Cartoons – they just don’t make ‘em like they used to. The late 90s and early 2000s was the “golden age” for Nickelodeon. Many of the characters that we grew up watching are still relevant in pop-culture and hold a special place in our hearts to this day. I’m sure every generation feels this way about the cartoons they grew up with, bringing back all that good nostalgia. Like many millennials, much of my Saturday mornings and weekday evenings doing “homework” were spent glued to the tube. I recently found myself reminiscing about my favorite Nicktoon characters, and one burning question came to mind: What are their zodiac signs?
This led me to theorize the sun signs of the main characters from some of the most memorable Nickelodeon shows (nothing against Cartoon Network, they had some great shows too!) From theory to research and analysis, I’ll get into why I feel these fictional characters embody these zodiac signs, based on their personalities, actions and symbolism. Some of their made-up “birthdays” even fall under their theorized astrological sign!
Many of these shows have had some sort of recent revival (except for SpongeBob SquarePants, which has been going since the start and seems to just keep regenerating.) This means they have some real lasting power. Hey Arnold, Rugrats, The Fairly Oddparents, and SpongeBob Squarepants were ranked among the top cartoons on Nickelodeon in the early 2000s, according to ranker.com.
Aries: Helga from Hey Arnold
Helga G. Pataki has Aries written all over her; plus her suspected birthday of March 26, 1987 definitely makes her an Aries Sun. Helga was certainly the most memorable character from Hey Arnold. You may recall she played the role of the bully with a dominating personality and the need to always be the one in charge. Prone to dramatic outburst, she would often lash out in anger towards anyone who crossed her path. Her aggression towards Arnold, and everyone else for that matter, was all a mask to hide how she truly felt. She would secretly and passionately gush about her love for him while getting swept up in her own expression. This is the Aries way.
Being in the fourth grade, Helga was a young Aries. It was the doubt she had in herself and her fear of rejection that kept her from her greatest desire, the love of Arnold. Helga came off as confident in many ways, but lacked that confidence within. Her ego was quite fragile, and deep down she really just wanted to be accepted by Arnold and her peers. Aries may look or come off as rough and tough but deep down, they’re softies. In order to thrive, Aries must first have the fullest and utmost confidence in themselves. We can only hope that Helga truly came into her own in her formative years. She would make a great leader or boss.
Taurus: Phil and Lil from Rugrats
Phil and Lil loved all things Earth; from frolicking in the mud to collecting bugs, this was their idea of a grand old time. So it makes sense that these twins resonate with an Earth sign. While their suggested birthday of March 31 technically makes them an Aries Sun, I would venture to say they’d have some heavy Taurus placements because personal planets like Mercury and Venus are typically in signs neighboring the Sun.
The Taurus in them can be seen through their frequent arguing. They never really get to the point of resolve. It’s more of a back and forth over who is right and/or gets the last say. “Yeah-huh, Phillip!” and “Nuh-uh, Lillian!” may ring a bell. They even used each other’s full names to add some formality to their squabbles. Down right stubborn but with an air of class, that is so like Taurus. Phil and Lil knew how to have a good time. While Tommy, Chuckie, and Angelica took on more serious roles, the twins were kind of just along for the ride. Ruled by Venus, Taurus is a sign that is very much about enjoyment and pleasure, and Phil and Lil could find a way to have fun with a paper bag. Their insatiable laughter was a sign that these two knew how to live it up, a Taurus quality indeed!
Gemini: Cosmo from The Fairly Oddparents
Cosmo and Wanda from The Fairly Oddparents don’t have birthdays, as fairies are like an eternity old. In the show, Cosmo plays the role of the jester aka the comic relief. His charismatic aura along with his regular off the cuff one-liners make him a total Gemini. This air sign always exhibits a likable quality and can instantly win over anyone they come across. They’re also big dreamers; for Cosmo, no wish was too outlandish to grant. It was typically the wishes that Cosmo granted that landed the trio in trouble. While Cosmo caused the problems, he would also unintentionally help Timmy realize how to solve them. This common storyline speaks volumes of the Gemini archetype. This sign is here to challenge the way people think. That’s why Gemini often plays devil’s advocate and enjoys a good debate. They’re all about facilitating new ideas or ways of thinking.
