The Bones Character You Are Based On Your Zodiac Sign
If the terms "squints" or "squinterns" mean anything to you, it's fair to say you're probably a fan of the TV series "Bones," which ran on Fox from 2005 to 2017. The show focuses on forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan and FBI agent Seeley Booth — who gives her the nickname "Bones" — as they work together to solve crimes with the help of other scientists at the fictional Jeffersonian Institute. Booth, a man of action rather than science, calls the experts at the institute "squints," or if they are interns, "squinterns." These clever nicknames illustrate one of the primary tensions in the series: the push and pull between science and intuition, between emotion and logic.
While Booth and Bones represent two ends of the spectrum — one who acts primarily based on instinct, the other based solely on fact — the rest of the characters fall somewhere in the middle. Though the other "squints" often have more in common with Bones than with Booth, the lines between logic and emotion blur as the seasons wear on. In particular, the will-they-won't-they dynamic between Booth and Bones — which lasts for a full six seasons – illustrates that perhaps these two ideologies aren't as diametrically opposed as one might think.
All of the characters in the show reflect this central tension primarily through their strong personalities, which means they all in some way represent certain archetypes commonly found in storytelling more broadly. Because of this, the characters of "Bones" are uniquely connected to the similarly archetypal dispositions of the zodiac signs. Here are the signs that each character most exemplifies (determined, of course, through rigorous scientific analysis).
Aries: Seeley Booth
Agent Seeley Booth is a fighter who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty in order to get things done, and that's why he's an Aries. According to the central premise of the series, Booth is Bones' opposite. Whereas she is logical and calculated, he works off intuition and acts impulsively. Like most Arians — those born between March 21 and April 19 – Booth is known for his courage and determination. A former soldier in the military, he quite literally represents the Aries archetype: the warrior.
However, although Booth is a man of action who primarily follows his gut instincts, he isn't without introspection. His time in the military haunts him and informs his behavior as an FBI agent. Though Booth is generally pretty set in his ways, he is also a people person who's able to get along with most everyone, even the so-called squints whom he at times finds impenetrable. These relationships mark a very Arian trait, as those born under this sign are easily bored and thus like surrounding themselves with interesting people.
Like the sign of Aries, Booth is defined by his actions and his energy, as opposed to the squints in the lab who are often very sedentary creatures. A cardinal sign, Aries often make good leaders because they're energetic and committed to making things happen. This is certainly true of Booth, who is often frustrated by the lack of conclusive information provided by the squints and is always itching to solve the case and catch the bad guys as quickly as possible.
Taurus: Clark Edison
Clark Edison is one of the most qualified squinterns at the Jeffersonian, having already received his doctorate before coming to work for Dr. Brennan. He is also a Taurus, the sign of those born between April 20 and May 20. Taureans are earth signs symbolized by the bull and known for being exceedingly grounded and stubborn. This is true of Clark, who has very strict boundaries between work and home and becomes agitated when he sees these boundaries being blurred. For example, he actually quits in Season 4 (though he returns shortly thereafter) because he finds the environment at the Jeffersonian to be too informal, with employees freely discussing their personal lives while at work.
Clark does exhibit some of the more positive characteristics of Taureans as well, namely their stability and devotion to completing tasks. Because of this, Bones and Clark eventually grow to respect one another as scientists, forming a (mostly) friendly rivalry with one another. Indeed, illustrating that Taureans are not actually immune to change, Clark does eventually warm up to the rest of the team and begins to share some of his personal life with his colleagues. (For example, did you know that Clark is vegan, has nine siblings, and loved magic when he was in middle school?) Like many born under the sign of Taurus, Clark often acts as the voice of reason, working to get things back on track when he feels his colleagues have lost their focus. This makes him an invaluable member of the team, even if he sometimes needs to lighten up a bit.
