4 zodiac signs who feel the most empathy for those in pain

Some people have an incredible ability to truly feel what others are going through. When someone is hurting, they don’t just sympathize—they deeply understand and absorb that pain as if it were their own.

While anyone can be compassionate, certain zodiac signs are naturally more in tune with the emotions of those around them. Whether it’s a friend going through a tough time or a stranger’s struggles, these signs can’t help but care on a deep level.

So, which zodiac signs feel the most empathy for those in pain?

Let’s dive in and find out.

1) Pisces

Pisces are some of the most empathetic people you’ll ever meet. They don’t just notice when someone is in pain—they feel it. Their deep emotional sensitivity allows them to connect with others on an almost intuitive level, making them natural healers and compassionate listeners.

When a friend or loved one is struggling, Pisces won’t just offer comforting words; they’ll genuinely absorb the emotions, often feeling just as affected by the situation. This can be both a gift and a challenge, as they sometimes struggle to separate their own feelings from those of others.

Because of their strong emotional depth, Pisces are often drawn to roles where they can support and uplift people, whether as a friend, parent, or even in their careers. They don’t shy away from emotions—they embrace them fully.

2) Cancer

Cancers are natural nurturers, always ready to offer a shoulder to cry on and a safe space for those in pain. Their deep emotional intelligence allows them to sense when someone is struggling, even if that person hasn’t said a word.

When a loved one is hurting, Cancer doesn’t just listen—they care in a way that feels deeply personal. They’ll go out of their way to provide comfort, whether through kind words, thoughtful gestures, or simply being present. Their ability to tune into the emotions of others makes them incredibly reliable in times of need.

However, because they feel so deeply, Cancers can sometimes take on the burdens of others as if they were their own. While their empathy is a beautiful trait, they have to remind themselves to set emotional boundaries to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

3) Scorpio

Scorpios may have a reputation for being intense and mysterious, but beneath their tough exterior lies a deeply empathetic heart. They don’t just observe emotions—they absorb them, often feeling the struggles of others as if they were their own.

What sets Scorpio apart is their ability to truly understand pain, even the kind that isn’t openly expressed. They have a natural instinct for recognizing when someone is suffering, even if that person tries to hide it.

This makes them incredibly supportive friends and loved ones who offer real, meaningful comfort rather than just surface-level sympathy.

Because of their deep emotional connection to others, Scorpios can sometimes struggle with emotional overload. They feel things intensely, and if they’re not careful, they can carry the weight of others’ pain for too long. Learning to balance their empathy with self-care is key for them.

4) Virgo

Virgos might not always show their emotions in an obvious way, but that doesn’t mean they don’t feel deeply. Their empathy often comes in the form of action—they notice when someone is struggling and immediately look for ways to help.

Unlike more openly emotional signs, Virgo expresses care through problem-solving and support. If someone they love is in pain, they’ll do whatever they can to make things better, whether it’s offering practical advice, lending a helping hand, or simply being there when needed.

Virgos are also highly observant, meaning they pick up on small details that others might miss. They can sense when something is wrong even before it’s spoken aloud, making them incredibly reliable and thoughtful friends.

Their empathy isn’t just about feeling—it’s about doing something to ease the pain of those around them.

Why do these signs feel so deeply?

The four zodiac signs we’ve highlighted—Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, and Virgo—all share one thing in common: an incredible ability to connect with the emotions of others. But what makes them so naturally empathetic?

Deep emotional intelligence

Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio are all water signs, which means they are naturally in tune with emotions. They don’t just acknowledge feelings; they experience them on a deep level.

This emotional intelligence allows them to pick up on even the smallest cues—body language, tone of voice, or the energy in a room—making them highly sensitive to the pain others carry.

Virgo may not be a water sign, but their empathy comes from a different place: their sharp attention to detail. They notice when someone isn’t acting like themselves and instinctively step in to help, offering support in practical and meaningful ways.

A natural instinct to care

Some people shy away from emotional intensity, but these four signs embrace it. Cancer and Pisces, in particular, have a nurturing nature that makes them want to protect and comfort those in distress.

Scorpio’s empathy may come with a bit of toughness, but their loyalty ensures they will stand by someone’s side through even the darkest times. Meanwhile, Virgo expresses care by taking action—whether it’s giving advice or finding tangible ways to make things better.

The challenge of feeling too much

While being highly empathetic is a beautiful quality, it can also be overwhelming. These signs often struggle with emotional burnout because they take on too much of other people’s pain.

Absorbing others’ emotions

Pisces and Scorpio are especially prone to absorbing the emotions of those around them. If someone they love is struggling, they feel it just as deeply—sometimes even more so than the person actually going through it. This can leave them emotionally drained if they don’t find ways to protect their own energy.

Virgo and Cancer face a different challenge: they often feel responsible for fixing things. They want so badly to help that they sometimes put others’ needs ahead of their own, forgetting that they can’t always solve every problem or take away every pain.

The importance of boundaries

For these empathetic signs, learning to set emotional boundaries is essential. It’s important for them to recognize when they need to step back and recharge instead of constantly giving their energy to others.

Finding balance—through self-care, time alone, or even talking with someone who understands—is key to preventing emotional exhaustion.

What other signs can learn from them?

Not everyone has the same level of natural empathy as Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, or Virgo—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be developed. Here are some lessons other zodiac signs can take from these deeply compassionate individuals:

1) Listening is powerful

Sometimes, people don’t need advice; they just need someone to truly hear them. Learning to listen with empathy instead of rushing to fix things can make a huge difference.

2) Small gestures matter

A simple check-in text or an act of kindness can go a long way in showing support for someone who is struggling. These empathetic signs understand that even little things can make people feel less alone in their pain.

3) It’s okay to feel deeply

Some people suppress emotions because they think it makes them weak. But being in touch with your feelings—and allowing yourself to care about others—is actually a strength.

4) Boundaries are necessary

While caring for others is important, so is protecting your own well-being. Learning when to step back and prioritize self-care is something everyone can benefit from.

Final thoughts

Empathy is one of the most powerful traits a person can have—it allows us to connect, support, and uplift one another through life’s struggles. Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, and Virgo embody this quality in different ways, making them some of the most compassionate individuals in the zodiac.

But empathy isn’t just limited to certain signs—it’s something we can all cultivate by being more present for those who need us while also remembering to take care of ourselves along the way.