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Compatibility
Leo Rat and Capricorn 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, Leo
Western Zodiac sign, Capricorn

Western Zodiac

Leo and Capricorn

Compatibility overview

This mysterious, yet often enchanting, combination is one of the most curious in the Western zodiac. firstwest and secondwest can seem like chalk and cheese, and historically many astrologers have been skeptical about their connection. But there is often a surprising depth of feeling between these two, and close personal or creative partnerships can prove to be delightfully warm and rewarding.

Leo and Capricorn - Relationship Horoscope

Read more about the LEO and CAPRICORN zodiac signs...

Read more about the LEO RAT and CAPRICORN OX combined zodiac signs...

An interval of five signs in the Western zodiac, as there is between Leo and Capricorn, is called a Quincunx (or inconjunct). This is one of only two minor aspects (with the Semi-sextile), meaning the energy here is gentler, more open to variation, than other aspects.

Classical astrologers were wary of the Quincunx, believing that an angle of 150° meant these two signs were total strangers. Certainly the respective elements here create some key disparities. Fire sign Leo is typically a blazing individual, dynamic and impactful when at full roar, but apt to dwindle into smoke when neglected or disappointed. Capricorn, by contrast, manifests the steady dependability of Earth, preferring incremental development, restraint, and patience. Hence Leo can often find Capricorn to be an unadventurous hand brake, while Capricorn sees Leo as unpredictable and high maintenance. Though equally strong-minded, these signs' instincts could hardly be more contrary when it comes to their public profiles. Leo is a natural-born show-person, rarely as comfortable as when displaying their prodigious talents on as wide a stage as possible. Capricorn, on the other hand, tends to believe that real power is exercised behind the scenes, and that public performance, when necessary, is purely a means to an end.

The strange magic of the Quincunx, however, means that the tensions in this relationship are often not experienced as disturbing. Indeed, Capricorn and Leo often find their differences charming or entertaining. Feelings of near-spontaneous friendship or attraction are common here. More importantly, the respective modalities augur well for longer-term teamwork. Capricorn's pure Cardinal modality brings an always-beginning receptiveness to new ideas and directions, while Leo's Fixed energy provides the productive force necessary for accomplishment and resolution. Collaborative endeavors—creative projects especially, but extending to home and family—can harness the contrasting qualities of these signs into an intriguing and effective union.

Capricorn and Leo may face ongoing challenges meeting in the middle. This pair could find they manage best taking individual responsibility for different aspects of shared projects, rather than working hand in glove. They should also address disputes or frustrations immediately—Quincunx energy is too indeterminate to cope well with built-up resentment. With some independence and open communication, however, this can prove to be a thrillingly enjoyable, rewarding, and successful relationship.

Celebrity Leo/Capricorn Pairings*

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

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama (click for attribution/s)

Barack Obama (8/4/1961, Leo Ox), Michelle Obama (1/17/1964, Capricorn Rabbit) : The 44th US President and First Lady have been married since 1992 and have two children. In 2017, Michelle Obama described: "I loved the life we had built for our girls. I deeply loved the man I had built that life with…and I didn’t want that to change if he became president. I loved Barack just the way he was. You see, even though back then Barack was a senator and a presidential candidate…to me, he was still the guy who’d picked me up for our dates in a car that was so rusted out I could actually see the pavement going by through a hole in the passenger side door. He was the guy whose proudest possession was a coffee table he’d found in a dumpster, and whose only pair of decent shoes was half a size too small."

Helen Mirren (7/26/1945, Leo Rooster), Taylor Hackford (12/31/1944, Capricorn Monkey) : The actor and director have been married since 1997. Mirren has described: "A really important part of love is to maintain your own sense of identity. In a way, that's the most important thing of all, to not subsume yourself into someone else, far from it. Be honestly and authentically who you are...It's work. And it's very important to allow the person you love to be who they are — even if [sometimes] you don't like it very much."

John Huston and Ava Gardner
John Huston and Ava Gardner (click for attribution/s)

John Huston (8/5/1906, Leo Horse), Ava Gardner (12/24/1922, Capricorn Dog) : The actor and director became lifelong friends after they worked together on The Night of the Iguana (1964). Gardner described: "I have only one rule in acting—trust the director and give him heart and soul. And the director I trusted most of all was John Huston. Working with him gave me the only real joy I’ve ever had in movies…[Huston] felt the character, especially the way I played her, was warmer, more human, a better person than [writer] Tennessee [Williams’] original ending allowed, and he had the scene rewritten to emphasize that point. Tennessee was never happy with that, but anyone seeing the film knows that John’s choice was the only one that fit."

David O. Russell (8/20/1958, Leo Dog), Bradley Cooper (1/5/1975, Capricorn Tiger) : The director and actor famously collaborated (with Jennifer Lawrence) on three consecutive award-winning films: Silver Linings Playbook (2012), American Hustle (2013), and Joy (2015). Cooper described: "Now [Russell's] like my brother. That's not just because he's here, or because we're doing this interview. It's just the truth. I love working with David so much. Every day, I remind myself, 'You get to work with the greatest director around. And he asks you to collaborate with him.' There are times when you realize you're threading the needle in a beautiful way, which happened a lot with Richie DiMaso [the character Cooper played in American Hustle]. I love that character so much."

James Baldwin and Martin Luther King Jr.
James Baldwin and Martin Luther King Jr. (click for attribution/s)

James Baldwin (8/2/1924, Leo Rat), Martin Luther King Jr. (1/15/1929, Capricorn Dragon) : The writer and civil rights leader shared a mutually admiring relationship. In 1961, King wrote Baldwin: "Your analysis of the [race relations] problem is always creative and penetrating. Your honesty and courage in telling the truth to white Americans, even if it hurts, is most impressive." Baldwin described in a 1961 essay: "[T]he Reverend King is not like any preacher I have ever met before. For one thing, to state it baldly, I liked him. It is rare that one likes a world-famous man—by the time they become world-famous they rarely like themselves, which may account for this antipathy. Yet King is immediately and tremendously winning, there is really no other word for it...[T]he fact that King really loves the people he represents and has—therefore—no hidden, interior need to hate the white people who oppose him has had and will, I think, continue to have the most far-reaching and unpredictable repercussions on our racial situation."

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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 LEO RAT and CAPRICORN 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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