Gemini: Wendell Bray
Wendell Bray is another squintern at the Jeffersonian, and he squarely fits under the sign of Gemini. While he initially seems a bit angry and standoffish, he eventually reveals himself to be sweet and generally mild-mannered. Geminis — those born between May 21 and June 20 – are often known for their propensity to be two-faced, but Wendell illustrates that this is not necessarily a bad thing, instead revealing an inner complexity and mutability (Gemini is, after all, a mutable sign). For example, though he seems situated similarly to his colleagues, we eventually learn he's at the Jeffersonian on a scholarship, which puts him in a very different position from the rest of the squinterns and explains some of his nervous behavior.
Wendell is also frequently described as the "normal" one among the squints because he actually seems to have a social life (something Geminis are known for) outside of work. In fact, he briefly dates the ebullient Angela in Season 5 and even plays on the same hockey team as Booth. In this sense, he sees both sides, as Geminis are apt to do: He's able to relate both to Booth's action-oriented, competitive nature and the more detail-oriented duties required of him at the Jeffersonian. Indeed, he's generally more adaptable than the other squints — another Gemini trait — perhaps because of his difficult upbringing, which provided him with more "street smarts" than many of his colleagues. He may occasionally exhibit some of the nervousness Geminis are sometimes known for, but only because he cares greatly about what he's doing.
Cancer: Arastoo Vaziri
If you were born between June 21 and July 22, then you, like Arastoo Vaziri, are a Cancer. Arastoo is a lab assistant (aka a squintern) originally from Iran who is known for his sensitive, soft-spoken attitude. Fearing misunderstanding from his coworkers about being both a devout Muslim and a scientist, he initially puts on a fake accent in order to imply he is "fresh off the boat" as a means to explain his religious devotion. This insecurity and pessimism about others is a classic Cancer trait and the flipside of being deeply rooted in emotion.
Compared to most of his colleagues at the Jeffersonian, Arastoo is the most empathetic toward the victims and often imagines what they must have gone through prior to their death; Cancers are very emotional, intuitive signs that often take on other people's problems. This sign is also often known for having a strong sense of family and home, traits that Arastoo exemplifies through his love of poetry and his devotion to religion.
In fact, Arastoo actually writes poetry himself, and the rebellious works he penned as a young man forced him out of Iran and into political exile. He begins dating Cam in Season 8, and, as a means to share his feelings with her, he writes her poetry in Farsi. Such creative, emotional impulses are certainly associated with Cancers — also known as The Nurturers — who thrive when they are able to express themselves in this way.
Leo: Angela Montenegro
Unlike many of her colleagues at the Jeffersonian, Angela is ruled more by her artistic, compassionate nature than the stringent lionization of scientific fact. Though she is best friends with Bones, she is far more exuberant and warm than the series' titular character, which is why she embodies the Leo. Fire signs like Leos — those born between July 23 and August 22 – are often ruled by their passion and creativity, just like Angela. She's very rooted in her emotions and the inspiration she draws from the world around her, which is one of the things that distinguishes her from the other more logically-minded squints in the lab (including her future husband, Hodgins).
Angela uses her "Angelatron" simulator to reconstruct the faces of victims, melding two worlds — science and art — to solve problems for the team. In a way, Angela's creativity allows her to know the victims more intimately than anyone else at the Jeffersonian, as it is her job to figure out who they were and quite literally give them a face. Like most Leos, Angela also uses humor to express herself and lighten the mood, making her one of the most entertaining of the squints, a designation that could certainly be applied to many Leos across different disciplines. Her Leo-like attitude — cheerful, warm, humorous — makes her an essential part of a team that, without her, would probably be hopelessly dull.
Virgo: Zack Addy
If you were born between August 23 and September 22, you're a Virgo, which means you're most like Zack Addy. In Season 1, Zack is Dr. Brennan's assistant before he goes on to get his doctorate in Season 2. Because of how much Zack idolizes Dr. Brennan, he actually resists getting his doctorate for some time because he wants to continue working with her. This behavior illustrates Zack's Virgo-like qualities, namely being loyal and hardworking but also shy and overly self-critical.
