illustrated by Liz Riccardi

Life

How to Seduce a Gemini

How to lock down the Twins

by christie craft

Lock your gaze with Gemini’s trademark crystalline eyes and you’ll know—the bright, incandescent light behind those sparkling eyes is their genuine sense of curiosity. The action never stops with these chatty, sharp-witted air signs, notorious for collecting suitors and admirers who’d gladly drop all the trappings of everyday life to follow the sprightly Pied Piper of Good Times.

But falling for someone born under the dualistic sign of the Twins is like chasing fireflies; one second, your boo is buzzing, aglow with energy, illuminating your path with sweet kisses and come-ons. But then, poof, the lights go out and you’re left alone on a cold trail with nada, no sign of intelligent life. Flexible, fickle, and deeply impulsive, the path to Gemini’s heart is a rocky road to ride (actually, it’s more of a trip). You need to love a good puzzle and possess patience by the pound, but those that are strong and smart enough to handle these dynamic little orbs of energy, mischief, and glitter are rewarded tenfold in spicy adventures and transcendent, mind-expanding experiences—just don’t get too comfortable in one position. Timing is everything with Gemini, the zodiac’s most challenging, spirited lover, so buckle up and read on before attempting to tame these Twins.

Dating & Hooking Up: the Gemini Approach

Notorious for being the confirmed lifelong players of the zodiac, Gemini is not one to commit to cuffing anyone quickly, despite what you may think you have to offer—star access, cash, intrigue, you name it. The truth is, while these mutable air signs do love to be impressed with the exotic and exciting in their romantic lives, they could outthink circles around you (or anyone, really), strategizing the most fluid path to achieving exactly what they want while maintaining their definition of utmost personal freedom, which can change by the hour (like everything else about them). But once in a blue moon, someone enters the scene whose spark for adventure and competitive fire matches these effervescent chameleons’, and the vibe is born.

But don’t be discouraged—it takes the energy of multiple people to match one Gemini’s zesty personality, a primary reason why these signs hardly ever mess with just one person at any given time. And just because you can’t guarantee you’ll be able to put a ring on your Gemini’s finger doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Trust, the Twins won’t let dreary thoughts of commitment weigh down a good time, so go with the flow and whatever you do, don’t try to harness this pony.

Catching—and keeping—Gemini’s attention is usually the most challenging aspect to getting closer once they’ve caught your eye. Typically, one only has about a week to clench their place in a Gemini’s memory, otherwise, you’re yesterday’s leftovers and they’re already on to the next. Social butterflies to the max, Twin-born people don’t like to sit still with the same crowd in one spot for too long. Pinning the Twins down is near impossible; Gem is always, always on the move, flitting from one engagement to the next soiree, gathering as much info (read: gossip) and extroverted energy as possible. Despite Gemini’s gregarious nature, it’s not easy to connect one-on-one with these personalities in a party setting—they’re usually too busy soaking in the sunshine as the center of attention. The best strategy for entering their orbit is to match their energy and engage them in vigorous, clever banter within a group. Leave a trail of breadcrumbs suggesting that you might just be the most fascinating person on the planet who can go toe-to-toe, round-for-round conversationally, and the trap is set. Once they’re intrigued, you’ve got ‘em hooked—for the moment, at least, so you’ll need to strike while the iron is hot, hot, hot.

Subtlety is not Gemini’s strong suit, in fact, they hate subtle messages. Twins are not easily offended and carry a soft spot for shameless innuendo, just a few of the reasons why this sign is known as the biggest flirt of the zodiac. Communication is the key to Gemini’s heart (or at least to their bedroom)—you literally cannot talk too much to a Gemini—and a punchy dose of bold, ballsy flirting is just the sort of thing to lubricate the mood. Just don’t be surprised if your Gemini target flits off to work others in the room as soon as you get their flirtatious fires stoked—Gemini believes in sharing the love with all who will play, just as long as it’s on their terms.

