The Bates Motel Character You Are Based On Your Zodiac Sign
"Bates Motel" is a prequel series to Alfred Hitchcock's horror classic "Psycho." It explores the dark history of Norman Bates ("The Good Doctor" star Freddie Highmore) and his complex relationship with his mother Norma Louise Bates, played here by Vera Farmiga. The series is a psychological thriller about the impact generational trauma can have on mental health, serving as an origin story about one of cinema's favorite serial killers.
One thing "Bates Motel" excels at is humanizing Norman Bates. He isn't one-dimensional, and some might even argue that he isn't a monster, just a mentally ill young man who struggles to understand himself. All the characters in this A&E series are dynamic, fascinating, and complex in their own way, with most of them operating in the gray zones of morality. The characters in this critically acclaimed series exemplify the nuances of astrology, representing the 12 signs of the zodiac.
This ancient study of personality types has its origins in Mesoamerica, Mesopotamia, India, and China, where astrologers looked to the stars to understand the events of life here on Earth. Western astrology grew from the astrology developed in Mesopotamia and was refined by the ancient Greeks, becoming the tropical astrology we practice today. Join us as we explore "Bates Motel" and find out which character you are based on your zodiac sign. Spoilers ahead.
Aries: Caleb Calhoun (March 20 - April 19)
Norma's brother Caleb Calhoun (Kenny Johnson) is an impatient hothead who is impulsive, brave, and passionate — just like Aries. Aries is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. It gets its aggression from its planetary ruler: Mars, the god of war. With aggression also comes energy, drive, and courage. We see these traits in Caleb with his negative emotional reaction to meeting Chick Hogan (Ryan Hurst) on his son's farm, in the way he volunteers for a dangerous delivery to help his son, and in the violent way his collaboration with Chick ends.
Aries' fire element compounds Mars' intensity. Fire signs are short-tempered and spontaneous, and we see this reflected in Caleb's behavior. He is constantly on the move, traveling from one experience to the next, visiting the sister he hasn't spoken to in over 20 years and just as quickly heading back to Costa Rica, where he works at a hotel.
As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries has a cardinal modality. People with a cardinal modality have the energetic drive of spring and they like to get things moving. Cardinal signs are action-oriented, and they are the people you turn to when you want to get a project off the ground. We see this trait exemplified by Caleb in "Bates Motel" when he dives into building a barn for his son Dylan's (Max Thieriot) cannabis farm.
Taurus: Emma Decody (April 19 - May 20)
Norman's best friend Emma Decody (Olivia Cooke) is loyal and level-headed, just like Taurus. Taurus is a fixed Earth sign ruled by Venus. Earth signs are known for being responsible and realistic. Emma is a reliable employee at Bates Motel until her health deteriorates. She also shares her Earth element with her boss, Norma Louise Bates, who she feels a connection with. Emma approaches her cystic fibrosis with a matter-of-fact acceptance, showcasing her practicality.
Emma's tenacity in the face of her bleak life expectancy illustrates a personality trait gained from having a fixed modality. Fixed signs are stubborn and loyal. They are the best friends you can always count on, as we see in Emma's friendship with Norman. Like Taurus, Emma is patient and kind, but she also knows how to stand up for herself and hold her boundaries. Taureans are honest to a fault, as we see in Season 5 when Emma tells Dylan their marriage might not survive.
Taureans also have a sensitive and romantic side from their planetary ruler Venus, the goddess of love. We see this reflected first in Emma's crush on Norman and later in her relationship with Dylan. Like Venus, Taurus cares about relationships and love. We also see Venus' influence on Emma's appreciation of the beauty of nature and her frank interest in expressing herself sensually with the man she loves.
Gemini: Norman Bates (May 20 - June 21)
It might seem a little on the nose, but Norman Bates represents Gemini because he has two distinct personalities. One side of Norman is sweet, friendly, and gentle, embodying the lightness of Gemini, while his alter ego — the murderous Mother — represents the darkness. According to Love to Know, "At their worst, they [Gemini] can have garden variety sociopathic and bipolar-like traits, which can lead others to think they might be suffering from a mental illness." Dark Geminis lack empathy, embrace manipulation, and are impulsive.
