The Most Manipulative Zodiac Signs, Ranked

The Most Manipulative Zodiac Signs, Ranked

Have you ever met someone who always seems to get their way? Maybe a friend who can guilt-trip you into anything, or a coworker who plays emotional mind games to climb the ladder. It turns out, some zodiac signs are more prone to manipulative tendencies than others. While astrology is just for fun, it can be interesting to see how the stars might influence certain personality traits. Here’s a lighthearted ranking of the most manipulative zodiac signs – see if you recognize any familiar tactics!

1. Scorpio

Scorpios are the undisputed masters of manipulation, per Nylon. They’re intensely emotional but hide their true feelings behind a cool facade. This combination of secrecy and emotional power allows them to play people like a fiddle, often without even trying.

Scorpios also have a knack for zeroing in on your weaknesses and insecurities. They’ll subtly use this knowledge to push your buttons, making you do things you never intended. Tread carefully around a Scorpio – you might find yourself wrapped around their finger before you even know it.

2. Gemini

Geminis are the chameleons of the zodiac, changing their personalities and opinions to suit their needs. Their natural charm and gift of gab make it easy for them to win people over… and then exploit that trust.

If a Gemini wants something, they’ll use their sharp wit and persuasive skills to make it happen. Geminis aren’t afraid of throwing a tantrum, twisting the truth, or playing the victim card to get their way. Just be aware that their loyalty can be fickle.

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3. Pisces

Pisces may seem like gentle dreamers, but don’t underestimate their manipulative streak. They are experts at playing the “poor me” card. Their sensitivity and a tendency to exaggerate their misfortunes can evoke strong feelings of guilt in others.

A Pisces might use tears, emotional pleas, or even passive-aggressive behavior to get sympathy. Before you know it, you’re bending over backward to meet their needs while sacrificing your own.

4. Cancer

Cancers are deeply connected to their emotions and fiercely protective of their loved ones. This can sometimes lead them down a manipulative path, particularly when it comes to their family or close friends.

If a Cancer feels threatened or fears that someone they care about is on the wrong path, they won’t be afraid to use emotional blackmail or guilt trips to try and force the situation. Think big sighs, disappointed looks, and reminding you of everything they’ve done for you.

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5. Leo

Leos love being the center of attention, according to Vice, and they aren’t above a little drama to secure the spotlight. If they feel ignored or unappreciated, they may resort to manipulative tactics to get what they want.

Think extravagant displays of emotion, public tantrums, or even playing the “poor, misunderstood” card. Their tactics might be less subtle than other signs, but they can still be surprisingly effective.

6. Libra

Libras crave harmony and desperately want to be liked. This can lead them to people-pleasing behavior and a tendency to hide their true feelings to avoid conflict.

If a Libra disagrees with you but doesn’t want to rock the boat, they might use passive-aggressive tactics or subtly undermine you to get their way. They often use their charm to get what they want without ever directly asking for it.

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7. Virgo

Virgos are perfectionists with a critical eye, and this can extend to how they interact with others. If a Virgo thinks they know better, they might try to micromanage or subtly control those around them.

Their manipulation often comes from a place of good intentions – they want to “improve” you or the situation. However, this can be incredibly frustrating and feel like they don’t trust you to make your own decisions.

8. Aries

Aries are bold, direct, and impatient. If they want something, they go after it with laser focus. This single-mindedness can sometimes translate into manipulative behavior.

An Aries might use their forceful personality to steamroll others, guilt-tripping them into doing things their way. While less subtle than some signs, their sheer determination can be surprisingly effective.

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9. Taurus

Taurus signs are stubborn as a bull! Once they’ve made up their mind, it’s incredibly difficult to change it. This stubbornness can sometimes lead to manipulative behavior.

A Taurus might resort to pouting, silent treatment, or flat-out refusing to budge until you give in to their demands. Their stamina for holding a grudge is legendary.

10. Capricorn

Capricorns are ambitious, practical, and focused on success, per Cosmopolitan. While not intentionally manipulative, they can sometimes put their goals above everything else, even relationships.

A Capricorn might use guilt trips about “working hard for the family” or reminding you of their sacrifices to get their way. They might prioritize work, leaving you to pick up the slack at home.

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11. Sagittarius

Sagittarius signs are the free-spirited adventurers of the zodiac. They tend to put a high priority on their own freedom and independence.

While usually fun-loving and easygoing, a Sagittarius can become manipulative when they feel tied down or like someone’s trying to control them. They might resort to disappearing acts or playing the “you’re trying to stifle me!” card guilt you into backing off.

12. Aquarius

Aquarians are the intellectuals of the zodiac. They value logic and reason and can be quite detached emotionally.

Their manipulation tends to be intellectual. They might use mind games, play devil’s advocate or act superior to make you feel insecure or doubt your beliefs. They can be masters of making you feel like the unreasonable one.

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Piper Ryan is a NYC-based writer and matchmaker who works to bring millennials who are sick of dating apps and the bar scene together in an organic and efficient way. To date, she's paired up more than 120 couples, many of whom have gone on to get married. Her work has been highlighted in The New York Times, Time Out New York, The Cut, and many more.

In addition to runnnig her own business, Piper is passionate about charity work, advocating for vulnerable women and children in her local area and across the country. She is currently working on her first book, a non-fiction collection of stories focusing on female empowerment.
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