Love Horoscope Compatibility can be a tricky thing. For answers to romance many look to the stars, or at least use it as a useful tool for insight. The key word regarding love horoscopes is “relate.” Any relationship functions best when they understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. There has to be a willingness to be happy that can overtake the need to be right. You can choose to be compatible with anyone, as long as you can find a way to relate. When anyone is examining love and zodiac compatibility, you need to look at several factors in addition to the signs themselves. Knowing how the elements, qualities, polarities, and aspects interact is key to understanding the positives, as well as the challenges, of each relationship.
ELEMENTS
The elements are Earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), and Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius). Each of the elements interact with each other uniquely and impact love horoscopes. Think of it in a scientific manner. When water combines with fire, it either goes out or picks up steam. When water is added to earth, it nourishes the soil but too much and it can result in mudslides. Earth can smother fire and fire can scorch Earth. Air can blow Earth signs away or add fuel to fire to burn bright. When you can understand how elements work in nature, then you can get an idea of how you can interact to see the magic behind the relationship. The different elements can be challenging but beautiful opportunities to evolve. Differences can push you both to grow and step outside your own comfort zones.
FIRE AND EARTH
To really build a fire and reach max creative powers, there must be steady ground beneath flames. Handle this combination with care! They are wildly different elements but can thrive if they play to their strengths. Earth is grounded, seeks stability, and wants to put down roots. The adventurous Fire longs to explore, grow, and spread into new terrain. A battle can erupt as one strives for freedom while the other craves consistency. The Fire sign will feel caged in by the white picket fence fantasy of Earth. The Earth sign can never relax when there is constant change or surprises. If you learn to appreciate your differences then you can offer what the other is missing. Wordly Fire will have a predictable home base to return to, which is tended to by their Earth partner. In exchange, Earth does not get stagnant because Fire will encourage growth and adaptation. Earth is sensual and practical; impulsive Fire benefits from this. Fire can help Earth take more chances. Fire needs to learn to slow down to savor the moment instead of rushing off.
FIRE AND AIR
Air feeds Fire, so this will help spread the passion. Fire heats the Air, so that it can warm up and take chances. However, it is just as easy to blow out the match. The good times will roll with lots of similarities in this love horoscope match. Both are adventurous, expressive, and full of grand schemes and plans. There is no shortage of fun dates and plans. They are both game to try anything once. Beyond being lovers, these simpatico friends get each other in many ways. Their relationship may develop organically from their platonic bond. In some cases, they could also cool down to more of a buddy or sibling vibe after the honeymoon phase. Both can get excited by the novelty and then grow bored when things become too familiar. This is not a sensual match in the bedroom, but they will share lively conversations, hilarious jokes, and spontaneous adventures. They can keep each other satisfied in other ways. There are also key differences. Air tends to be more cool, detached, and cerebral. Fire is more compulsive, emotional, and expressive. Air signs think more with their head, while Fire feels more with their heart. Disagreements will come when the Air sign will want to discuss things objectively, which can seem cold and uncaring to the worked up and reactive Fire. Fire, who may talk in circles or get defensive, will be frustrating for solution-oriented Air. Fire signs have too much energy which can be exhausting.
FIRE AND WATER
Water has the ability to control the Fire, or possibly even put it out in this love horoscope. Fire can warm up the cold water, or make it boiling mad until it evaporates. Overly dominant Fire can cause the less aggressive Water sign to disappear in the relationship. This pairing has wildly different needs; to succeed as a couple, compromise will be essential. Water signs are soothing and nurturing, prone to fluctuating moods, and deeply crave security and comfort. Fire signs can be aggressive, independent and often seek discomfort in the name of adventure. Water signs are nostalgic and tend to live in a rosy-hued (overly maligned) past, while Fire signs are pioneers who get the most excited about sculpting a future of their own creation. This is a combination of traditionalist Water sign and risk taking Fire. Fire must enter Water’s world, meaning family visits, home time, and repeating good things. But they will feel limited or stagnant. The Water sign will have to embrace adventure, travel, and meeting new people (and be social when they do). They have to risk changing up their comfortable routines from time to time. Being parents together could really be the sticking point. Water is dutifully close, while Fire doesn’t look back.
