What is the Zodiac? (3 Reasons I Love It, and How to Use Essential Oils With It!)

What is the Zodiac, how to use with essential oils

If you’re here, you’re probably brand new to the Zodiac, and chances are, you might be a little skeptical! I totally understand. I remember how hesitant and uncomfortable I was about essential oils and crystals when I first got started. Now, however, I’m open to all of–whatever helps keep my family grounded, stable, and joyful, even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic is a win in my book! 

In this post, I want to help answer your questions on this fun, fascinating, and (in my opinion) extremely helpful way to better understand myself, and others. I’ll share: 

  • How the Zodiac got started (and what it has to do with modern science)
  • Why I love the Zodiac (and how I use it)  
  • How to figure out your Zodiac sign (and what that means) 
  • How to pair the Zodiac with essential oils 
  • My favorite essential oil recipe for each Zodiac sign (plus a bonus crystal pairing) 

Ready? Let’s do this! 

How the Zodiac Got Started (And What It Has to Do With Modern Science) 

The term “zodiac” refers to the fact that the sun “passes” through twelve distinct constellations/phases every 365 days (give or take), and then repeats the cycle all over again. 

Many ancient cultures have recognized this pattern of twelve (it’s the same pattern our Western year is based on!). In fact, it was Babylonian scientists in mid-1st millennium BC who created the star list (the list of stars we pass as the earth orbits the sun) that astronomers still recognize today. 

Can we geek out at all this for just a moment? I find it humbling and also inspiring that we are looking at the same stars and constellations that people just like us were looking at almost three thousand years ago! 

From the Ancient East All the Way to Us

The Babylonians handed down their knowledge to the Greeks and the Romans (who were likely influenced by the Egyptians’ use of the Zodiac). It was Ptolemy, a Greek mathematician, who condensed it all into the Zodiac star signs we use today (star signs just indicate the stars that were nearby when you were born). 

The Zodiac is used by countless ancient cultures–there’s a Mayan Zodiac, a Chinese Zodiac, an Egyptian Zodiac, a Hindu Zodiac…. In essence, the Zodiac simply acknowledges how connected we all are, in ways that don’t even seem to make sense sometimes. But it’s a fascinating–and often powerful–way to think about the world! 

Why I Love the Zodiac (and How I Use It) 

Most things in the universe are in motion. Stars move, the sun wobbles as it rotates–and it tilts on its axis–and of course other planets move in and out of visibility from our vantage point on the earth, as well. These relationships are studied by astrologers, who believe that all of these things impact each other and work together. 

Astrologers believe that understanding these relationships can help us understand our own selves, including our personalities. Of course, these things have a direct impact on our futures–and that’s where horoscopes come in!

science of the zodiac

Today, modern science is “relearning” how deeply tied humans are to the earth’s cycles and the cycles of other heavenly bodies, like the moon. The ancients had a sense that all things were related and intertwined, and this same sense pervades the study of the Zodiac today. 

What About the Horoscope?

Some people pay very close attention to their horoscopes, and some don’t–it’s totally up to you! I usually invite people to think about the Zodiac in the same way they thought about essential oils when they first started using them, or crystals–if it’s making you smile or helping you in some way, you’re winning! 

However you choose to see the Zodiac, I feel like it can bring insight into behaviors that you might not have noticed in yourself. Self-awareness is key to growth, so I’m all for the Zodiac! 

How can the zodiac help you

Here are other ways the Zodiac can help you: 

  • Learn more about yourself–and tap into superpowers you didn’t know you had (!) 
  • Help you develop empathy and compassion for others 
  • Better understand how you can work together with other people 
  • Increase a sense of togetherness and connectedness–we really are all in this together 

How to Find Your Zodiac Sign 

Your Zodiac sign depends on when you were born. While not every trait of, say, Aries, might apply to you, understanding how Aries tend to be can help you unearth patterns and reach from strengths (instead of fighting them). Each of the twelve signs can be divided into four elements: 

Four elements of the Zodiac
  • Fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) 
  • Earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) 
  • Air (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius)
  • Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) 

The fire signs are often fiery (passionate and strong),while the earth signs tend to resemble nature in their earthy groundedness. The three air signs tend to be intelligent and intellectually curious, while the water signs, much like water itself, can be hard to pin down, operating from a place of great intuition.  

Below, I’m sharing a little bit about each sign (you can use the date you were born to figure out yours, if you don’t know it already!), plus I’m including my favorite essential oils + crystals for each sign! 

(BTW, here’s a great article I wrote about pairing essential oils and crystals, and here’s a helpful article about making your own roller bottle with essential oils like the ones I’m recommending below.)  

Make sure you let me know in the comments what your sign is–and what your favorite oils + crystals are. 

Aries zodiac essential oils and crystals

Aries | The Ram (March 21-April 19)

Rams are strong and powerful–and so is an Aries! They like to be first, but they’re also generous. An Aries’ essential oil must-haves are sandalwood and grapefruit. 

Both are earthy and grounding, yet spicy and energizing. My favorite crystal for an Aries is green aventurine; it will help Aries release self-destructive patterns and embrace daily joy. 

