The Zodiac Signs Ranked From Most Stubborn To Completely Go With The Flow
The 12 astrological signs can tell us so much about the core personalities of ourselves and the people around us, as noted by the New York Post. This includes how stubborn or go with the flow a person is. Some zodiac signs are as cool as cucumbers. Other more strong-willed signs can be challenging for loved ones to deal with at times, with their argumentative spirits and inflexible attitudes.
Stubbornness can rear its head in a myriad of ways. According to PsychMechanics, stubborn people are relentless in their ideas and opinions, and are also generally resistant to change. Someone who is headstrong will actively seek out people, places, and hobbies that adhere to their preferred routine and keep them unencumbered by the disagreement or challenges of others. When they can't avoid an argument, they will argue, nitpick, and may even resort to throwing a temper tantrum to win. Some people are more stubborn when it comes to their tastes, while others adopt the personality trait as a way to avoid pain or get what they want.
Of course, being hardheaded and resistant to change can be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to stubborn zodiac signs. The sign's ruling planet, modality, and element also play a role in how flexible or self-willed a person is. Use this guide to identify the zodiac signs ranked from most stubborn to completely go with the flow and figure out where you fit in.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
Astrologists worldwide tend to agree that Taurus is the most stubborn zodiac sign (via Astroyogi). Taurus people are governed by the planet Venus, which gives them a flirty and romantic edge. However, they are also earth signs, meaning they are grounded and practical people represented by the bull, known to be stubborn animals.
As a fixed sign, Taureans demonstrate reliable, steadfast natures, per Well + Good. Generally speaking, they're determined, persistent, headstrong, and down-to-earth people who put stock in security. They are also incredibly loyal to their family, friends, and the causes they care about. This combination helps Taurus people stick to their goals and follow through with prior commitments. But, it can be difficult for Taureans to let things go, be it a job, a romantic relationship, or a failed business idea.
It can also be challenging to communicate with a stubborn Taurus. They often hold onto their version of events and fail to see things from other perspectives. Arguments with a Taurus can last for hours, mostly because they are unwilling to admit they might be wrong.
Capricorn (December 22 to January 19)
Capricorns contain a unique type of stubbornness. They are earth signs represented by the mythological sea goat. They are ruled by the planet Saturn which has a mature, disciplined, and responsible influence on the rule-loving sign (via Well + Good). Capricorns value tradition to the extent that they can have a hard time opening their minds to new ways of thinking or experiencing new things. Their intense focus on practicality allows them to lead people in a no-nonsense way. As a result, they are great to have around in a crisis.
In an argument, Capricorns are unlikely to concede because many have difficulty seeing perspectives that differ from their own. They rarely back down or apologize even if they know they are in the wrong, which can be exhausting for their friends and family. Capricorns are known to hold grudges and to be irritable when their routines are altered, per Substitute Ninja.
Leo (July 23 to August 22)
Leo is a fixed fire sign with a powerful stubborn streak (via PureWow). They are passionate, sometimes dramatic individuals who feel their emotions strongly. Although they are loyal friends whose warmth and kindness can light up the darkest days, they are also known for being aggressively headstrong. Leos tend to overcompensate for their vulnerabilities, so much so that they can sometimes come off as arrogant or haughty.
Leos also like to drag their feet, a tendency that keeps them stuck in unproductive relationships. If you've ever had a friend that insists their bad relationship is worth working at, despite all of the obvious signs that it's time to move on, they're probably a Leo. Furthermore, Leos like to be in charge of everything and believe they are the best person to get things accomplished. This combination of self-confidence and authority makes them born leaders, but it can easily slip into obstinance if it isn't kept in check, as noted by Times of India.
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18)
Folks born under the sign of Aquarius are progressive, radical thinkers who despise change or having their beliefs challenged. As a result, they are typically viewed as one of the more stubborn zodiac signs. Aquarians are air signs with a high degree of intelligence thanks to their ruling planet Uranus. They are also clever and communicative (via Cafe Astrology). They possess a wonderful sense of humor, love exploring abstract ideas, and live with one foot in the dream world of their own creation.
