horizon astrology banner image with composite nebula formations

Compatibility
Scorpio Rat and Leo Monkey

Firstwest and secondwest may share one of the most combative connections in the Western zodiac, but here the corresponding potential for growth and self-knowledge is significantly favored, due to the legendary alliance between the firsteast and secondeast.

Western Zodiac sign, Scorpio
Western Zodiac sign, Leo

Western Zodiac

Scorpio and Leo

Compatibility overview

Not for the faint-hearted! This combination of powerhouse Western zodiac signs firstwest and secondwest can be one of the most intense and combative of any under the Sun. Even apparently mundane subjects may provoke fierce or intractable confrontations. However, there is a clear upside to this explosive energy match, with excitement aplenty, and both sides—separately and together—likely to find unparalleled opportunities for positive personal transformation.

Scorpio and Leo - Relationship Horoscope

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

Read more about the SCORPIO RAT and LEO MONKEY combined zodiac signs...

The interval of three steps around the Western zodiac wheel forms a hard right-angle. This perpendicular, so-called Square energy is theoretically the most turbulent of any connection, for the natural trajectories of the signs cannot help but collide.

For Leo and Scorpio, the prospect of inevitable tension begins with the elements. Leo represents the dynamic, volcanic energy of Fire at its most stable, meaning they are typically natural leaders, noble and charismatic, their stunning performative and leadership skills ever propelling them towards light and glory. Water sign Scorpio may be no less forceful, but their essential direction is more emotional, sensitive, and directed to the great profundity of existence, encompassing both positive and negative standpoints. Hence these signs can each find the other unsettling. Leo may find Scorpio's brooding complexity weighs down their idealistic visions, while Scorpio can see Leo as simplistic, high-minded, and brash. Indeed, disputes over power are perhaps the most obvious threat to this relationship. These are both incredibly capable signs. Their shared Fixed modality emphasizes productivity and actualization, but in a head-on context like this, it also means there is barely any scope for compromise. On any given subject, Leo and Scorpio may find they have opposing instincts, and they each think their own should rule the day.

The gift of this Square energy connection rises out of its potential for conflict. For one thing, there is likely to be no shortage of excitement—creative and sexual chemistry, for example, are very likely here, at least in the short term. Also, while admiration may not always be easy to admit, these signs are too similarly impactful not to respect each other's prodigious talents, sometimes hugely. Most importantly, Leo and Scorpio can achieve unique self-knowledge through this relationship. Patterns of disagreement and resolution may reveal to these signs their true identities—values that are able to be compromised, and those that cannot. Nothing holds these signs' feet to the fire like this incendiary match.

Ultimately, long-term success as a partnership here is likely to require some work, but individual and mutual enrichment are strongly favored, and both Leo and Scorpio may be eternally grateful for the lessons they learn from each other.

Celebrity Scorpio/Leo Pairings*

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

Gale Anne Hurd and James Cameron
Gale Anne Hurd and James Cameron (click for attribution/s)

James Cameron (8/16/1954, Leo Horse), Gale Anne Hurd (10/25/1955, Scorpio Sheep) : Film director Cameron and producer Hurd shared a noteworthy collaborative relationship, and were married from 1985 to 1989. Before their marriage, they worked on The Terminator (1984), for which they also both wrote the script. They made Aliens (1986) while they were together, and The Abyss (1989) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) during and after their break-up. Cameron described in 1986: "We don’t always get along. There’s always creative dialog. I know this movie [Aliens] would not have been possible to do, as you saw it, within the budget parameters, if we hadn’t made such a good team. I never could have done it with another producer who wasn’t backing me 100%. And I don’t think Gale could have done it with another director, who was trying to achieve something at the expense of schedule and production costs."

Donnie Wahlberg (8/17/1969, Leo Rooster), Jenny McCarthy (11/1/1972, Scorpio Rat) : Singer/songwriter/actor/producer Wahlberg and actor/model/meda personality McCarthy have been married since 2014. McCarthy said in 2021, "Even Prince Charming and the fairy tale doesn’t come without work. I loved him so much as soon as I met him, I was like, ‘How do I not mess this up? I’m going to ask him, before we even have our first fight, if we can go to therapy together.'"

Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates (click for attribution/s)

Melinda French Gates (8/15/1964, Leo Dragon), Bill Gates (10/28/1955, Scorpio Sheep) : Microsoft founder Bill Gates and computer scientist/philanthropist Melinda Gates met in 1987, and were married from 1994 to 2021. They have three children. Their charitable foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was the second largest charitable organization in the world in 2020. In 2019, Melinda Gates said, "I think people have a certain view of Bill, because he was a high-charging CEO running Microsoft. I think people must think, 'Oh well, Melinda must not really have equality with Bill.' Actually, I have total equality with Bill. But it took a while for us to get there." Around the same time, Bill was quoted as saying, "Working together as well as raising a family together, there’s a certain intensity to that. But we’re very lucky because we mostly see things the same way, the goals are very much the same."

