Illustrations by Jo Minor

Written by Catie Ryan

From the altruistic Lion’s Mane to the enchanting Veiled Lady, discover which fungus aligns with your astrological sign.

She’s not like other girls. Fabulously unique and known for its ability to clear toxins from the body, a lion’s mane is undoubtedly an Aquarius. Authentically altruistic like the valiant sign, this funky fungi wants nothing more than to save the world. Utilized in traditional folk medicine by Chinese and Native American cultures, the lion’s mane provides humans with a vast array of cognitive benefits like increased focus, creativity, and productivity. It can even help us grow entirely new brain cells and decrease the symptoms of anxiety, which is like, so rad of it to do. In true Aquarius form, Lion’s Mane marches to the beat of its own drum by sporting a strange, stringy appearance – a look mimicked by no other mushroom species on Earth. One-of-a-kind and destined to awe, this bold humanitarian refuses to fit the mold.

Color us impressed. Pisces, the Zodiac’s cosmic rebel, has truly met its match in the Blue Pinkgill mushroom – a fungi that gives the middle finger to the constraints of worldly existence. Found in the tropical rainforests of New Zealand, this vibrant creature synthesizes its own blue pigments, a talent so rare it’s mimicked by only one other animal species on Earth. This supernatural trait has earned the shroom global notoriety – causing top scientists to scratch their heads in bewilderment, and even inspiring the New Zealand government to grant it a spot on the back of the country’s $50 banknote. Pisces, the most mystical, spiritually connected sign, also takes the laws of nature with a grain of salt, infusing creativity, meaning, and mysticism into every endeavor. These dreamers aren’t here to make sense of the world, they’re here to defy the rules that hold it back from true evolution. Sharing boundless imagination and eternal zest, Pisces can finally rest easy knowing that the Blue Pinkgill mushroom understands its eccentricities, optimism, and enchantment. Don’t try to tell us that magic isn’t real.

An Aries in fungal form? Let us introduce you to the brain mushroom – a gallant and unconventional forest dweller that’s not suited for the faint of heart. When consumed raw, the poisonous species can be fatal, but when eaten in the correct circumstances, it can deliver a positively delicious experience. In fact, the brain mushroom is considered a delicacy in parts of Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and North America. Much like the fiery and confident zodiac sign, only those who understand its true worth have the privilege of experiencing its best moments. But, make the wrong move, and both the brain mushroom and the passionate Aries are prepared to fight. With a fearless attitude and unconventional appearance (note the convoluted cap), the brain mushroom refuses to conform. The spirited shroom even has an identical twin – the species is commonly referred to as a “false morel” due to its resemblance to the safe and edible lookalike, the morel mushroom. We love a love a character that can keep us on our toes, so hats off to this stunning, audacious and fabulously bold specimen.

Earthy, decadent, and luxurious – of course the truffle mushroom is a Taurus. A creature of multitudes, the truffle represents a fascinating combination of opulence and humility, just like its astrological counterpart. With a distinctively fabulous flavor profile, the fungus instantly elevates the taste, and price tag, of any dish it adorns. However, as the only fungi on our list that grow fully beneath the soil (without a fruiting body above the ground), the truffle shies away from flashy appearances for a more down-to-earth lifestyle – literally. The loyal and passionate Taurus is also gifted with this same grounded nature, but their steadfast disposition can often translate into stubbornness. Anyone who’s had a truffle dish can attest that the mushroom also possesses this unwavering strength of character. It often refuses to let other flavors shine through when incorporated into a dish, but look, it’s called “truffle pasta” for a reason. We’re not out here spending $38 on an entree to enjoy the subtlety of the ingredient. When you’re that good, sometimes it is all about you.

This party just got interesting. Fueled by the mesmerizing power of bioluminescence, the ghost fungus is clearly a Gemini. Though it resembles a common oyster mushroom during daylight hours, this multi-faceted marvel takes on a hypnotic green glow after the sun sets, drawing in insects that help it propagate its rainforest habitat. The charming Gemini is known for its natural brilliance that draws in admirers, stemming from quick wit, keen social skills, and an endlessly inquisitive spirit. Be careful though, because, in true Gemini fashion, the ghost fungi will bite back if provoked. Although it can resemble its delightfully edible counterpart, this species is lethal if consumed. But before you call her two-faced, as Geminis are often accused, the ghost fungus reminds us that the ability to change form is a magical gift that signifies agility and clever adaptation. It’s not our fault you can’t glow, honey.

Enter the indigo milk cap, an organic embodiment of a tender Cancer, the most nurturing and emotionally intuitive sign of the zodiac. Known for its unparalleled emotional depth, a Cancer understands what it feels like to be blue. Thankfully, the indigo milk cap reciprocates this sense of empathy. As an extremely sensitive creature, the shroom oozes a magnificent indigo liquid when cut or broken, emulating the bleeding-heart reputation of a Cancer. If this shroom could talk, it would tell us it’s OK to cry. Growing in deciduous and coniferous forests, this marvelous mushroom is also keen to develop symbiotic relationships with trees, symbolizing the Cancerian affinity for close connections and familial bonds. And, just as Cancer is associated with the moon, symbolizing change and the ebb and flow of emotions, the indigo milk cap undergoes transformations in color as it matures. Sweet Cancer, you’ve met your match, and we couldn’t be more enchanted.

