Your Biggest Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs, Based on Your Sign

Astrology helps you deepen your intuitive understanding of yourself and others—fueling empathy, compassion, kindness, and chemistry in all your relationships. It can help you understand how to fight, how to communicate, and how to nurture each other. But it can also be a ~major~ help in the bedroom. Knowing your boo’s sign can help you know how to really rev their engine and, alternatively, what causes them to come to a screeching halt. Every sign has a unique sexual identity, and it’s important to know who needs what. Because while the down and dirty might work for a Sag, it’ll def turn away a Taurus.

The more you know about your sign’s sexual identity, the hotter your sex will be. (And if you’re wondering what your sexual superpower is based on your sign, we’ve gotchu). In the meantime, here’s a definitive guide to each sign’s turn-ons (and -offs!). Take notes—it’s about to get cosmically steamy. And BTW, for even more info, take a look at the rest of you and your boo's birth charts—especially your Mars sign, which tells you about your libido, and your Venus sign, which tells you about how you experience pleasure.

 

Aries: March 21 to April 19

Aries are notorious for their impulsive, fast-paced approach to life. They’re fueled by passion, so they’re extremely turned on by sudden bursts of desire. A sext in the middle of the day? A whisper in their ear at a party? They’re here for it.

Although it may sound crude, nothing fans this fire sign's flames quite like an unexpected hookup in a bathroom stall or back seat of a car. So if you’re thinking of something slow and comfy, you may want to look elsewhere. And given their fiery nature, never hesitate to throw in some toys of the rougher variety—might we suggest handcuffs or a riding crop?

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and appropriately, these rams love to make the first move. Also, Aries have short attention spans, so they’re not into excessive foreplay. Action and taking initiative is key.

 

Taurus: April 20 to May 20

Governed by Venus (the planet of love and beauty), Taurus is one of the most romantic signs of the zodiac. They love exploring their senses, so their sexual appetite is closely connected to sound, sight, taste, smell, and touch. Unlike Aries, they like to take things slow and steady, so they'd be thrilled to spend tons of time on foreplay.

Turn on your Taurus lover with a fully immersive experience, complete with chocolate, wine, candles, and oils. As an earth sign, Taurus is especially in tune with their senses, so splurge on luxury sheets, curate a sex music playlist, and try touching them in different places and different ways.

Taurus wants to be totally transported, so you might even want to experiment with sex in the great outdoors. (And FYI, Tauruses are obsessed with desserts, so don’t be afraid to bust out the whipped cream when the time is right.) Also, remember that Taurus is turned off by sloppiness, so bringing them to a tidy bedroom will keep them happy.

 

Gemini: May 21 to June 20

Everything in Gemini’s life is about duality. While some Geminis may embrace this quality quite literally (*ahem* threesomes), these brainy air signs have more than enough charisma to make a monogamous romp feel like an orgy. In short: Nothing turns on Gemini more than lots of sexual experimentation. They live by the motto, "variety is the spice of life." Seriously, they’re down to try pretty much anything!

In fact, the only thing Geminis are turned off by is monotony, so don’t be afraid to get freaky (with their consent, obviously). They’re also governed by Mercury, the planet of communication, so sexting and dirty talk is definitely in their wheelhouse. They're also probably into role play.

Geminis love to be listened to, so try running your hand over theirs while they’re talking and making eye contact. Engage them in their fantasies—it’ll go a long way.

 

Cancer: June 21 to July 222

Intimacy is a big deal for these sweet, sensitive water signs. Symbolized by the crab, Cancers need to feel safe before emerging from their shells, and the fastest way to foster loyalty is through physical closeness. Cancers are ruled by the Moon, the planet of emotions—don’t be afraid to pull out all the romantic gestures in your arsenal. This sign is all about cuddling, spooning, and sensual caresses. Don’t be shy about cozying up with your Cancer lover.

Intimacy matters for Cancer. So take your time, slow it down. Lie down and gaze into each other’s eyes. But when you’re turning up the heat, remember that everything needs to be reciprocal. Be sure to allocate plenty of time for mutual satisfaction. Cancers may guard their sensitivities with tough armor, but they’re not afraid to use their claws when they need to. Also, they love oral.

Seeming disengaged or disconnected is a huuuuge turn-off for a Cancer. For them, sex is a ~bonding experience~, so you better be fully present, with plenty of eye contact.

 

Leo: July 23 to August 22

Leos are all about drama, so when it comes to sex, the bedroom can quickly transform into a stage. Performative and bombastic, the biggest turn-on for these lions is to feel desired. They thrill at the thought of being wanted, especially when the passion leads to cinematic lovemaking. If they send you a nude, be very appreciative and tell them, in detail, how hot they look. They might even suggest making a sex tape–they're born ~movie stars~, after all.

Ruled by the Sun, Leos feel like everything revolves around them—they looooove it when you drop everything to focus on them, whether you're giving them a massage or oral sex. Make your Leo feel like the king/queen/ruler they are, and you'll be rewarded.

Leos love to be wined and dined through luxurious dates, tabloid-worthy expressions of adoration (think John Cusack in Say Anything), and grandiose displays of affection. So whip out the massage oil, candles, and slinky lingerie, and make your lion purrrrr. But make them feel even the least bit snubbed and you can expect some angry roars.

 

Virgo: August 23 to September 22

Traditionally, the sign of Virgo is symbolized by the virgin archetype—an outdated association that sometimes leads to the false assumption that Virgos are prudish. The truth is the contrary. Like a horny teenager, Virgos are absolutely obsessed with sex and really savor every moment of it. They're sensual earth signs, after all!

