Most zodiac sign descriptions focus on positive traits, but it’s worth understanding the negative traits to get a clearer picture of what makes each sign tick. These negative traits are sometimes referred to as the “shadow side” and although they may seem less exciting to learn about than the positive attributes of your sign, the shadow side illustrates just how powerful the dark side can be.

Keep in mind that your sun sign is just one small part of your birth chart. Your Moon sign, Ascendant and eight planets also play an important role in who you are. A Taurus Sun sign who has Mercury, Venus, and Mars in Aries, for example, will probably exhibit more Aries traits than Taurus traits so it’s important to look at the whole chart to get a more accurate view of who you are.

Let’s take a look at each of the zodiac signs to learn about their toxic traits Just remember that even though these traits are labeled as weaknesses or “bad” traits, they’re simply things for you to be mindful of and use for self-growth.

Aries

Aries negative traits: impulsive, competitive, hot-headed
Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is great at beginnings – especially the beginning of a friendship or relationship. They’re attentive, exciting, and charming. But once they get to know someone and the excitement wears off, they’re on to their next conquest. And if you confront an Aries about neglecting or ghosting you, they’ll act like you’re crazy and really avoid you. Aries are also known for their competitive side and never back down from a challenge. They pride themselves on winning and if they don’t win, be prepared for a temper tantrum. Their outbursts are legendary and you don’t want to be on the receiving end of Aries’ anger.

Taurus

Taurus negative traits: stubborn, possessive, slow-moving
The most stubborn of all the zodiac signs. If you want a Taurus to do something, you have to convince them it was their idea. They don’t respond to pressure tactics and will do things when they damn well please. Taureans are also super possessive – of their friends, lovers, and belongings so if you take something that belongs to them, then expect to be on the receiving end of their rage. Also, one thing they’ll never admit is that they are perfectly content with the rut they’re stuck in, even if they complain about their situation. Tauruses hate change so they’d rather stick to what they know than put in the effort to change things they’re unhappy with.

Gemini

Gemini negative traits: restless, flighty, two-faced
Gemini is the wicked step child of the zodiac, but I don’t understand why. I’ll take Gemini’s two-faced tendencies over an Aquarian’s cold detachment or a Sagittarian’s dismissiveness any day. Geminis are impressionable and tend to change their opinion frequently, but it is mostly in an attempt to keep the peace. So while they may come across as two-faced or fickle, it’s really just their tendency to people please that makes them react this way. Geminis can be restless and flighty, which can be annoying to someone who craves stability. They get bored quickly, too, and keeping their attention is like trying to entertain a group of five year-olds – which can be especially frustrating if you’re trying to date a Gemini. A more sensitive sign like Cancer or Pisces might be hurt by the sarcasm Gemini dishes out on a regular basis, but overall Geminis don’t deserve the horrible reputation they have in the astrology community.

Cancer

Cancer negative traits: resentful, moody, manipulative
Cancers look sweet and cute, but they’re super resentful and vindictive. If you wrong them, they will never forget it and will punish you endlessly. Like Scorpio, they’re also quite manipulative and will resort to all sorts of underhanded tactics to get their way – the difference is, you’ll never see it coming with Cancer because they seem so sweet and passive. Perhaps one of Cancer’s most well known traits is their moodiness. Cancers are known for being moody due to the complexity of their emotions, which can quickly jump from extremely happy to extremely sad.

Leo

Leo negative traits: self-centered, egotistical, controlling
Talk about self-centered! As generous and attentive as this sign can be, they’re also hopelessly self-focused and somehow manage to make everything about them. Leos crave the spotlight and feel best when they are the center of attention. Leos also have a tendency to believe they can do anything better than anyone else (and it’s annoying when they’re actually right about it). While they’re not as competitive as Aries, Leos do enjoy competition – especially if it allows them to show off. their looks, charm, or talent. Leos, the Kings and Queens of the zodiac, are also control freaks. When they can’t control those around them, they become frustrated and throw fiery temper tantrums until they get their way.

