Say This! Best Ways to Set Boundaries for Every Zodiac Sign

In partnership with BetterHelp

Have you been feeling a little boundary-challenged lately? Blame it on Saturn. Seriously!

On March 7, 2023, the planetary boundary hound embarked on a three-year trek through Pisces, the zodiac sign known for dissolving boundaries altogether. Are you seeing the dissonance here?

Saturn can be a harsh teacher, but its lessons are generally right on time. We’re all still finding out way back to “normal interactivity” after the pandemic forced quarantine-level boundaries upon us all. As challenging as it was to be apart from our communities, we learned a very Saturnian lesson: That our time and personal space is precious.

But conveying that to others can be challenging, especially if you’re a caring soul, an empath or someone who wants to be a good friend. Recently, we sat down with BetterHelp therapist Courtney Cope to talk about healthy ways to set boundaries.

Courtney calls boundaries “the protectors of our peace and the protectors of our sanity.” She helps her clients gain facility with honoring their needs and setting boundaries so that their relationships can remain healthy. Less canceling, more self-validation!

She also breaks down the difference between brunch talk with supportive friends and the kind of objective listening a therapist provides, which is quite different. Watch the video here and discover how to be a “compassionate witness” for friends in need—it’s a lot easier than taking on their struggle as your own!

And since we love to astrologize everything, we wrote some zodiac-friendly scripts to help build that boundary-setting muscle. It begins by giving YOURSELF permission to be who you are, then working with your natural proclivities. Practice really does make perfect here, so if at first you crumble to pressure, try, try again.

Boundary setting for every zodiac sign

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)

Boundary Issue: You have FOMO so you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity by setting a boundary, then you overpromise and don’t come through.

Say This:
“Every cell in my body wants to say yes, but I have to make sure it fits my schedule.”
“I’d really love to but I can’t commit right now. How soon do you need a final answer?”
“Can you send me more information that I can share with my team?”

Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)

Boundary Issue: Sometimes you begin with rigid rules before you get to know people, which can block you from forming trust and intimacy. Are those boundaries or barriers?

Say This:
“How great! I’ll definitely consider that. Can you tell more about the guest list, dress code, preparation?”
“Can you give me some times, dates and details and I’ll check my schedule?”
“I’d love to help with that but I don’t have the capacity right now. Can I recommend a great resource I’ve used?”

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)

Boundary Issue: You make fast friends with people but sometime realize that you’ve gotten too close too soon and need to pull back.

Say This:
“That way won’t work but is there another way that could?”
“That sounds really exciting. I’d like to do a little more research on that.”
“I’d love to say yes, but I need to check my schedule first.”

Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

Boundary Issue: Your empathic ways can lead you to take responsibility for other people’s emotions, which turns into people-pleasing and not saying no.

Say This:
“That’s not something I’ve ever tried before, but I’m open to exploring.”
“I’m very sensitive to my surroundings and I like to prepare. Can you tell me more about who will be there and what the energy will be like?”
“I’d love to help you but I’m not going to be able to this time. Can I point you in the direction of support?”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The AstroTwins

Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut, known as The AstroTwins, are the founders of Astrostyle.com and the authors of multiple bestselling astrology books. Their horoscopes reach millions here and through their resident astrologer column at ELLE Magazine.