Your Animal Connection

Have you always had a thing for lions? Or perhaps horses or dolphins? There's a good reason why you're attracted to certain animals more than others, and it has to do with your Sun sign. Learn more about the members of the animal kingdom with which you connect most directly!

Aries: Cheetah, Ram
The cheetah is the fastest of all animals, so it travels far and fast -- but only in short bursts. It represents feminine independence and moving without fear. Aries's other animal guide is the ram, a symbol of solar energy that bursts forth in springtime, and so contains the power to renew and reinvent.

Taurus: Bear, Bull
The bear hibernates all winter before emerging once warmth finally returns. This furry creature brings a gift of persistence, power and kindness. The regal and creative bull is a pillar of strength and able to handle any storm. Lightning strikes with equanimity!

Gemini: Butterfly, Flamingo
The butterfly always has two sides -- one colorful, the other not. It brings with it the knowledge of light and dark, sadness and joy. The flamingo, meanwhile, moves in flocks and can withstand arid conditions. It represents beauty of the soul, and remains calm and constant amid difficulties.

Cancer: Otter, Kingfisher
The otter is a consummate swimmer, a fun-loving and familial creature that's also elusive and self-protective. It represents the joy of the soul among the clan, while avoiding the perils of the world. The kingfisher is a colorful and smart bird, bringing calm, dignity and beauty -- and of course, blinding speed!

Leo: Lion, Peacock
The lion stands proud in the sun among its family group, bringing warmth of heart, a sense of majesty, courage and justice. As for the peacock, it isn't all just about show. It represents compassion, watchfulness and immortality.

Virgo: Hedgehog, Owl
The hedgehog is a shy but determined creature, often living by itself, but with its family nearby. It symbolizes self-containment, innocence and the ability to find its own path. The owl is, of course, the wise creature of the night, all-knowing about when to speak at the right time.

Libra: Swan, Deer
The swan is elegant and sociable, mating for life and representing beauty, poetry and art. The deer is a herd animal, keen on company, and suggests a life of meditation and gentleness.

Scorpio: Dolphin, Snake
The dolphin swims strongly and dives deeply, a guide to the underworld who can lead souls through transformation. The snake has a bad reputation, but is powerful, wise and forceful. Its skin-shedding suggests that it's a symbol of eternal renewal, and it has a clear understanding of both the dark and the light.

Sagittarius: Horse, Gazelle
The horse may be fleet of foot and difficult to tame, but it carries a message of wisdom, reason, mobility and the hidden nature of things. Its fellow galloper, the gazelle, represents the ability to travel far and wide, suggesting that earthly passions can be overcome along the path to spiritual fulfillment.

Capricorn: Goat, Hawk
The goat climbs high as it represents superiority, courage and abundance. The hawk, meanwhile, is known as the messenger of the gods for its ability to fly higher than any other bird. It represents the ability to stand on the threshold between two realms -- the earthly and the spiritual.

Aquarius: Dragonfly, Heron
The dragonfly is brightly colored, yet gossamer-winged, a creature of both air and water. It represents immortality and the ability to persist over time. The heron is a bird of wisdom, suggesting that new life can be earned if strong efforts are made.

Pisces: Seahorse, Whale
The seahorse is a hybrid creature living in a watery realm, representing cosmic forces that can cure and soothe. The whale is a singularly powerful animal, though it's mostly a gentle creature. It is a symbol of renewal, and its enormity represents a capacity to show strength with kindness.