356 following the stars

Originally published in the South Shore Puzzle Journal.

Astrology for the Non-Believer

by Blake Wiers

Checking in with some more qualified astrologers, I learn the North Node has been in Gemini since last May, and will be until next January. And the south node is in Sagittarius. 

What, on Earth, you may ask, does this mean? It has to do with the moon, which doesn’t orbit exactly around our equator, nor does its orbit line up exactly with our orbit around the sun. Instead, it’s at an angle to the sun’s path, so that they cross every once in a while.

That’s the node, where they cross. The north node is the ascending node, where the moon’s path crosses the sun’s path headed north in our sky as seen from the northern hemisphere, and the south node is the descending, as the moon crosses the sun’s path heading toward the south.

In astrology, the north node is where you’re headed, and the south node is where you’re coming from. The north node is your goals, the south node is the ghosts.

Here’s my guess at what all this means for us.

Gemini, the twins, are two headed beast. There’s not a lot of hard-and-fast decisions here, although they might seem like it at the time. So, that’s how goals are looking in 2021. But if maybe you can wrap your head around this certain-uncertainty, you will get an understanding ofyour life. Maybe even a sense of meaning. 

Sagittarius is an adventurer. The constellation is said to resemble a horned man with a horse’s body, a centaur, with a bow and arrow. It sits in the sky opposite Gemini, that’s how the two “nodes” work. It is an optimistic and perhaps idealistic sign. It is known for being bright, but also blunt. Does any of that ring with your less than desirable past? Maybe this year is a good time to ditch those sets of behaviors and head for your true self, that lover you know you have inside you. 

This March, Venus will pass in front of the Sun, all set in front of the constellation Aries. In astrology, this is said to give us all a chance to wear our hearts on our sleeves. Reignition is a very real possibility. It is no mistake that the word “venus” sounds like the reproductive parts of both sexes. 

Venus lining up with Mars on July 13th may put your passions into turbo mode.

Jupiter is bopping in and out of Pisces and Aquarius. And still pretty close to Saturn in the sky. I’m not sure what that means astrologically, but I think they’ll be visible in the early morning. 

Of course, the sun is really the big deal in spring. We pass the vernal equinox, where the day and night are even, as measured in ancient mesopotamia or whatever, on March 21st. And from thence forward, ye shall commence to planting thine crops.

Personally, I skipped celebrating the New Year back on January 1st. I mean, I went through the usual motions, but in my head, I gave myself to March, and the beginning of spring. This is the way they used to do it. You go into the cave or hut and basically hibernate all winter, then pop out in Spring crazy for the new year. 

So happy new year! 

NON-BELIEVER HOROSCOPES

SPRING 2021

Pisces

Before there was Aries, there was Pisces. It’s time to put out the fire, baby. They might call you a wet noodle, but that’s better than being a damn fool. Of course all that steam might make something else happen, so go with the flow. You’re used to it. 

Aries

Those strong feelings your having could use some focus. Don’t be afraid of the checklist. Even the white board. OMG. You’re getting organized, on many levels. Spring cleaning ain’t got nothing on the ram.

Taurus

When we say “heave,” you say “ho.” When others are leaning into the task, you might take a vacation. That’s fine, you’ll still get your thing done. In fact, you might be ready to take on a little more, now that things are settling down a bit.

Gemini

You are the host of a Mercury retrograde from May 29th to June 21st. While your phone is on the brink, the internet is down, or the power is out, is a good time to think about your fundamental philosophy of life. Where are you on track, and where would you like to go?

Cancer

If all this Venus stuff has you excited, that’s ok. Select your favorite music, turn up the atmosphere, and get it on. Whatever “it” might be, spring likely has you feeling lighter than air. Just remember, there are people hoping you don’t fly away.

Leo

“I’ve got to break free,” sang Freddie Mercury, and you’re singing right along. This little pandemic hasn’t been easy. But as the sun returns, you begin to stretch your legs. Take some long walks and see the new world.

Virgo

They say organization is your kink. They also say the universe is made up of waves of energy. Except if you dive a little deeper into the puzzle, when the waves are actually quantum energy, a fuzzy everything-everywhere-all-at-once world that we actually live in.

Libra

Free space can be anything. Occupy it with a sofa, and it is a place to sit. Throw in a pillow and a blanket, and you can take a nap. But park some “stuff” there for fifteen or twenty years, and what do you have? If it’s not used, it’s taking up your free space.

Scorpio

Deep space might seem like a nice place to be, but then around comes this new thing. And when I say new, I mean NEW. Right about now you might be wondering what love is. You’re about to show it.

Sagittarius

Ask and you shall receive. There’s something magical to putting the words out there to the universe. As my friend Myron Taylor says, “You’ve got to name it to claim it.” *Author’s note: I make no claim as to the verified authenticity of any of this, but it certainly can’t hurt.

Capricorn

“The power of love, is a curious thing” sang Huey Lewis. And then he went through all the negatives before wrapping with, “It might just save your life.” And so it goes, and so it goes. Stick with it buddy, it’s a good thing.

Aquarius

You carry water but they call you an air sign. That’s life. It’s a confusing mess of legends, mixed signals, outright lies, and then, there’s that elusive beast called the truth. Which are you, the water or the air? This year is all about grasping that knowledge, then jettisoning the old labels you never liked anyway.

Vaccine update: woke up with a bit of headache. They recommended acetaminophen, I'll see if I can get back to sleep or if I need to medicate.