In astrology, there is a theory that opposites attract. For example, the point in your birth chart that symbolizes partnership (called the offspring) is always in the sign directly opposite your rising sign. If you look at the contrast between two people's charts, you'll see that opposition aspects have the potential to create exciting chemistry and attraction. But the idea of opposites attract isn't unique to astrology, and one way to prove it is the popular concept of a black cat and golden retriever couple on TikTok.
ICYMI, this particular TikTok relationship discussion is this idea: In many couples, one partner will embody the cold and mysterious energy of a black cat, while the other has a relationship with an energetic, eager-to-please golden retriever More in common - and, for one reason or another, one person is often attracted to the other.
If you look at the Black Cat and Golden Retriever archetypes through an astrological lens, you may find some consistency between these two astrological polarities or dualities. The more active polarity includes the six fire signs and the air signs, while the more receptive polarity includes the six earth signs and the water signs, so each zodiac sign is divided into one of two groups. Active signs are known to be more outgoing, social, and confident, most of which overlap with Golden Retriever qualities. But receptive signs are typically more reserved, introspective, and passive, which is more of a black cat vibe.
While an influx of active or receptive signs in someone's chart might cause someone to be more like a black cat or a golden retriever, I don't think this concept translates in such a simple way astrologically. Many signs have the potential to fully embody the energy of a black cat or a golden retriever, depending on how their partner activates their chart. With this in mind, some couples are more likely to fall into this archetype than others.
Here are three zodiac couples most likely to embody the black cat and golden retriever trope.
Cancer and Capricorn
Cancer and Capricorn are opposite signs on the zodiac wheel and combine the highly compatible elements of water and earth in their pairing, bringing a good balance of qualities to a relationship. While both signs fall into the more receptive and passive polarity, there is almost always a black cat and golden retriever dynamic at play when these two pair up.
Compassionate Cancers are nurturing, emotional, and deeply sentimental, so once they open their sensitive hearts, they tend to become very attached in relationships. This can sometimes translate into some very Golden Retriever-coded behaviors, especially when they're with people who aren't very expressive of their feelings.
Meanwhile, pragmatic Capricorns tend to have a more reserved and serious demeanor and tend to hide their emotional side. Ruled by icy Saturn, Capricorns are almost always the black cats in relationships, but these dynamics are even more pronounced when paired with a caring and doting Cancer partner.
Leo and Aquarius
Leo and Aquarius are another pair of polar opposites in the zodiac - apart from the water and earth combination of Cancer and Capricorn, this cosmic couple brings together the elements of fire and air, which are also considered Highly compatible hybrid.
The gregarious, outgoing, big-hearted Leo may be symbolized by felines, but most are the definition of Golden Retriever energy. Optimistic and exciting, the fire sign Leo is ruled by the golden rays of the Sun itself. Aquarius, meanwhile, is a sign known for being very objective, calm, and a bit emotionally distant, which makes them the ultimate black cat in relationships.
Unlike fashionable Leos who like to be the center of attention, eccentric Aquariuses tend to be more edgy and counter-culture, preferring to hang around the edges rather than be in the spotlight. But there is definitely a magnetic attraction when these two come together, and they are probably the most quintessential black cat and golden retriever pairing in the zodiac.
Scorpio and Pisces
When two sensitive water signs come together romantically, a deep emotional connection and innate intuitive understanding often develop between them. But the black cat and golden retriever dynamic can definitely still work—especially when dealing with the combination of Scorpio and Pisces energies.
Mysterious Scorpios are mysterious, mysterious, and highly observant, which makes them the quintessential black cat in almost any relationship situation. They act under the radar, and although their emotions are deep, their Scorpion-like energy wants to keep others at a distance until they trust them completely. Optimistic Pisces, meanwhile, is dreamy, open-minded, and hopelessly romantic. They show their hearts and are often completely immersed in their feelings.
While Pisces' mercurial nature may make them black cats in some situations, when paired with a Scorpio, these cosmic fish are likely to take on the role of golden retrievers, showering love and attention on their expressionless Scorpios (Scorpio secretly like this), even if they don't show it right away).
Nina Kahn is Bustle's resident astrologer and tarot card reader.