Zodiac Killer(s): What do astrological signs and murderers have to do with each other?

Here's a fun fact you may be surprised by...

The pandemic catalyzed a $2.2 billion boom in the astrology industry. With nothing else to do while being quarantined at home last year, millions of people — no matter their age — took to TikTok and Instagram to get their daily prescription of tarot readings, affirmations, and memes. 

"App revenue in the astrology sector grew by 64% to $40 million in 2019," Sensor Tower, an app-tracking firm, found. 

The obsession we gained from reading zodiacs during 2020 is, interestingly, closely related to our passion for solving — or, at least, trying to solve — murders. 

Netflix found — in the first 18 months of the pandemic — 18 of its most popular tv series, films, and documentaries have to do with true crime. 

And, from fictional FBI shows like "Mindhunter" and "Criminal Minds" — which were influenced by, and often incorporated, real-life murderers — to true crime and investigative journalism podcasts or web series' like "Serial" or "Buzzfeed Unsolved," the obsession we have with true crime hasn't gone unnoticed. 

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Most recently, TikTokers took to social media to both find Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old woman who went missing while on a road trip with the now-fugitive, her ex-fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Petito was later found murdered in the Grand Teton National Park. The search for Laundrie recently ended with the discovery of his remains, but questions still remain about whether charges should be pressed against his parents for allegedly committing and being accomplices, respectively, to the murder. 

So, you're probably wondering, what do astrology and true crime have to do with each other than the Zodiac Killer (no pun intended)? What if I told you there are many zodiac killers, but not in the way you think...

Some of the world's most prolific serial killers were investigated and researched based on their astrological signs in a study done by Astrology-Zodiac-Signs.com in September of this year. 

"Of the 485 serial murderers included in our analysis, Cancers, Pisces, Scorpio, and Sagittarius dominated the list," the study's key findings said. 

Astrology breakdown: Explaining the signs of the Zodiac

Each of the 12 zodiac signs corresponds to one of the four elements: Earth, Air, Water, or Fire. 

Earth

• Taurus
• Virgo
• Capricorn

Air

• Aquarius
• Gemini
• Libra

Water

• Pisces
• Cancer
• Scorpio

Fire

• Aries
• Leo
• Sagittarius

"Water elements have a sensitive, emotional background, and this speaks to the love we receive as children," Iva Vucinic, astrologer and researcher on the study, said. 

In lamen's terms, people born in Pisces, Cancer or Scorpio, have strong, passionate emotions and feel a deep sense of loyalty for those they love. So, why kill?

"The foundation for these terrifying deeds, like murder, can be seen as a response to the lack of the love they received from others," Vucinic continued. 

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Despite the fact that water signs dominated the list, with 46 victims per sign, the serial killers with the most victims overall were Capricorn with "a total of 813 people. On the other hand, Taurus killers account for just over 200 murders," the study said.  

Both are Earth signs, so what makes Capricorns more likely to kill? 

"Capricorn individuals find it hard to be compassionate and their belief system gets distorted by traumatic and painful experiences," Vucinic said. "What we found fascinating is their firm dedication to the goal that is based on negative beliefs." 

While Tauruses also have a strong belief system and their values are determined by their goals, "they will choose loyalty, physical tenderness, food and satisfaction [over] any abusive behavior," she continued. "Some Tauruses might have had a desire to become serial killers but were too lazy to do so." 

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Why each sign is capable of killing

Each sign is capable of murder. 

"Any research based only on one's sun sign is entertaining but it is only a glimpse into the traits and character of any individual," Vucinic added. This study, while fun to read, only scratches the surface for what goes into catching a killer. 

Aries (Mar. 20 - Apr. 21) may be quick to pull the trigger, unaware of their responsibility towards other people, this leading to a firm and fast decision to kill.

Tauruses (Apr. 20 - May 20) resent their own trauma and have trouble looking outside negative beliefs when they are deeply rooted. They may become a peaceful, studious killer, on a quest to make their life more livable.

Geminis (May 21 - Jun. 21) may think their way towards justification, becoming “simply practical” in their desire to set free and kill anyone in the way.

Cancers (Jun. 22 - Jul. 22) bury anger until they burst into intimate contact. They will kill out of passion and with passion for their own outburst.

Leos (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22) are entitled to believe what they believe so if deeply wounded and their judgment goes against someone’s life, why not kill them when they can?

Virgos (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22) are the sign of sacrifice. With too much on their plate, they may narrow their emotional world to the point where they feel they don’t have a choice but to kill.

Libras (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22) may feel extremely powerless or seek validation to the point of senselessness. Murder may come as the ultimate fight for power, or because someone they depend on makes the decision for them.

Scorpios (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) can be dismissed. If deemed an outcast to the point where humane contact is no longer important, murder can feel like connecting with someone who has no choice but to see what they are really capable of.

Sagittariuses (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) get preoccupied with ideology and may lack emotional awareness due to their belief system. When they kill, they believe it is the right thing to do.

Capricorns (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) are pressured, restricted, and frustrated. Sometimes to the point where the only thing making them feel alive is murder.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) people have a problem with their place in social contexts. If they don’t manage to connect, they may develop hate for the entire humankind and find murder entertaining.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) individuals are governed by an ocean of emotion, ties to ancestral ways and instincts they don’t know how to explain. When they kill, they may not even know why they did it.

Information on each sign was provided by Vucinic.