Some people let go of past hurts with ease—moving forward without a second thought. Others, however, carry emotional wounds like emotional baggage with no expiration date. In astrology, certain zodiac signs are more inclined to hold grudges, often because of their depth of feeling, long memory, or strong sense of justice. If you’ve ever wondered why some people can’t seem to move on, their zodiac sign might be the reason.
Let’s explore the top three zodiac signs that are most likely to hold a grudge—and why forgiveness isn’t always easy for them.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
The Master of Emotional Recall
Scorpio is the zodiac’s emotional powerhouse—fierce, intuitive, and deeply loyal. But when that loyalty is betrayed? All bets are off. Scorpio doesn’t just get hurt—they absorb the pain on a soul-deep level. While they may not show it on the surface, they never forget how someone made them feel. Their grudge-holding can be quiet and strategic. They’ll smile to your face but keep mental tabs on the wrongs you’ve done.
Scorpio rarely seeks out petty revenge, but if the offense was serious, they’ll wait patiently for karma—or dish out justice themselves. For them, trust is a sacred bond, and once it’s broken, it rarely gets fully restored.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
The Silent Grudge-Holder
Taurus may seem easygoing and loyal on the surface, but don’t be fooled—the Bull has a long memory and a stubborn streak. When someone crosses a Taurus, it’s not an explosive reaction. Instead, they stew quietly, building a wall that’s nearly impossible to tear down.
Taurus values security and stability, so any form of betrayal becomes a direct threat to their foundation. Once hurt, they struggle to trust again—and they won’t hesitate to keep you at arm’s length forever. They may not lash out, but you’ll notice the cool distance that wasn’t there before. Taurus forgives in time, but forgetting? Not likely.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
The Emotional Archivist
Cancer is ruled by the Moon, making them deeply connected to their emotions. When they’re hurt, it’s not just a fleeting moment—it’s something they feel in their bones. Cancers internalize pain and replay emotional wounds long after everyone else has moved on.
They tend to avoid confrontation, which means instead of addressing issues head-on, they bottle things up and brood. This can create long-lasting resentment. Cancers might appear warm and forgiving on the outside, but deep inside, the emotional scar still lingers. For them, forgiveness is a slow process, and even if they do move on, the memory remains vivid.
Bonus Mention: Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
The Calculated Rememberer
While not in the top three, Capricorn deserves an honorable mention. This sign doesn’t get emotional about grudges—but they don’t forget, either. They’re pragmatic and strategic, which means they store betrayals like lessons learned. They won’t retaliate unless it makes sense, but they will permanently downgrade your role in their life. For Capricorn, trust is currency. Lose it once, and you’ll find it hard to get it back.
FAQs
Which zodiac sign holds grudges the longest?
Scorpio takes the crown when it comes to grudge-holding. Their emotional depth and memory make it almost impossible for them to forget a betrayal.
Why do Taurus and Cancer hold onto grudges?
Taurus is incredibly loyal and slow to trust, so betrayal hits hard. Cancer, on the other hand, feels deeply and stores emotional pain like a mental diary.
Are water signs more likely to hold grudges?
Yes. Water signs like Scorpio and Cancer are emotionally intense and sensitive, which can make it harder for them to let go of pain.
Can a grudge-holding zodiac sign learn to forgive?
Absolutely. Mindfulness, emotional processing, therapy, or just time and space can help. But the journey to forgiveness will look different for each sign.
How should you handle someone who holds a grudge?
Be honest, offer a sincere apology, and give them time. Don’t rush them—they need to feel that healing is happening on their terms.
Final Thoughts
Holding grudges may seem like a flaw, but for some zodiac signs, it’s a form of self-protection. Scorpio guards their heart, Taurus stands by their values, and Cancer protects their emotional well-being. If you or someone you love is one of these signs, understanding this tendency can lead to better healing, communication, and maybe—just maybe—a path to letting go.
