The Stranger Things Character You Are Based On Your Zodiac Sign
What is it about astrology that feels so universal? Carl Gustav Jung, the founder of depth psychology, argues that the 12 zodiac signs are archetypal, resonating with people across cultures because we intuitively understand the symbolic language. Myths and the archetypes they represent are part of the collective unconscious, a wellspring of knowledge all humans have access to. We find meaning, direction, and inspiration for life and art in these archetypes. Some of us, of course, think it's all a little too "out there." One thing we might all agree on, though: Astrology is fun!
Who hasn't read articles purporting to designate each of us a Disney villain based on our zodiac sign and died laughing, picturing our friends as Cruella De Vil or Gaston? Film and television lend themselves to this kind of scrutiny because storytelling is archetypal, using symbols and patterns to construct characters and behaviors that humans instinctively recognize. Western culture and media in particular are all about the hero's journey, in which someone goes on a quest, faces adversity, triumphs, and is changed forever.
The hero's journey can be seen in movie franchises like "Star Wars" and on the small screen with streaming hits like Netflix's "Stranger Things." The beauty of episodic storytelling is that you can show characters growing and changing (the foundation of the hero's journey). This is especially true when a cast of kids grows up before our eyes. "Stranger Things," like many science-fiction and fantasy shows, leans into the archetypal nature of storytelling, even more so because there is so much room for character development in such a young cast. Each character in "Stranger Things" is the embodiment of one zodiac sign. Are you curious to see who you are?
Aries: Jim Hopper (March 21 - April 19)
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Aries, symbolized by the Ram, are known for their fiery temper, impulsivity, and bravery. Cardinal signs signify the start of a season, and Aries are full of the vibrant energy of springtime. They are also motivated, action-oriented leaders, traits common to all fire signs. Competitive and unafraid of conflict, Aries' qualities can be easily linked to their ruling planet, Mars. (If you're unfamiliar, Mars, known as Ares in Greek mythology, is the god of war.)
Jim Hopper is the archetypal warrior in "Stranger Things," fighting to protect the children at all costs — especially in the last episode of Season 3, when he sacrifices his life to blow up the machinery the Russians are using to reopen The Upside Down. We see the Ram in Hopper's passionate, spontaneous, destructive, and impatient personality; his take-charge attitude and his willingness to bend the rules to get results are pure Aries traits.
The infamous Aries temper is also obvious in Hopper's argumentative, brash behavior throughout all three seasons — but it's a much sweeter showcase of this sign when Hopper's direct nature and clarity of purpose allow him to ask Joyce out in Season 3. An Aries knows what they want and rarely, if ever, feels conflicted. That's the kind of guy you want to go into battle (and love) with.
Taurus: Steve Harrington (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus is a fixed earth sign, ruled by Venus. The famous Taurean stubbornness arises because of the sign's fixed modality. All fixed signs dislike change; they are disciplined, steadfast, and a little obsessive. As an earth sign, Taureans are also grounded individuals who see the world through a pragmatic lens. Despite their grounded nature, however, Taurus is not a sign devoted to all work and no play: They are ruled by Venus (Aphrodite, in Greek mythology), who is the goddess of love. Taureans have a sensual nature and enjoy the finer things in life, like good food, wine, love, and beauty. Because of these associations, Taurus is known for being vain, jealous, stubborn, and materialistic ... But they are also loyal, nurturing, and motivated by love.
Steve Harrington is the epitome of the Bull. Steve embodies both the positive qualities and the more challenging facets of the Taurus personality. In Season 1, we see Steve's negative qualities: He is a spoiled rich kid who is possessive of Nancy, and the notorious Taurean jealousy explodes when Steve thinks Nancy was intimate with Johnathan Byers. In Season 2, Steve's positive qualities emerge as he takes on the role of loyal "babysitter," keeping the kids safe while they battle Demodogs and brave the tunnels while Steve creates a diversion. The developing friendship between Steve and Dustin at the end of Season 2, continuing into Season 3, showcases Taurean's nurturing side.
