Spiritual Health

Your Guide to Gemini Personality Traits for a Better Understanding of the Twin Sign

Photo: Stocksy / Jayme Burrows
In astrology, babies born between May 21 and June 20 are Geminis, aka the twins of the zodiac. Gemini is often regarded as a sign that's two-faced and duplicitous, flighty and indecisive. But that oversimplification and, honestly, unfair categorization doesn't tell the whole story of Gemini traits. If you're an all-star Gemini, you already know this, though.

To further clear the air about Gemini traits, I tapped astrologer and real-life Gemini twin (along with his sister Courtney) Colin Bedell, author of Zodiac Signs: Gemini, who understands Gemini’s natural duality as a positive. "We make people feel less alone because we are the twins," Bedell says. "So we mirror other people's experiences and understand the emotion that underpins that experience, which is what inspires people to feel less disengaged."

Below, Bedell along with astrologer Noush Joon from Girl and Her Moon lay out the real deal about Gemini traits. So get ready, because there’s so much to love about Geminis.

What are the good gemini qualities and strengths?

1. They’re clear communicators

To start with the strengths, Geminis are exceptionally curious, and very adept at verbal communication. "They know how to say what they need to say, and they mean what they say," says Bedell. "They may change their mind afterward, but they're very clear communicators. I find they have a really great sense of humor, and they don't take themselves too seriously."

2. They’re very lucky

That's why it always feels like the Geminis in your life almost back into their success. "They just kind of like find themselves in right-place, right-time situations, because they're light on their feet and really adaptable, really elegant," Bedell says. "And the universe responds well to that."

3. They’re fast learners

If you throw a Gemini into a new situation, they thrive on the stimulation and are quick to pick up a new skill. There’s a caveat, though. The activity has to invigorate both their mind and hands. “They enjoy keeping busy but [they] need the practical and applied learning to keep their interest,” Joon says.

4. They love going with the flow

File flexibility under Gemini good traits. “They are not going to get upset if plans change on a whim,” Joon says. “Spontaneity is part of Gemini’s life force. They allow life to unfold before their eyes without needing a solid plan to follow.”

5. They’re quick-witted

Another Gemini strength is that they’re not only quick on their feet, they’re also quick thinkers who are always ready with an idea or witty remark. “They enjoy playful banter and are not afraid to ruffle some feathers,” Joon says. She adds that because they think and speak quickly, Geminis often don’t allow enough time to properly think through what they’re going to say, which can sometimes get them in trouble. See Gemini weakness below.

What are the bad Gemini qualities or weaknesses?

1. They’re often quick to answer

The area where Gemini tends to get in trouble is, well, sometimes they speak with a lot of authority on topics that encompass a lot of ambiguity, uncertainty, and risk. In that scenario, Geminis have a tough time hitting pause to say, "You know what? I don't have an answer for you right now. But I will tell you when I get there." Because of this trouble with taking the time to synthesize thoughts and provide measured answers, Gemini can over-commit and under-deliver.

2. They change their mind often too

A Gemini’s go-with-the-flow vibe can sometimes be a weakness. "They'll change a value or a plan or an idea without also considering the fact that there are people who are a little bit more committed [and] a little bit more attached to results," Bedell says. "And if they're not communicating the evolution of the change, then they're going to show a lack of integrity. That's a really hard scarlet letter to scrub off."

So if you ever find yourself planning a trip with a Gemini, pro tip: Capitalize on those communication skills to confirm what the plan is before anyone throws down for a plane ticket.

3. They tend to overthink things

Geminis are quick to speak, but when it comes to thinking things through and making a decision, well, that’s where they struggle. “Gemini can have a strong mind. However, there is a lot going on in there,” Joon says. “If we were to metaphorically dissect their brains, it might reveal a chaotic circus of thoughts spiraling into one another.”

4. They’re not the most honest sign

“Gemini has such a knack for story-telling and feels such a joy in self-expression, that at times they can stretch out parts of a story in order to negate telling the complete and concise series of events,” Joon says. This, as you can imagine, can make things confusing when talking to a Gemini because there are likely many versions of the same story.

What are a Gemini's toxic traits?

Each zodiac sign has their version of toxic traits. For Gemini, in particular, one of them is that they can thrive on drama. “Gemini can enjoy constant stimulation, so there is a part of them that enjoys the chaos of drama as it unfolds before them,” Joon says. “They can also often be the ones creating the drama to keep things interesting.”

Geminis can also often come across as non-committal. “Geminis don’t necessarily enjoy being locked down to one place, one person, one idea, they enjoy the dualities and triplicities and then some,” Joon says. “They enjoy being constantly challenged with new stimulation, so committing to just the one thing can be tricky for a Gemini.” This isn’t necessarily a bad Gemini trait in and of itself, but it can be if they leave people hanging in the process.

How to get along with a Gemini

These lavishly verbal folks will light up if you communicate with them on their level or even close to their level (remember, these are very charismatic wordsmiths). To make sure you're successful in this way, Bedell recommends using a method based on the research of Drs. John and Julie Gottman: Make 50 percent of the dialogue with the Gemini an open-ended question.

