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Others' feelings can emotionally drain them.
By Ruby Miranda — Written on May 20, 2021
Let's get something straight: empathy is a trait we can all cultivate. It's part of what comes with being human.
Some people have more empathy, and some have less — and those who are empaths are especially open to the emotional output of others.
What is empathy?
For the empathic zodiac signs in astrology, it's something they don't question.
Empathy is the ability to pick up on and understand the energy of others, which can be joyful or dreadful.
True empaths (who make up only 1-2% of the population) feel the emotions of others and process them internally.
Fake empaths post memes on Facebook telling the world how sensitive and risen they are with the feelings they are feeling.
Real empaths take it all in and feel the pain, or pleasure, of the world, while fake empathy makes statements that require applause afterward.
Empathy is the pure sister of sympathy; it takes sympathy to the next level. Where sympathy allows us to feel sorry for another, empathy allows us to understand, relate to, and emotionally bond with another.
We all have this to a degree, while some of us have more than others. Empathy allows us to experience the feelings of another, and for the true empath, that can be a nightmare of feelings.
Which signs are usually empaths? Surprisingly, Scorpio is one of the normal empaths alongside the empath zodiac signs Pisces and her fellow water signs. But according to astrology placements, sun signs are first and foremost when dealing with empathy, then moon signs.
Most Empathetic Zodiac Signs
1. Pisces (February 19 - March 10)
Pisces is the winner when it comes to empath signs.
It's hard enough being such a people pleaser, but you also happen to be a true empath, and between those two things, you're basically in a nonstop state of agitation and anxiety.
You know when members of your family are in emotional pain, and you hover by them to drink in the negativity — not because you want it, but because you are compulsive about wanting to help. Once Pisces feels the pain their innate ability and need to help arises.
Most of the time you are wanted as your presence tends to be very calming and peaceful. You feel the weight of the world, and you try very hard to not let other empaths know you are burdened by it.
Pisces is also the most empathetic moon sign as well.
2. Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Are Taurus empaths? That's a question many may be thinking and they'll be surprised by the answer.
You wouldn't automatically assume that the sign that is symbolized by the Bull would be graceful enough to move through the emotional circles, but that stereotype stops short at Taurus.
Taurus is incredibly sensitive to the emotional output of others, even psychically in tune with those around you. You recognize this in you and you don't show off about it.
You merely allow yourself to be there for others. You take their pain, and your good nature and desire to be helpful really does come through. You're the best friend anyone could have because you're a true empath and you know how to soothe with love and kindness.
3. Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
You've been torn all your life between being the hardened perfectionist and the absolute mushball of an empath that you are.
One of the reasons you became so cold and hard is because you had to protect yourself; you pick up on everything, and it all hurts way too much.
As a survival mechanism, you come off as cold and non-accepting; however, this is really only a facade. You feel everything very deeply, especially when it comes to animals. If an animal is in distress, you can barely breathe.
Empathy is deeply embedded in you, and it is also torturous.
4. Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Another zodiac sign that usually implies so many other things that have nothing to do with sensitivity. The irony here is that, while being known as the harsh and violent Scorpio, you're also sensitive and the most zodiac sign there is.
You want to help, you want to make people happy, and sometimes you push the envelope a little too hard to help.
When you feel a friend is in trouble, you go all out to be there for them. But the thing is, you're not always right. You feel the emotions of the world, but pin-pointing it on one person isn't your ultimate talent. You are empathic, but you are often times off-base with your own emotions.
5. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Are Aquarius empaths? Yes!
Your empathy is profound, and you treat the world around you like a parent treats a child. You are ultimately concerned for those around you, and if there's pain being felt, you want it over and done with.
You can't stand the idea of someone being left out or sad, and you spend years trying to make people happy; you sense it when they're not. Aquarius is one of the most compassionate zodiac signs.
Sometimes, they want your help and that makes you happy, but when your empathy goes unappreciated, you tend to get angry. And your anger is the issue here. Anger dulls your empathy and makes you less receptive to those around you.
6. Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
You are a true empath, Gemini, and it's not always easy to be this way. You take in the feelings of others and, sometimes, while it's processing in your own psyche, it starts to feel worse than it is.
You have been known to shy away from people simply because it hurts to pick up on the pain and anxiety of others, but should someone reach out to you, you will be a stand-up person and come through for them.
You're not likely to stay in the position of "helpful" because it really is too much for you. However, you do your best — for both yourself and for the others involved.
Least Empathetic Zodiac Signs
7. Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Cancer is the zodiac sign you should go to if you want someone to relate to what you’re feeling right now.
A lot of the time, Cancer’s moodiness is seen as a negative trait, but it also makes it a lot easier for her to relate to what you’re going through, as well. Cancer is one of the most emotional zodiac signs, making her naturally empathetic.
Cancer can understand how you’re feeling and be empathetic to you because there’s a good chance that’s she’s felt it all before. She knows how to handle heartbreak, anger, and even give you advice about temperamental partners because she’s a pro at reading thoughts and feelings.
8. Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Libra is happiest when the people she loves are happy. And when someone needs a friend to rely on, Libra is there no matter what. That's why this sign is the kindest of the zodiac.
One of Libra’s best traits is her gentle nature. She knows how to approach any kind of problem and, even if she can’t solve it, she always knows how to cheer you up.
She’s the type of person who is better at helping others with their problems (and not so much her own), but she truly does find happiness when being there for the people she loves; she does it all with empathy.
9. Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Leo is empathetic around the people she cares about the most. She might seem a little intimidating at first, but once you get to know her, you realize what a good friend she really is. And if you’re her BFF, she’s going to make an effort to relate to you when you need it.
Leo tends to reserve her empathetic nature for those who deserve it. It’s not that she’s mean or rude if you’re not her friend, but she also knows when people really care about her and when they don’t.
She can be super lovable, but you have to prove that you’ll mirror her empathy.
10. Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Aries is one of those zodiac signs that need real-world examples for anything to make sense to her. Sure, she’s an amazing friend, but if you come to her with problems she can’t relate to, you probably won’t see much empathy from her.
Don’t get me wrong, Aries certainly tries to make you feel better when you’re not feeling like yourself, but don’t be surprised or disappointed if her advice is to just shake it off and try again.
It’s hard for her to connect with things that aren’t in her wheelhouse, so empathy isn’t easy.
11. Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius is more than happy to have deep, thought-provoking conversations with you, but when it comes to sharing feelings, she’s not as into it. It’s not that she won’t listen to you talk about what’s going on in your life, but don’t expect her to be fully engaged either.
Sagittarius gets a little freaked out talking about feelings and emotions because it feels like a trap to her. Instead of giving her the option to open up on her own time, she may feel overwhelmed, like she’s being backed into a corner where she has no other choice but to flake on you emotionally and be debbie downers.
12. Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn is one of the least empathetic signs in the zodiac.
You try to treat everyone equally, which is great in the general sense, but when any other normal human would opt for empathy, you go in for the kill. You are a very unforgiving sign because you feel that if you can handle problems and deal with your mistakes like an adult, then anyone can.
And when people ask you for forgiveness or a little understanding, you get a bit condescending sending out bad vibes.
You see, Capricorn likes to choose when and where to express emotion. It’s not that she doesn’t trust you to accept who she is; it’s almost like she gets hyper-focused on what’s going on inside her head that she forgets to listen to her heart, which always makes her seem more serious than she is.
She could be seen as the most unemotional zodiac sign.
Ruby Miranda is a New Yorker who learned astrology, I Ching and all types of cartomancy and numerology from her crazy, gypsy mother. She currently writes for a wide range of esoteric publications.