FIRE AND FIRE
The heat is on! This exothermic combination can move from 0 to soul mate in seconds because they recognize a kindred spirit. They are the same, so there is a comfort and familiarity. They do not have to explain themselves and have similar speeds. It could, however, be too much of a good thing and they could get stuck. The lusty Fire blazes quickly, which means it can also sweep out of control or go from sizzle to fizzle easily in this love horoscope. Their tempers are as scorching as their sex. There will be an inferno in the sheets and in their legendary arguments. This relationship needs room for individuality, exploration, and autonomy within safe boundaries. They need to make and keep commitments delicately, so they do not lose their spark or smother the flame.
EARTH AND AIR
These two have vastly different operating styles which can create either weird timing issues or make them a powerful duo, if they play to their strengths. Grounded Earth signs like stability and tend to want things to stay the same. Air is always on the move; winds of change are always blowing for these variety seeking signs. Communicative Air signs are talkers, but may not always follow through. Earth signs are doers who prefer to let actions speak louder than words. Because of the Earth sign’s rooted nature, Air signs may find them to be unadventurous or boring; in other words, stuck in a stagnant routine. Air partners may not receive the spontaneity and surprise they need to keep them interested. The Earth partner may see the Air partner as flaky and full of ‘hot air,’ all talk and no action. Dizzying changes can leave Earth signs feeling destabilized and anxious, unable to plan ahead without feeling sabotaged from left field. It is possible to strike a balance in this love horoscope pairing, if they work together. This happens best when the Air sign brings exciting ideas to the table and the Earth sign builds it into a tangible reality. Air needs to make a dedicated effort to follow through on their promises. Some measure of routine and consistency will have to be followed, even if the Air sign abhors tradition. One solution to break up the monotony of say another Christmas, is to let the social Air sign plan the parties, playlists, decorations, menu, new faces on the guest list, and other creative flourishes. This allows the dueling needs for novelty and consistency to both be satisfied. The Earth sign will have to be more flexible and open minded, willing to try the new ideas that the Air sign introduces. Earth partners will have to learn to be more spontaneous instead of always insisting on a plan. In return, Air signs must stick to some part of the plan, not changing it all the time or showing up late or inviting random tagalongs at the last minute.
EARTH AND WATER
For the most part, this pairing is a harmonious blend of two compatible energies. Both Earth and Water signs seek comfort, security, and consistency in the love horoscope. The two of you provide that nicely for each other. It is the kind of relationship that can even begin in primary school or college, and then last throughout adulthood. You easily slip into a comfortable groove, especially once you live together. Your home can be a cozy, welcoming space; a hub for gathering family and longtime friends. Parenthood can be an area where you really shine together. There are differences of course. The nature of water is emotional, while Earth tends to be more grounded and practical. The Water sign might start a sentence with ‘I feel’ versus the Earth sign that would be more responsive to a statement that starts with ‘I think.’ Feelings, to an Earth sign, seem random and hard to follow. If there’s a problem with the relationship, the linear Earth partner wants you to get to the point so they can figure out how to fix it. Unfortunately, the intuitive Water sign does not work that way. They need to process things in a more circular pattern, starting with emotions and intuition, which for Water is the most trustworthy. Earth signs must learn to respect Water’s gut feelings, even when they seem to defy sensibility and logic. By contrast, this Water sign might want to unpack some of those emotions with their therapist or compassionate friend rather than with their Earth sign partner. Once the Water sign gets to the root of what is bothering them, then they can present it in a less emotionally charged way to the Earth sign. The Water sign will then find a partner eager to problem solve, rather than a defensive or dismissive person who patronizes them when they are at their most vulnerable. Earth signs can seem cold or overly harsh, doling out tough love when Water feels sensitive. Water signs can get clingy and dependent, creating a parent child dynamic. They both will have to make an effort to not lapse into these well worn roles just because it is easy. You can also get stuck in a rut of doing the same old things or being fearful of change together.