Gemini is a mutable air sign known for its intelligence, adaptability, and curiosity. Like other air signs, it's intelligent and communicative, as we see in Norman's writing talent in Season 1 when he works on a short story. Mutable modalities are concerned with transformation. They are open-minded and adapt to everything the world throws at them. Norman took these Gemini traits to a new level when his consciousness split to cope with the traumas he experienced as a child living in an abusive environment.
Ruled by Mercury, the trickster god, Geminis are known for their mercurial nature, something we see exhibited by both Norman and his violent alternate personality. Norman essentially ushers souls to the afterlife when he murders people, which is a gruesome connection to Mercury's status as a psychopomp.
Cancer: Dylan Massett (June 21 - July 22)
Like Cancer, Dylan Massett, Norman's half-brother, is loyal and sympathetic. Cancers are a cardinal water sign. They are all about family, which explains why Dylan was hurt by Norma treating Norman differently than she treated him. Ruled by the Moon, Cancers are the archetypal mothers of the zodiac. They are nurturing and empathetic, two traits we see reflected in Dylan when he helps Norma protect Norman and later when he gets Norman a lawyer. We also see Dylan's nurturing side when he falls in love with Emma, risking everything to secure her a lung transplant, and later as a father to their daughter Katie.
Like other water signs, Cancers, like Dylan, can be moody, but their intuition and empathy compensate for their changeable emotions. Dylan still looks at Norman with kindness, seeing a sweet mentally ill boy, even after learning the terrible things Norman has done. Water signs follow their feelings more than logic. We see this in the way Dylan follows his heart and wears it on his sleeve.
Cancers' cardinal modality gives them a drive other water signs lack. We see this when Dylan rises through the ranks working in the cannabis industry in White Pine Bay. We also see his tenacity when he secures himself a new career at a brewery when he goes legit for Emma and their future. Cardinal signs are ambitious and Cancers like Dylan know how to hustle, following a creative and unique path to their goals.
Leo: Bradley Martin (July 22 - August 22)
Before her life went sideways, Bradley Martin (Nicola Peltz Beckham) was the most popular girl in school and was treated like White Pine Bay royalty, just like Leo. Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun. Because of their planetary ruler, Leo's love being the center of attention, just like Bradley, the focal point of her friend group. Bradley exhibits many of Leo's positive attributes. She is warm-hearted, outgoing, and radiant. She is the first person to welcome Norman to town and befriend him.
But this doesn't mean Bradley is all sunshine and sweetness. She loves to stir up drama, as she does by playing with Norman's heart when she encourages his crush after her dad dies. Leo's dramatic nature can be attributed to their fixed modality, and so can their stubbornness and loyalty. These are traits we see in Bradley when she won't let go of her father's death, intent upon finding his killer. Lions can be vicious when protecting the ones they love, after all.
Leo has a fire element, and people with this sign burn with intensity. Fire signs are known for their passion, energy, and spontaneity. Bradley, like most Leos, is hyper-aware of her desirability, and she uses this to her advantage. Like any regal Leo, Bradley hates being poor and lonely while on the lam, so she comes back to town for a reprieve and dies at the hands of Mother.
Virgo: Norma Louise Bates (August 22 - September 22)
Hitchcock's "Psycho" portrayed Norman Bates' "Mother" as a domineering woman who haunted her son as his homicidal alter ego, but "Bates Motel" humanized Norma, showing us the complex, wounded, and tragic person she was in life. Like Virgo, Norma is loyal, practical, and critical of herself and others. Her life may be a chaotic mess because she spends her energy trying to control Norman's mental illness, but Norma still presents herself to the world as an organized and ambitious small business owner.
