Zodiac Signs That Make The Best Fathers, Ranked From Best To Worst
Just because he’s a great partner doesn’t mean he’s father material.
istock A long time ago, raising children was more or less mom’s responsibility. Single parents were rare, so we didn’t expect much from fathers besides going to work, providing for their family, and running the occasional backyard bar-b-que.
We still see this a lot in movies and TV, but in reality, the days when that was normal are long gone. We’ve recently begun to re-think exactly what it means to be a “family.” Whether some people like it or not, outdated traditions don’t cut it anymore. That means that we have to redefine how the modern family works and what a father’s role should be.
It’s not just about biology. Donating the sperm to make half a human being doesn’t mean that a guy is ready to be a dad. Conversely, some of the best fathers in the world have no genetic connection to their children.
Bear in mind that there are no perfect parents — you and your partner are human, and try as you might, you’re going to make mistakes. Also, every family is different. Like you, your kids are unique individuals, and you’re just going to have to learn together as you go.
When you’re starting a family, it helps to know your partner’s astrology chart inside and out. The daily horoscopes are helpful, but to really get inside their mind and find out the details that make up their whole personality, you’ll want to analyze their full natal chart.
How do they feel about long-term partnerships? Do they really want kids, or are they just saying that because it’s expected? Can you rely on them to be there for you and your children no matter what, or are they likely to take off when things get tough (or worse, when they just get bored)?
So, do you think he’s ready for fatherhood and all it entails? Here are the zodiac signs who make the best dads, ranked from best to worst.
1. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
This sign is associated with responsibility, duty, and perseverance. Sometimes Capricorn seems to be emotionally unavailable, but they’re also patient, hard-working, and devoted to their long-term goals.
If they’ve accepted the role of fatherhood, they’ll do everything they can to make sure their family is taken care of.
2. CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Cancer is the sign of the nurturing mother, but male Cancers make excellent fathers, too. (Despite the traditional symbolism, the Zodiac doesn’t draw too many lines between gender roles.)
Cancer’s gentle nature and emotional bonding skills help their children feel safe and loved.
3. LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Like his symbol, the Lion, Leo loves to be the head of his own beautiful pride. Leo encourages his children to chase after their dreams, whatever they may be.
He’d really like to see them in the spotlight (partially so he can let everyone in the audience know that he’s their father — Leo never quite gets away from his own need for attention), but no matter what their choices, Leo’s cubs can count on dad to back them up and cheer for them. Just make sure he knows how much everyone appreciates him.
4. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
When it comes to family, Taurus is the most protective sign in the Zodiac. He will go to great lengths to make sure that his children have the best of everything and the safest of environments, but sometimes he may need to be reminded that people are not possessions.
Taurus is going to have to learn not to be so stubborn when it comes to family. He has to step back now and then, and let his children find their own way.
5. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
A skilled diplomat, Libra’s children will learn how to talk things out and negotiate intelligently instead of shouting and fighting. Libra can detect emotional trouble and he’s a good listener. He genuinely wants to know how everyone in the family is feeling and solve any problems as quickly as possible.
This can often make him indecisive, though. Sometimes a parent just needs to put their foot down (“Because I said so, that’s why!”), but Libra’s so busy trying to be fair that his kids can sometimes walk all over him.
6. PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces may not be the rational, hard-working role model that we traditionally associate with fatherhood, but his emotional bond with his children is one of the strongest you’ll ever find. Pisces’ imagination makes him a wonderful playmate, and that natural psychic ability comes in handy when there’s trouble brewing.
7. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini loves to be around people and will encourage his children to study and talk as much as possible — they’ll have to, if they want to keep up with him. Because he relates to others on an intellectual level, rather than emotional, quality-time with Gemini dad will include trips to the museum, lectures, and binging on documentaries.
He may never quite be able to bond with his children they way you might like, but he’s doing his best to make sure they’re intelligent and well-rounded thinkers.
8. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarius cares a great deal for humanity and our future as a species, but he might have trouble relating to people one-on-one. He can change, though, and having a family is one of the few things that will inspire Aquarius to learn how to focus on the needs of individuals.
Aquarius’ children grow up keenly aware of world events, as their dad is always encouraging them to pay attention, to notice what could be improved, and to take positive action whenever they can.
9. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
If Sagittarius’ family is just as eager to experiment and explore the world, though, he’ll be able to give his children a life-long appreciation for learning, travel, and eclectic experiences.
10. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
There’s no doubt that Scorpio often comes off as cruel and manipulative. They’re naturally guarded when it comes to letting anyone touch them on an emotional level. But when it comes to his own children, Scorpio’s love and loyalty is fierce.
He may not know how to express this at times, leaving his spouse and children a little confused about where they stand. Because he tends to be secretive about the important things, the depths of Scorpio’s devotion to his family are likely to become apparent years later, when the puzzle finally comes together.
11. ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries encourages his kids to do more, be more, and take on any challenges that life throws at them. He wants to see them grow up to be as strong and independent as he is (or at least, how he thinks of himself).
This can go two ways: Aries can be the best, most supportive father a kid could ask for... or he could become one of those bossy, bullying dads that don’t know when to stop pushing their kids. Aries is going to need his co-parent to help him keep his own ambitions in check so that he doesn’t demand more than the children can give.
12. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgo’s passive nature conflicts with his desire to set all the rules. What he’d really like would be for everyone in the family to just do what they’re supposed to do (according to him), all the time, without arguing.
Of course this never happens, and the ensuing chaos of family life can make neurotic Virgo even more anxious. Detail-oriented and critical of everything, the Virgo dad always seems a little disappointed with everyone.
Trudi Mentior grew up in Great Falls, Montana, where she spent her formative years wondering just what might be beyond those vast plains, on the other side of those distant mountains. She now lives in Vancouver, Washington, with her husband, three cats, and a loudmouthed hyacinth macaw (who loves to scare the cats).