Like Bones herself, Virgos like Zack are detail-oriented and adept at solving problems, qualities that make Zack an invaluable assistant. Unfortunately, Zack also possesses some of the less favorable elements of Virgos, like insecurity and difficulty expressing oneself. Because of Zack's naive, easily manipulated nature, Zack becomes the apprentice to a cannibalistic serial killer named Gormogon in Season 3 and is ultimately placed in an institution as punishment for his crimes. In the end, he is so fully manipulated by Gorgomon that he feels what he is doing is right — revealing how susceptible Zack really was to the coercion of others.
But don't worry: Just because you're a Virgo doesn't mean you're more likely to start interning for a serial killer. In fact, many fans were actually upset and incredulous about this storyline when it first aired, so maybe Zack is one Virgo who simply got the short end of the stick.
Libra: Camille 'Cam' Saroyan
Camille Saroyan, known in the show as Cam, runs the Forensic Division at the Jeffersonian, making her the boss of all the squints. Prior to her job at the Jeffersonian, Cam was a cop and also the youngest coroner in New York City. She is focused, intelligent, and has a strong sense of right and wrong, qualities that indicate she is most definitely a Libra. Libras — those born between September 23 and October 22 — are known for being diplomatic and fair, traits that Cam certainly possesses and are part of what makes her such a good leader.
Cam has a strong sense of duty and is committed to following the rules and supporting her team — as long as she believes them to be on the "right" side of things. Though she appears to be a tough nut to crack at first, she is a loyal colleague and friend once you get to know her. In Season 4, Cam's ex-fiance dies and she adopts his daughter, a decision that embodies some of her most Libra-like qualities. Her close relationships with her adoptive daughter and Arastoo, as well as with Booth, display how important relationships are to Libras like Cam, who often see themselves reflected in other people. When it's all said and done, Libras are committed to equality, justice, and keeping the peace, values that the team's fearless leader holds very dear.
Scorpio: Caroline Julian
If you were born between October 23 and November 21, then you are a Scorpio, which also makes you the beloved character Caroline Julian. Caroline is a federal prosecutor who works in the U.S. Attorney's Office and often helps the team with their cases. Caroline is quite intense, demanding, and bossy, qualities that place her squarely within the realm of the Scorpio. Even Bones — never one to back down from a logical argument — doesn't argue with Caroline because her presence is so powerful.
After many years as a prosecutor, Caroline is very wise and experienced, embodying the resourcefulness and bravery that Scorpios are known for. She is very intelligent and savvy, with an in-depth understanding of how to navigate the legal system. Because she, for unknown reasons, seems to trust and have a good relationship with Booth, she makes an invaluable ally to the Jeffersonian team. (Good thing, too — Scorpios are not signs you want to have as your enemy, as they do not take betrayal lightly.)
Though Caroline often comes off as quite intense, it's apparent that she has a good and passionate heart. In one episode, we learn that she works with an organization that helps tutor disadvantaged students, and when this organization is threatened, she urges Booth to do everything he can to save it. Like most Scorpios, Caroline is passionate about the truth, abhors dishonesty, and remains an enchanting and mysterious figure that audiences never quite get to know fully.
Sagittarius: James Aubrey
James Aubrey joined the series in Season 10 as a junior FBI agent, eventually becoming Booth's field partner and a full-fledged member of the team. He is eager and excitable, if a little eccentric, making him most definitely a Sagittarius (which you are, too, if you were born between November 22 and December 21). Unlike his reluctant partner Booth, Aubrey is actually interested in learning more about the scientific aspects of the investigation, even if his ability to understand them may be somewhat limited. Sagittarians are open-minded and known as the travelers of the zodiac, which definitely squares with Aubrey's unbridled curiosity and seemingly endless amount of questions.
Though he has reason to be disenchanted with the world — his father was a stock trader who went into hiding after running a huge Ponzi scheme — he remains fairly idealistic and generous with his attention, both typical Sagittarius traits. Sagittarians are known for being loud and at times undiplomatic, which squares with Aubrey's role in the series as someone who often acts as comic relief. At times he acts as a foil to Booth — which makes sense, as they are both passionate fire signs — but they eventually learn to get along, even if Booth continues to tease his Sagittarian little brother along the way.
