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The Most Inspirational Zodiac Quotes for Each Sign

Updated: Jun. 18, 2024

Looking for some inspiration and motivation? Zodiac quotes tailored to your astrological sign will give you just the boost you need.

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Zodiac quotes that will inspire you

You know when you hear a quote that speaks directly to you? Sure, someone else might think it’s a nice sentiment, but for you, it means something more. It might make you feel a little better—or better understood. And it can give you just the boost you need. When you factor in your personality, as determined by your zodiac sign, the right quote can have an even bigger impact. In fact, so-called zodiac quotes can resonate so deeply that they inspire you to change your life.

According to astrologer Rebecca Farrar, the sun in our charts draws us to the things that give our lives meaning. “Just like the sun in the sky, it shows us what lights us up and keeps us in our gravitational pull, ready to face the world,” she explains. “During a time of massive uncertainty, it can be difficult to stay connected to ourselves. Aligning with what motivates your solar sense of self can help you stay centered in your unique values and expression in the world.”

Your astrological birth sign, along with your rising sign and the adjacent sign (especially if you are born close to the beginning or end of the date range for your sign), “gives you important information about your talents, gifts and interests that you can use to enhance your life,” says Susan Miller, an accredited astrologer practicing for more than 30 years and the author of 14 bestselling astrology books. Quotes about astrology can help you home in on these traits and inspire you to continue to grow and develop your gifts.

The following inspirational astrology quotes, curated in conjunction with Farrar and Miller, can help you do just that, tapping into your innermost feelings, focusing you on what’s truly important to you and pointing you in the right direction. Read on for the best zodiac signs’ quotes, and get ready to feel focused and inspired. 

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Aries The Most Inspirational Zodiac Quotes For Each Sign on Milky Way galaxy background
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Aries (March 21–April 19)

“You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You have to go out there and make it happen.” —Diana Ross 

The fiery ram’s main concern is discovering their life’s purpose and living out its meaning, says Farrar. People born under this sign—including Lady Gaga, Elton John and Mariah Carey—may find inspiration in this quote from fellow crooner and Aries Diana Ross. What makes this the best of all zodiac quotes for Aries? As Farrar notes, it appeals to their energy and enthusiasm, which keeps them on track to not only follow their dreams but also use their talents to make them come true. 

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Taurus (April 20–May 20)

“I am simple, complex, generous, selfish, unattractive, beautiful, lazy and driven.” —Barbra Streisand

Taurean Barbara Streisand couldn’t have come up with a more accurate definition of what it’s like to be a bull. This zodiac sign is known for being stable, forward-thinking and highly insightful when it comes to their physical and emotional strengths and weaknesses, Miller says. Rather than being afraid of the contradictions within themselves, they see them as two sides of the same coin and use them to help further their plans. Those born under this sign may resonate with this feeling of contradictions, particularly in Taurus’s desire for stability while balancing the sensual side of this earth sign ruled by Venus

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Gemini (May 21–June 20)

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day.” —Albert Einstein

An active mind and spirit of inquisitiveness will keep a Gemini motivated. “They are curious about everything and anything, including the mysteries of the universe,” Miller says. This air sign also likes to find and share truth with others, she adds. Famous Geminis Marilyn Monroe, former President John F. Kennedy, Anne Frank and Bob Dylan were all fearless seekers and truth-tellers, and they might have found inspiration in Albert Einstein’s words.

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Cancer (June 21–July 22)

“The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair and hopelessness is love.” —Mother Theresa

What makes this sign tick? “Caring for others and nurturing are key character traits of Cancers,” Miller says. They care deeply about building relationships, whether long-term or casual, and are very trustworthy. Cancer zodiac sign quotes like this one from Mother Teresa would resonate with the likes of ordinary and famous Cancers, including famous nice-guy Tom Hanks and maybe even the late Princess Diana, the “people’s princess.” This water sign’s emotional depth and intuition make them particularly adept at ensuring others are happy and comfortable, and they’ll do what they can to achieve those great things Mother Teresa alludes to. 

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Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)

“One should train in deeds of merit—generosity, a balanced life, developing a loving mind—that yield long-lasting happiness.” —Buddha

Self-expression and authenticity are the cornerstones of Leos, who have a healthy sense of self and self-awareness. When it comes to inspirational quotes for Leos, you can’t go wrong with wisdom from Buddha. “I notice Leos loving Buddhism,” says Farrar.

These creative kings of the jungle—who include the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Barack Obama—are born leaders who possess warm hearts and are fueled by their zodiac element, fire. They are always eager to learn about themselves and the world around them, so strong Leo quotes include words of inspiration from spiritual leaders, who will speak to their desire to grow.