Despite these ethereal qualities, Aquarius is a fixed sign with all of the stubborn trappings associated with the modality. Their penchant for idealism makes them immediately shun old or outdated ways of thinking, even if a better way of doing things hasn't been invented yet. They also hold fast to their opinions and value frankness. The willful natures of many Aquarians make them independent, but it also makes them prideful. When an Aquarius is criticized, particularly by authority figures, they often dig in their heels out of spite, determined to live the way they want at any cost, per MomJunction.
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
Aries folks are bold, courageous, and high-energy individuals ruled by the warring planet Mars and represented by the ram (via MindBodyGreen). Like their head-butting symbol, they are also incredibly stubborn. Aries are action-oriented people who take big risks and value fun, winning, and often put themselves first. They have dominating energy that overpowers the thoughts and feelings of those around them, even when they aren't trying. When in a relationship with an Aries, it is good for a partner to know that they can be impulsive.
Aries can have stubborn and combative natures, but rather than stemming from a sinister or mean place, it is more likely from impatience and boredom. Aries are also independent people who hate being bossed around. They stand by their ideas and throw themselves wholeheartedly into their passions and projects, preferring to do their own thing regardless of what anyone else thinks about it.
Scorpio (October 24 to November 21)
Compared to Taureans and Capricorns, Scorpios are relatively flexible individuals. Scorpio is a fixed water sign, which often means an intense temperament. It takes Scorpios time to open up to others, which gives them an alluring and mysterious persona. Once you get to truly know them, you will find they have an endless capacity for charm and intuition.
However, that isn't to say Scorpios aren't demanding now and again. On the contrary, the persistent nature and unfailing honesty of a Scorpio creates a single-minded, sometimes ruthless person (via The Times of India). While receptive to emotions and tuned in to the connections they make with others, they have a strong sense of self.
It isn't easy to sway a Scorpio to a different point of view. Arguing with a Scorpio can prove to be a fruitless endeavor, as they will often stick to their convictions and be unwilling to compromise. They also tend to like a good rivalry and will thrive in all-or-nothing scenarios as a result.
Virgo (August 23 to September 22)
It may not come as a surprise that Virgos are either extremely stubborn or very go with the flow. As a mutable earth sign, Virgos are a unique combination of highly organized, grounded, creative, and flexible. Ruled by the planet Mercury, Virgos are often craftsmen or professional communicators who value order, structure, beauty, and loyalty (via Vice). Virgos are also kind individuals, but their thoughtfulness can easily shift into overthinking and worry. If they aren't careful, their introspective thinking can make them critical and overly judgmental. Once made, these judgments can be difficult for them to overcome.
Many Virgos are flexible in nature, but once they've made up their mind it can be difficult to alter, per PrepScholar. As analytical individuals, Virgos require ample data and proof before they will concede to a new way of thinking. They also often seek perfectionism in everything they say or do, unwilling to settle for anything less than their high standards. Furthermore, Virgos may not like to try new things and are sometimes described as being uptight or moody by people who don't know them well.
Virgos often understand the inevitability of change. They may be cautious and occasionally stubborn, but they are also highly adaptable to canceled plans or adjusted schedules.
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)
Sagittarius may not be the most stubborn sign on the zodiac, but these people can certainly have their moments. Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter, the planet of luck and abundance, per Astrology.com. Most folks born under this sign are outgoing, friendly, and fun individuals who bring warmth and laughter with them wherever they go. They have a fiercely optimistic outlook on life and are normally the life of every party (via Alice Sparkly Kat).
This sign tends to be fixed on life goals and follow them to the letter. They put their faith in lived experience and will use it to argue their own perspectives. However, they thrive in environments where they have the freedom and flexibility to be themselves. A changing daily routine is ideal for a Sagittarius, who will grow listless when faced with the same mundane tasks.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the Moon. Like the crab, Cancerians have a tough, impenetrable exterior that can make them seem cold and aloof. However, these rigid qualities are often protecting a more sensitive and understanding side, per The Times of India, even showing great empathy toward others. According to WeWork, Cancer folks have a strong sense of attachment to those around them. They strive to be supportive and reliable individuals who believe in celebrating the accomplishments of others.
