and drink fine wines with her companions but can be possessive, not wanting to share her friends with others.

Her liking for routine can be rather stifling for more spontaneous types and if you always meet upon a Wednesday evening woe betide you if you cancel at the last minute and want to change it to a Monday.

If you are in trouble, your Taurean pal will offer practical assistance and will stay calm if you’re panicking.

Taurus is your safe, reliable friend.

Warms up to: Virgo, Capricorn

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Scorpio

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

Clashes with: Leo, Aquarius

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Gemini.jpgGEMINI May 21-June 21

Never lost for words, your Gemini friend is charming, a lively, communicative companion loves a gossip and is superficially interested in most subjects.  She is an ideal dinner party guest as she can hold a conversation with anyone. Even if she’s in a mood she will perk up at the ping of the phone and be ready to chat.

Although Gemini often has a wide circle of acquaintances, she is instinctively looking for a very special friend who can be her soul mate, her earth sister, someone who gives her some stability and will tolerate her inconstancy.

If you’re upset, Gemini will try and cheer you up as she feels the pain of emotions rather too deeply for her own comfort. However, she is very forgiving and rarely holds on to grudges if hurt.

Gemini is your always young at heart friend.

Warms up to: Libra, Aqaurius

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Sagittarius

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

 

Clashes with: Virgo, Pisces

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Cancer.jpgCANCER June 22-July 22

Cancerians are sensitive, caring people who often see their friends as an extension of (or a replacement for) their family.  She is ambitious, a fighter and tougher than you might think but very vulnerable deep inside.  If you hurt your Cancer friend’s feelings with a thoughtless remark (or forget her birthday) she may not tell you what you have done but will withdraw, ignoring your texts or messages for a couple of days, until she has recovered.

Empathy and concern come naturally to Cancer; you can tell her anything and she will be on your side.  Your enemies become hers and she is very protective to those loved ones she feels are vulnerable.  However, she will hold onto resentment towards people who have hurt you, even if you forgive and move on!

Cancer is your nurturing friend

Warms up to: Scorpio, Pisces

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Capricorn

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

Clashes with: Aries, Libra

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Leo.jpgLEO July 23-August 22

Leos are usually popular people as they are charming and affectionate and generous to their loved ones, although some may see them as showy and overly dramatic.  However, although your Leo friend may seem confident and extrovert, she is as vulnerable as anyone else and can swing from hyper confident to crumpled and insecure in a very short space of time. Criticism, no matter how well meaning or constructive, can be seen as disloyal; this is a friend who thrives on positive feedback.

As a friend, the Leo woman is affectionate, loyal and lots of fun to be around.  She can be rather opinionated at times and think she is always right.

However, she will make time to listen to your troubles and then try everything she can to lift your spirits.

Leo is your affectionate friend

Warms up to: Aries, Sagittarius

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Aquarius

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

 

Clashes with: Taurus, Scorpio

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Virgo.jpgVIRGO August 23-September 22

Virgoans seek friendships that will live up to their high standards and do not usually enjoy, shallow or casual relationships.  Although outwardly reserved and shy, when relaxed and in good company they make humorous friends and enjoy a joke. Being practical and efficient they are not prone to excesses in any form and rarely gush or hog the limelight.  Despite seeming outwardly calm and peaceful, they are often worried and anxious underneath but not usually willing to share this, even with friends.

If you need support from your Virgoan friend you will find her willing to give sensible, well thought through advice and plenty of honest, critical feedback (with the emphasis on critical!)

Virgo is your perfectionist friend

Warms up to: Taurus, Scorpio

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Pisces

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

Clashes with: Gemini, Sagittarius

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Libra.jpgLIBRA September 23-October 22

Your Libran friend makes a delightful companion as she focuses a lot of energy on friendships which are very important to her.  Usually diplomatic and charming, a lot of emphasis is put onto socialising, looking good and being around beautiful people. Shopping trips are her forte and she will love to accompany you if you’re looking for a special outfit, knowing all the best places to go and having lots of ideas about what you should buy.  She spends money easily herself and has no hesitation in persuading you to do the same.

Libra is a peace-loving sign and if you are troubled or angry she will try to help you to see the other side of the argument and urge moderation in your behaviour.

Libra is your diplomatic friend

Warms up to: Gemini, Aquarius

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Aries

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

 

Clashes with: Cancer, Capricorn

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Scorpio.jpgSCORPIO October 23-November 21

Your Scorpio friend likes or dislikes people, there is no in between for her.  If she likes you she will give you her undivided attention; she is not interested in casual, on-the-surface relationships, it’s all or nothing for this sign.  She can switch from love to hate in an instant.