If the social sphere proves to be fruitless, and it may (don’t be mad, you signed up for this test of will and patience), an almost surefire scheme is to appeal to Gemini with the written word, particularly digitally. Ruled by the planet Mercury, rapid fire god of communication and technology, Geminis hold communication through written messages in high regard, whether that be through a handwritten love letter, social media, or a saucy sext (more on their sexting habits later). Unlike some of the more reserved signs, Gemini—even the most shy of the brood—actually loves watching their phone blow up.

Striking up a clever conversation in their comments, hollering via Instagram, and keeping in touch on Snapchat are excellent ways to keep your name relevant in their contacts. Do your homework: Take keen notice of Gemini’s social media posts and study their interests (however creepy that might sound) to ensure you’ll have plenty to talk about in person. If you really want to knock their socks off, come equipped with obscure factoids and tidbits your Gemini is unlikely to already know, and watch their heart glow (after all, these are the true sapiosexuals of astrology). Gemini is super-cerebral and doesn’t just go for basic compliments and flattery. These air signs need to be engaged intellectually, constantly learning and gaining experience at every moment—for Gemini, knowledge isn’t just power, it’s a potent aphrodisiac.

Compatibility

Every personality is made up of all 12 signs of the zodiac in our individual natal charts, but there’s little room for denying basic chemistry and statistics when it comes to who’s dating who. Astrologers look to several factors in determining who you’re compatible—or horribly matched—with, including the Sun sign, Rising sign, and where Venus places in the chart.

Gemini natives (or those with Gemini as their Rising sign) are naturally inquisitive and are drawn to others with a similarly intellectual, curious, and enterprising spirit, like their sister air signs, Aquarius and Libra. Other Geminis may seem like an intuitive choice for Gemini at first (these signs tend to run in pairs—or packs), though ironically these two may become frustrated and burnt-out on each other’s inconsistencies and flip-flopping antics. The fire signs—Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius—make exciting, passionate companions and lovers who know exactly how to keep Gemini from becoming bored and withdrawn.

Driven By Desire: What Gemini Wants

Thanks to Mercury, their ruling planet, only the smartest survive with these brainy sapiosexuals. Lively, adaptable, and exceptionally intelligent, Gemini is magnetized by anyone who can make them think on a deeper, more abstract level, expose them to complex ideas, and teach them valuable lessons. Gemini is a somewhat manic sign that becomes bored and distracted easily, so these fickle, occasionally unfocused signs appreciate anyone who can keep them on their toes, constantly engaged in activity and mental stimulation. A rolling stone gathers no moss—and nor does Gemini—so they gravitate toward other equally detached signs with uncomplicated emotions. But despite their reluctance to commit to a partner hastily, Gemini’s most profound desire is to meet their match, a companion and partner (or partners) in crime who can keep their energy volleying steadily while allowing Gem to maintain their personal autonomy and freedom.

Seducing Gemini

Okay, so you’re in the clique. Now, what? We’ve already gone over why you shouldn’t corner a Gemini at a party, or worse, try to outshine them in their own spotlight. Now the task is staying relevant and fresh in their minds. First task: Make sure they know you’re aware of their intelligence and social prowess, most notably by engaging your airy Gemini across social media. Next, make sure they know how fascinating a creature you are. Remain open and communicative, yet complex; Gemini loves a good human puzzle, so don’t make it too easy—but don’t make it too hard, either! These signs will be the first to dip if they feel you’re trying to out-manipulate them with head games (you won’t win. Ever.).

Don’t be shy about blowing up that phone—as much as other signs may find constant communication draining and petty, chatty Geminis absolutely thrive off of telephonic attention, thanks to Mercury. What’s more, the more unabashedly and shamelessly flirty your messages, the better. Only the bold survive Gemini’s mental gauntlet, and if you’re smart, conversational, and freaky via text, you’re practically the golden goose.

