12 zodiac signs ranked from the most forgiving to the most grudge-holding

I’ve always been fascinated by how some people forgive instantly, while others cling to every hurt like it’s a precious keepsake.

Maybe it’s my curiosity about what makes people tick, or maybe it’s just human nature to wonder. Over the years, I’ve noticed certain patterns in how quickly people let go of resentment.

That led me to astrology—a framework that blends personality traits and cosmic influence. It’s not a magic formula, but it can highlight our strengths and weaknesses around forgiveness. And who doesn’t need a little insight when dealing with grudges?

Below is my take on the zodiac signs, ranked from the quickest to pardon your mistakes to the ones who’ll need serious effort before they even consider letting things go. As you read, think about how each sign shows up in your relationships, and perhaps reflect on your own nature too.

1. Pisces

Pisces tops my list because they’re naturally empathetic.

I’ve watched Pisces friends absorb the emotions of everyone around them, almost like they have a psychic radar. When someone hurts them, they often try to see the wound behind the action, rather than the action itself.

From a psychological standpoint, they embody what Carl Jung called the “collective unconscious,” feeling connected to others at a deep level. Because of this connection, Pisces forgives easily.

They might occasionally shed tears, but they rarely hold grudges for long. Their ability to see everyone’s humanity makes them the ultimate forgivers.

2. Libra

Libras love harmony like I love quiet mornings. They want everyone to get along, and they dislike the friction that grudges can create.

Whenever I’ve interacted with a Libra who’s been wronged, they’ve usually tried to reason it out. They weigh the pros and cons, seeking balance.

If they spot a genuine apology, they lean toward accepting it. Fairness is the guiding principle for Libra, so if they sense you’re sincere, they won’t hang onto old hurts. While they might take a moment to decide if your remorse is genuine, their default is to restore peace whenever possible.

3. Cancer

Cancers are the nurturers of the zodiac. They have big hearts and care for others in a way that often surprises me. When it comes to forgiveness, they tend to give second chances because they feel everything so deeply.

At times, their moods can shift like the tides, but they have a soft spot for emotional sincerity.

The challenge is that Cancer can become a bit protective if they sense repeated hurt. Still, once they believe your intentions are good, they let their guard down, offering comfort again.

If you’ve truly hurt a Cancer, show genuine remorse. They value honesty more than empty words.

4. Sagittarius

Sagittarians are like the free spirits who prefer to look forward rather than dwell on the past.

They often embrace life with a sense of wonder, which translates into a broader view of human mistakes. I’ve noticed they’re quick to shrug off minor slights because, in their eyes, there’s too much world out there to explore to waste time on grudges.

They’ll forgive you if you’re straightforward. Spare the drama. They like honesty and direct communication. Once they see you’ve learned your lesson, they’re usually ready to move on and plan their next adventure. Just don’t try to fool them; they can spot empty excuses a mile away.

5. Aquarius

As an Aquarius, I’ve found that we tend to detach emotionally when we’re hurt.

It might seem cold, but it’s our way of maintaining objectivity. We can see the situation from multiple angles, which often makes it easier to forgive if we believe there’s a logical explanation or a lesson learned.

However, we also have a rebellious streak. If we feel you’ve crossed a line, we might distance ourselves. It’s not so much grudges as it is a protective barrier. Once an Aquarius sees genuine effort to mend things, that barrier usually comes down, and forgiveness flows.

6. Gemini

Geminis are known for their adaptability. They can flip from anger to laughter in record time.

I remember a Gemini friend who exploded at me over a small misunderstanding, only to text me an hour later like nothing had happened. Their minds move rapidly, so they might forgive just as quickly.

That said, if they sense ongoing deception, they might hold it against you. They value clear communication and get frustrated when people beat around the bush. So if you want a Gemini’s forgiveness, keep it real and direct. Don’t overcomplicate; they can do that all by themselves.

7. Aries

Aries is known for a fiery personality and a short fuse.

I’ve seen an Aries friend lose their temper in a heartbeat, but what’s interesting is they rarely stay mad. They’re like a sudden storm: intense while it lasts, but then the skies clear.

They might grumble about your mistake, but they won’t waste time plotting revenge. Aries simply moves on to the next challenge. However, if you hurt them repeatedly, they might label you untrustworthy and push you aside for good.

Their forgiveness is quick, but their tolerance for repeat offenses is low.

8. Leo

Leos love to be adored and appreciated, and they typically give a lot of warmth in return.

They’ll forgive you if they feel you still respect them. However, they’re also proud. If you strike at their ego or undermine their sense of dignity, you’ll have to do a fair bit of groveling.

From personal experience, a heartfelt apology goes a long way with Leo. Show genuine regret, and they might respond with a gracious nod. But tread carefully—if you embarrass them publicly or ignore their feelings, they can dig in their heels. Their hearts are big, but so are their pride levels.

9. Virgo

Virgos have a strong sense of personal responsibility, and they expect the same from others.

While they’re not cruel about it, they do keep a mental checklist of what went wrong and why. I’ve had Virgos point out little details I didn’t even realize were issues, proving how observant they can be.

They’re not typically impulsive in holding grudges; they just want to see improvement. If you show you’ve learned from your mistake, Virgo is likely to forgive, though they might still remember the incident.

It’s more about seeing genuine effort toward better behavior than just hearing “I’m sorry.”

10. Capricorn

Capricorns are known for their discipline and cautious nature.

They don’t rush to anger, but they also don’t rush to forgive. When a Capricorn feels wronged, they’ll replay the situation to see if it was a fluke or a character flaw. Once they decide you’re consistently unreliable or disrespectful, they’ll build walls.

However, if you can prove you’ve changed—often through actions rather than words—they’ll consider letting you back in. Think of them as the long-term planners of the zodiac.

They need assurance that your apology isn’t a short-term fix but a lasting commitment to do better.

11. Taurus

Taurus is a sign that prizes stability and trust. Once they form a bond, they invest deeply.

But if you break that trust, they can be stubborn in how they hold onto the hurt. It’s almost like they feel betrayed at their core, and it takes time for them to heal.

They’re not big on drama; they just want reliability. If you can show consistent effort, they might slowly soften. But you have to be patient because Taurus won’t be rushed. Their loyalty is strong, so you’ll need to match that if you expect full forgiveness.

12. Scorpio

Scorpio is often the sign people think of when they hear “grudge.” In my experience, they’re deeply emotional and protective of their vulnerabilities.

If you manage to wound them, they’ll likely replay every detail in their mind, keeping that memory alive. They see betrayal as an unforgivable sin, and their trust is hard to earn back.

Psychologically, they resonate with the concept of the “shadow self,” as Jung described. They explore their own depths, and if you cross them, you might become part of the darker chapters in their emotional library. Forgiveness isn’t impossible, but it requires tangible proof of change. Even then, you might always feel some distance.

Conclusion

Forgiveness is a dance between understanding and letting go.

We all have different rhythms, shaped by temperament, upbringing, and even those zodiac traits we can’t quite explain. Some signs embrace second chances easily, while others guard their hearts until you’ve proven you’re worth trusting again.

Recognizing these differences can create space for empathy—toward ourselves and others. If you know someone who struggles with forgiveness, maybe show them a bit more patience.

And if you’re the one holding a grudge, perhaps it’s time to check in with your own reasons. There’s a gentle power in learning to release what no longer serves us.