If you're into astrology, then you already know each Zodiac sign comes with a list of flattering, positive qualities. These are super fun to read about, mostly because we all like to be reminded of how organized, and creative, and sexy we are. But then there are the not-so-flattering negative traits that are common for each sign. These are the toxic qualities that can crop up, usually due to our darker personality traits and inherent bad habits.
While they may not be as fun to hear about, it's worth it to read up on them, especially since becoming more aware of our toxic traits can mean overcoming them.
As astrologer Valerie Mesa says, "Acknowledging these toxic traits can really help you come to terms with the dark side of yourself, and possibly even stop you from doing something you could potentially regret. It's sort of like the Yin & Yang symbolism, there is no light without the darkness and vise versa. It's about understanding your vulnerabilities and accepting your flaws in order to move forward and become the best version of yourself."
Read more: Aries Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility & More Astrology
Read on below for Mesa's take on which toxic traits and habits are most common for each sign, so you can learn how to better manage them.
Aries (March 20-April 19)
As an Aries, you might be a bit arrogant, bossy, demanding, and impulsive. And you might even be a bit of a bully. That's because Aries has an easy time playing that boss role — which is obviously a great thing — but it is easy to take it to the extreme. "Their lack of patience can also cause issues within their relationships."
Taurus (April 19-May 20)
Believe it or not, your most toxic traits can show up in your intense desire to be comfortable. "Taurus is the most comfortable sign in the zodiac, but their excessive need to splurge and overindulge can bring issues with finances and/or health." You might find yourself being money-hungry, materialistic, possessive, and stubborn as a result. "I always say, Taurus wants to have their cake and eat it, too."
Read more: Taurus Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility, & More Astrology
Gemini (May 20-June 20)
Does your mind have a tendency to run away with you? If so, it might lead to anxiety, and even feelings of boredom, as your thoughts race from one thing to the next. Geminis also love to gossip, have a slight devious side, and can even suffer from bouts of skepticism. "This can ultimately lead to anxiety and restlessness. Insomnia is always very likely."
Read more: Gemini Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility & More Astrology
Cancer (June 20-July 22)
Cancer is the most emotional sign of the Zodiac, and that can be a great thing. But you're also likely notorious for being hypersensitive and moody — and for your ability to hold a grudge. "Their mood swings are totally extreme and their hypersensitive nature can more than often lead to depression."
Read more: Cancer Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility, & More Astrology
Leo (July 22-August 22)
We all know Leos are proud, but this is another positive trait that, when taken to the extreme, can become more of a negative. "Anything you could do, Leo can do better. Their ego is their worst enemy and their stubborn personalities can also push their loved ones away. Leos love being center of attention, but their dramatic tantrums can lead them isolation."
Read more: Leo Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility, & More Astrology
Virgo (August 22-September 22)
Virgos are perfectionists by nature, and can be pretty damn critical and controlling as a result. If this is you, you might also have a tendency to work yourself to the bone, get overly tired, and become pessimistic when you can't keep going. "Despite being the most realistic sign in the Zodiac, Virgo’s obsession with perfection is quite the opposite of realistic. Their self-critical personalities causes stress and if they’re not careful, obsessive compulsive disorders."
Read more: Virgo Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility, & More Astrology
Libra (September 22-October 23)
You would think Libra, which is represented by the scales, would be pretty balanced. But they, too, have a list of toxic traits. If you're a Libra, you might find yourself struggling to indecisiveness, moodiness, and a people-pleasing mentality. "On the dark side, their grace and charm stems from internal insecurities and their secretly manipulative personality. They’re not very good at confrontation either."
Read more: Libra Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility, & More Astrology
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
If anyone crosses you or does you wrong, you might struggle with handling the situation in a calm and rational way — and you may even lash out in a totally toxic way. "Ruled by the God of the underworld, it’s all or nothing for Scorpio. Their jealous personality and vengeful nature can lead to depression and, at times, even addictions. Worst case scenario, their self-destructive behavior can also cause chronic illness."
Read more: Scorpio Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility, & More Astrology
Sagittarius (November 21-December 22)
As a Sagittarius, you're a ton of fun, and people love being around you — especially because you don't have a filter. But that quality can be difficult for others to forget, and they may even peg you as immature and irresponsible. "Ruled by Jupiter (the largest planet in the solar system) it’s difficult for the sign of the archer to know when to stop."
Read more: Sagittarius Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility, & More Astrology
Capricorn (December 21-January 19)
You're the most ambitious sign of the Zodiac, but we all know a hardworking nature can be a negative, at times. For example, you can get a bit power hungry at work, and sometimes come even off as cold, conceited, and demanding. "Capricorn’s focus and determination to succeed can easily turn into an obsession."
Read more: Capricorn Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility, & More Astrology
Aquarius (January 19-February 18)
Aquarius folks can come off a bit sarcastic and awkward at times, since they're often "above it all" when it comes to their witty comments and jokes they make. "A social rebel at heart, Aquarius simply does not care about what other people think; and their aloof personality comes across as selfish and self-absorbed."
Read more: Aquarius Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility & More Astrology
Pisces (February 18-March 20)
Pisces is a very creative, dreamy sign, and that can cause you to have your "head in the clouds," so to speak. People might think you're a bit disconnected, or even emotionally manipulative, since your one goal in life is to escape into your thoughts. You also might be in the habit of telling lies, so watch yourself on that one, too.
Read more: Pisces Zodiac Signs: Personality Traits, Love Compatibility & More Astrology
We all have negative and toxic things about our personalities, whether you're coming at it from an astrological standpoint or not. While it's OK to be yourself, and to embrace your more eccentric qualities, knowing which ones might hold you back can be help spark your desire to change for the better.
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