Gemini: Will Byers (May 21 - June 20)
Geminis are a mutable air sign, ruled by Mercury. Like all mutable signs, Geminis are deep thinkers whose open-mindedness and flexibility allow them to go with the flow and accept people as they are. Geminis, like all air signs, are excellent, intellectually curious communicators. Despite their intelligence, though, Geminis are often seen as having their head in the clouds. They're portrayed as social butterflies because of their chatty nature, but they are a dualistic, misunderstood sign.
Some call Geminis two-faced, but Geminis aren't fake. They are twin souls trapped in one body, as symbolized by the twins Castor and Pollux. In Greek myth, Castor and Pollux split their time between Mt. Olympus and Hades. Gemini's ruling planet, Mercury, echoes this intimate connection between Geminis and the Underworld. Mercury, known as Hermes in Greek mythology, is a messenger god with the ability to travel between realms. As a psychopomp, Mercury visits the Underworld, just like Will Byers.
Will's connection to The Upside Down is clear from the 1st season of "Stranger Things." Another hint of Will's communicative Gemini nature is illustrated by his continued correspondence with his friends through the radio, and his mother Joyce via the lights, while trapped in The Upside Down. During Season 2, Will splits his time between Hawkins and The Upside Down during his visions and while sharing his consciousness with the Mind Flayer; this is an almost explicit reference to the dualistic nature and mythology of the twins. Season 3 shows us Will's innocence — a childlike quality Geminis retain into adulthood.
Cancer: Mike Wheeler (June 21 - July 22)
Cancer is a cardinal water sign, ruled by the Moon. As a cardinal sign, Cancers are more assertive than the other water signs. Like all water signs, however, Cancers are emotionally sensitive. This sign is symbolized by the Crab and is associated with home and family. Cancers embody the "mother" archetype. This association with the home and motherhood is a clear connection to their ruling planet, the Moon. The Moon symbolizes feminine, nurturing principles, and is linked to rapidly shifting moods, like the tides that are affected by the Moon.
Mike Wheeler is the obvious Cancer in "Stranger Things." He is a loyal friend who is, almost instantly, protective of Eleven. His basement acts as a home base for the children, which is common for Cancers, as they take on a nurturing role within their friend group. We see Cancer's signature, creative, out-of-the-box thinking in Mike's ability to connect The Upside Down to an alternate reality. Mike's outbursts and fights with Lucas in Season 1 are more evidence of Mike's emotional Cancer nature. While Cancers are emotional beings, they find it difficult to express their feelings. We see this most poignantly in Season 3 when Mike tries to tell Eleven he loves her, without saying the words.
Leo: Billy Hargrove (July 23 - August 22)
Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun. As a fixed fire sign, Leos are a contradiction. They have the passion and adventurousness of fire signs, but the constancy and work ethic of a fixed sign. The lion, a creature associated with courage, strength, and nobility, represents Leo. Ruled by the Sun, Leos have an abundance of motivation and energy. Like the star at the center of our galaxy, they think everything revolves around them; Leos love being the center of attention. They are charismatic creatures, but often vain and self-involved. One thing to remember about Leo is that something that shines so brightly also casts an enormous shadow.
One look at Billy Hargrove's leonine hair and you know he is a physical manifestation of the lion. In Season 2, when Billy arrives in Hawkins, he usurps Steve's social status as king of the high school. We don't see Billy's positive qualities; we see his shadow content. Billy is arrogant and aggressive in Season 2. In Season 3, Billy uses his abundant leonine charm for evil, helping the Mind Flayer amass an army. In the last episode of Season 3, Eleven reaches into Billy's mind, giving us insight into his tough childhood with an abusive father. He comes back to himself, regretting the awful things he has done. This is when Billy shows everyone he has the courage and heart of a lion by sacrificing himself to save the children.
Virgo: Nancy Wheeler (August 23 - September 22)
Virgo is a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. As an earth sign, Virgos embody a grounded, practical perspective. As a mutable sign, Virgos have a flexibility that the other earth signs do not possess. Because of this contradiction, Virgos can surprise you. Symbolized by the Virgin, Virgos are part of a small group of zodiac signs not represented by animals: Virgo, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius are linked by their need to communicate and their intellectual curiosity. Being ruled by Mercury imbues Virgos with this curiosity and a "truth-seeker" vibe.