Gaining her trust won’t be easy as she is naturally wary of other people’s motives and suspicious of anyone she considers to be a hypocrite or a sham. If you hurt or disappoint Scorpio she will consider her mode of attack and then lash out, but befriend and support her and she will be faithful and loyal.

If you’re troubled, Scorpio will help you to delve beneath the surface to find the real cause of your unhappiness and she will always be there to help you in any transformative changes you need to make.  And she will always keep your secrets.

Scorpio is your intense friend

Warms up to: Cancer, Pisces

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Scorpio

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

 

Clashes with: Leo, Aquarius

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Sagittarius.jpgSAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21

Sagittarius friends are generally cheerful and optimistic.  They think positively and expect the best from life (and from their friends).  Be careful if you’re a sensitive type because Sagittarians are renowned for their lack of tact, which is not meant to be hurtful – it’s just the truth as they see it.

She loves adventure and sees a day spent with you exploring the shopping mall or nipping over to

Paris as great fun and will put her heart and soul into having a good time.

Should you be feeling down, Sagittarius will not relish the thought of sitting listening to your problems but will be happy to take you out for a drink (or three) to cheer you up.

Sagittarius is your fun friend

Warms up to: Aries, Leo

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Gemini

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

 

Clashes with: Virgo, Pisces

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Capricorn.jpgCAPRICORN December 22-January 19

As a friend, Capricorn is dependable, patient and consistent and may not be outwardly affectionate, but she will stick by you through thick and thin.  Her sense of humour is on the dry side and she can tell a good joke as she has really good timing but would not like to be the butt of someone’s joke if it risked her losing her dignity or threatened her status in any way.

It is easy to under-estimate Capricorns as they are not loud or showy but are quietly assertive and not willing to be pushed around and like the good things in life.

When it comes to being supportive, she will be willing to offer practical, well reasoned advice and always be there to put a word in to support you if necessary.

Capricorn is your responsible friend

Warms up to: Taurus, Virgo

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Cancer

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

 

Clashes with: Aries, Libra

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Aquarius.jpgAQUARIUS January 20-February 18

Aquarians make friends easily as they are outwardly gregarious and interested in people for how they can expand their experience rather than as an emotional need. The Aquarian woman will be happy joining groups or helping charities and likes to feel she is doing something to benefit society in some way.

Being a fixed sign she often has friends in categories such as ‘the one I play squash with’, ‘the one

I go to concerts with’, the ‘one who shares my interest in astronomy’ and is uncomfortable in switching these roles.  If a friend crosses her she will coolly delete that person from her contacts list without a backward glance.

Nothing shocks an Aquarian so you can share your worries, mistakes or lack of discretions with your friend and she will offer rational, sometimes unconventional advice.

Aquarius is your independent friend

Warms up to: Gemini, Libra

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Leo

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

 

Clashes with: Taurus, Scorpio

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

Pisces.jpgPISCES February 19-March 20

A Pisces friend is kind and gentle and needs to beloved and appreciated.  She can be very sentimental and has a tendency to put other people’s needs before her own as she likes other people to be happy; ‘If you’re happy, I’m happy’.

Most Pisceans can lack practicality and so she may be difficult to pin down, forget appointments that you have made with her or turn up very late with a tale of what she had to do to help next door’s rabbit.  She also gets easily overwhelmed by the world and so needs time alone to lose herself in a book, meditate or develop her psychic skills.

Empathy is her middle name and so she will willingly invite you to turn to her if you are upset but may end up weeping more than you at your misfortunes.

Pisces is your sensitive friend

Warms up to: Cancer, Scorpio

These signs understand each other and identify with each other’s aims and ideals

Doesn’t get on with: Virgo

This could go either way – love/hate but usually hard to ignore!

Clashes with: Gemini, Sagittarius 

These signs can find each other difficult to understand.

READ MORE: 

Astrology and your diet – how your star sign can affects the way you eat

Full moon – exactly what it does to your mood and energy

Astrology and health special

gillian-knowles.jpg
Gillian Knowles is a astrological life coach

Gillian Knowles has been practising as an astrologer since completing her studies at the Faculty of Astrological Studies in the 80’s.  She did further training as a counsellor at the Wealden Institute for  Counselling and Psychotherapy in the 90’s and has been integrating these skills, working with her clients as an astrological life-coach over many years. Additional training in aromatherapy and the use of flower remedies has enabled her to give more holistic advice to people seeking help with difficult periods in their lives.  She has an gentle, approachable manner and a down to earth practical way of advising people who need her help. Find Gillian on her website: gillianknowles.co.uk or check out here other posts here.

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