Giving a verbal prompt versus statements that sound like wooden PR releases will delight a Gemini. Instead of "So, what do you do for a living?" try more free-flowing lines like, "Hey, so I was curious—how did you get into that? Because I thought that you like this thing more." And then just keep it going. Pulling your weight in a conversation will make a Gemini very, very happy, according to Bedell. "And also, who doesn't love somebody who has a good sense of humor and who takes things lightly?" he asks. "Energizing rich dialogue with questions, hilarity and a little bit of adventure would really make any Gemini very happy."

What is a Gemini’s body language expressiveness like?

Fun fact: Gemini is ruled by the arms and hands. So, Joon says, they can be quite expressive with their hands when they talk. Their body language is also open and welcoming. “They want to include others in conversation and hear what everyone has to say,” she says. “Their curious minds allow for inclusive and inviting body language.”

What are a Gemini’s fears?

Geminis hate being bored. They need activity, stimulation, movement, and people around them, Joon says. Stagnancy is also a big fear for them. “Not growing, not learning, not having new experiences or meeting new people is a fast lane to an unhappy Gemini,” she adds. “This sign is not about buckling down and moving slowly towards one goal, they need multiple goals and thrive in a changing or evolving environment that challenges their mind and keeps them from spiraling into a whirlwind of thoughts.”

What do Geminis need in order to be happy?

In short, lots of freedom, exploration and intellect, space to explore and ask questions. Remember, Geminis are Alice in Wonderland–level curious, which can be dangerous and isn't always celebrated. But they can handle the curiosity. They can survive and thrive while searching for something meaningful, scratching an itch of intellectual stimulation while they're at it, and have a great story to tell as a result.

"What Gemini needs to be happy is to use the power of communication, to wrap language around the truth and to make other people feel less alone," says Bedell.

What are Geminis like in relationships?

In romantic relationships, Geminis can be very thoughtful and enjoy surprising their partners. “Gemini is always listening and while it doesn’t often seem like they are retaining much, you would be surprised how much they have paid attention to your likes and dislikes,” Joon says. They’re also lighthearted and playful in relationships, she adds.

So how do you attract a Gemini? Joon notes that they love a partner who is as open as they are to experience and enjoy the world. They’re also drawn to people who have a sharp sense of humor, express curiosity (such as by asking questions), and aren’t too clingy.

On the other hand, if you’re trying to break up with a Gemini there are a few things to keep in mind. “Absolutely do not ghost your Gemini or you will send them in an endless thought spiral of insanity,” Joon says. “Being very clear, very direct, and showing respect for their future without you, encouraging them, and ending on friendly terms is the best way to go.”

Who is compatible with Gemini personality traits?

Gemini has mutable, go-with-the-flow air sign energy that can help them get along with everyone. According to Joon, the signs Geminis have the most compatibility with include Aquarius, Aries, Leo, and Saggitarius. “These signs enjoy the freedom and space in relationships to be who they are and can offer the mental stimulation or the physical activity and passion that Gemini craves out of life,” she says.

As for Gemini incompatibility, Joon points to Taurus, Cancer, Pisces, and Capricorn. “There is something about how these signs view life that is very different to the values of a Gemini,” she says. “If there are no other harmonious aspects in their comparative charts, there can be some major clashes between these signs and a Gemini.”

That said, Bedell is of the belief that there's no bad compatibility and thinks more in terms of personality traits. A Gemini is best matched with someone who can keep them mentally stimulated while being a grounding force, but not in a ball-and-chain type of way. "They appreciate the freedom of it all, the comfortable distance," Bedells says.

So give your Gemini friend or lover some breathing room, because distance is necessary for this star sign to keep a spark. If you want to keep a Gemini engaged, you need to keep that room for uncertainty—otherwise they're going to bounce.

What are Geminis like with friends and family?

As friends, Geminis know how to keep things interesting and entertaining. “You never know what your Gemini friend is up to, but when you meet up with them there can be all kinds of stories they unravel about themselves that you had not come prepared to hear,” Joon says. With their family, they’re also loyal, loving, and committed. “They always have love to give to their family, including their siblings, cousins, and distant relatives. Gemini enjoys connecting to their roots and having fun with what they might discover.”

Careers best for Gemini personality traits

Although Geminis may be a bit flighty in other areas, when it comes to their careers, they’re the hardest workers. As long as their mind is stimulated and they have space to move around and be themselves in their work environment, Joon says they’ll thrive and will be eager to learn and grow their skills.

In particular, Geminis can best use their gifts in psychology, communication, and the relational sciences. Finding a job that plays up Geminis interpersonal skills is crucial. So Bedell says to think about writing, research, academic storytelling, media, "anything where they can put their gift of articulation and analysis to use in service to others." Joon adds that they also enjoy roles that involve movement, travel, networking, and teaching. And if they don’t find the work exciting and engaging, they’re not afraid to pivot and start over.

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