Cosmo could also be described as foolish and unintelligent. While Geminis are typically intellectual types, Cosmo showcased this quality in subtle ways. Sure, sometimes he would say some dumb sh*t and other times he would say something incredibly witty. Let us not forget his vivid imagination, like the time he turned himself into a white horse and claimed he was “a zebra with no stripes.” Only a Gemini could come up with that one!
Cancer: SpongeBob from SpongeBob SquarePants
In the episode where SpongeBob gets his driver’s license, you can see July 14, 1986 is listed as his date of birth. This makes him a Cancer Sun. SpongeBob was loud, expressive, and outgoing. While these aren’t typically Cancerian qualities, he probably has a Leo Mercury. Nonetheless, Cancer shines bright within him. First and foremost, let’s talk logistics – he is the main character in a show about ocean life, it just makes sense he would be the first water sign in the zodiac. He is also a literal sponge, which could be symbolic of Cancer’s empathic ability to absorb the energy and feelings of those around them.
Another Cancer thing about SpongeBob is he cares deeply, for everyone and everything around him. He treats flipping Krabby patties like he’s saving lives, and also interacts with his snobby neighbor/co-worker like they’re besties. He fails to acknowledge Squidward’s pessimism and disinterest, but appears to counteract it by exuding optimism. At his best, he is inspiring and imaginative; at his worst, he is anxious and a bit neurotic. Ruled by the Moon, Cancers can quickly swing from one end to the next. SpongeBob’s emotional state often changes at the whim of his outer circumstances. When things fall apart, he has a hard-time holding it together. You may recall the infamous “Rock Bottom” episode that left him stranded in the deep sea. While he often works himself up into a panic, at some point he is able to draw upon his inner strength and knowing to calm down and trust the strange fish that was trying to help him. He is always able to pick himself up and move on, exhibiting sound emotional durability, like a true Cancer.
Leo: Tommy Pickles from Rugrats
Tommy Pickles presumed birthday is August 11, 1990 (the date the show aired) and this puts him smack dab in the middle of Leo season. Tommy’s Leo qualities are pretty obvious. First and foremost, he is the central character in the series and the leader of the pack. He is a moral compass, the initiator, and on a never-ending quest for adventure and wisdom. He exhibits bravery and courage in the face of adversity. You could say he has the heart of a Lion.
Tommy is the glue that holds the group together. Kind, loyal, and selfless, he looks out for those around him. He acts as the protector while simultaneously encouraging the group to explore the world around them with wonder opposed to fear. This can particularly be noticed through his relationship with his best friend and Aquarian counterpart, Chuckie Finster. Getting those around them to open their hearts and step into who they truly are is just what Leos do. Tommy’s warm light and exemplary leadership makes him quite the evolved Leo for a one-year-old!
Virgo: Wanda from The Fairly Oddparents
While Cosmo was always causing a commotion, Wanda was the quality control. This makes her a total Virgo. Down to earth, logical, and all business at times. Unlike Cosmo, she considered the consequences of every wish. This is how the Virgo mind works; it needs to plot and plan. Earth signs tend to be extremely reasonable. Timmy would often turn to Wanda when he needed advice, and this speaks to Wanda’s thoughtful and intellectual nature.
Depicted as more of a caretaker or authority figure, Wanda often has the well-being of those she loves in mind. Virgo is considered to be feminine, which gives this sign a nurturing side. While Virgo can be a bit uptight at times, they crave eccentricity. For Wanda, this appears in her relationship with Cosmo. With his fancy-free way of being she finds him both intriguing and endearing; plus, dull moments aren’t really Virgo’s thing. Both Gemini (Cosmo) and Virgo are ruled by Mercury. While the couple often engaged in bickering matches, they are able to communicate openly and honestly with one another, a staple in any relationship. If both Cosmo and Wanda are mercurial signs, maybe they really were a figment of Timmy’s imagination all along? It’s just something to think about.
