Journal prompts for your zodiac sign: What your sign says about your writing styles
Are you a sucker for a zodiac-based "hack" for your life? While I generally put horoscope style articles into the click-bait category of reading, I have to admit that they work on me every time, because I can't help but click - my curiosity can't take the suspense of not knowing what this genius hack is that I might be potentially missing out on.
So, I thought it would be fun to create a horoscope-inspired journaling post - hoping that you will click too (and share), but also just to have a little fun, because - those posts are fun, right?
Is there any science to a zodiac-based journaling prompt?
As a trained psychotherapist, it is part of our clinical training to look for and consider the evidence base for an intervention. Luckily, organizational psychologist, thought-leader, and best-selling author, Adam Grant, compiled this great article on his Substack answering this very question about the research on astrology.
Grant sums it up by saying very plainly that there is zero evidence that astrology will provide us with any reliable clarity. In fact, he cautions that it is more than just a silly habit. Grant says there is research to support that people who believe in astrology think they are special, doubt actual historical events (like the Holocaust, which is 100% real) and are more likely to believe in other junk science.
It’s time to kick your astrology habit. You’re hurting yourself by forming impressions of people based on irrelevant information. - Adam Grant, Organizational Psychologist
I'm a posting Grant's warning and now asking you to continue with me anyway. You have been fully informed that the rest of this article is creative writing, indulgent fun and not any sort of evidenced-based intervention. And honestly, I think that the following zodiac-based journal prompts could in fact bring you some burst of personal insight. Try the one that matches your zodiac sign, or just choose the one that calls out to you today!
One more note about these zodiac-based journal prompts:
I used ChatGPT to help me with this post. If you're not using ChatGPT, then I recommend you start testing it out asap. ChatGPT is actually a great thought partner - it's wonderful for brainstorming and is actually one of the tools I used to finalize the name for my weekly newsletter - Pen To Progress. (Subscribe a you will receive a new, free journal prompt straight to your inbox every Monday).
For transparency in the remaining part of the article, I will put the AI generated horoscope information in italics. The descriptions for each Zodiac sign were obtained using the prompt:
"Create a description of the journaling/writing style based on a person's zodiac sign. What kinds of writing appeals to them, how do they keep their journals, what is it that they get out of writing? Put that into a 3-4 sentence summary for each sign."
The writing prompts themselves were created by me, Jen Taylor based on the AI description and prompts that I have used or tested in various classes or workshops in the past.
Journal Prompts for Each Zodiac Sign
♈️ Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Aries individuals have a dynamic and action-oriented journaling style. They thrive on setting goals, reflecting on their achievements, and planning future endeavors. Their journals are often filled with motivational quotes, detailed plans, and reflections on their personal growth. Writing helps Aries channel their abundant energy and keep their ambitions on track.
Journal Prompt: Write a coaching dialogue between you and a successful entrepreneur, coach, or person you admire in your field. Imagine asking them for advice on your current goal and write down what they would say back. Continue this back and forth conversation and then summarize their advice in one inspirational quote. Then, make that person a promise to take the next action step.
♉️ Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus writers are sensual and grounded, with a preference for journaling about their sensory experiences and the pleasures of everyday life. They often keep beautifully decorated journals, rich with descriptions of favorite sights, sounds, and tastes. Writing allows Taurus to indulge in and savor the moments that bring them comfort and joy, grounding them in the present.
Journal Prompt: Grab a sweet snack or some other savory flavor. Spend some time noticing the shape and size of your treat. Spend some time thinking about how it feels to touch it and then savor the taste for 20-30 seconds. Write a poem "Ode to this Treat" by capturing the joy it brings you in a few sensory-based sentences.
♊️ Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Geminis are curious and versatile writers who enjoy exploring different perspectives and ideas in their journals. They tend to keep eclectic and dynamic entries, often switching between styles and topics. Journaling helps Geminis process their thoughts, communicate their ideas, and stay mentally stimulated, providing a creative outlet for their restless minds.
Journal Prompt: Think about a decision that needs to be made or a choice that you are currently faced with that feels unsettled. Imagine making a decision. Now, date your paper six months in the future and write an entry from the point of view of the BEST possible outcome. When are you finished, write another entry from the point of view of the WORST possible outcome. Read both entries and make a plan that incorporates the wisdom of both points of view.
♋️ Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Cancer individuals have an emotional and introspective journaling style. They use their journals to explore their deep feelings, reflect on their connections with family and home, and document cherished memories. Writing offers Cancers a safe space to express their vulnerabilities and nurture their emotional well-being.