Capricorn: Temperance Brennan, aka 'Bones'
If you were born between December 22 and January 19, then you are a Capricorn, which means you are also the show's titular character, Dr. Temperance Brennan. Bones is dedicated to her work above all else and is much more interested in getting the job done than being nice or making friends. She can be logical and analytical to a fault, which sometimes makes her rather condescending. These are all very common traits for a Capricorn, the sign known for responsibility, discipline, and self-control.
Like most Capricorns, Bones takes a while to warm up to people — if she ever does — which is why Booth, ever charming and outgoing, makes such a good partner for her, both in work and in life. Bones is a stubborn person, very grounded in what she knows and has experienced. For this reason, she can be dismissive of people whose work she doesn't find as useful as her own. This type of condescension is a less-than-favorable quality of many Capricorns.
Bones' stubbornness and aversion to change and disruption also mean that she has never had a serious relationship ... until Booth, that is. Though always remaining true to herself, Bones grows a lot in her relationship with Booth, eventually becoming a wife and mother and compromising with Booth on their often divergent values. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, a planet that predominantly represents restriction. This means Capricorns are masters of self-control and discipline, but too much discipline can mean they act cold or distant toward others. In many ways, Booth — a passionate fire sign — acts as a balm for the protective coldness that Bones displays, making their partnership uniquely transformative for them both.
Aquarius: Jack Hodgins
Jack Hodgins is one of the original squints at the Jeffersonian, working as an entomologist, a botanist, and a mineralogist. He is a very sarcastic character, using humor to process information and often acting as the "funny man" around the more serious members of the team. He is also quite paranoid and believes in conspiracy theories, which means he is most certainly an Aquarius. Aquarians — those born between January 20 and February 18 – are known as humanitarians and are often deeply concerned with larger questions of humanity and society as a whole. Because of this, Aquarians often exist on the fringes of society and prefer to be on the outside looking in, which is certainly true of Hodgins due to his overwhelmingly suspicious nature.
Aquarians are air signs, which are known for being more cerebral than they are logical or emotional. Though Hodgins is extremely intelligent, he can also be esoteric (an Aquarius quality) and is fiercely independent and interested in his own privacy — which is one of the reasons he is so incensed that the government is supposedly spying on people. Aquarians are fixed signs, which means they often have difficulty adapting to change. This is certainly true of Hodgins, who finds it almost impossible to deal with upsets in his life, such as when he breaks up with Angela or when he becomes paralyzed. These events cause him to become increasingly misanthropic, which aligns with Aquarians' tendency to be aloof at times.
Pisces: Lance Sweets
Lance Sweets is a psychologist who initially joins the series to provide counseling for Booth and Bones, who are having difficulties with their partnership. The youngest character on the show, Dr. Sweets is friendly and impressionable, which most closely aligns with the characteristics of a Pisces. Pisces are those born between February 19 and March 20, and they are often known for being compassionate, romantic, and artistic.
Though Sweets is a psychologist by trade, he is also a skilled pianist and a big fan of pop culture in general, especially the "Star Wars" movies. (Between Seasons 5 and 6, Sweets is actually said to have gone on sabbatical and worked as a lounge pianist.) Sweets is often characterized by these contradictions — of being both youthful and wise, an academic and a romantic — and is frequently made fun of by other characters, especially in the earlier seasons.
These contradictions are central to Pisces, who, as the last sign in the zodiac, are said to comprise all elements of the previous signs in some way or another. Pisces, who are water signs, are known for being uniquely wise and intuitive, which aligns with Sweets' profession as a psychologist as well as his talent as a criminal profiler. At the same time, Sweets' youth means he is sometimes more naive than the other characters on the show, a trait that mirrors the Piscean condition of being overly trusting. These seemingly contradictory characteristics make Sweets a highly entertaining character, as well as a textbook Pisces.