Virgo is a mutable Earth sign ruled by Mercury. Virgo's planetary ruler and mutable modality make Virgos more unpredictable than other Earth signs, but they are still strategic perfectionists, much like Norma, who always pays attention to the details. Virgo also shares their ruler with Gemini, explaining the intense but creepy connection Norma and Norman share. Despite their surface differences, signs that share a ruler have an intrinsic understanding of each other. Gemini and Virgo also share their modality, making them even more compatible.
Earth signs are relatable people who want to build something in life. All Earth signs can be materialistic, and we see this reflected in Norma's Mercedes and the way she decorates her Queen Anne home and quaint motel. Like Norma, Earth signs are duty-driven, as we see in Norma's devotion to her son. Norma shares her Earth element with Sheriff Alex Romero (Nestor Carbonell). When they marry, Norma's sensitive and sensual nature rises to the surface.
Libra: Dr. Greg Edwards (September 22 - October 23)
Libras are diplomatic, fair-minded, and gentle, making them excellent counselors. Dr. Greg Edwards (Damon Gupton) is Norman's therapist at the Pineview Institute, and he exhibits many of Libra's traits during his short time on the show. Libras are a cardinal air sign who values harmony and are one of the most fashionable signs of the zodiac. We see these traits in Dr. Edward's elegant clothing and his calm demeanor. Libras are conflict avoidant. We see the effortless way Dr. Edwards evades Norma's feminine wiles when he breezily tells her he is gay and that she could make an appointment for her son at his office.
Air signs are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and communication skills. The human psyche is a fascinating subject, and Dr. Edwards uses these air traits to help others understand themselves better as a therapist. Occasionally, during Norman's sessions, Dr. Edwards loses touch with his empathy, because he finds Norman's illness so fascinating.
Libra's air element can easily get stuck in their head, but their planetary ruler Venus brings them back down to Earth where they reconnect with their emotions. Without direction, air signs can be all over the place, but Libra's cardinal modality gives them drive and forward movement. Cardinal signs are motivated, and Dr. Edwards uses this ambition to help others, believing that despite suffering from a mental illness, everyone can lead a more balanced life with the proper treatment plan.
Scorpio: Miss Blaire Watson (October 23 - November 22)
Norman's favorite teacher and academic advisor in White Pine Bay is Miss Blair Watson. Like Scorpio, Miss Watson is mysterious, passionate, and emotional. Scorpio is a fixed water sign with two ruling planets. Water signs are known for having a depth of emotion and being empathetic. Miss Watson recognizes a sadness in Norman, and she quickly embraces a caring and nurturing dynamic with him. Water signs are also known for being creative, something we see expressed in Miss Watson through her retro fashion sense, but also when she helps Norman prepare a short story for publication.
After her death, Miss Watson's complex romantic life and family relationships are revealed. Scorpios are known for being intense and having a temper, traits Miss Watson displays during the phone argument Norman overhears at school. This combative nature comes in part from Scorpio's ancient ruler Mars, the god of war. Mars' influence is also responsible for the sensual magnetism and passion Scorpios are known for, and Miss Watson exerts this magnetism on Norman before her death.
A Scorpio's fixed modality also contributes to their aggressive nature. Fixed signs are stubborn, as evidenced by the battle of wills Miss Watson was embroiled in with her estranged father, Nick Ford (Michael O'Neill), at the time of her death. Scorpio's modern ruler, Pluto, the god of the underworld, symbolizes Miss Watson's inevitable death.
Sagittarius: Gunner (November 22 - December 21)
Gunner (Keenan Tracey) wanders in and out of White Pine Bay as a seasonal cannabis worker with the carefree and optimistic attitude of someone ruled by the planet of luck: Jupiter. Gunner's charmed existence is the embodiment of Sagittarian values in "Bates Motel." Like all Sagittarians, Gunner is a traveler who wants nothing to tie him down or limit his freedom to experience the variety of life. Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign, known for its idealism, curiosity, and humor. Gunner approaches life with an adventurous spirit and values honesty.