If you tell a kindergartener to draw a mushroom, you’ll probably end up with a fly amanita. With the most recognizable fruiting body of all fungal species, how could this shroom be anything but a Leo? Clearly destined for fame, the fly amanita has been depicted in media across the globe for centuries, flaunting a diverse portfolio ranging from age-old fairytales to the Super Mario series. And while its unmistakable red cap with small white spots may look cute enough to eat, this special specimen is both poisonous and hallucinogenic. In true Leo fashion, it’s simultaneously gorgeous, dangerous, and a whole lot of fun. Yet, despite its toxic properties, this delightful shroom exudes an undeniable allure — a trait reminiscent of Leo's magnetic charm. Just like the fire sign that revels in grandeur and drama, the fly amanita embraces its own theatricality, leaving an indelible mark on anyone lucky enough to be in the audience.

The Virgo’s fungal counterpart is the chicken of the woods mushroom, naturally. Vibrant, practical, welcoming, and industrious, this exciting specimen artfully represents the best qualities of the humble Earth sign. Mimicking Virgo’s kind and empathetic nature, the chicken of the woods is healthy, delicious, and well-known as the ideal choice for beginner mushroom foragers. Friendly, practical, and ever so thoughtful to its fellow human Earth-dwellers, the chicken of the woods also echoes Virgo’s sense of self-sufficiency by holding itself up, perpendicularly, to the trees on which it grows. One can’t help but be impressed by the shrooms undying pursuit to defy gravity and the precise and methodical layering of its gorgeous, fan-shaped structure. Bright orange and yellow hues evoke a sense of vitality, aligning with Virgo's inclination towards health and nourishment, while the mushroom's organized growth pattern highlights its discipline and tenacity. Beautiful, health-conscious, and hard-working, and as our Virgo queen Beyonce would say, we’re crazy in love.

Delicate, charming, and shockingly beautiful, of course, the wrinkled peach is a Libra. The incredibly social, widely admired, and amicable sign takes organic form in this gorgeous pink shroom, a creature that instantly captivates with its gentle, rosy hues and gracefully folded contours. The Libran pursuit of harmony and balance is mirrored in the mushroom's symmetrical and well-proportioned appearance, showcasing nature's artistry, creativity and endless elegance. Just as Libras are known for their social grace, the wrinkled peach mushroom often forms clusters, creating a delightful sense of community within its forest habitat. While its soft, supple texture may appear fragile at first glance, the mushroom refuses to bleed or change color when cut or bruised, mimicking the resilience and determination of the splendid air sign. In the spirit of Libra's ruling planet Venus, associated with love and beauty, the wrinkled peach mushroom shares the Libran quest for allure, refinement, and balance, bringing joy and whimsy to all who witness its unique style.

Chaotic, stunning, and enticingly lethal, the veiled lady mushroom couldn’t be more of a Scorpio. This shroom gets its name from the delicate, bell-shaped netting, or “veil,” it wears to attract the insects that spread its spores, allowing it to colonize the forest floor in the chicest way possible. In addition to living in a perpetual fashion moment, the veiled lady also shares the Scorpio’s penchant for all things spooky. In order to beckon its insect pollinators, the mushroom emits the smell of rotting, decaying flesh. How punk rock is that? While we all know that a Scorpio doesn’t half-ass anything as the most intense sign of the Zodiac, this is especially true when it comes to allure. The fascinatingly special mushroom is also a natural aphrodisiac, sometimes triggering spontaneous orgasms in women when consumed. Fabulous, lethal, and sexy? Don’t mind if we do.

Free-spirited, adventurous, and undeniably charming, the lovely Sagittarius has finally met its match – the oyster mushroom. Coveted for its culinary applications, fascinating appearance, and vast nutritional benefits, this popular fungus showcases a sense of excellence, adaptability, and wanderlust shared only by the mutable fire sign. Growing all over the world in diverse forest habitats, the oyster mushroom is a bonafide global traveler, just like its astrological twin-flame. Its distinctive, fan-shaped appearance evokes feelings of optimism, playfulness, and open curiosity, embodying the Sagittarian quest for expansion and new horizons. In the spirit of Sagittarius' ruling planet Jupiter, associated with abundance and growth, the oyster mushroom takes on a magnificent cluster formation, symbolizing prosperity and plentitude. However, the species still grows in individual bundles across the forest, holding on to the fire sign’s desire for freedom and individuality. With all of these delicious qualities, it’s no wonder the oyster mushroom is the ideal pairing for the explorative, innovative, and Sagittarius.

Oh Capricorn, what can’t you do? As the most industrious and ambitious sign in the Zodiac, only the turkey tail mushroom puts in as much work as you. This fascinating fungus is widely known to boost physical and cognitive performance, fight infections, and reduce fatigue. Known for its immune-boosting properties, turkey tail reflects Capricorn's pragmatic focus on long-term well-being and the pursuit of greatness. Even the way the mushroom grows is methodical and impressive, displaying concentric rings so beautifully precise that one can’t help but envy the discipline it required to create them. The dazzling yet understated mushroom can take on a variety of hues, with shades ranging from deep greens and earthy browns to more vibrant selections like golden yellow and scarlet. A colorful specimen destined to change the world, it’s no secret why the hardworking, loyal Capricorn can find a friend in the turkey tail mushroom.

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