Taurus zodiac essential oils and crystals

Taurus | The Bull (April 20-May 20)

Don’t think of a mean, snorting bull–think of Ferdinand, the sweet, gentle bull from the classic children’s story! 

If you have a Taurus in your life you probably know it, because he or she is dependable, reliable, and devoted. 

My favorite essential oils for Taurus are neroli, cardamom, and lemon verbena, paired with rose quartz. Rose quartz is the love stone–it will help bring Taurus all the love he or she needs.   

Gemini zodiac essential oils and crystals

Gemini | The Twins (May 21-June 20) 

Geminis have this great, irresistible energy to them, but sometimes they need help getting out of their heads and into their feelings. 

My favorite Gemini essential oils are bergamot and tea tree oil for this reason. The combo is cleansing and grounding, and you can amplify it with clear quartz, the ultimate healing stone, which can help center and calm a Gemini’s sense of wonder and excitement.

Cancer zodiac essential oils and crystals

Cancer | The Crab (June 21-July 22) 

Yes, the crab sounds like a weird animal sign at first, but when you think about how crabs exist in and out of the water, you begin to see how versatile and talented Cancers are! Cancers are imaginative (that’s their water element kicking in) but also very loyal. 

Cancer’s go-to essential oils are lavender, chamomile, and lemongrass. These oils bolster Cancer’s love of self, while countering negative emotions like anxiety. My favorite crystal for Cancers? Peach moonstone

Leo zodiac essential oils and crystals

Leo | The Lion (July 23-August 22)

Everything you know about lions is spot on for Leos: they are the kings (and queens) of their domains, charismatic, yet inclusive and protective of their family/pride! 

I love using a mixture of cinnamon, clove, orange, and vanilla for Leos–this essential oil blend is joyful and recharging at the same time. Leos can pair it with black onyx to protect their energy and absorb negativity. 

Virgo zodiac essential oils and crystals

Virgo | The Virgin (August 23-September 22)

Virgos are lovely–observant, creative, and kind. Virgo essential oils like ylang ylang, peppermint, and black pepper help enhance Virgo’s creativity (tapping into their superpowers), but also help recharge and energize them, since they’re often busy pouring into others. 

My favorite crystal for Virgos is white howlite, which will help decrease stress and frustration and increase wonder and excitement. 

Libra zodiac essential oils and crystals

Libra | The Scales (September 23-October 22) 

Libra’s sign is a set of scales–which makes sense, considering how much balance Libras bring to our world. Libras are idealistic yet kind, and tend to be great at listening to all sides of the story. 

Frankincense and ylang ylang are superpower oils that will help Libras find strength and confidence; sodalite is a calming stone that will amplify a Libra’s desire to verbalize truthfully. 

Scorpio zodiac essential oils and crystals

Scorpio | The Scorpion (October 23-November 21)

Scorpios are passionate but honest to a fault. And talk about determined! The best essential oils for scorpio are patchouli, jasmine, and myrrh–these oils have ancient healing properties that will help increase Scorpio’s natural courage and ambition. 

Pair them with labradorite, a beautiful stone that will aid Scorpios through transformation, imparting strength and endurance.  

Sagittarius | The Archer (November 22-December 21) 

The archer, Sagittarius’ sign, is a symbol for high standards and taking aim for the best in life–something Sagittarius excels at! 

The best essential oils for Sagittarius are rosemary and frankincense, a healing, invigorating combination that helps to ground Sagittarius in their philosophical pursuits. 

Sagittarius can turn to lapis lazuli–it’s the stone of wisdom and good judgement. 

Capricorn zodiac essential oils and crystals

Capricorn | The Goat (December 22-January 19) 

Capricorns are a delightful blend of “opposite” strengths: realistic and sensitive. Ambitious but also pragmatic. And (usually) humorous! 

Chamomile, sandalwood, and patchouli have a calming, soothing effect that speaks to Capricorn’s gentler side, but they also have a strengthening, positive effect that speaks to their courageous side. 

Capricorns can look to tiger’s eye, as well–its strength will inspire greater courage and self-love in their lives. 

Aquarius zodiac essential oils and crystals

Aquarius | The Water Bearer (January 20-February 18) 

Aquarius works towards balance by bringing an intelligent, original presence to the world. Ylang ylang, peppermint, and lime is a combination that’s as unique as this sign–and will help energize an Aquarius so she or he can better plan for the future. 

Fluorite is the perfect crystals pairing for an Aquarius, as it will bring spiritual cleansing and help you tap into your intuitive abilities. 

Pisces zodiac essential oils and crystals

Pisces | The Fish (February 19-March 20) 

Pisces are often known for swimming against the current–it’s their inner compassion and empathy which give them the strength to do so! Pisces tend to be highly intuitive, as well. 

The best essential oils for Pisces are rose, vetiver, and neroli. These oils will enhance Pisces’ creativity and help ground the heart. Pair with amethyst for even more gentle support and nourishment.

I'm Haylee!

Haylee is the CEO of Whimsy + Wellness and the brains behind the business. She has her hand in every area of the company…from product creation to supply chain solution to online marketing. When she’s not looking at spreadsheets she’s mom to Mason, Posey, and Golden. Her kids inspire her to run a company that values community over competition and people before profit.

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