EARTH AND EARTH
Home sweet home or humdrum? Both are grounded, seek security, consistency, and a bond that’s built to last. Tradition and integrity are important, in each other you will find the stability you crave. Soon enough, you will ease into pleasant routines and rituals together. The structure and the routine come naturally. Whether you are running a business or family together, the ability to keep it simple is one of the shared earthly super powers. This is a rock solid combination in love horoscopes that can create a lovely legacy. The challenge, however, is not getting stuck in a rut. They could become stagnant if there is not a refresh from travels or new people. Together, you may become too iron fisted and conservative, which others will find intimidating. Because the Earth element rules the physical world, you can also become overly materialistic and status driven. You may indulge your senses by eating, drinking, and accumulating possessions. This results in forgetting to work on spiritual and emotional development. Too much tried and true can also prevent you from evolving with the times. The Earth sign pairings need to view change and risk as an opportunity rather than a threat. This compromise is also a skill that needs extra work. Earth signs stand their ground and can stubbornly dig in their heels. They need to turn their intractable nature on the relationship with each other; otherwise it can be an endless war, with nobody willing to budge.
AIR AND WATER
The head and heart combine or collide when you pair a talkative Air sign with a touchy feely Water sign. Temperaments of these two elements are wildly different. Air signs love change, variety, and novelty while sentimental Water signs seek security, comfort, and nostalgia. One of you is all about the new, while the other cherishes the old. You will have to learn to appreciate this major difference when it comes to this love horoscope. Otherwise, you could quickly feel like you have nothing in common. Your social habits may need some tweaking to make this work. Water signs do not trust easily and tend to roll with a tight knit clique, many of whom they’ve known since childhood. By contrast, Air signs have never met a stranger and are constantly introducing you to their latest BFFs. Water signs might be jealous or threatened by all of these newcomers while Air signs feel suffocated by seeing some old faces. Compromise is key. A Water sign partner will have to be more open to new people and experiences, going with the flow. The Air sign will have to embrace tradition and develop more emotional sensitivity. The benefit of this match is an opportunity for growth. Water signs can be too into their feelings. The cooler, rational Air sign partner can teach them the power of detaching. Water signs will learn how to take things less personally, laugh at themselves, and lighten up. In exchange, the Water sign can teach the glib Air sign to dive into their depths more, rather than being overly superficial or turning everything into a joke. The Water sign may create a cozy, beautiful home, while the Air sign fills it with interesting guests, music, and art. Both of these elements can be culture vultures and may bond over dissecting a documentary film, singing karaoke (could have encyclopedic knowledge of lyrics) or even traveling.
AIR AND AIR
Air signs crave constant stimulation. With two spontaneous Air signs together, you might just get an exciting non stop barrage of conversations and ideas. But do they actually pan out? That’s the challenge with a double Air sign: someone will have to rise up. These social signs both crave novelty. You’ll be the first in line to try the buzzy new restaurant, new trending band, or latest upgrade. They are also the ones camped out entertaining those in line with them. The trouble begins in an Air sign love horoscope match when there is too much change. They may be constantly on the move and never really rooted. There can be flakiness, as they blow with the wind or run as hot and cold as the air temperatures outside. They are both easily scattered and your million friends’ activities and separate interests could make it hard to find quality time. Air signs are communicative, but not always compassionate. Your arguments can turn into brutal verbal dagger flinging. The best results need the right amount of change and stability, entertaining the huge connection factor.
WATER AND WATER
Into the depths you go with these highly perceptive and sensitive water signs. They are very comfy with each other as well as fast paces. They will go from dating to moving in together quickly, especially if they have family and/or friend approval. Home is everything to this element. Solitude-seeking souls need to retreat to a private and intimate hub after being out in a wider world. You could host holidays, rent houses for all, and have kids in every nook. This would feature cozily appointed guest bedrooms and lots of spare pillows and blankets. Nostalgic signs both cherish family and tradition in a love horoscope. Since you do not trust easily, you may have a small tight knit circle of friends you both keep for life. Though it is nice to feel safe together, comfort has its limits. If you wrap up too tightly in a security blanket, it can smother you. The Water sign relationship can devolve into a parent-child dynamic, complete with baby talk and cutesy nicknames, self destructive indulgence in food, shopping, etc. You can get too deep in your feelings, stirring up a tsunami of emotions that can spiral into rage and even abuse if you are not careful. The powerful moods may overlap or spiral out of control if not managed. Although water can be placid and beautiful, it can actually do great damage. To avoid creating a hurricane, both will need to talk to a therapist or grounded friend before unleashing anger, resentment, or jealously on each other. Water that does not move can become stagnant and toxic. They could also become possessive and fearful of change, which would be to their own detriment.
