Take a step back, and evaluate the situation. Today, we’re talking about the how to draw boundaries, based on your zodiac sign. In Signs Of The Times, Her Campus gets all of the dirty details about the signs directly from astrologers. Today, Taryn Leigh Bond, a Tropical Astrologer who offers readings and teaches people how to read birth charts, shares how you can establish healthy boundaries according to your zodiac sign.
Whether it’s starting a new job, getting a new roommate, or swooning into a new romantic relationship, boundaries are needed in almost every aspect of your life. Without them, you might be running the risk of eventually getting hurt, regardless of the situation you’re in. That’s why taking the time to establish healthy boundaries is extremely important in your life and relationships.
But how do you set boundaries? It’s easier said than done: what might work for someone else, may not work for you. Luckily, your zodiac sign may be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to drawing lines in steel, and not sand.
Her Campus talked to Astrologer Taryn Leigh Bond to learn the best ways that you can set boundaries, as told by the stars.
ARIES (MARCH 20-APRIL 19):
Since Aries is the first of the zodiac, they may bring that “oldest-child” complex along with them throughout life. Meaning: they may feel the urge to take care of everyone, even when it takes a toll on them personally.
“Know that it’s not your job to save anyone. Just because you love someone does not mean you have to sacrifice yourself for them,” Bond tells Her Campus. “Connect with the awareness that when you nurture your own energy instead of giving it away, you have the capacity to work on personal dreams that can have a way bigger, and longer-lasting, impact in the long term.”
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20):
Represented by the bull, Taurus is known for their stubborn and hard-headed nature. For this reason, Taurus should play to their strengths when it comes to drawing boundaries with others.
According to Bond: “Be straightforward. Compassionately state your needs to yourself and the person/job/etc. with which you are trying to set boundaries. Offer a suggestion as to how they may be able to achieve their needs and desires via an alternative solution. And give them a hug, if you feel like that’s the vibe (your hugs are healing!).”
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20):
“Talk to the other person when you are in a level-headed place and explain why you’d like to keep your time or energy to yourself,” Bond says. ” For example, you can say something like, “you know how I’ve been trying to get back into a workout routine? I can’t hang out again tomorrow because I want to take a fitness class that I’m really excited about.”
As the sign of communication, Gemini is a natural talker. When drawing boundaries, Gemini should appeal to their communicative nature in order to establish and maintain healthy protections in relationships. Be open and honest—trust us!
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22):
Sensitive and kind, Cancer has a reputation for being one of the most emotional and nurturing signs. But this gift can have a definite curse, especially when it comes to drawing boundaries.
Bond says, “You need time to recharge! Know that you are ruled by the moon, and you are on a cycle: sometimes you want to celebrate and shine (like the full moon, proud and on display), and other times you want to rest and nest (like the new moon, tucked away in its own little world). You can even use this analogy when setting boundaries: your loved ones may empathize more than you’d assume.”
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22):
Leos are pretty much experts at knowing when to take time for themselves. However, their loyalty may prevent them from drawing clear boundaries—especially when they know it might hurt someone else. These lions have big hearts!
“When the energy is good, politely have a discussion about taking time for you,” Bond says. “Remind them about what you like about them, and let them know that it’s not personal – it’s about you looking out for you (as you hope they’d do for themselves, too!)”
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22):
If there’s one thing a Virgo loves to do, it’s plan. However, Virgo might find themselves feeling swamped with personal and other commitments. And when that happens, it’s important for them to take a step back, and revaluate.
“When you’re feeling overwhelmed by your schedule, and still want to be around someone, put your Virgo analysis skills to use and come up with a shared interest/activity that you can do – on a day in the future that works for you both,” Bond says. “But if you don’t want to engage in the future, simply decline. As an earth sign ruled by Mercury, you find an elegance in simplicity.”
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22):
Libras have a reputation for being kind and balanced people-pleasers. So, drawing boundaries may be a daunting task—they don’t want to hurt anyone!
According to Bond, “Start small! Practice with someone who feels safe, like a close friend or relative. You can even ask them if you can practice, and role-play having a more difficult conversation with the person/people you need to set boundaries with. Identifying and expressing yourself to your support system can bring a deep sense of peace that can ultimately make the hard conversations feel a lot easier.”
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21):
The mysterious and brooding Scorpio has a definite emotional side, but they’ve been known to keep that on the DL…even to the point of repression. That’s why Scorpio could truly benefit from honest conversation when they’re drawing boundaries—before it’s too late.
“Address the things that upset you at the moment! You have a unique ability to be tapped into how you feel at any given time but can immediately repress the things that bother you in order to keep the peace,” Bond tells Her Campus. “Know that when you repress you are way more likely to have a blow-up fight later. Take a deep breath, find your center, and lay it on the table with clarity as things arise. If you need to take time to clear your head that’s fine, but taking a systematic approach to address boundary-crossing as it arises will save you much stress and discomfort long term.”
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21):
Sagittarius is a born-dreamer. They love adventure and have a passion for the impossible. However, they’re also very empathetic people, and could even let a lack of boundaries impact their personal dreams.
As Bond says, “When you notice a need to set boundaries, remember your dreams. Keep them in mind, and remember why you love and strive towards them. Note how much of your personal focus and will it will take to attain them. And then keep that Sagittarian light-heartedness about you as you politely decline plans, with a smile on your face.”
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19):
Pragmatic and hard-working, Capricorn thrives off of structure. That’s why, when forming boundaries, they might have luck when approaching them in an analytical and practical way.
“Get clear on your values. Rank them in order. Go through all of the mental/emotional/physical commitments you currently have, and see if they fit your values. Keep the ones that serve your highest values, and work from the bottom up in removing the ones that don’t serve you in achieving your goals/aspirations/ideal life. Take a grounded, realistic approach to breaking these commitments. Take things off your plate one at a time until you feel lighter. Remember that you are not solely responsible for carrying the weight of the world,” Bond tells Her Campus.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18):
Aquarius has a rep for being a free spirit that has no problem expressing themselves. So, when drawing boundaries, Aquarius should lean into these characteristics for ultimate success.
“Write them a letter. Explain why you need to set boundaries (from an impersonal, detached place) and how you would like things to look moving forward. Explain that you would like to be supportive of them in a similar way and, in the spirit of equality, offer them an opportunity to respond with anything that might concern them regarding their own boundaries too. Give them the mic, and finish with a compassionate sentiment. It may end up being the best thing that happened, for both parties involved.”
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20):
The kind and empathetic Pisces may struggle to draw clear boundaries. For that reason, this water sign should approach boundary setting in a more creative and comfortable way.
“Pick the thing that feels like it is bothering you the most, make a list of why it is bothering you, and even write out a script of what you could say to the person if that feels helpful,” Bond says. “They probably won’t judge you as much as you may fear they would if you keep your notes with you as you approach the conversation, too.”