He never misleads Emma during their brief dalliance, taking her as she is and bringing his energy and optimism to her life while he is in town. We see Sagittarius' fire element in the way Gunner throws himself into building a barn with Caleb for Dylan's cannabis farm, and the enthusiasm he has for learning about construction from Caleb. When Gunner spontaneously packs up his things and leaves Dylan a note at the cannabis farm, we see the spontaneity Sagittarius gains from their mutable modality. Mutable signs are comfortable with change and naturally know when it's time to move on from jobs and relationships when they aren't working anymore.
Capricorn: Sheriff Alex Romero (December 21 - January 20)
Like Capricorn, Sheriff Alex Romero is responsible, disciplined, and a bit of a curmudgeon. Capricorns are cardinal Earth signs ruled by Saturn, which brings diligence and gravitas to the sign. They are serious people who like structure and rules. Capricorns are hard workers who are drawn to careers in law enforcement. Although Romero follows his own moral compass rather than the letter of the law, coexisting in White Pine Bay with an illegal cannabis trade, he is conservative and believes in tradition.
Signs with a cardinal modality are known for being ambitious and getting the job done. Alex exemplifies Capricorn's down-to-Earth ambitions. Although Alex has a gruff exterior and a harsh attitude, he is loyal and sensitive. His softer side shows itself during his relationship with Norma. At first, she is just a single mom he wants to help, but, eventually, she becomes his friend and wife.
Norma and Alex share their Earth element. Once they get married, we see Alex wants to build a life with Norma, helping her fix up her home and property. Earth signs want a predictable life, but they also have a sensual and romantic side, as we see once Norma and Alex finally admit they love each other. Earth signs aren't known for their flexibility, and once Alex devotes himself to avenging Norma's death, we see just how far he is willing to go. He's loyal to the bitter end.
Aquarius: Chick Hogan (January 20 - February 18)
Like Aquarius, which is a fixed air sign, Chick marches to the beat of his own drum. He is original, eccentric, and intelligent. Aquarians see people without prejudice, as we see when Chick befriends Norman after Norma's death, despite Norman's morbid and disturbing choice to exhume Norma's body. Like Aquarius, Chick can be temperamental, as we see in his contentious relationship with Caleb.
Like other air signs, Aquarians are intelligent, abstract thinkers, and we see this in Chick's artistic flair — he's working on a true crime novel about Norman when he meets his untimely end. Chick can talk in circles and is sometimes difficult to understand, but there is always a certain logic to his madness. True to his Aquarian conscience and idealism, Chick never holds Dylan or Norman responsible for Caleb financially and physically ruining him. That's not to say he doesn't hold a grudge against Caleb. Fixed signs are known for being stubborn, creative, and reliable, all attributes shown by Chick.
Aquarius' two ruling planets are more interested in ideas than emotions, imbuing Aquarius with the out-of-the-box thinking of a revolutionary and the stability of a world builder. Chick certainly embraces Aquarius' eccentricity and individuality by living the life of a bohemian artist, but he's also a dependable friend for Norman in Season 5 when he is all alone in the world.
Pisces: Madeleine Loomis (February 18 - March 20)
When Norman meets Madeleine Loomis (Isabelle McNally), the artistic new owner of the hardware store in the village, he is instantly enamored. Like Pisces, Madeleine is gentle and trusting. Unfortunately, being overly trusting can lead to Pisces experiencing many betrayals in life, as we see Madeleine experience in "Bates Motel." Pisces is a mutable water sign known for being reality avoidant. We see this in the way Madeleine ignores her husband Sam's (Austin Nichols) obvious affair until Norman tells her about it.
Like other water signs, Pisces are known for being sensitive and artistic. We see Madeleine's creative nature in her beautiful store and her fashion sense. Like Pisces, she hates being alone. With her husband regularly in Seattle for work and his affair, she dives into a friendship with Norman, probably because she sees her loneliness and sensitivity reflected in him. Pisces' two ruling planets infuse people in this sign with optimism, empathy, and hope, three traits Madeleine leans on to overcome the emotional impact of her husband's murder during the last season of "Bates Motel."