Libra: Arnold from Hey Arnold
With a proposed birthday of October 7, “Football Head” is a Libra. Arnold was also pretty level-headed and calm most of the time. He was kind and able to see the good in everyone, but also extremely idealistic. All qualities of a Venus ruled Libra. Often concerned with doing the right thing, he would stick his neck out to help those around him. Like when he tries to find Mr. Hyunh’s daughter in the Christmas episode. If there is anything Libras will fight for, it’s love and justice.
Arnold was that friend that others turned to for advice, for the right balance of optimism and level-headedness. His golden heart attracted those in need like moths to a flame. Being the ruler of the seventh house of partnerships, Libra is very much about “the other.” Arnold embodies this quality through his selfless acts. Not to mention he was a true gentleman, and no doubt on his way to becoming a dapper young man. All Libra men are. You may recall Arnold’s remote controlled room, complete with a sick skylight and always kept tidy. Libras thrive when they live in luxury and cleanliness. It’s all about the aesthetic. Helga’s attraction to Arnold is now obvious; Libra is Aries’s solar opposite and an astrological match.
Scorpio: Angelica from Rugrats
Angelica gives off major Scorpio vibes. As the show’s main antagonist, she’s depicted as the “villain” because she seems to seek pleasure in wreaking havoc. She is also extremely spoiled and only cares about herself. Angelica definitely falls into the unevolved Scorpio category; she is only three, after all. Her character is actually more complex than just being the token bully. Angelica, like all Scorpios, is a master manipulator. She is able to easily convince or coax the babies into doing her bidding. Should the grown-ups get involved, her hands are clean. Controlling the show from behind the scenes is one of Scorpio’s power traits.
Angelica would often get emotional. If she didn’t get her way or was caught red handed, the tears would start flowing. Angelica’s sensitivity is the root cause of her bad attitude. Remember that she is an only child, neglected by two career-driven parents. That’s why she’s always at her cousin’s house in the first place. She yearns for affection and attention, a necessity for all water signs. Her desperation for connection can be seen in her relationship and attachment to her doll Cynthia. At her core, she is fragile and acts out as a means of releasing her pent up anger towards her parents. Hell hath no fury like a Scorpio scorned, and Angelica definitely falls into that category.
Sagittarius: Sandy Cheeks from SpongeBob SquarePants
Rowdy and rambunctious Sandy Cheeks definitely exudes some Big Sagittarius Energy. You may recall she was quite the adrenaline junky and into extreme sports. Bold and daring, there was little that would leave her quivering in her boots. Her brave Sagittarius determination was demonstrated when she decided to hunt down the Alaskan Bull Worm that stole her tail and terrorized the townspeople. Fearlessness is one of Sagittarius’s greatest strengths.
Sandy was extremely personable and somewhat of a chatterbox. Another Sag quality! She is also quite literally out of her element and a foreigner in her environment. Any squirrel that would electively live at the bottom of the ocean is a Sagittarius. This sign is known to love long-distance travel because they thrive in new places and crave the experience of exploration. Sandy also lives in a bubble, and the same can be said about Sag. Ruled by Jupiter, they’re expansive thinkers and believe beyond the realm of what is possible. Not everyone has the capacity to grasp this concept like they do. Sandy had an affinity for science and could be found conducting experiments in several episodes. This is a good depiction of Sagittarius’ curious side and how far their hunger for knowledge will take them.
Capricorn: Squidward from SpongeBob SquarePants
As the antagonist, Squidward doesn’t exactly find SpongeBob’s antics amusing like most. Capricorns can sometimes come off cold or stoic. Seemingly immune to his neighbor/co-workers joyful aura, it actually kind of infuriates him. Perhaps he is jealous that SpongeBob has found his calling as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab while he is just working as a cashier to pay the bills. Purpose is everything to a Capricorn, and Squidward doesn’t have it. This sign yearns to fulfill that purpose through the work they do. He is unhappy with his circumstances and is clearly depressed.
