Photo: getty
You may not even be aware they're doing it.
By Christine Schoenwald — Written on Sep 12, 2019
We all have our ways of getting other people to do what we want. You can call it manipulating or controlling. If someone consistently lied to you, would you think they were doing it to control you, or because they were a liar and it had nothing to do with you?
Narcissists are well known for the way they control people, and if you know their ways, you can stop yourself from being played by them. Astrology can not only help us to get to know ourselves but others as well. And depending on this, the controlling zodiac signs and how they manipulate others makes complete sense.
You’d know if someone was dominating you, but it can be less easy to tell when someone is encouraging you to do things or make decisions you’d normally not do. There are times when the person who is trying to control you is so skillful that you’re not even aware it’s happening. This is when it’s helpful to know the signs of manipulation so you can tell when the puppet-master is pulling your strings.
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries tend to control others with their anger. It doesn't come often, but when it does it's red-hot, brutal, and no one wants to be the cause of it.
They tend to use their anger as a way to shut down any further discussion on a topic they're done talking about or any kind of criticism. Aries' anger can intimidate someone into keeping quiet and/or agreeing with them.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus tend to control others by subtly intimidating them. The person senses they'd better do as Taurus asks, but they're not quite sure why. They just get the feeling it would be better in the long-run if they went along with Taurus.
If questioned about it, the person won't be able to cite any clear cut reasons, just that their instincts told them to not put up any kind of fight.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Geminis know exactly what to say and how to say it to control everyone around them. It's part of their talent as great communicators.
Sometimes it isn't the words they say but the feeling behind the words, as if there are hidden messages to the psyche behind them. Gemini may swear they were just having a conversation, but they know full well the affect that their words have on others.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Like Aries, Cancer control people with their feelings. Only, with them, it's a whole range of emotions. When Cancer is emotional, they don't hold back.
It's hard to know what to do when they are sobbing uncontrollably or throwing things, so it's better to make sure that one doesn't do anything to upset Cancer. This is how Cancer controls people: by using their fear of a meltdown to their own advantage.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Everybody wants to be liked and admired by Leo, and Leo uses this desire to get people to do what they want. They use positive reinforcement such as gift-giving, complimenting, being generous with their money and time, and being their charming self.
It's like the popular kid at school who you'd do almost anything for just so they smile and say hello. Everybody wants to be Leo's friend and stay on their good side.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos control people around them by proving them wrong and making them doubt their own intelligence. Virgos are super smart, and they sometimes use it as a way to get people to look up to them and do what they want.
They are clever and know what actions to take to make someone act how they want. Virgos are masterminds and controlling people is what they do.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Libras have been known to play the guilt card as a way to get the people around them to do what they want. Sure, it might be easier to just ask them, but where would the fun be in that?
Libras may remind someone of a favor they did for them in the past and let them know it's time for them to collect. Or, they may point out how they're exhausted from working too hard and need help.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios will resort to emotional bullying to control everyone around them. They will indirectly threaten to expose someone's secrets if they don't go along with something Scorpio wants, or Scorpio might threaten to not be in their lives any longer.
They don't play fair when it comes to getting people to do what they want, but for them, the ends justify the means.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius controls everyone around them by giving the impression they could take off and leave at any minute. If you want Sagittarius to stick around, you're going to have to make sure they're happy and not under too much stress.
Don't make them feel threatened in any way or like the walls are closing in around them. They don't want healthy boundaries — they want no boundaries.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn is controlling by letting you know when you're on their s*** list, and if you are, you better do what they want or you'll be dead to them. Capricorns are patient, careful and can hold a grudge like a pro.
They have amazing resolve and are stubborn, so it's not easy getting off that list and into their good graces... unless you go along with what they want.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarians control those around them by pretending they don't care what they do. They may seem like they're above it all, but everyone knows that if they don't do what Aquarius wants, Aquarius will cut them out of their life and never look back.
It's better to do what they want and keep them happy. They can be unpredictable, and it's very unpleasant when they get angry with someone.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces controls everyone around them by showering them with attention and affection. Pisces does so much for everybody else, why wouldn't you do the small thing they ask of you?
Not every act of kindness on their part is manipulative, but they will use it if they need to. They know what it's like to be the follower and have no control over themselves, let alone anybody else, so there are times when they need to do something to not feel like people are walking all over them.
Christine Schoenwald is a writer, performer, and astrology lover. She has written over 500 articles on the zodiac signs and how the stars influence us. She's had articles in The Los Angeles Times, Salon, Woman's Day, and is a contributing writer to Ravishly, I AM & CO, and YourTango. Check out her website or and her Instagram.