In Season 1, Nancy Wheeler is a perfectionist, a quintessential Virgo presentation. She is an excellent student who cares about what others think of her. Once Barb goes missing, though, Nancy becomes tenacious, dedicating herself to finding the truth behind her friend's disappearance. This is when we realize Nancy is a force to be reckoned with! Virgos get the job done.
During Nancy's "everything is bullshit" speech to Steve in Season 2, we see the disillusionment Virgos often experience once they realize life is unfair. In Season 3, Nancy struggles with the sexist culture at the Newspaper where she is an intern. Sick of not being taken seriously, Nancy the self-possessed Virgo starts her own investigation into what is going on with those rats, and by extension, the Mind Flayer.
Libra: Dustin Henderson (September 23 - October 22)
Libra is a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus. As a cardinal sign, Libras have no problem taking initiative; they are an active, optimistic sign. Like other air signs, Libras are intellectually curious and enjoy lively discussions. Being ruled by Venus, it should come as no surprise that Libras love L-O-V-E. They are loyal friends with warm, charming personalities. Libras are also the peacemakers of the zodiac. Just like the scales that symbolize this sign, these individuals value balance and harmony. They are happiest when their loved ones are safe and at peace.
These personality traits fit Dustin Henderson to a T. Dustin is kind, fair-minded, funny, and joyful. He gives everyone, even a baby Demodog, the benefit of the doubt. In Season 1, Dustin's obvious crush on Nancy highlights Libra's romantic nature. Dustin plays peacemaker between Mike and Lucas frequently, welcomes both Eleven and Max into the party with open arms, and befriends Steve. Venus rules both Libra and Taurus, giving the two signs an affinity and bond we see develop between Dustin and Steve in Seasons 2 and 3. And no matter what season you're looking at, Dustin's warm, bubbly personality makes him an obvious Libra.
Scorpio: Joyce Byers (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio is a fixed water sign ruled by Mars in ancient astrology and Pluto in modern astrology. As a fixed water sign, Scorpios are a conundrum. Because of their fixed modality, they can be stubborn, possessive, and obsessive, but as a water sign, they are also emotionally sensitive and nurturing. Scorpios are sometimes portrayed as straight-up evil, but this is far from the truth.
Scorpios are determined, brave, loyal, and brutally honest. Unlike other water signs, Scorpios don't avoid conflict — they rather enjoy it. Their ancient ruler, Mars, hints at Scorpios' strength and tenacity: A Scorpio will fight you if they must. Scorpio's modern ruling planet Pluto makes their link to the Underworld obvious (in Greek mythology, Hades (Pluto) is the ruler of the Underworld). This doesn't mean Scorpios are evil. It simply means they have access to their aggression, something that comes in handy when you need to fight for the ones you love.
These characteristics describe Joyce Byers impeccably. She acts borderline militant in Season 1 when she won't take no for an answer during her quest to find Will. Joyce is tireless and relentless in her search, showcasing her obsessive side; this is especially clear when she communicates with Will via the lights despite looking like a crazy person. In Season 2, we see how obsessed Joyce has become with keeping Will safe, often behaving in an overprotective manner. Joyce is 100% Scorpio, and just like the scorpion that symbolizes this sign, she will sting you if she must.
Sagittarius: Max Mayfield (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. As a mutable sign, Sagittarians are flexible and comfortable with change. Fire signs are famous for their spicy temper and intensity. A mutable fire sign combo makes for a wild child! Like the Archer that symbolizes this sign, Sagittarians are propulsive and energetic. Jupiter, their ruling planet, imbues Sagittarians with an expansive, joyful vibe. Sagittarians are curious, outspoken, independent wanderers and thrill-seekers.
When Max Mayfield arrives in Hawkins in Season 2, she bursts into town riding her skateboard and later calls herself a "zoomer," an appropriate description of Sagittarius. We see the fiery nature of Sagittarians reflected in Max's red hair and her outspoken, rebellious spirit. Max gains the interest of the boys by beating the high score on Dig Dug at the arcade. When the boys spy on her, Max calls them out in true Sagittarian spirit — but she doesn't let a little thing like stalking stop her from making new friends. In Season 3, Billy is possessed by the Mind Flayer, and Max's compassion is center stage: Despite her antagonistic relationship with Billy, Max is upset by his pain and heartbroken when he sacrifices his life to save the children.