Virgo

Virgo negative traits: critical, irritable, uptight
If you’ve ever been under the magnifying glass of an ultra-critical Virgo, you know how unpleasant Virgos can be when they’re in hyper-critical mode. Virgos are also known for being fussy and uptight, which can be a downer to those who are more easygoing and open-minded. They just can’t seem to let loose and have a good time. Like an overbearing mother, Virgos are also known to nag the people they care about; they just don’t want to see the people around them not live up to their potential. Virgos aren’t known for being warm and fuzzy, so don’t expect a Virgo to comfort you if you’re having a bad day. They can be cold and detached, so the most you’ll get out of them is a lecture or critique of your behavior and how you can “do better” next time.

Libra

Libra negative traits: superficial, resentful, indecisive
Aren’t Libras wonderful? So charming, so agreeable. If only their friendly facade weren’t fake. Libras come across as easygoing, but they carry so much resentment around with them due to their tendency to avoid conflict at all costs. So, while this Venus-ruled sign often comes across as super sweet and easygoing, that sweet exterior is hiding a petty, resentful monster that comes out when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Perhaps, one of the traits Libras are best known for is their indecisiveness. Libras can’t make a decision to save their life! Whether they’re trying to decide where to eat or who to date, Libras agonize over making a decision out of fear they will make the wrong one.

Scorpio

Scorpio negative traits: jealous, manipulative, vindictive
If you’re at all familiar with astrology you’ve probably heard about Scorpio’s reputation for being intense. Scorpios have a tendency toward extremes of emotion and this can lead to jealousy and possessiveness. They also have a knack for knowing what makes people tick and they use this insight to manipulate others. They’re extremely manipulative and will stop at nothing to get their way. And if you ever cross a Scorpio, don’t be surprised when you see their vindictive side – Scorpios are known for seeking revenge after being wronged. Scorpios are also obsessive and will hold on to things long after other signs have let go, whether it’s a relationship or a grudge. This sign can also be aggressive and forceful when it comes to getting their way and are relentless in their pursuit of what they want.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius negative traits: unsympathetic, irresponsible, over-confident
Ah, Sagittarius… Sag’s have this thing where they are super optimistic all the time and expect everyone else to be – except when they’re suffering then things get really dark. It’s as if the world is coming to an end when a Sagittarius is upset, but don’t you dare be upset around a Sag because you will get zero sympathy from them. They can be cold as ice to other peoples’ suffering and lack understanding. I’ve ever known some to go as far as to ridicule people who are suffering. Behind a Sagittarian’s happy-go-lucky facade is a hotheaded, argumentative, tactless fool who rushes headfirst into things before thinking.

Capricorn

Capricorn negative traits: greedy, opportunistic, pessimistic
The greed is strong with this one! The opportunists of the zodiac, Capricorns are most likely thinking “What can you do for me?” when they first meet you. Their haughty, condescending nature can make them seem unapproachable, though, so there’s a good change you won’t meet them unless you have money or status. Capricorns tend to have a dark mindset and pessimistic outlook on life, which can be off-putting to those around them. Their approach to life is serious and stern, which can make them come across as boring, especially to more lively, optimistic zodiac signs. Capricorns are known for being insensitive and cold so don’t expect your Capricorn friend or lover to comfort you when you’re feeling down.

Aquarius

Aquarius negative traits: coldhearted, distant, superiority complex
Cold-as-ice. Aquarians relate on an intellectual level and many have a hard time showing empathy. Although Aquarians are known as the humanitarians of the zodiac, their love of humanity is rather detached and impersonal; sure, they care about people as a whole, but they’re not the type to console someone who is suffering. They’re more likely to care about the suffering of large groups of people than an individual or even someone close to them. They also have a God complex that makes them act like they are superior to those around them, so there’s that…

Pisces

Pisces negative traits: ultra-sensitive, lazy, escapist
Pisceans spend a lot of time daydreaming and fantasizing, so much so that they often lose touch with reality. They are also the most sensitive of all zodiac signs and for that reason, can spend a lot of time wallowing in self-pity. Pisces can be pessimistic to the point where they expect bad things to happen. Even when things are going well, ultra-sensitive Pisces is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Since Pisceans spend so much time with their head in the clouds, it can result in lack of motivation and laziness.