Journal Prompt: Scroll through your photos on your phone and randomly stop at an image from several months (or even years ago). Step back into that memory. Write a headline that captures that moment and then a description of what was happening at that time. Remember to include what you can't see in that picture or something interesting about that time that you wouldn't know just by looking at the image.
♌️ Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Leos have a bold and expressive journaling style, often using their entries to celebrate their achievements and express their creativity. Their journals are filled with self-affirmations, artistic expressions, and reflections on their personal growth. Writing empowers Leos to acknowledge their strengths, boost their confidence, and shine brightly.
Journal Prompt: Imagine that they are naming an award in your honor to be given out at a big, fancy event later this month. Using the third person, write the speech that will be read about you to celebrate your achievements and explain your recent success.
♍️ Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos are meticulous and organized writers who use their journals to plan, analyze, and improve various aspects of their lives. They prefer structured entries, detailed lists, and practical reflections. Writing helps Virgos clarify their thoughts, stay focused on their goals, and continuously strive for personal development.
Journal Prompt: Make a list of the things that you plan to do today. Imagine what might happen if you did not follow through on that item today and then add a note next to each item with a reminder about why this activity is beneficial or meaningful to you or why it is important to your goals.
♎️ Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Libras have a balanced and harmonious journaling style, often using their entries to explore relationships, aesthetics, and their quest for equilibrium. They enjoy writing about their interactions, creative ideas, and efforts to maintain balance in their lives. Journaling allows Libras to reflect on their experiences and find harmony within themselves.
Journal Prompt: Take your propensity for balance to a different level. Use your dominant hand to pose a question in your journal. Using your non-dominant hand, write or sketch an answer. Don't worry if your handwriting is legible. Continue this back and forth until you have reached a balanced conclusion about what to do next.
♏️ Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios are deep and transformative writers who use their journals to delve into their innermost thoughts and feelings. They often write about personal challenges, emotional growth, and profound experiences. Writing helps Scorpios process intense emotions, uncover hidden truths, and emerge stronger from their reflections.
Journal Prompt: Identify a strong feeling that you have been experiencing lately. Write from the perspective of that emotion. You might start with something like: "I am (the feeling) and what I need to say is..."
♐️ Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius individuals have an adventurous and philosophical journaling style, often using their entries to document travels, explore new ideas, and ponder life's big questions. They prefer spontaneous and free-spirited writing, capturing their enthusiasm and curiosity. Journaling allows Sagittarians to reflect on their experiences and expand their horizons.
Journal Prompt: Think of a WHY question like "Why am I here?" or "Why do I do this work?" or "Why do I love chocolate?" Number your paper from 1-50 and then think of possible answers to your question. Answers might be serious, silly, true or just true guesses. What do you notice about your list?
♑️ Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns are disciplined and goal-oriented writers who use their journals to set objectives, track progress, and reflect on their achievements. They prefer structured entries, detailed plans, and practical insights. Writing helps Capricorns stay focused on their ambitions, maintain discipline, and celebrate their successes.
Journal Prompt: Reflect back on a time where something didn't go according to your best-laid plans. What happened? Can you find an unexpected benefit to the chaos that ensued? Write a thank-you to the part of the experience that turned out to have something positive in it, even if it wasn't what you originally expected.
♒️ Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarians have an innovative and visionary journaling style, often using their entries to brainstorm ideas, imagine future scenarios, and explore unconventional thoughts. They enjoy writing that challenges the status quo and stimulates their intellect. Journaling allows Aquarians to capture their unique perspectives and inspire their creative thinking.
Journal Prompt: Make a list of places that you would consider moving to if you ever had the opportunity. Choose one of those places and write a journal entry describing the last weekend in that location. How did you spend your time? Your money? Who was with you? What do you love (and hate) about living in this location?
♓️ Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces individuals have an intuitive and dreamy journaling style, often using their entries to explore their subconscious, reflect on their emotions, and capture their imaginative visions. They prefer fluid and poetic writing, rich with symbolism and introspection. Journaling helps Pisces connect with their inner world, express their creativity, and understand their dreams.
Journal Prompt: Open a nearby book or grab a magazine. Flip to any page and copy the first line that catches your attention. Using that line as a starting point to finish a new sentence. Repeat this process 3-5 times using the same line each time with a new ending.
Final thoughts on using zodiac-based journaling prompts...
Exploring your journaling style through the lens of your zodiac sign can be a fun and insightful way to deepen your writing practice. Hopefully, one or more of these prompts will inspire you to take pen to paper today to explore what makes you tick, what you enjoy and sometimes, even, what you don't enjoy! Writing is just another way to play with words - so the process is all part of your progress.
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