The Astrology of Scent
A Quick Guide to Letting the Stars Pick Your Next Fragrance…
Have you ever wondered why you’re drawn to some scents and not others? Or, why other people are drawn to certain scents on you? The answer may be in the stars.
For 5,000 years, philosophers, mystics, world leaders, artists and entrepreneurs have relied upon astrology for guidance and direction in the realms of finances, love, and health. The study of changing constellation and planetary positions has been revered by many civilizations, and the practice has been handed down thoughout much of recorded history.
This ancient practice has been embraced in the worlds of fashion and fragrance as well. In fact, the Christian Dior relied on his personal astrologer to such an extent that he refused to schedule a fashion show or launch a perfume without a cosmic divination. Coco Chanel, too, was so interested in astrology and numerology that she named her (now iconic) fragrance, Chanel No. 5, after the number she believed brought her good luck.
Coco Chanel, too was so interested in astrology and numerology that she named her now iconic fragrance, Chanel No. 5, after the number she believed brought her good luck.
Use this guide for inspiration, whether you want to compliment the sign of your core personality (sun sign) or lean into the parts of your chart you wish to embolden.
Be certain to check your moon and rising sign placements, too.
Not sure where to start? Receive your free birth chart here.
Your Fragrance Horoscope
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Fire sign
Symbol: The Ram
Ruling Planet: Mars
The Groundbreaker
The Aries personality is bold, dynamic, and restless. They are wonderful leaders, and are full of vitality. Choose big, bold florals like rose, jasmine, honeysuckle, and tuberose to embolden this vivacious sign.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Earth sign
Symbol: The Bull
Ruling Planet: Venus
The Cultivator
Taureans are outgoing and sensual, yet dependable, nurturing, and stable. They tend to work very hard and appreciate all that they have accumulated. Best scent styles are earthy, mossy woods and green florals. (Think oakmoss, pear and patchouli.)
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Air sign
Symbol: The Twins
Ruling Planet: Mercury
The Thinker
Full of new ideas and excellent communicators, Geminis are the most curious and creative of the zodiac. Rich, white florals and gourmand fragrances work best with this energetic sign. Try gardenia, orange blossom and tonka bean.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Water sign
Symbol: The Crab
Ruling Planet: The Moon
The Empath
Cancers are known for their empathy, honesty, and nurturing personalities. This (sometimes) moody sign may gravitate towards scents that evoke a sense of warmth and security — try light florals and gourmands like vanilla, musk, white tea, and lily of the valley.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Fire sign
Symbol: The lion
Ruling Planet: The Sun
The Extrovert
Ruled by the sun, Leos bring a big, bold light to every room. They are hard workers and love the finer things in life, so luxurious florals and warm wood notes work best with this intrepid sign. Wear sandalwood, amber and complex floral compositions to express your personality.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Earth sign
Symbol: The Virgin
Ruling Planet: Mercury
The Perfectionist
Virgo’s mind is sharp and analytical, yet creative and built to listen. Prone to overthinking in certain situations, the best scents for this pure sign are calming lavender and florals with a touch of earthy wood. Try cedar, musk, and delicate peony.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Air sign
Symbol: The Scales
Ruling Planet: Venus
The Charmer
Known for their love of beauty, Libras are balanced, harmonious, and affectionate. Florals of all kinds are best for the zodiac’s most influential tastemaker. Rose (the flower of the goddess Venus), ylang ylang, and powdery iris.
Scorpio fragrance horoscope (October 23 – November 21)
Water sign
Symbol: The Scorpion
Ruling Planet: Pluto
The Mystic
Deeply intuitive, passionate, and protective, Scorpios are the most misunderstood sign of the zodiac. Full of contradictions, Scorpios do best swimming in the depths (you are a water sign, after al!). Seek out scents that exude sex appeal like ouds, cedarwood and amber. Intoxicating florals like tuberose work beautifully too.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Fire sign
Symbol: The Archer
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
The Adventurer
Ruled by the planet of good fortune, Sagittarius people love to travel and just seem to breeze through life with ease. Happiest when you are learning and always craving freedom, zesty citrus and fruity florals suit you best. Try grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, and bergamot.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Earth sign
Symbol: The Goat
Ruling Planet: Saturn
The Achiever
Capricorns are self-disciplined, goal-oriented and family oriented. People seek your advice and consider you a valuable confidant. This steadfast sign should wear scents that are as dignified as they are. Try gourmands and chypres such as warm vanilla, sandalwood, juniper, and vetiver.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Air sign
Symbol: The Water Bearer
Ruling Planet: Uranus
The Visionary
As the zodiac’s most free-thinking sign, Aquarians are known for their innovative and original ways. Friendly, rebellious, and slightly detached, airy and light florals work best for this revolutionary sign. Try neroli, iris, and geranium.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Water sign
Symbol: The Fish
Ruling Planet: Neptune
The Dreamer
Creative, sensitive, and romantic, it seems as though the last sign of the zodiac has her head in the clouds, but this deeply intuitive sign is compassionate and dependable too. This water sign should seek scents that are as ephemeral as they are. Look for sea air accords, water lily, pear, and peach.
““A Woman Who Doesn’t Wear Perfume Has No Future.””
THE IDOLETTE EDIT