However, their kindness does have limits. In addition to being temperamental and spiteful, Cancerians are known for experiencing mood swings that confuse their colleagues and loved ones. They often carry a deep well of melancholy within themselves. Their sensitive nature makes them prone to feeling slighted, and they often hold grudges against people they feel have wronged them.
Cancerians are mainly stubborn about upholding traditions (via Co-Star). They feel a deep connection to history and can romanticize the past. This includes their own life history. For example, a Cancer would often prefer to rewatch the same classic movie 100 times than take a chance on something new. This partially stems from a Cancer's need for comfort and their dislike of surprises.
Libra (September 23 to October 22)
Libra is an air sign appropriately represented by the scales, with traits that are very balanced and logical. They are experts at forging friendships and prefer social situations over being alone with their thoughts. Having a disagreement with a Libra is easy because they take responsibility when they are wrong (via Zodiac Fire).
Although Libras approach a situation from every point of view, they often shy away from making decisions. They may be calm and diplomatic, but they also find themselves on the fence about major issues, preferring to keep an open mind and avoid voicing their own opinions. Generally, this comes from a fear of conflict. Although they have a strong sense of right and wrong, their desire for peace often keeps them from standing up for themselves. Problems at work or in their relationships often go unresolved as a result. A Libra will often seek out the company of signs with more backbone to balance out their indecisive behaviors.
Libras are generally considered to be positive people who roll with the punches. They don't mind when plans are canceled or abruptly change, and they are quick to apologize for their mistakes. That being said, this sign can be quite cunning when the situation calls for it, per Live About. Furthermore, Libras have the ability to smoothly talk anyone out of chaotic situations and often don't take "no" for an answer.
Pisces (February 19 to March 20)
Pisces is a mutable water sign characterized by supreme adaptability, selflessness, and a semi-directionless nature. The sign is ruled by the planet Neptune which gives these individuals a strong sense of idealism and a dash of subtle spirituality. Pisces is symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions. This symbol simultaneously demonstrates the sign's struggle to make concrete decisions and the ability to flow with the changing tides.
Both Pisces men and women are easy-going, friendly, and sensitive, per TheTalko. It is one of the most sympathetic zodiac signs in existence, making Pisces beloved coworkers and supportive friends. However, they have trouble asserting themselves and can let their kind natures be taken advantage of (via PrepScholar). Although Pisces can be highly attuned to their emotions and the feelings of others, they are prone to being over emotional in inopportune situations. They are frequent criers and can have a moody temperament. You may not ever know if a Pisces needs help because they aren't likely to express themselves. However, they can hold a grudge like nobody's business.
Pisces can be stubborn when it comes to admitting their mistakes. On a more positive note, they can also be headstrong about accomplishing their goals. No matter what obstacles land in their path, they're determined to circumnavigate them and push forward.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
No other zodiac sign is as chill and laid back as a Gemini. Sociable, flirty, flexible, and completely relaxed, Geminis can adapt to any situation (via BestLife). Gemini is a mutable air sign represented by the twins Castor and Pollux, siblings with distinct and sometimes contradictory personalities, per Alamanac. The twins' varied characteristics contribute to a Gemini's yearning for adventure, indecisive nature, and enthusiasm for partaking in witty banter with others.
Geminis are highly intelligent beings that crave knowledge and love to learn. They are also outgoing social chameleons that can fit into any group. Their sharp wit and wonderful sense of humor attracts a wide range of people, and can even help elevate the moods of others, as noted by Ganesha Speaks. In love and relationships, Geminis are excellent communicators that don't mind working through tense discussions. However, their desire to seek change keeps them wary of commitment.
Although Geminis are willing to try anything at least once and can turn spoiled plans into an adventure worthy of a Netflix series, they do have a few weaknesses. Their lack of conviction and penchant for impulsivity gives them a flighty reputation. It is challenging for Geminis to accomplish their goals because they are often easily distracted. They stray from responsibility and aren't known for being the type of friend that will help you move.