What Are the Personality Traits of a Gemini? A Complete Guide to the Zodiac Sign

Geminis can have it both ways.

As the third zodiac sign of the astrological year, Gemini represents Castor and Pollux — twin stars that make up the head of the Gemini constellation.

“Even the symbol of Gemini is about duality,” astrologer Sundeep Kochar tells PEOPLE.

Often miscategorized as “two-faced,” Geminis are actually just better able to shift their mindset, according to Kochar, who has been practicing his craft in India for more than 24 years. “Dual sounds negative, but they’re a little more flexible,” he explains. “They have better acceptance [of a changing situation].”

That adaptability also helps Geminis connect with people. Ruled by Mercury, the planet most closely associated with communication, Kochar says Geminis are quick to introduce themselves in a crowd.

“Mercury [rules] friendship, they believe in friendship. Mercury [rules] networking, they believe in networking,” he says.

Keep reading for a complete guide to Geminis and all their personality traits.

What are the Gemini dates?

In 2024, Gemini season will kick off on May 20 and run through June 20.

As with the Taurus season before it, these dates differ slightly from 2023, which saw the season of the twins kicking off on May 21.

What are the key personality traits of a Gemini?

According to Kochar, people with Gemini in their birth chart are often highly intellectual. “The first thing about Gemini is [that] they are thinkers,” he says. “They have this philosophical mind.”

There’s good reason for that, as Gemini is an air sign ruled by Mercury. “[It’s] the planet of intelligence, thinking, planning, communication,” Kochar says.

According to the astrologist, Geminis’ high-thinking mind, paired with their deeply creative nature, make them prime candidates for tackling more philosophical professions. “These are the people that may become poets,” Kochar says. “Gemini can be good writers, also.”

Geminis may also utilize their skill sets in more tactile professions, such as painting or sculpting. “They like to do things with their own [hands] rather than delegating,” Kochar says.

He adds that those with Gemini in their birth chart tend to be more “carefree” than other sun signs.

“Geminis are more happy-go-lucky compared to their own sibling, which is Virgos,” he says. “Virgos are also ruled by Mercury, but Virgo has a tendency to make it complicated. … They are both thinkers, Geminis and Virgo, but Geminis are more in a carefree zone.”

As Kochar points out, the sun sign takes great pleasure in life’s simple joys — particularly when they involve the great outdoors. “They are nature lovers,” he shares, noting Mercury’s ties to Mother Earth. “They [also] love to travel.”

Which zodiac signs are most compatible with Geminis?

When it comes to finding their perfect match, Kochar says Geminis should look for signs that value imagination.

“Geminis are intelligent people, so they love anyone who is into creativity,” Kochar says, specifically mentioning Taurus and Libra. “They will love them,” he adds.

Other potentially good matches for the twins might include signs ruled by Saturn, such as Capricorn and Aquarius.

While Kochar says Gemini’s ruling planet, Mercury, is not as friendly with Jupiter, which controls Sagittarius and Pisces, they can still appreciate the wisdom of these two signs.

“[Geminis] have some kind of affinity or some kind of liking toward [almost every sign],” he says.

Which zodiac signs are least compatible with Geminis?

According to Kochar, Geminis are less compatibile with the two signs that are ruled by Mars: Aries and Scorpio.

As the motivational speaker explains, the discord between these signs is due in large part to the natural conflict between their ruling planets.

“Mercury and Mars are not friendly to each other,” he warns. “Mars is more Fire, and Mercury is more about thinking.”

When Geminis come together with these signs, Kochar says it can often lead to criticism — something he says Geminis like to avoid.

Which celebrities are Geminis?

Angelina Jolie, Naomi Campbell and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are among the most famous female Geminis, while Johnny Depp and Morgan Freeman are among their male counterparts.

Historical figures, like Geminis Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson also lend credence to Kochar’s expertise that people with the star sign can be great poets and writers.

Marilyn Monroe was also a Gemini. She spoke about her star sign in an interview with Life in 1952. “I was born under the sign of Gemini. That stands for intellect,” she said.

What is the Gemini horoscope for 2024?

While Kochar says that 2024 will be an unpredictable one for all signs, pointing to the general elections happening in more than 80 countries, he predicts that 2024 will be a good one for Geminis.

“I think they are in a very good space,” he says. “There [are] no malignant influences of any kind on Gemini.”

It’s a welcome change for the twins, who have been dealing with pressure from external forces in more recent times.

“The last few years, the condition of Saturn was trying to put some kind of stress [on the Gemini],” Kochar says. “All Gemini should feel good about things happening around them.”

According to Kochar, the Gemini’s penchant for planning will also go a long way in helping them adapt to whatever curveballs the changing political landscape might throw their way. As he explains: “They are good visualizers.”