by Simone Butler

Dating your own sign can be tricky, as the other person will mirror both your best and worst traits back to you. For example, Cancers are as cozy together as two bugs in a rug, but can also drive each other crazy with their moodiness. Aquarians may be the best of friends, but could remain so detached that true passion never quite catches fire. And Leos? God forbid you should both want to be the center of attention at the same time! Let's see how dating your own sign would work for you.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
This can be a tough match. You're both hot-headed, want your way, and tend to blame the other person when things go wrong. On the other hand, you spark each other's passionate nature, and will have lots of active fun together. Fighting fairly is the key to your success … as there will be fights! "Never go to bed angry" should be your mantra.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
The Bull is stubborn, with a one-track mind. If you're on the same track, great! If not, you'll both need to expand your comfort zones -- not an easy task for either one of you. You're both passionate about your own ideas and opinions, so if one of you is conservative and the other liberal, you're in for trouble. Sports and sensual enjoyment can keep you together.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Twins never bore each other. In fact, there may be too much unpredictability in this match. One of you will have to become the "stable one" and cultivate a home life, or you may not stay together long enough or go deep enough emotionally to put down roots. At least you can talk through whatever comes up, and enjoy a diverse social life together.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
This is one of the better same-sign matches. You're both nurturing and love to snuggle up at home. So what if you don't get out much? The biggest drawback, once you learn to tolerate each other's moods (and not take them personally!), is that your tendency to mother each other can smother the sexual spark. You make great parents, though.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
This is a volatile match! You both need a lot of attention, and tend to pout if you don't get it -- so you'll need to trade off making the other person feel special. Passions run high, which is great for sex, but take care you don't say or do something in the heat of a fight that fatally damages the relationship. Mutual respect is the key to this union.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
If you're both dedicated to the higher Virgo goals of health and service, this could be a match made in heaven. Just don't try to improve the other person or criticize their behavior -- which kills the passion. Overanalyzing the relationship can also make it wither on the vine. Plant a garden or do yoga together and you'll bring out the best in each other.

About the Author
Simone Butler is an intuitive astrologer with more than 20 years of experience in helping people engage with the mystery of their lives. She has taught many astrology classes and workshops. Her daily forecasts are featured in the "Starscroll", and her articles have appeared in "The Mountain Astrologer" magazine. She has worked with 12 Signs, Inc. since 1992. Simone lives in a rural hideaway in Escondido, Calif. with her cat, Queen Bess.