Capricorn has been known to be pessimistic, but sometimes this is just mistaken for a realistic way of thinking. At their best, this sign is determined and methodical, able to crush any goal they set no matter how long it takes. In his heart, Squidward wants to become a professional clarinet player. Realistically, he knows he is no good but lacks the motivation to improve because he is so down and out. If he started to really work towards his dream, the way Capricorns do, his depression would likely be cured. Squidward had an artistic side and was obviously well-cultured as well as an intellectual. He comes off as pompous and superior to hide his deep rooted insecurities and jealousy. Squidward also has a taste for the finer things in life. He is a worldly individual and wants to live a luxurious lifestyle. How Capricorn of him!
Aquarius: Chuckie from Rugrats
In many ways, Chuckie is the black sheep of the group. He is older than the other babies by a year and has a full head of bright orange hair. His appearance is certainly unique in comparison to the other babies. This is a staple of Aquarian nature, a need to be a part of the group while (sometimes unintentionally) sticking out as an individual. Chuckie very much relied on the group to help build his confidence. Labeled a “scaredy cat,” he feared most things but the group frequently pushed him to find his bravery. The idea of being part of something greater than the self is intrinsic to Aquarius, the traditional ruler of the eleventh house of groups. His friends helped him become who he really was, and in the end he finds conquering his fears is pretty invigorating.
Unlike the other babies, Chuckie was aware of how dark and cold the world can be. He was being raised by his single dad after losing his mom to a terminal illness when he was only a few months old. It was not until the Mother’s Day special in 1997 that the audience and Chuckie learned what had happened. Aquarius can subtly pick up on things around them, and there is no doubt that this tragedy negatively impacted his world view. At the end of the episode, he finds peace in believing that his mom is all around him. One lesson that Aquarius is here to learn is that we are connected to everyone and everything. Digging a little deeper, his uniform T-shirt boasted the planet Saturn, the traditional ruling planet of Aquarius representing limits and restrictions. Exhibiting Saturian qualities, Chuckie was the nay-sayer of the group and would try to persuade them that whatever they are about to do isn’t a good idea.
In the spin-off series All Grown Up, we meet a bolder and more rebellious 12-year-old Chuckie. No doubt embracing more of his Aquarius energy – still a nerd, but very much a free-thinking individual. We knew he had it in him all along.
Pisces: Gerald from Hey Arnold
Gerald Johanssen was the coolest kid in school. He was a smooth talker, had a go with the flow attitude, and was a generally kind and caring soul. In other words, he’s a Pisces. Gerald was able to captivate his classmates; when he told a story, everyone listened. He was even elected as class president. Pisces just have an alluring aura to them. Gerald acted as the voice of reason, with wisdom to bestow. While Arnold was idealistic, Gerald was more realistic but could also get swept up in the excitement. This is the complexity of Pisces, the last sign on the Zodiac wheel, and a little of every sign rolled into one.
While Gerald has a good heart, he certainly is not as quick to help others as Arnold is. Maybe it’s sheer laziness or a deep knowing that sometimes helping people is like hurting them because struggle makes us stronger. Either way, all Pisceans are old souls and typically have a deep understanding of life. They don’t push themselves or go through unnecessary struggle. Gerald’s general vibe is cool, calm and collected, but he does have breaking points. As a water sign, Gerald can get pretty emotional. Throughout the series, we witness him intensely displaying a wide range of emotions – excitement, panic, anger, sadness, resentment, and jealousy. A good display of just how extreme his emotions can be is “Gerald Moves Out,” the episode in which he gets so fed up with his family he moves into a room at Arnold’s boarding house. While he thinks it’s going to be amazing, he soon finds that living independently with strangers is no picnic either. He then gets upset when his family visits him, but doesn’t ask him to come back. It all ends with him moving back home, and feeling the love and appreciation he longed for. All he really had to do was express how he felt. I told you Pisces are complex!
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