Geminis live life by the moment, which makes these personalities spontaneous and mercurial. Even though the Twins are ruled by duality, you’ll rarely get a second chance to light their fire. Impulsive doesn’t even scratch the surface; when a Gemini decides they want something, you’ve got about five seconds to materialize their every whimsy before their passion grows cold and restless. And that must never happen—once you’ve bored their brains out, you’re done-zo.

Sure, you can stay ready for action and jump when Gemini calls, or you could anticipate their patterns by designing your dates like a Russian doll—one activity or event tucked into the next. Go for coffee at the cute cafe on the edge of the park, stroll through the farmer’s market, or just people-watch before shimmying through a gallery or to hear their favorite author speak. Geminis thrive off of variety, so stacking experiences in a series of vignettes guarantees your companion will stay stimulated. The more unexpected the mix of events and outings, the more interested and intrigued Gemini becomes. You see, Gemini contains so many personalities within themselves, you need to have something for everyone in there.

During the dance of courting a Gemini, you will be led in many different directions and served contrasting, mixed messages almost constantly. You’ll need to be tough and fairly unemotional to handle the level of romantic ambivalence Gemini throws. Twin-born personalities have a nasty reputation for dating simply out of sport; it’s not uncommon for a Gemini to take you out for a spin only to test their own magnetism and sexual power—not because they have a genuine interest in you. How will you know if you’re being fucked with? You won’t. Geminis are unpredictable and can turn from hot to cold in an instant, almost for no knowable reason. This is a quality that will never leave Gemini’s relationships, no matter how stable and firmly rooted they may be.

For all their light-footedness and swiftness, Geminis are disjointed in the way they like to progress their attraction and connection. Start with friendship always, but don’t bring heavy emotional content into the mix until way, way later, if ever. Enigmatically, Gemini loves to talk—they’ll discuss anything at length—but they hate to talk, if you get my drift. These are the full-blown commitment-phobes of the zodiac, so they scare easily when relationships move too quickly or become serious rapidly. Keep things light and airy with Gem and you won’t run into many obstacles.

Getting Down: Sex With Gemini

Coaxing Gemini into bed isn’t much of a coaxing routine at all—although these signs are well known to be experts in teasing (there’s that duality again). In fact, Gemini is the sign statistically most likely to fuck on the first date. Seriously! Twin-born people are some of the freakiest of the zodiac and may outright reject you for failing to meet their standards for partnership material if you’re not down to pound immediately. Geminis are naturally busy people and they simply do not have time to follow rules or a traditional trajectory in getting to know you intimately. They’ll always want a test ride before any commitment is discussed.

Gemini possesses a surprisingly aggressive libido that’s just as intellectually driven and youthful as their spirits, and they certainly don’t need the weight of emotional chains to celebrate physical love with a willing and compatible partner (or three). Adventurous and curious, Geminis want to try everything—and everyone, which makes these signs so poised for playing the field and experimenting with non-monogamous, polyamorous, and open relationships. These signs make especially exciting, fun, and extremely experimental NSA partners, so long as the arrangement is casual, non-committal, and pressure-free, on Gemini’s terms, of course.

Don’t hold back when it comes to your nastiest, horniest jokes: These lighthearted, sensual beings are extremely hard to offend and often possess a rare, glistening sense of humor when it comes to sex. Geminis are easily aroused by the super-inappropriate, offbeat, and somewhat raunchy jokes and gestures. Out of all 12 signs, Gemini is the most adept at sexting—this is often an integral part of foreplay for Twins, as is any sexy banter and innuendo. What’s more, these signs actually sort of relish in booty calls.

Puzzles and enigmas course through Gemini’s veins, but what really gets the Twins going is spontaneity. Aside from being notoriously ardent lovers of oral sex—both on the giving and receiving end—Geminis are also known for their unpredictable and extreme sex drive, particularly when it comes to exhibitionist sex. Don’t be surprised if your Gemini frequently initiates super-risky, spontaneous bathroom (or elevator, or pretty much anywhere...) sex—so make sure you’ve got plenty of condoms, dental dams, and the like on hand wherever you go.