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We all feel it from time to time.
By Christine Schoenwald — Written on Jun 05, 2021
Disappointment is something we learn about from a very early age: the feeling of being let down, someone not coming through for you, promises being broken, dreams unfulfilled, and even failing yourself.
We have different ways of dealing with disappointment as we grow up. When you’re a toddler, you may react to disappointment by having a temper tantrum or emotional meltdown. When you’re older, you may try to pretend that the disappointment hasn’t affected you. Sometimes, we even use our disappointment to motivate us to work harder and adjust our focus.
With astrology as a guide, the zodiac signs when disappointed look different depending on how each individual deals with their setbacks, and then get over them.
Our actions and the way we deal with emotional upheavals are heavily influenced by our zodiac signs, and this is true when it comes to how we move on when we’ve been disappointed.
Not every disappointment is handled the same way because they range in importance. The disappointment you feel when you’re passed over for a promotion is different than the disappointment you feel when they’re out of your favorite coffee at the store, for example.
You may not be able to stop feeling disappointment, but you can change how it affects you. Sometimes not getting the thing you want makes space for something better.
Here's how the zodiac signs deal with disappointment.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Aries' inherent optimism doesn't allow them to dwell on the negative for long. These individuals are about moving on and finding something else to focus on.
It could be participating in some type of competition, doing something that takes them out of their comfort zone, or starting a new project. If Aries throws themselves into something they're passionate about, they won't get too hung up about a disappointment.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus individuals are persistent, so a disappointment isn't going to get them off-track.
After experiencing disappointment, Taurus will show themselves some compassion and kindness so they can heal and keep going.
They know that things don't always come together the way they want, but that shouldn't mean just stopping. Take time to process your feelings but don't let them stall your plans.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
It's very helpful for Geminis to talk things out with a friend or someone they trust after a disappointment. If Gemini keeps their feelings inside, it's not good for them; those feelings may surface in the future and cause damage.
Geminis are intelligent and it can be useful to talk about a situation or person who didn't live up to their high expectations. It's good for them to look for clues they will end up feeling disappointed but didn't catch at the time.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
It's very important that Cancer feels their emotions. They are extremely sensitive, and if they don't process things emotionally, it could affect their behavior and decision-making.
Cancer needs to be in a safe space and have a support system. If they internalize their feelings of disappointment, it could lead to emotions such as anger and intense sadness, and be even harder for them to bounce back from.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Like most of us, Leos are disappointed every day in hundreds of ways, but they don't let it get them down.
They focus on the future and keep going, and know that people look to them for guidance; they need to be aware of their influence on others.
Leos have to be strong — not only for themselves but for the people who look up to them. Disappointment is part of the process of getting what you want and creating positive change, so Leo is willing to pay that price.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos know that disappointment is just part of life. When they get disappointed, they look for the lesson, they adjust, and they continue to grow.
For this zodiac sign, almost everything can be fixed or made better. The key is to find the lessons that you need, even if they're not obvious.
Let's say Virgo enters a storytelling competition and they lose. Maybe they lose two or three times and it's very disappointing, but each time they lose, Virgo learns a little bit more and, eventually, can take that knowledge and win.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Libras can take a disappointment pretty hard but, eventually, they'll try to change their perspective about it. Libra will reframe it and try to take away its importance.
They didn't win the lottery for "Hamilton" tickets, but that doesn't mean they'll never get them; it will just be another time or a different circumstance.
It's best if Libra doesn't look at disappointment as an absolute, but as something that's more fluid.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios are much more sensitive than they want people to think, and they tend to hide their feelings. When they get disappointed, that feeling of loss or being let down can sometimes morph into anger or revenge.
Scorpios don't like feeling as if there's nothing they can do to change a situation. They take action so they feel better.
Scorpios are mature, balanced, and strive to stay in control. They don't believe in feeling sorry for themselves.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
To get over the disappointment, Sagittarius makes plans. They need to be able to have something to look forward to, and they don't like feeling stuck in a never-ending circle of disappointment and frustration.
Sagittarius looks towards the things and experiences that are guaranteed to make them happy, and they focus on them. For them, it's about taking the power away from disappointment and brushing it off.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns are practical and wise, and if they let every disappointment they experienced affect them, they'd never get anywhere.
Capricorns try not to spend too much time dissecting a disappointment; instead, they learn what they can from it, put those lessons into practice, and work on improving.
Capricorns work on understanding their part in a disappointment. What can they do to prevent a particular type of disappointment from happening again? They are all about setting themselves up for more successes than disappointments.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarians handle disappointments in stride. When you're as creative and innovative as Aquarius, disappointments happen. For them, it's about not emotionally investing in everything so you don't get disappointed as often.
They detach themselves from the factors of disappointment and try to forget about it as quickly as they can. Aquarians are very creative and would rather look for solutions than let failure or disappointment get to them.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
When Pisces is disappointed, they try to occupy themselves in something they care passionately about. This zodiac sign can be overly emotional, and it can be better for them to not give in to feelings of sadness when it comes to disappointment.
Instead, Pisces might lose themselves in an art exhibit, do volunteer work, or put their focus on their own creative project. Disappointment can be a source of inspiration — it's one door closing that forces you to look for other alternatives.
Christine Schoenwald is a writer, performer, and astrology lover. She's had articles in The Los Angeles Times, Salon, Bustle, Medium, and Woman's Day. Visit her website or her Instagram.