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Compatibility
Aries Rat and Virgo Ox

The strange and lovely potential of firstwest and secondwest finds magical support in the revered combination of the firsteast and secondeast.

Western Zodiac sign, Aries
Western Zodiac sign, Virgo

Western Zodiac

Aries and Virgo

Compatibility overview

This enigmatic match has the potential to prove one of Western astrology's most precious secrets. On the surface, firstwest and secondwest can seem the very definition of contrary. Traditional astrologers often portrayed them as cosmic strangers, with next to nothing in common. Yet, as surprising as it may seem, this mysterious energy can yield some truly wonderful results, in any context.

Aries and Virgo - Relationship Horoscope

Read more about the ARIES and VIRGO zodiac signs...

Read more about the ARIES RAT and VIRGO OX combined zodiac signs...

Signs that are five steps apart, like Aries and Virgo, form a Quincunx (or inconjunct) interval. This minor aspect—one of only two, with the semi-Sextile—has a softer effect than other influences, so from the beginning these two are likely to experience a freedom to be themselves, accompanied by a somewhat disorienting absence of clear direction.

Classical astrologers were mistrustful of the Quincunx, believing signs 150° apart were fundamentally disconnected and oppositional. This skepticism was based primarily on the respective elements, which admittedly can cause some pretty serious tension. Fire sign Aries has probably the most extremely combustible character in the zodiac—blazingly dynamic and pioneering when roused, yet fading dramatically when disappointed. Virgo, by contrast, typically displays the patience and steadiness of Earth—they pride themselves on their staying power, even when accused of inflexibility or over-involvement. Thus Aries can find Virgo frustratingly immoveable, unimaginative, or conservative, while in Virgo's eyes Aries may seem unstable, unpredictable, or selfish. Powerful disagreements are possible, as Aries' adventurism and idealism collide with Virgo's practical dependability. The intensity of Aries is legendary, but Virgo is not one to shrink from a fight either, so clashes of wills could be startlingly explosive.

The beguiling nature of the Quincunx, however, means that tensions and confrontations are rarely hostile. In fact, Aries and Virgo often find their different instincts quite fascinating. Mutual attraction, acceptance, and admiration are surprisingly common for these apparently incongruous signs. Aries' Cardinal modality lends an always-beginning purity to their character, which combines marvelously with Virgo's Mutable nature, with its emphasis on consequences and effects. Collaboration and teamwork is thus likely to prove rewarding and successful. If roles are separate enough to harness the two signs' different instincts without them stepping on each other's toes too much, stunningly creative and innovative results can be achieved.

It is usually important for Aries and Virgo to address tensions as they arise—Quincunx energy is especially vulnerable to unresolved conflicts. Happily, though, conversation and debate between these signs is usually a joyful affair, full of playful contestation, so ongoing resentment tends to be avoidable. Over time, this pairing may well prove that, as different as they are, the foundation of respect and warmth they share is capable of lasting long into the future.

Celebrity Aries/Virgo Pairings*

*Click on the names to see both Western and Chinese zodiac matches for that pairing.

James Caan and Scott Caan
James Caan and Scott Caan (click for attribution/s)

James Caan (3/26/1940, Aries Dragon), Scott Caan (8/23/1976, Virgo Dragon) : The father and son actor and actor/director shared a close bond. In a joint interview after they collaborated on the film, Mercy (2014), Scott Caan described: "Our instinct is to laugh and punch each other and have fun...He’s obviously had some failed attempts at marriages. But there’s a lot of people that do that and they go, 'I’m never doing that again.' My dad is a good example of someone who digs into life and goes, 'Yeah, that tore my heart out, but I’m going to try again.'...We’re different. People would say [to him] you’re an artist, and he would say, 'I’m not an artist. Picasso was an artist.' So I’d get on him for that because I think he’s one of the best at what he does and I think it is an art." James Caan said: "I have a very unique relationship with Scott. He grew up with me. [I took] [a]bout six years off my career. Not just for him. I went through some bad times. I lost my sister and I got a little goofy and I got on drugs — coke — and I went through all of that. He was attached to my hip."

Chloé Zhao (3/31/1982, Aries Dog), Salma Hayek (9/2/1966, Virgo Horse) : The actor and director worked together on the film, Eternals (2021). Hayak described: "I had some problems with the script and we got into a serious fight at my house. We were both passionate. And she was like, 'No, but that's not how I designed it.' The people outside my house were calling it a fight, because we were kind of screaming. We continued to talk and talk, and it went on for a long time. The people outside were so nervous that I was going to get fired. I came out and I said, 'Wow, I'm in love with her brain!' That was the best creative conversation I've ever had with a director in my life, and she felt the same. She told me, 'Wow! That was amazing. It was just complete freedom. We found our middle ground. While finding it, we came up with other ideas. It was super exciting."

Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker
Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker (click for attribution/s)

Brooklyn Decker (4/12/1987, Aries Rabbit), Andy Roddick (8/30/1982, Virgo Dog) : The model and former professional tennis player married in 2009 and have two children together. Decker described in 2018: "I was 22 and he was 27, we were both earnest and I think naive and optimistic and us against the world. We were like, 'We want to get married and want children and who cares,' and we just did it … I don’t know that we necessarily had that base partnership that is required when you get married. We were just infatuated with each other, and fortunately we’ve built upon that infatuation."

Nicole Holofcener (3/22/1960, Aries Rat), James Gandolfini (9/18/1961, Virgo Ox) : The director said about working with the late Sopranos actor in Enough Said, "He was a clown...very childlike. And very smart. All good things."

Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams
Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams (click for attribution/s)

Pharrell Williams (4/5/1973, Aries Ox), Hans Zimmer (9/12/1957, Virgo Rooster) : The singer/songwriter/producer and composer have developed a strong friendship and working relationship, collaborating on soundtracks including the Despicable Me movies (2010, 2013, and 2017), Hidden Figures (2017), and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). Williams has described: "Hans is one of the most gracious spirits that I’ve ever come into contact with. His belief and his support and generosity with projects, and his willingness to be patient with me and teach me, has just been an experience that … I don’t know how to put it into words. His generosity is just unmatched. All my life I’ve had what I call 'light towers,' people who just see and signal you in the right way, and if you listen to them, you’ll always make it to your destination. At the age of 41, I found another one, and his name is Hans Zimmer." Zimmer said: "Spending time with Pharrell is experiencing a hurricane of ideas. His music is borne out of a thirst for the knowledge of everything — painting, writing, science, psychology, history. But it’s not a cold intellect that informs his art. At the center is a steadfast real concern for the human condition, and the charm he brings to his work is grounded in genuine love for his fellow man."

Micheline Roquebrune (4 April 1929, Aries Snake), Sean Connery (8/25/1930, Virgo Horse) : The French-Moroccan painter and James Bond actor were married from 1975 until his death in 2020. Asked about how they managed early in their relationship, given she did not speak English, Roquebrune famously said: "Oh we had no problem communicating — body language!" Their marriage survived a well-publicized affair Connery had in the 1980s, and Roquebrune cared for Connery as he struggled with dementia in his final years. In 2011, Connery said: "Micheline is an amazing woman. She is the love of my life."

Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Rupert Grint and Emma Watson (click for attribution/s)

Emma Watson (4/15/1990, Aries Horse), Rupert Grint (8/24/1988, Virgo Dragon) : The two actors co-starred in the Harry Potter films between 2001 and 2011. In the anniversary documentary, Return to Hogwarts (2022), Grint became visibly emotional telling Watson, "We’ve watched each other grow up. We grew up together. We’re family. We don’t need to see each — Oh, my God." Watson described later: "[T]hat was the most emotional moment [of the documentary] for me. When Rupert says things, he really means them. I was taken aback by how vulnerable and kind he was deciding to be so publicly."

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Chinese Zodiac sign, the Rat
Chinese Zodiac sign, the Ox

Chinese Zodiac

Rat and Ox

Compatibility overview

This is one of the most cherished matches in all of Eastern astrology. There may be no perfection in human relationships, but the combination of the firsteast and the secondeast attracts the most compatible energy there is. In professional, familial, or intimate contexts, these two natural confidants and allies can be expected to forge a powerful and dependable bond.

Rat and Ox - Relationship Horoscope

Read more about the RAT and OX zodiac signs...

Read more about the ARIES RAT and VIRGO OX combined zodiac signs...

Compatibility in the Eastern zodiac depends mainly on the four Trine Families. While members of the same family share very harmonious energy, each sign also enjoys a revered Soulmate connection with one sign from their kindred Trine Family. The powerful leader, the Ox, and the clever strategist, the Rat, share this Soulmate connection. In fact, this is probably the most legendary of all the Soulmate matches—after all, in the Jade Emperor's race that decided the order of the signs, the Rat achieved victory by hiding in the ear of the Ox.

Early contacts between these two will likely establish a bedrock of excitement and resolve. The Ox is incredibly strong and determined. Their dominant nature and near-infinite capacity for effective hard work appeal immediately to the strategic and socially-minded Rat. The Rat, meanwhile, is as clever as the day is long. The Ox will likely recognize quickly what sage advice the Rat can provide, while at the same time being hopelessly seduced by the Rat's delightful compliments and winning personality. Soon, these two will discover the secret that lies at the heart of their great compatibility. For these signs are both intensely motivated by social unity, whether in the home or professional contexts. The Ox may be a born leader, but they know in their bones the importance of a trustworthy, dedicated team. The Rat's instinctive command of social dynamics is simply wasted without a community to coordinate towards success.