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Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

“I think that we have already done too much toward banishing the pleasant things from life by thinking that there is some opposition between living and providing the means of living. We waste so much time and energy that we have little left over in which to enjoy ourselves. Power and machinery, money and goods, are useful only as they set us free to live. They are but means to an end.” —Henry Ford

“Virgos are known for being very hard workers,” Miller says. “They’re practical and pay attention to detail.” People born under this sign aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, put in the work and find solutions—a career strength, no doubt. But they need to be cautious about overwork, making a point to set aside time for the finer things in life, which they also enjoy, she says. With the words above, business tycoon Henry Ford could motivate and inspire a Virgo to find that delicate work-life balance.

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Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

“This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” —Winston Churchill

Libras can be incredibly tenacious when it comes to achieving their goals and have a deep need to find the truth. (It should come as no surprise that the Chinese philosopher Confucius, U.S. Founding Father Samuel Adams and Nobel Prize founder Alfred Nobel were all Libras.) While those born under this peace-loving water sign don’t seek out conflict, they will fight for justice, equality and fairness, Miller says. This quote by famed justice-seeker and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Winston Churchill may inspire Libras to fight for what they believe in. 

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Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

“If you shift your focus from yourself to others, extend your concern to others and cultivate the thought of caring for the well-being of others, then this will have the immediate effect of opening up your life and helping you to reach out.” —14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso

These determined leaders may appear as cool as cucumbers, but make no mistake: Scorpios are powerful and passionate people who aren’t afraid to dig deep into the darkness. Perhaps that’s why their power color is dark-as-night black, a representation of the unknown. The dalai lama’s quote will inspire those born under this water sign to be their best selves and resist the urge to shut out others. 

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Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

“The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” —Eden Phillpotts

This travel-loving zodiac sign wants to climb every mountain and follow every stream, according to Farrar. Those born under this fire sign—including Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Winston Churchill and Walt Disney—are freedom-seeking souls with wanderlust in their hearts, eager to explore the world’s wonders. That’s why Sagittarius quotes like this one by poet Eden Phillpotts are so inspiring. “Traveling and exploring are where Sagittarians are the happiest and feel most at home,” Miller says. “They don’t just love to travel; they need it.”

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Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

“How wonderful that we have met with a paradox. Now we have some hope of making progress.” —Niels Bohr

Thanks to their love of history and tradition, Capricorns are very interested in making, doing or saying something that provides a lasting legacy, Miller says. They are all about making progress and won’t be defeated by a seeming paradox. In fact, they can be inspired by one! Practical and goal-oriented, Capricorns won’t give up even if the solution isn’t immediately clear.

Like many of the famous (and famously intense) people born under this sign (think: Martin Luther King Jr., Kate Middleton and Greta Thunberg), Capricorns have an intensity that underscores their love for a good challenge, Miller notes. Deep Capricorn quotes, like the one by physicist Niels Bohr above, are bound to speak to you or the Capricorns in your life.

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Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

“Lift up your hearts / Each new hour holds new chances / For a new beginning.” —Maya Angelou

Originality. Independence. An enviable ability to see the endless possibilities in the world. Those are the traits that define Aquarius, Farrar says. That’s wonderfully illustrated by the famous folks born under this sign, including Oprah Winfrey, Ed Sheeran, Michael Jordan and Alicia Keyes. “Aquarians don’t care what others think of them, which gives them a lot of freedom in trying new things and starting over,” Miller says. “They’re also incredibly intelligent, so they can see the possibility in change.” 

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Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

“Pisces are known for their altruism, especially to strangers, and they get a lot of satisfaction from helping others,” Miller says. This desire to serve can change the world, even if—especially if—you’re doing small, random acts of kindness each day. Every little bit helps make the world a nicer place, and this inspiring quote can motivate those born under this water sign to really lean into their caring and altruistic nature.

About the experts

  • Susan Miller is a professional astrologer, accredited through the International Society for Astrological Research, who has been practicing for more than 30 years. She is the author of 14 bestselling astrology books and is a contributing editor to Vogue Japan and other magazines. 
  • Rebecca Farrar, MA, is an archetypal astrologer, a writer and the founder of Wild Witch of the West. She’s been practicing for over 13 years with her down-to-earth and trauma-informed astrology sessions, courses and trainings.

Why trust us

At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this story on zodiac quotes, Stacey Marcus and Charlotte Hilton Andersen tapped their experience as seasoned journalists, interviewing two astrologers to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

  • Susan Miller, accredited astrologer with more than 30 years of experience, author of 14 bestselling astrology books and contributing editor to Vogue Japan and other magazines; phone interview, June 8, 2024
  • Rebecca Farrar, MA, archetypal astrologer, writer and founder of Wild Witch of the West; interview February 2022