QUALITY
There are three types of Astrological qualities: Cardinal (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), Fixed (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), and Mutable (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces). Qualities reveal the role you play in a relationship or collaboration. Are you a starter, doer, or a finisher? Do you take charge and have a plan? Or prefer to go with the flow?
FIXED & FIXED
The people of this quality are the guardians of their turf. They plant a flag, set up their base, and then build an empire from there. When two of you share an agenda, you can be an indomitable duo or power couple. If you are fighting for different causes, then things can get ugly fast. Both will dig in their heels and stubbornly defend their territory. If they turn on each other, then there can be endless wars with blame and judgment. They are defending their point of view to protect their ego. Your best bet is to channel this urge into creating a shared legacy. Run a business together, start a family, host all holidays. Since Fixed signs have a traditional side, you might both enjoy having everyone gather at your stately home for summer barbecues or New Year’s Eve parties. Be careful not to get so set in your ways that you insist on doing the same things year in and out. Fixed signs in a love horoscope can be allergic to change, so as a duo, you will need to actively invite new experiences into your world to prevent things from getting stagnant.
FIXED & MUTABLE
In this pairing of the love horoscope, it can be hard to get in sync. It is a lot of ‘can we make a plan around here.’ Fixed signs crave stability and Mutable signs love change. Compromise is key so you do not drive each other crazy. Fixed signs in this relationship like to make decisions or a plan and stick with it. By contrast, the ever changing Mutable sign is always altering things, adding one more guest, jamming one more coffee date into the day, starting another project before finishing the 50 they have going. This Mutable Fixed duo needs to play to strengths. The Fixed sign can create a solid structure that upholds the Mutable sign’s creative plans. Adaptable Mutable signs help the Fixed sign be less rigid, to loosen up and go with flow. For long term success, the Mutable mate will have to work harder at keeping their word, showing up on time, and being consistent. Some plans are simply non negotiable; in exchange the Fixed sign will have to give an inch and be willing to try new things.
FIXED & CARDINAL
Both can take charge in their own right in this love horoscope. Cardinal signs like to lead and initiate, which is fine as long as they do not tread on the Fixed sign’s turf. The nature of Fixed energy is to stand firm and resist change unless it is really necessary. While the Fixed sign is set in their ways, Cardinal signs are a touch more fluid, though stubborn in their own right. Cardinal signs may introduce too many new ideas into the mix, or worse, try to improve on the Fixed sign’s ideas by giving them unsolicited criticism. Feedback, no matter how well intended, could threaten the Fixed sign’s pride, leading to a major ego battle. A Fixed sign could also seem boring to a Cardinal sign, especially if they want to do the same thing week in and week out. In this love match, the Fixed sign will have to be more open to trendy over tried and true. When the Cardinal sign scores reservations at the busy new restaurant, resort, club or event, the Fixed sign had better clean up and GO. In return, the Cardinal sign must patronize the Mom and Pop bistro, favorite karaoke bar, or another dinner with Fixed sign’s family. Fixed sign’s more traditional approach to romance can seem clumsy or heavy-handed to discerning Cardinal.
CARDINAL & MUTABLE
Cardinal signs are initiators; they like to lead, direct, and manage. Much of the time this suits flowy, flexible Mutable signs. They may find it hard to make a decision and appreciate the extra help. When Cardinal signs get too rigid or elitist, that is where the Mutable sign will chafe. The Mutable sign needs to flow freely and will not abide by the Cardinal sign’s dress codes, critical comments, or Miss Manners routine. Cardinal signs have discerning tastes and an air of entitlement, which helps them gravitate toward the finer things and first class experiences. They can seem a bit snobbish or status seeking for a Mutable sign, who befriends everyone from postman to president of the company. The Cardinal sign will have to be more down to earth and less judgmental at times. They need to stop trying to make over the Mutable mate. Mutable signs should check with Cardinal signs before rsvping to random events or inviting strangers over for dinner. Giving gifts can be tricky in this love match, Cardinals know exactly what they like and can be very hard to please. Mutable mates should get a wish list long in advance of birthdays.