Merritt Wever (8/11/1980, Leo Monkey), Toni Collette (11/1/1972, Scorpio Rat) : The two actors formed a close connection when they collaborated on the successful and award-winning miniseries, Unbelievable (2019). Collette described, "[Our rapport] was very easy and just felt natural, you know? We didn't have to reach too far to make it feel authentic...it is [a] really important story, and I think every human should watch it." Wever said, "[Collette is] someone whose body of work is part of my artistic makeup and DNA...I actually accidentally quoted Muriel’s Wedding to her face one day, and thought she was gonna think I was the biggest dork. Instead, she received it with like, great affection and forgiveness and patience. I got to tell Muriel, 'You’re terrible, Muriel.' And you know what? There aren’t too many people in the world who can say that, so I’ll take it..."

Neil Young and David Crosby
Neil Young and David Crosby (click for attribution/s)

David Crosby (8/14/1941, Leo Snake), Neil Young (11/12/1945, Scorpio Rooster) : The two musicians formed part of the on-again, off-again supergroup, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Their album, Déjà Vu (1970), remains the most successful for each of the four members. Young and Crosby shared a famously at times fraught relationship. In 2014, Crosby described Young's partner Daryl Hannah as, "a purely poisonous predator." Young responded, "I wish [Crosby] the best with his life. There’s love there. There’s just nothing else there." After Crosby died in early 2023, Young wrote: "David’s voice and energy were at the heart of our band. His great songs stood for what we believed in and it was always fun and exciting when we got to play together...We had so many great times, especially in the early years. Crosby was a very supportive friend in my early life, as we bit off big pieces of our experience together. David was the catalyst of many things."

Arnold Schwarzenegger (7/30/1947, Leo Pig), Lou Ferrigno (11/9/1951, Scorpio Rabbit) : The two bodybuilders shared an iconic rivalry, recorded in the cult classic documentary film, Pumping Iron (1977). The film is famous in part for showcasing Schwarzenegger's legendary "psych-out" tactics against Ferrigno. Ferrigno said later, "My only regret was that I was planning and hoped to reach my full potential and beat Arnold because he was five years older, but I never got that chance...The way I look at it, it didn’t matter if I won, [it] didn’t matter if I lost. It was all about reaching out to the mainstream and educating the public on what bodybuilding really is." Pumping Iron is generally credited with having springboarded both Ferrigno and Schwarzenegger to highly successful and lucrative careers in Hollywood.

Elton John performing in the 1970s wearing flamboyant outfit with decorative starry background

Explore sign profiles for combined Western and Chinese zodiac signs.

Couple embracing with decorative starry background

Explore the Golden Nine most compatible matches by combined sign, or the challenging energy of the Four Challenges.

Toni Morrison with decorative starry background

Match a celebrity with any combined sign or birthdate.


Chinese Zodiac sign, the Rat
Chinese Zodiac sign, the Monkey

Chinese Zodiac

Rat and Monkey

Compatibility overview

What a wonderfully creative and pleasurable match this is. The combination of firsteast and secondeast brings together two of the cleverest and most compatible signs in the whole Chinese zodiac. This pairing offers a splendid opportunity for fun, dependability, and achievement.

Rat and Monkey - Relationship Horoscope

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

Read more about the SCORPIO RAT and LEO MONKEY combined zodiac signs...

At the heart of the Chinese zodiac lie four Trine Families, akin to the shared elements in Western astrology. One such family comprises the Monkey and Rat (along with their close ally, the Dragon). The binding energy between these two signs emphasises brilliant ingenuity, endless enthusiasm, and a keen appetite for achievement.

Early meetings are likely to be rollicking affairs, overflowing with witty repartee and lively adventures. The Monkey, who in other company is frequently bored, will probably be fascinated by the Rat's keen powers of observation and sparkling sense of humour—not to mention energy reserves almost on a par with their own! The Rat, meanwhile, whose personality usually seems more subtle than the Monkey's but is in truth similarly intense, usually finds the Monkey to be a simply marvellous creation, an ideal blend of giftedness, hilarity, and irrepressible energy. Sexual hijinks are strongly favoured, but wickedly entertaining banter and fun is likely in any context.

Given time and suitable circumstances, the bond between these two will tend to grow stronger and deeper. The Monkey may come to value enormously just how shrewd and insightful the Rat can be in strategizing for the future. The Rat will learn that the Monkey is as committed to actualization and accomplishment as they are a genius in developing conceptual ideas. There is potential for great emotional support here, too. The Rat, who can be guarded and secretive in some company, is likely to discover they do not need to be so cagy with their natural confidant, the Monkey. The Monkey's often temperamental soul will tend to be less prone to disturbance and more easily reassured when the soothing attentions of the Rat are nearby.

In all, this relationship offers a brilliant mixture of inspiration, delight, and comfort, making it one of the Eastern zodiac's absolute best.

