It’s Aries Season! Here’s How Compatible the Fire Sign Is with Each Zodiac

Aries is the first sign in the astrological lineup and often referred to as the spark that ignites the rest of the zodiac. They’re natural born leaders who thrive on competition and tend to dive headfirst into anything they’re passionate about — including relationships.

As the baby of the zodiac, Aries are young at heart and “filled with an enthusiasm for life,” celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas tells PEOPLE. They embody fearlessness and adventure and tend to be bold and larger than life. However, they can also be aggressive, impulsive and “quick to anger,” Thomas says.

Like most fire signs, Aries are highly independent and won’t feel the need to be tied down. At the same time, they are “passionate about giving and receiving love,” says Thomas, and when they find someone that catches their eye, they will “lead with their hearts.”

Still, not everyone will be a good fit. “They need strong signs that can keep up with their fast pace and fiery communication style,” says author and astrologer Bethany Nicole. Basically, they want a partner that can hold their own and challenge them.

As we move into Aries season — which normally runs from March 21 to April 19 but starts on March 19 through April 19 in 2024 — learn more about Aries’ compatibility with other zodiac signs.

What are the key traits of Aries?

Since Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of action, aggression and war, those born under this sign have a warrior mentality, Nicole explains. “They are always up to fight for a cause they believe in or the people they love,” she says.

That warrior spirit also gives them a strong sense of leadership. Ambitious and confident, Aries have a take-charge attitude. They aren’t here to make friends, they’re here to make waves.

“[They] create friction that leads to evolution and improvement,” Nicole shares, which ultimately makes them great entrepreneurs.

Thomas agrees, adding that Aries are known for being full of courage and free of fear. “They are daring and adventurous and unafraid to strike out into unknown territory,” he tells PEOPLE. They’re bold, brave and eager to experience “all of life’s possibilities,” he says.

However, Aries can also be impatient and overly combative. “They can be quick to anger, but also just as eager to laugh and move on,” says Thomas.

Aries are independent, but when it comes to romance, they will go all in. They enjoy the pursuit, preferring to take a dominant role in relationships. They’re honest, passionate and playful and seek a partner they can explore with as well as one who isn’t afraid to challenge them.

Ultimately, though, “love needs to be fun for an Aries,” Thomas says.

Which signs are most compatible with Aries?

In general, Aries does best with fellow fire signs (Leo and Sagittarius) and air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius).

Two fire signs together can combine to fuel an even stronger sense of adventure and energy. However, it can also prove to be an explosive match, says Thomas.

“When fire meets air, it is much like a spark meeting oxygen to feed a flame,” he tells PEOPLE. “They help feed one another and push each other to think, grow and communicate in new ways.”

Aries

Bold, sometimes brash Aries needs a partner who is equally adventurous and can keep up with their fast pace. So, it’s not surprising that they would do well with another Aries.

“This match can burn brightly and be filled with much enthusiasm,” says Thomas. A relationship between two Ariens is likely to be full of passion, fun and spontaneity. They’ll be eager to encourage each other and explore the world together.

However, Aries is symbolized by the ram for a reason. They tend to be stubborn and headstrong, Thomas says, and the relationship “can quickly become a battle of wills” if they’re not careful.

Nicole notes that although they can be quick to butt heads, “Aries plays well in the conflict realm.” After all, Ariens thrive on competition and aren’t known to hold grudges, so this match can easily stand the test of time.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are a good example of this. These two Ariens have been married for over 25 years and share three children together.

Leo

According to Nicole, Leo is the soulmate sign for Aries.

“This is one of the most romantic and passionate couples in the zodiac,” Thomas agrees.

That’s because these two fire signs have a similar outlook on life. Like Ariens, Leos are enthusiastic, adventurous and ambitious.

“They both have innate fire, passion and leadership abilities that allow them to keep up with each other,” Nicole says.

Since Leo’s aren’t as stubborn, there won’t be as much friction between them, either. Instead, their relationship will be one of high energy and excitement.

Take Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, an Aries, and Jason Statham, a Leo. The pair have been together for 15 years and share two children. In 2016, they got engaged but admitted they’re in no rush to walk down the aisle and have been focused on raising their kids.

Gemini

Aries also does well with Gemini as the air sign shares their high energy and need for independence.

Geminis are intellectual, stimulating extroverts who love learning new things and exploring the world. “These two signs can have some very epic adventures together,” Nicole says. “There is rarely a dull moment when these two combine.”

While Geminis are known as the social butterflies of the zodiac, they aren’t smothering. Aries enjoy their independence and crave freedom, which Geminis can happily provide.

An Aries-Gemini pairing is “especially fun and spontaneous,” says Thomas, but they can also foster “a great deal of mutual intellectual growth.”

Kate Hudson and her fiancé Danny Fujikawa — an Aries and Gemini match — exemplify this well. The couple welcomed a daughter together in 2018 and are currently engaged.