Hence these two are natural collaborators, a brilliant pairing in business or family. Traits that may infuriate other signs will for the most part not even register as problems. The Rat can usually navigate the Ox's stubborn, opinionated nature with effortless humor and shrewd foresight. The Ox may similarly laugh off the Rat's secretive wiles and occasional manipulation, given an unerring trust that the Rat has their best interests at heart. The only real danger for this match is if life gets in the way. Soulmate energy can be as demanding as it is rich. If either party is unable to devote themselves completely to this alliance, both may suffer grave misery. Fortunately, this combination is capable of extraordinary devotion and patience, and most challenges will prove surmountable. If these two can commit to their shared vision, then in any context their union is likely to prove as strong, rewarding, and effective as any in the Eastern zodiac.

Celebrity Rat/Ox Pairings*

*Click on the names to see both Western and Chinese zodiac matches for that pairing.

Paul Newman and Robert Redford
Paul Newman and Robert Redford (click for attribution/s)

Robert Redford (8/18/1936, Leo Rat), Paul Newman (1/26/1925, Aquarius Ox) : The celebrated actors shared memorable on-screen chemistry in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, and they became lifelong friends. Redford has been quoted as saying, "I think what we found out over time was that the things that made us friends were — had a lot to do with values, what we saw as valuable in society."

Billy Crystal (3/14/1948, Pisces Rat), Janice Crystal (3/16/1949, Pisces Ox) : Both actors and producers, Billy and Janice Crystal were high school sweethearts who have been married for over 50 years. They have two children and are grandparents. Reflecting on their relationship, Billy Crystal commented: "We’ve grown together, we’ve parented together, we’ve grandparented together. I’m lucky that I found the person when I was 18." On another occasion, he said, "My parents always looked like they loved being together […] that’s how my wife and I are."

Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson (click for attribution/s)

Samuel L. Jackson (12/21/1948, Sagittarius Rat), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (10/21/1949, Libra Ox) : The two actors have been married for over 50 years and have a daughter together. Asked in a joint interview about about whether they had ever had to choose between being true to themselves and professional opportunity, Samuel L. Jackson responded, "We don’t compromise who we are to do the things we do. It’s imperative that we be who we are. It’s not like we’ve never heard: 'You’ll never work in this town again.'" To which LaTanya Jackson responded, laughing, "Well you have – I haven’t!"

Kathryn Reed Altman (6/2/1924, Gemini Rat), Robert Altman (2/20/1925, Pisces Ox) : The acclaimed director and actor-turned-archivist were married from 1959 until Altman's death in 2006. They had two children together as well as children from previous marriages. Recounting their first meeting, Reed described, "When we were introduced, [Altman] didn’t say hello. He just said, 'How are your morals?' And I said: 'A little shaky. How are yours?' That was the beginning."

Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan (click for attribution/s)

Tracy Pollan (6/22/1960, Cancer Rat), Michael J. Fox (6/9/1961, Gemini Ox) : The two actors met on the set of Family Ties in 1985. They married in 1988 and have four children together. Celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, Pollan was asked what she thought was the key to a successful marriage. She answered, "Just give each other the benefit of the doubt. He assumes I’m doing the best I can."

Marlon Brando (4/3/1924, Aries Rat), Jack Nicholson (4/22/1937, Taurus Ox) : The two actors—both often included among the best Hollywood has ever produced—were real-life neighbours for thirty years. In a tribute after Brando's death in 2004, Nicholson described how the star of On the Waterfront and The Godfather had "been my idol all of my professional life". Nicholson wrote: "I treasured the conversations I had with [Brando]. He’s a brilliant man with a very eclectic mind. He was brutally honest, with very unusual insights into just about everything. He was very funny, too. Brando’s favorite holiday was April Fools’ Day, and, trust me, the guy pulled a couple of real crackerjacks at my expense."

Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza
Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza (click for attribution/s)

Aubrey Plaza (6/26/1984, Cancer Rat), Anna Kendrick (8/9/1985, Leo Ox) : The two actors met on the set of Scott Pilgrim vs the World and have become close friends who holiday together and exchange affectionate posts online. In an interview, Plaza quipped, "Hmm, hopefully when I’m 70, Anna Kendrick and I will have our multicam sitcom, exactly like The Golden Girls. We’ll just be two fast-talking sexual ladies hitting on younger guys."

Jennie Garth (4/3/1972, Aries Rat), Tori Spelling (5/16/1973, Taurus Ox) : These two actors first met on the set of Beverley Hills 90210 in 1990 and have been best friends ever since. Spelling once described Garth as "one of the most spectacular women and human beings" she knows, and while promoting their short-lived detective series, Mystery Girls, frequently referred to Garth as her "partner in crime for life".


Combined Relationship Horoscope

Final Words

The enigmatic Quincunx connection between firstwest and secondwest means that, in spite of their essential differences, these signs can often share an atmosphere of unbridled creativity and intimacy. On the Chinese zodiac side, as long as both parties have space to nurture its benevolent character, no connection could be more conducive to success than the Soulmate energy between firsteast and secondeast. In short, this is a wonderfully fortunate pairing.

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