CARDINAL & CARDINAL
Both are leadership driven, headstrong, and like to be first. They will need to work on compromise in this love horoscope. Otherwise, you can butt heads and fiercely dig in your heels, driving a wedge into your relationship. You need to respect each other’s leadership abilities and strengths. This can be a fascinating power couple who can take on the world or build an empire together. Birthdays, holidays, and other occasions are not to be missed in a Cardinal sign coupling. These are major life events that merit a grand celebration with epic gifts to match. Your signs can be sophisticated and status-seeking, you love dressing up and turning heads as a dashing duo (and yes even inspiring envy among friends). Impressing each other is part of your courtship ritual in a Cardinal sign love match. Take turns plotting new experiences, surprising each other with reservations or vacations that you have carefully curated. To minimize fighting, only one should take charge at a time. Or create a shared project where you play to your differing strengths, each of you shining in your own rights, but never competing.
MUTABLE & MUTABLE
This is a case of non-stop variety and spontaneity. Both being Mutable can make life a grand adventure, one week you’re in Bali the next in Berlin. This can also result in getting totally un-grounded as a duo. Who is going to create the structure in this love horoscope relationship? The answer is: no one. Decision making or committing can be really difficult since neither of them likes to be locked into anything permanent. This is the couple that is together for decades, but never gets around to marrying. The idea of freedom actually serves as a binding agent between the two of you. Sure it is a bit of paradox, but that is the way your signs like it. Mutable signs specialize in communication and discovery. Together, they can be lifelong learners who never run out of topics to talk about. On a bad day, they can be argumentative, flaky, and overbooked. Their own separate lives may be stuffed to gills with too many projects, plans and friends, making it hard to find enough quality time together. Be careful not to scatter energy and spread too thin.
POLARITY
All signs have a polarity. Yin, which is feminine or yang, which is masculine.
Yin: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces
Yang: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius
YANG & YANG
These two will be aggressive, action oriented, and driven. They can motivate each other or find themselves in a power struggle. Two yangs must be careful not to bulldoze or tread on each other’s turf. These two need to share power and take turns having the upper hand. This will be the key to happiness.
YIN & YANG
Receptive yin and assertive yang. When you play to your strengths, you balance each other out, and each one contributes different but complementary skill-sets. When things are off, it becomes really polarized. Yin signs can be too passive or passive aggressive and sacrificing. Yang signs may act domineering, aggressive, and selfish. To rebalance, the yin sign needs to work on being more open, direct, and confident. Yang should cultivate more patience, tolerance, and sensitivity.
YIN & YIN
They are receptive, sensitive, and intuitive. When all is good, they are deeply simpatico, nurturing one another and sharing romantic, thoughtful gestures. Downside? Fluctuating moods may collide, causing dramatic fights that can escalate into an unnecessary cold war. They are so tuned into each other’s emotions that their bonds can become codependent. They can build a cozy cocoon, but make sure you do not get stuck in a bubble and stunt your personal growth.
ASPECTS
Aspects measure the compatibility by looking at the distance between two signs.
CONJUNCT: SAME SIGN
In this situation, you really have to ask: how can you love somebody else unless you love yourself? If you date or get into a relationship with someone of the same sign, then congratulations are in order. You’ve probably embraced your quirks and accepted your humanity. Now, you can celebrate that with a kindred spirit. If you haven’t learned to love yourself, warts and all, then this relationship can inspire some crucial self acceptance. Remember though, twinning might be comfortable but autonomy is important to keep that frisky friction. Maintain some separation between your lives, even if it’s easy to hang out together. Otherwise this pairing may cool down to a brother-sister vibe.
SEMISEXTILE: ONE SIGN APART
Like next door neighbors with a completely different style of decorating, gardening, and living, the signs on either side of yours can stir up an instant love/hate vibe. Of course all that friction can lead to explosive sexual chemistry or even an obsessive quest to figure each other out (you never will). Some astrologers believe that each sign is an evolved version of the one before it. The sign after yours is a teacher. However, like a rebellious teen seeking emancipation from a parent, you may never admit that this person has taught you anything. The cosmic combination can make for painful breakups and a seething sexual tension that lingers for a lifetime.
