How Astrology Can Make You A Better Writer
You can have the best plot in the world, but without compelling characters, your script just becomes “COOL STUFF HAPPENING” which is the kiss of death in scriptwriting.
It may go against every bad screenwriting book you’ve ever read, but if you start with character FIRST then your writing will up-level. I promise, because it happened to me.
It may seem difficult, but what if I told you that you have a one-stop shop for all the personality traits you’ll need to create memorable characters that people will want to stick with for seven seasons or rewatch 25 years later? Well I do, and it’s astrology!
Whether or not you believe in astrology, it can serve as a powerful tool for crafting characters with unique and complex personalities.
Just as you use archetypes to develop tension and drive the plot, zodiac signs can provide a ready-made template for fleshing out character traits, motivations, and even conflicts. In this post, I’ll show you how to use astrology to create more dynamic characters, and why you don’t need to be a believer to reap the benefits.
And I’ll share my secret weapon for how I use astrology in my own writing — The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need.
Why Astrology Makes Sense for Writers
Whenever someone finds out I’m a double Pisces/Capricorn, it’s usually “oh!” and then “ohhhhh.” I’m an emotional escapist on one side then a practical ice queen on the other. (If you’re not dating me, don’t worry.) But it does explain a lot of my traits, tastes, and also my own internal conflict. (that can be an advanced addition to your character’s zodiac for bonus points!)
As a screenwriter, you know that characters are plot. They are the foundation of every great story, just like a house needs a solid foundation. When I started applying astrology to my writing, it opened a new dimension of creativity for me. Suddenly, I had a roadmap for personalities, desires, flaws, and even how my characters would interact with each other. Zodiac signs gave me a way to create nuanced and natural-feeling relationships, and more importantly, to drive tension in my stories.
By assigning your characters zodiac signs, you can easily tap into these archetypes, giving them a depth that resonates with audiences.
Want to learn more about astrology? Check out The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need
Secret #1: Use Astrology to Define Core Personality Traits
Astrology offers a treasure trove of personality traits that can serve as a guide when developing your characters. Each zodiac sign comes with distinct characteristics. For example:
Aries is bold, impulsive, and energetic.
Taurus is steady, practical, and loyal.
Gemini is curious, adaptable, and talkative.
Take iconic characters like Hermione Granger. As a Virgo, she’s analytical, detail-oriented, and loves order. These traits shape her decisions and relationships throughout Harry Potter. You can do the same with your characters, starting with their zodiac signs to build a foundation for their actions, motivations, and personal growth.
Secret #2: Drive Conflict with Compatible (or Incompatible) Signs
One of the most fun ways to use astrology in your writing is by creating natural tension through zodiac sign compatibility—or incompatibility.
Just as in real life, certain signs are harmonious while others clash. A character with a stubborn Taurus personality will naturally butt heads with a free-spirited Aquarius. This friction can serve as a key point of conflict in your narrative.
Think about classic TV pairings like Mulder and Scully in The X-Files. Mulder (Scorpio) is intense, secretive, and driven by gut feelings, while Scully (Virgo) is skeptical, logical, and methodical. Their opposing approaches add layers of tension that propel the plot forward.
Now imagine for a moment that BOTH of the main characters were hyper-logical skeptics or both intense Type-Bs! It would be a disaster, and without the tension of their opposite world views, BORING. Their relationship is what keeps people watching all these years, including me!
Curious about how to build tension with character dynamics like Mulder and Scully? Grab The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need for insights on character compatibility. (QUICK! It’s ON SALE!)
My favorite TV show of all time.
Secret #3: Map Character Arcs with Zodiac Elements
Each zodiac sign belongs to one of four elements: Fire, Earth, Air, or Water. These elements reveal even more about how characters interact with the world and evolve over time.
Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) tend to be driven by passion and ambition, while Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) focus on practicality and stability. Using these elements can help you map out character arcs in a way that feels natural.
For example, Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games exhibits strong Capricorn traits. She’s practical, grounded, and focused on survival.
But as the series progresses, her character arc moves her from stoic independence to emotional vulnerability, a shift you could track through astrology.
Need help developing character arcs? The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need is the perfect tool for mapping your characters’ journeys.
Learn more about the zodiac HERE.
Secret #4: Leverage Zodiac Archetypes to Fuel Subplots
Astrology isn’t just for main characters. You can apply zodiac archetypes to supporting characters to create richer subplots.
Maybe your protagonist’s best friend is a Sagittarius, always pushing them toward adventure and spontaneity. Or perhaps their romantic partner is a mysterious Scorpio, creating deep emotional undercurrents and intrigue.
A great example is Don Draper from Mad Men. His Scorpio traits—secretive, intense, and emotionally complex—make him a compelling, unpredictable character, driving both the main plot and subplots with his relationships.
Astrology offers a unique way to deepen your understanding of characters, relationships, and plot dynamics. Whether you believe in it or not, the zodiac provides archetypes that can serve as a blueprint for creating more engaging and relatable characters. You don’t have to guess at personalities or motivations—astrology gives you a structured way to approach character development.
If you’re ready to make your characters more dynamic and your stories more compelling, The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need is a fantastic resource. With this guide, you’ll be able to bring characters to life in a way that resonates with your audience and adds layers of complexity to your storytelling. Remember: character is plot, and astrology is a powerful tool for building that foundation.
Ready to supercharge your writing with astrology? Click here to check out The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need and transform your characters today!
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