Governed by Mercury (the planet of communication), Virgos also love to talk about getting down—so a fully scripted round of role-play should def be on the menu, as should plenty of dirty talk. What’s more, Virgos tend to skew flustered and detail-oriented, so slow it down and put the focus on them with plenty of foreplay. When you're sexting them, include all the detail you can.

And when it’s time to do the deed, make sure you’re approaching everything…hygienically. Virgos are instantly grossed out by anything that they deem unsanitary. So if you’re planning on some kinky kitchen-counter play, let your Virgo lover know you’ve already stocked up on antibacterial wipes—I mean, what could be sexier than that?

 

Libra: September 23 to October 22

Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. Accordingly, Libras tend to treat their lovers like precious works of art. With such a refined palate, it’s no surprise that Libras are turned on by elegance and sophistication. Taking the time to make your Libra a cocktail and put on some great music goes a long way. Libras are also very visual people, so they'll appreciate some luxury lingerie or an artful (or dirty) nude.

But don’t let all that flair fool you—Libras are known for their adventurousness in the bedroom too. Spanking, fingering, and butt-plugging is definitely not out of the question. Plus, Libras are all about balance, so don't be surprised if they want to take turns switching roles.

But ultimately, the fastest way to a Libra’s heart is always through the mind. Aka even if someone is ~perfect~ in bed, a Libra will instantly be turned off if the postcoital convo is boring (or nonexistent).

 

Scorpio: October 23 to November 21

In medical astrology, Scorpios rule the sex organs, so it’s no surprise they’re considered one of the most erotic signs of the zodiac. A Scorpio’s energy combines steamy passion with soulful emotional intimacy, making them magnetic AF.

Governed by Pluto, the planet of the underworld, Scorpios love to dive in to power play and are extremely turned on by explorations of dominance and submission. They aren’t afraid to explore taboos, so try getting extra kinky with your Scorpio with their consent. Go for long and steamy oral sessions, take it outside, or add a sex toy or three. Scorpios are turned on by "secrets," so give an app-controlled vibrator a try or text them a photo of the lingerie you're wearing under your clothes before you meet up in public at a bar.

But whatever you do, make sure you act with feeling. Increase the connection with intense eye contact and a firm grip. Scorpio is all about chemistry, and the sexual tension needs to be palpable.

 

Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21

Sagittariuses are explorers, so their biggest turn-on will always be adventure. Sagittarius views physical intimacy as an opportunity for emotional discovery and intellectual expansion. This fire sign is extremely aroused by anything that has a hint of danger, so don’t be surprised if your Sagittarius lover is into public sex—and group sex can be a major turn-on too.

As the sign most closely associated with travel, they're down to join the mile-high club, too. And like their zodiacal opposite, Gemini, they get easily bored—they want to do anything and everything, so suggest a new sex position or kink, and they'll probably want to try it!

On the flip side, Sagittariuses are totally turned off by sex that feels overly sentimental. Sagittarians are masters of seduction and great at making love, but they prefer to focus on the more playful aspects of getting down. So next time you’re sitting down for dinner, be bold and go for that sneaky under-the-table thigh stroke—it’ll drive your Sag wild.

 

Capricorn: December 22 to January 19

Capricorn is the most ambitious sign of the zodiac, and their sex drive is no exception. These enterprising earth signs take getting down seriously and expect that their partners will too. They want to have a rich private life filled with lots of kinky adventures, so don’t be afraid to turn up the heat with these naughty sea-goats.

Plus, these dynamos like to take charge, so let them take the reins and lean into the power play. Caps are bossy in the boardroom and the bedroom, so try experimenting with role play and dom/sub dynamics. Plus, they're super-organized, so scheduled sex is a turn-on—they'll spend the whole day/week thinking about your sex date!

But nothing turns them off more than someone who’s all talk, especially if they don’t actually deliver in bed. Sexting is nice, but Capricorn lovers need to physically get down and dirty.

 

Aquarius: January 20 to February 18

Aquarians are the aliens of the zodiac—these eccentric nonconformists always have their heads high in the clouds. But when it comes to sex, this rebellious air sign isn’t afraid to get down. Aquarians are turned on by anything that goes against societal conventions—aka they're into kink. And they love mystery, so adding in a mask or a blindfold is sure to turn up the heat.

Another thing: Aquarius is the sign most closely associated with science and technology, which means your Aqua lover will probably enjoy sex toys, VR porn, and any/all kinds of gadgets. In fact, they might have a dedicated sex toy budget that you get to enjoy with them.

If anything, your Aquarius lover may be turned off by more traditional approaches to sex—they’re simply not bizarre enough for this free-thinking air sign. Like fellow air sign Geminim they love variety and hate to be bored.

 

Pisces: February 19 to March 20

Pisces are highly spiritual and empathic, so it’s no surprise that they’re extremely turned on by deeply spiritual connections. They’re aroused by out-of-this-world explorations, so be sure to explore the nooks and crannies of your psychic world with this water sign—maybe add in a tarot reading or a joined meditation to really elevate that intuitive connection. Plus, these fish like to go with the flow, so shower and hot-tub sex are definite musts.

Creative Pisces are the artists and poets of the zodiac, so they're into v. emotional, intimate sex. These water signs are all feelings! They might want to read erotic poetry as foreplay—or even write some about you.

Ultimately, Pisces are curious souls, so really the only thing that turns them off is rigidity. As long as you’re flexible and open-minded, Pisces will be delighted to swim in your direction.