Libra

Like Gemini, Libra is an air sign that can fan the flames of an Aries to help them burn brighter.

“This match is a magnetic one,” says Thomas, calling it “one of the best in the zodiac.”

Aries and Libra sit opposite on the astrological wheel, but that only makes their relationship stronger. While Aries are fiery and ego driven, Libras are calm, balanced and focused on harmony.

They tend to avoid conflict whereas Aries thrive on conflict. That might seem like a disaster waiting to happen, but in reality, it only makes their pairing stronger.

“These two can provide balance and growth for each other,” Nicole tells PEOPLE. Despite their differences, they tend to understand each other in a deeper way.

Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa are one of those Aries-Libra matches. They’ve been married for over 25 years and share three children.

Sagittarius

According to Nicole, Aries and Sagittarius is another good match.

The fire signs share a strong sense of adventure, enthusiasm and optimism. Sagittarians also have the same desire for independence and freedom — in fact, they’re typically more free-spirited than Aries.

“Passion attraction and lust will burn brightly here,” says Thomas. However, that can sometimes create “an all-out war if both people aren’t on the same page.”

But as long as the two are willing to compromise, they’ll share a fun, spontaneous and energetic relationship.

Just look at the Aries-Sagittarius couple and frequent collaborators Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow.  Their love story began in 1995 when Mann auditioned for his film, The Cable Guy. According to Apatow, he knew right away that she was the one. The pair married two years later and went on to have two daughters together, actresses Maude and Iris Apatow.

Which signs are least compatible with Aries?

Aries seems to struggle more in relationships with earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) and water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces), though there are exceptions.

Practical, grounded earth signs can leave Aries feeling too confined while emotional water signs can leave them feeling smothered, Thomas tells PEOPLE.

Cancer

Aries is a true adventurer while Cancer is a true homebody, so this pairing can be quite challenging.

Cancerians are nurturing, maternal and highly emotional. Ariens, on the other hand, are full of passion, drive and aggression.

Their “fiery communication can feel like an assault” to the easy-going, gentle Cancer, says Nicole. Aries, meanwhile, can feel “smothered and controlled by Cancer.”  

Pisces

Pisces is another highly emotional, intuitive water sign that proves a difficult match for Aries.

According to Thomas, there might be a strong attraction between these two at first, but long-term, they’re not compatible.

“Pisces can find Aries far too pushy and Aries can find Pisces far too passive,” Nicole says.

While an Aries-Pisces romance is problematic, they tend to “make very good friends.”

Capricorn

Capricorn and Aries are highly driven and ambitious, which can create a lot of tension.

“Talk about power struggles,” Nicole says. “It is the ram versus the goat. The rule maker versus the rule breaker.”

Although they have a lot in common when it comes to motivation and drive, they just don’t see eye-to-eye in a relationship.

“Mutual respect of each other’s opinions and differences is a lofty goal for these two and is usually about as good as they will get,” she explains.

What is Aries’ compatibility with other signs?

Virgo

An Aries and Virgo pairing can make for a dynamic power couple, although this match is not without challenges.

“Virgo creates a grounded space for Aries to pursue their passion,” Nicole tells PEOPLE. “They can help them make their dreams an organized reality.”

However, they can also run into a major power struggle. Aries are rebellious and freedom-oriented, so they might feel too constrained with a Virgo partner. Still, if they can find a way to navigate conflict, they could have a strong and loyal relationship.

Keira Knightley and her Virgo husband, James Righton, seem to have struck this balance. They have been married since 2013 and share two children together.

Taurus

Combative Aries and calm, cooperative Taurus can make an unlikely dynamic duo.

“Taurus has a love of beauty and nature that Aries can find appealing,” says Nicole. “They are a calm container and can provide grounding without feeling restrictive.”

However, they’re both incredibly stubborn which can create a lot of headbutting between them. Taurus also crave stability and serenity while Aries have a high desire for freedom and spontaneity, so they may need to compromise.

But, Thomas says, “This match can be quite productive if Aries is able to take the lead and Taurus is willing to supply the staying power to build the relationship.”

Just look at Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst for proof of how strong an Aries-Taurus union can be. The couple  got engaged in 2017 before welcoming their two sons, Ennis and James. In 2022, the pair quietly wed in a private ceremony.

Aquarius

An Aries-Aquarius relationship can go a long way. The zodiac signs are innovative and entrepreneurial types who value creativity and learning.

“Together they can make really big changes in the world and move projects forward,” Nicole says.

However, there are some issues to be careful of. Aquarius is known for being cool and cerebral, which can come across as aloof. Aries, meanwhile, is full of passion.

“Their communication can feel too fiery to intellectual Aquarius,” she explains.

Still, if they can tap into their shared communication skills, they can go the distance.

“The best thing about this match is that not only can they be great partners, but they’ll also always have a foundation as friends,” Thomas says.