When you’re looking for the next candle to add to your collection, you probably consider its scent before any other factor (although you definitely can’t overlook the aesthetic either). From musky to floral to earthy, there’s something for everyone. But you can actually go beyond your usual preferences and customize your candle collection to reflect your personality. You just have to know your zodiac sign.
Because your astrological chart explains your character traits, using it to dictate your candle choices will help you choose the right fragrance for you—on a spiritual level. Tali and Ophi Edut, aka the AstroTwins (the astrologers for Elle), created a line with the home fragrance brand Homesick based on this notion.
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“One of my favorite things about working with candles is the ability to craft scents that are unique and special to different people, places, moments, and memories—and what’s more personal and unique than star signs?” says Lauren McCord, general manager of Homesick. “By burning a candle with a fragrance carefully crafted to represent your star sign, you’re tapping into and supporting an energy that’s uniquely you. For example, I’m a Libra, and while I enjoy many scents for a short period of time, I love burning my Libra candle all day long because it’s calming, which is my natural state. Having candles developed specifically for you can bring about internal equilibrium and surround you with a strong sense of self.”
While most people are familiar with their sun sign (which is determined by your birthday), the other planets in your chart, like your moon and rising, also have a major influence on who you are. We spoke to the AstroTwins, and here’s what they say about keeping your signs in mind when picking out your next go-to candle fragrance.
Astrology and Scent, Explained
Q: How does someone’s sun sign have an impact on the scents they're drawn to or feel that they embody?
Your sun sign shapes your temperament and personality, the way you express yourself in the world. Having a scent that matches and amplifies that can help a person feel more attuned and confident being themselves.
Q: Do your moon and rising signs also influence this?
Absolutely. The moon dictates what we respond to emotionally and instinctively, and there can be something very primal about the scents we love (and hate!). The rising sign shapes the way you present yourself in the world—the first impression you make. A scent can make a strong first impression.
Q: What should someone look out for when they’re shopping for a candle that claims to be made specifically for their sign?
Venus in the chart can also provide clues—it’s what we find attractive, romantic, and sensual. For example, we have a Sagittarius sun sign, which is more sporty and global. But our moon and Venus signs are both in Scorpio, so we also tend to favor a more intense and gritty scent. You may find that you like something that has notes of your sun, moon, and Venus signs more than anything. The Homesick collection [we created] has a base, middle, and top note in every candle that gives amazing range, which is one of the things we love the most about it.
Here are the scents you should look out for based on your star sign (but don't forget to take the other planets into account, too).
HOMESICK
The Best Candle Scents for Your Zodiac
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and denotes the beginning of spring. They’re known for their invigorating and bold energy, which translates to a mixture of warm and energizing notes.
Best fragrances for Aries: Scents like lemon provide an energizing element, and smoked amber, cinnamon, and black pepper reflect the warmth of this fire sign. Fresh scents like gardenia, eucalyptus, and orange blossom are also fitting.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Earthy Taurus is trendy, sensual, and connected to nature. They also appreciate the finer things—so a little luxury (or something that feels luxurious) goes a long way.
Best fragrances for Taurus: Nature-inspired scents like agave, oakmoss, balsam, and cypress tap into Taurus’s earthy side. Vanilla, amber, and sandalwood offer a romantic and refined quality that naturally draws this sign in.
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Gemini can be defined as a juxtaposition between softness and strength. As they're represented by the twin, their favorite candles likely have more than one note, and they need multiple options depending on their mood.
Best fragrances for Gemini: Delicate scents like jasmine, gardenia, and cashmere musk paired with the stronger rosemary and lemon play on each other—just like a Gemini’s multi-dimensional personality.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
This water sign exudes coziness. Cancerians are always in touch with their emotions, and that can feel overwhelming at times. They’ll favor a scent that can bring them a sense of relaxation and harmony.
Best fragrances for Cancer: Go for warm and calming notes like water lilies, patchouli, and leather.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Leos are known for being bold and fiery. They need a candle that matches their energy and makes itself known as soon as you step into the room.
Best fragrances for Leo: Notes of cinnamon, peppercorns, and chili pepper bring the spice, and sweet, dessert-like scents will also definitely leave an impression.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Practical and sensible Virgos are grounded and subtle in character. Just being around them helps you feel more put together. It’s in the details with this sign.
Best fragrances for Virgo: Clean and calming citron, amber, and clove encapsulate Virgos—and will have you feeling motivated to get organized.
Libra (September 23-October 23)
Libra is a sweet, soft air sign, and they strongly value harmony. They also have an eye for all things aesthetically pleasing—so the packaging is just as important as the scent.
Best fragrances for Libra: Fresh notes of lilies and water lotus coupled with florals like honeysuckle and lavender create a scent that no Libra would be able to resist.
Scorpio (October 24-November 21)
The coolest person you know is probably a Scorpio. This sign is bold and unapologetic, not afraid to be who they are. They also give off a sense of mystery and moodiness (which definitely translates to their style).
Best fragrances for Scorpio: Eucalyptus, balsam, and fir needle notes capture the effortless yet powerful energy of this water sign.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Sagittarius is known for being both warm and energetic. It’s hard to pin them down, always dreaming up new ideas or booking trips.
Best fragrances for Sagittarius: Nature-inspired fragrances like verbena, sage, and vetiver channel their worldliness, and notes of tobacco or cinnamon emulate that warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you’re with them.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Earth sign Capricorn doesn’t tolerate nonsense. They know what they want, and they go for it. While they can be quite ambitious, they also have a sensitive side. If you have one in your life, you can count on them for anything.
Best fragrances for Capricorn: Cedar, teakwood, and bergamot reflect their earthy, reliable personality. Hints of smokey notes like whiskey or pink pepper reflect their subtle warmth.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Into the quirkier things, you’ll know an Aquarius when you meet one. They’re easygoing and unique—and their candle collection definitely shows that.
Best fragrances for Aquarius: Look for the eccentric, like plum, mandarin, fig, and ylang ylang, to create a truly unique and versatile scent. Sweet floral scents have the same energy as their positive, idealist outlook on life.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces often has their head in the clouds. Although they’re known to be dreamy, their creativity and artistry is unmatched.
Best fragrances for Pisces: The definition of a water sign, go for notes of driftwood and ocean breeze balanced by beach moss and orchid blooms for an ethereal touch.