Great adventures await those who must accommodate the habits and quirks of a new roommate! Start by learning to happily co-exist with your roommate -- or find one you're naturally compatible with -- by knowing his or her horoscope sign.
Also, pay special attention to your roommate's Moon sign if you know it, as the Moon points to domestic habits and how a person behaves at home. Roommates of the same element (Fire, Earth, Air or Water) tend to get along best, but learning experiences often happen with a roommate born under a different element from your own.
Aries (March 21 -- April 19)
The Aries roommate isn't afraid to introduce herself, and can be a great social spark when you run out of things to do. With an Aries around, you'll be spurred to action, yet hard-pressed to keep up with the Aries energy level. The Ram might have missed the sharing lesson in kindergarten, though, so be sure to speak up about your needs. When your Aries roommate is feeling down, either encourage physical exercise or give her time alone.
Taurus (April 20 -- May 20)
No spartan living allowed for the sensual Bull -- creature comforts make Taurus smile. Plush bath towels, bedding made from touchable cotton or natural fibers, and plenty of flowers and green plants in the room put Taurus in a good mood. Try not to borrow food or money from the Bull -- Taurus tends to see this as bad form, believing that when it comes to possessions, each person should pull his or her own weight.
Gemini (May 21 -- June 20)
Looking for an all-night chat companion? Gemini's the one to help discover new worlds inside the mind. Curious about everything but typically lacking focus and follow-through, your Gemini roommate may need direction and persistence toward attending to important priorities. Spontaneous travel to places with a local buzz about them will delight the Twin. Gemini also loves gadgetry and chatter. If you're the silent type, you may need to go to the library to get some peace and quiet.
Cancer (June 21 -- July 22)
The Crab carries its home on its back, and thus the Cancer roommate will aim to make your home as cozy as possible. Family mementos, window curtains, pots and pans for food preparation, and storage for snack foods will be important Cancer comforts in the dorm room or apartment. Like the water signs Pisces and Scorpio, Cancer will find a small running waterfall (available at most home stores) a soothing addition to the environment.
Leo (July 23 -- August 22)
Should I pray for you? Living with a Leo isn't for the faint-hearted. Whether your Lion roommate is the strong, silent type or is constantly seeking center stage, Leo's fixed opinions and sense of entitlement may prove to be the bone of contention in your living arrangement. Be flexible, but don't constantly give in to what Leo wants; encourage his or her generous spirit by asking for more of what you need and desire, too.
Virgo (August 23 -- September 22)
Some say the Peanuts cartoon character Pig Pen was a Virgo. Yet most Virgo roommates wouldn't be caught dead trailing a cloud of dust. Count on your roommate to keep the bathroom clean and the CDs or mp3s alphabetized by artist name. The downside: Virgo's finicky eating habits may put a crimp in your late-night pizza adventures. On the other hand, the Virgin's refined tastes may expose you to new foods, music, art or technologies you'd never hear about otherwise.
Libra (September 23 -- October 22)
Okay, the complying with your every whim does get annoying. But the Libra roommate who does so is just trying to cultivate the harmony in relationships that he or she loves so well. Try to learn from this cooperative sign how to genuinely share experience with another rather than defending your turf or going it alone. Go places together rather than independently. The roommate born under the sign of the Scales feels better in a dorm or apartment space filled with symmetry and beauty.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 -- Nov. 21)
The most private of all signs, the Scorpion roommate will rarely let you into his or her inner world. It's a matter of trust. Tread lightly with the noble Scorpio -- don't battle for control or make fun of this sensitive sign, or you'll feel the Scorpion's sting. Show that you're trustworthy with both emotions and property, and you'll develop a strong champion of your interests who will defend you to the death when the chips are down.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 -- Dec. 21)
Can you say, "Clean the bathtub?" You might have to utter these words more than once to the usually sloppy Archer. The Sagittarius roommate may be too busy trekking outdoors, attending fraternity or sorority parties, traveling to exotic places or listening to lectures on lofty subjects to worry about sanitary living conditions. These, dear roommate, may fall to you. Though you may lose a cooperative cleaning companion, you may find a witty, spontaneous friend who is always game for adventure.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 -- Jan. 19)
The Capricorn roommate is always up to something and after something, so either join the competition or get out of the way. You may not get along well with this roommate if you're the couch potato type, yet you could take a page from the Goat's playbook and learn to set and achieve goals beyond watching Survivor, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip or MTV. It may be tough love, but doing household chores without being asked and demonstrating your tangible achievements are ways to win the Goat's respect.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 -- Feb. 18)
A friend to everyone, the Aquarian roommate may invite a few too many folks over at inopportune times. It's all well and good to know the neighbors, but a case of beer and bags of popcorn for the Uzbekistanian Film Club at 3:00 a.m.? Draw the line on too many quirky gatherings, but do count on the Water Bearer roommate to bring new and interesting people into your life. Learn as much about progressive ideas, emerging technologies and computer programs from this roommate as you can -- you may never have the opportunity again.
Pisces (Feb. 19 -- March 20)
As much as Pisces may love water, please, no soggy bath towels on the bed. The Fish roommate may find it difficult to tell you to clean up after yourself, so I'll do so here. To decipher your mysterious Pisces roommate's mood, ask plenty of gentle questions. The Fish needs time to daydream, watch movies, pursue a hobby such as painting or spend time near water. Within reason, don't criticize these activities as time-wasters. Even Einstein's greatest answers supposedly came in dreams.