Celebrity Rat/Monkey Pairings*

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

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman (click for attribution/s)

Rhea Perlman (3/31/1948, Aries Rat), Danny DeVito (11/17/1944, Scorpio Monkey) : The legendary comedic actors became a couple in 1971, have been married for forty years, and have three children together. After meeting they moved in together after two weeks. While they now live separately, they remain close friends who talk "a lot". Perlman has said, "I don’t know why it’s difficult for other people, but Danny and I have always loved each other and we have three amazing children together...We really agree on almost everything important."

Cameron Diaz (8/30/1972, Virgo Rat), Justin Timberlake (1/31/1981, Aquarius Monkey) : The famous actor and musician/actor had a romantic relationship between 2003 and 2007 and have maintained a friendly relationship since, working on and promoting the films Shrek the Third and Bad Teacher. Reflecting on their attraction despite a nine-year age gap, Diaz stated, "It's not like this is the first time in the history of human relationships that people were drawn to one another because of who they are, not what age they are."

Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash
Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash (click for attribution/s)

Kris Kristofferson (6/22/1936, Cancer Rat), Johnny Cash (2/26/1932, Pisces Monkey) : The two musicians and fellow members of the country supergroup the Highwaymen first met in the 1960s. Kristofferson credited Cash with inspiring him to commit his life to music. Speaking about their first meeting, Kristofferson said, "I was thunderstruck! [Cash] shook hands with me and he changed my life. I knew I was right where I belonged...He was a poet and an artist unlike anyone I have ever known...Johnny Cash never disappointed me. He had some hard times. He was not embarrassed to admit them. He was larger than life, all of the time."

Liam Gallagher (9/21/1972, Virgo Rat), Patsy Kensit (3/4/1968, Pisces Monkey) : The musician/founding member of Oasis and actor/model/singer were married from 1997 to 2000 and have a son together. Describing their connection, Kensit has said, "We just clicked on every level...He was protective and loving. When we were together there were fireworks, and a chemistry that lasted to the end."

Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny
Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny (click for attribution/s)

David Duchovny (8/7/1960, Leo Rat), Gillian Anderson (8/9/1968, Leo Monkey) : These two actors rose to fame as partners in the cult television show The X-Files. Fans of the show marvelled at the on-screen chemistry between the two leads. Although behind the scenes there was considerable tension between them at the time the original show was made, they developed a lasting friendship. Anderson described in 2020: "People know we are good friends now and that we’ve found our way into an adult friendship. But there is something that will always remain between us, a kinetic energy that is tangible when you see us in a room together."

Normani (5/31/1996, Gemini Rat), Cardi B (10/11/1992, Libra Monkey) : The singer and rapper collaborated on the acclaimed song, "Wild Side" (2021), which for Normani marked a return from a two-year hiatus. Normani described: "[Cardi B] brought such light to this experience and to me after not releasing for the last two years. I feel like she’s given me comfort and provided a safe space for me. Cardi has great energy and is such a genuine spirit. She really put her all into this record, and I feel like it’s hard to come across people that understand your vision the way you do. She even put her input into the artwork concept for 'Wild Side' too. We had so much fun on-set and she made it the easiest experience ever."

Jennifer Grey (3/26/1960, Aries Rat), Joel Grey (4/11/1932, Aries Monkey) : This actor and Broadway legend are a famous daughter/father duo. After Joel came out as gay in 2022, Jennifer reflected, "When he came out, I was so thrilled for him and for anybody who is able to fully be themselves without having any secrets and without having to make any excuses and without having any loss of self-esteem, and just declare, this is who I am." About Jennifer and their relationship, Joel has said, "She’s so connected to me in the best sense, and to everybody that she’s close to. She’s such an artist and she’s such a heart-filled person."


Combined Relationship Horoscope

Final Words

The Square energy between firstwest and secondwest has an essentially transformative character—these two signs may sometimes feel as if they agree about nothing at all, yet their connection enables them to know their own minds and see their own paths with rare clarity. Here, the potential for personal growth can be beautifully shepherded by the Trine combination of the firsteast and the secondeast, one of the most revered Chinese zodiac matches for harmony and mutual advancement. It may not always be easy, but these two are capable of forging a life-changing connection, with a wonderfully positive impact over days, years, or decades.

Two golden retrievers after swimming with decorative starry background


Also on Horizon Astrology...

Amy Winehouse with decorative starry background

Explore celebrity news and events through a lens of the Western and Chinese zodiacs .

A young Bob Dylan with decorative starry background

Explore sign profiles for combined Western and Chinese zodiac signs.

Robert Redford with decorative starry background

Match a celebrity with any combined sign or birthdate.

Ava Gardner with a decorative starry background

Explore the combined Western and Chinese zodiac signs for celebrities from all walks of life.

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards performing with decorative starry background

Explore relationship horoscopes for any two celebrities.

Astronaut Neil Armstrong with a decorative starry background

Explore your Golden Nine most compatible combined signs - with celebrity examples.

Director Kathryn Bigelow with a decorative starry background

Explore the Four Challenges, your most challenging energy matches - with celebrity examples.