Capricorn: Lucas Sinclair (December 22 - January 20)
Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn. As a cardinal sign, Capricorns are ambitious go-getters. Like the other earth signs, Capricorns are realistic and disciplined. Saturn is a symbol of responsibility, hard work, and determination, and we see this in the sign's down-to-earth approach to life. Capricorn is represented by the horned Goat; as an earth sign, Capricorn unsurprisingly shares this visual symbolism with the fertility god Pan. One thing you need to know about Capricorns is that they love rules — just like nature does, if we take the phrase "laws of nature" literally.
We can see Lucas Sinclair's Capricorn tendencies in his reality-based thinking and decision-making skills. He isn't afraid of sharing his opinion or of conflict. In Season 1, Lucas is always the first to say they should involve their parents or the police, displaying how much he loves rules and respects authority. Lucas is grounded in reality and tries to keep everyone else in check as well. In Season 2, Lucas shows his assertive Capricorn nature by befriending Max and sharing the truth about Eleven, Will, and the Hawkins National Laboratory.
Lucas' Capricorn spirit is also reflected in his interest in Max. Signs that are next to each other in the zodiac cycle often feel an attraction despite their inherent differences. Lucas and Max, as a couple, are a perfect example of the principle that opposites attract.
Aquarius: Johnathan Byers (January 21 - February 18)
Aquarius is a fixed air sign ruled by Saturn in ancient astrology and Uranus in modern astrology. Aquarians are original people who somehow resist classification. This has something to do with the dichotomy of being a fixed modality and an air sign. Fixed signs are reliable, while air signs are intellectual, communicative, and sometimes a bit flighty. In ancient astrology, Saturn rules Aquarius, bringing discipline to this air sign; this makes Aquarians natural leaders. Or maybe they just can't be followers, as they are too busy dancing to the beat of their own drum. In modern astrology, Uranus rules Aquarius. Uranus symbolizes change, rebellion, and revolution: Aquarians are sensitive and creative individuals who walk their own path.
Johnathan Byers is a loner and outcast in Season 1, something individualistic Aquarians don't mind at all. In all seasons of "Stranger Things," however, we see how helpful Johnathan is. He cooks his brother breakfast, works extra shifts to help with family expenses, and makes sure a drunken Nancy is deposited safely at home in Season 2. These traits exemplify Aquarians' fixed modality and humanitarian nature. In Seasons 2 and 3, we see Johnathan's intellect through his connection with Nancy: Both Nancy and Johnathan are natural communicators. In Season 3, Johnathan's rebellious side emerges when he investigates strange occurrences with Nancy despite being told not to at the newspaper. Aquarians are known for being initially distant, so it makes sense that it took a while for Jonathan's full personality to emerge.
Pisces: Eleven (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces is a mutable water sign ruled by Jupiter in ancient astrology and Neptune in modern astrology. As a mutable water sign, Pisceans are emotional and empathetic, and the Fish represents them. Pisces is the last sign of the Zodiac and is considered by many to be the most spiritually evolved. The sign's association with Jupiter in ancient astrology links these individuals to spiritual growth. Neptune, Pisces' modern ruler, further links this sign to the supernatural and the collective unconscious: Neptune was the sea god known as Poseidon in Greek mythology, suggesting that Pisces are comfortable in the depths of emotion and psyche.
Eleven exemplifies the qualities attributed to Pisces. She is emotionally sensitive, connected to The Upside Down and the spirit realm. In Season 1, Eleven's connection to Pisces is obvious when we learn that immersion in water strengthens her psychic powers. When you aren't afraid of delving into the depths of your consciousness, you are going to find some darkness; this is something Eleven experiments with in Chicago with her "sister" from Hawkins lab. But Eleven is too compassionate to go to the dark side, and she returns to Hawkins to save the people she loves. Eleven embodies the self-sacrificing, martyr archetype Pisces represents. In each season, Eleven places herself between her friends and danger as a protective shield. Eleven, like most Pisces, is tougher than she looks.