SEXTILE: TWO SIGNS APART
It is easy and breezy to date a person who lives two signs away. Your signs always have compatible elements. You’ll have similar values and attitudes about politics, raising a family, and which movies to watch. Friendship and communication are hallmarks of this aspect. Being best friends is easy. Keeping the sexy spark alive? That’s the challenging part. You’ll need structured ‘date nights’ or to setup a scenario to get you out of buddy mode.
SQUARE: THREE SIGNS APART
Mommy and Daddy issues anyone? The square aspect is a harsh, 90 degree angle between two signs that create a push-pull dynamic. It’s this relationship that helps you work through issues with a difficult parent, usually by reactivating old painful wounds. There can be power struggles and clashing agendas. Don’t expect to kick back and put your feet up in this match. The dynamic tension will keep you active and keyed up. Of course, that could be exactly what you want. Opposites of the square aspect teach you how to compromise with your equally strong willed partner. When you strike that delicate balance, you can make an undeniable ‘power couple’ – a true force to be reckoned with.
TRINE: FOUR SIGNS APART
This match can feel like a home sweet home. Trine sign mates have the same element as yours, creating an unspoken kinship and harmony. At last, you don’t have to constantly explain yourself. You’ve never felt so comfy, so understood on a core level. This is the person you can burp and pass gas around or use the bathroom with the door open when they’re home. But don’t invest in a wardrobe full of elastic waistbands just yet. In trine relationships, you’ll need to preserve some mystery to keep things exciting. Make sure you stay active and on the go, and don’t do everything together. A little autonomy goes a long way to keep passion alive.
QUINCUNX: FIVE SIGNS APART
This is a fascinating, complex combination that defies explanation. They are the original odd couple. You’ll either feel like you’re with your soul mate or the devil incarnate. At the very least some kind of strange alien who does everything in a wildly different way than you ever would. ‘How did those two end up together’ people will wonder. Your bond is intense, unspoken, and almost secretive in a way. The person five signs away from your sign has nothing in common with you astrologically. You’ll need to adapt to your differences, which could take a great deal of adjustment, even discarding a former lifestyle. For one of you, the relationship will be about sex and intimacy; for the other, duty, and service. If you’ve both done the requisite self-awareness work, you can make a formidable team when you pool your strengths. You might also come together for karmic purposes, for example to have a child or heal old wounds, perhaps even from past lives.
OPPOSITE: SIX SIGNS APART
Opposite signs live directly across the zodiac wheel from each other. However, you’ve got more in common than the name suggests. This sign can be highly compatible, even a soul twin match. Each of you have a distinct role, you’re a tag team. With an opposite sign, you’re challenged to grow as a person and take responsibility for your part of the relationship. It’s like a big step back to get a clear perspective of your life. We tend to view things from a close up, missing the whole picture by hyper-focusing on a detail or two. With an opposite sign, you’re life appears in full relief, like a finished painting. Suddenly it all makes sense. It can be a little uncomfortable, but if you’ve manifested an opposite sign partnership, it means you’re ready to grow up.
It’s important to remember when looking at compatibility and the zodiac that just because you seem to be the worst couple possible that everything is fluid and we make our own destiny.
Successful Relationships Via Love Horoscopes
Just as in determining the areas of your life that go well together, matches in your love compatibility horoscope help determine the successes of your relationship. You and your partner may have to re-sync with one another so that you’re on the same wavelength. People with higher compatibility will have to do this less than people who have lower compatibility. Compatibility horoscopes basically checks to see what the cost of a relationship may be so that you can determine if you think the person is worth spending that much time and energy working with!
Looking For Compatibility In Your Love Horoscope
When an astrologer looks at your compatibility horoscope they are going to be looking for ascendant signs and links. These are ways that you and your partners sign are compatible with one another. They’ll look for sun and moon signs, houses and aspects and use these to see if your energies are in sync with one another.
They will check to see where Venus and Mars are in your charts as this is important in determining how much conflict and tension may be present in your relationship. They will also check Uranus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury for things like surprises, joy, stability and communication! They will be looking for completions, areas where each of you fill in the blanks for one another. You don’t want two people in a relationship that both have the same shortcomings, but rather two people who fit together like puzzle pieces.
