Barstool Astrology

Astrology Column

Strange days are behind and ahead of us. With social distancing still in place, the season of renewal may feel like regression. But take heart, the revolutionary tide of spring is at work in subtle ways. Emerson, that long-winded, leaf-loving poet, got it right when he raptured, “What potent blood hath modest May/ What fiery force the earth renews.”
Through next week we remain under the skies and influence of Taurus, the zodiac sign that is nothing if not resilient. Throughout history, bulls have been venerated as gods and domesticated as cattle, showing the possibility of Taurus energy to be divinely useful. Through May 20, we can seek to harness, or yoke, that energy and find ways to imbue ritual into routine and lend grace to the ordinary. Holy cow, indeed.

Taurus
April 20-May 20
The tarot card for Taurus is the hierophant, the priest of mysteries tasked with translating the sacred into the tangible. I offer this fact to you as a reminder of the ordained responsibility of the bull herd to keep eyes cast toward the divine and hooves pushed into the unblessed dirt.
Notable Taurus: Cher / May 20, 1946

Gemini
May 21-June 20
The speed at which you move through space and information is more hellbent accelerant than thoughtful acceptance. Yet, there has never been a better time to slow your thoughts and agendas and temper your impulses. Pace yourself, Gemini, lest you be put through the punishing paces of too much, too soon.
Notable Gemini: Gwendolyn Brooks / June 7, 1917

Cancer
June 21-July 22
Crab pinchers are built equally for holding and releasing. Are you afraid that letting go of a person, idea, dream, turtleneck or magazine will mean surrendering your control over it? I solemnly swear, moon child, when you forfeit dominion, you welcome freedom with open claws.
Notable Cancer: Princess Diana / July 1, 1961

Leo
July 23-Aug. 22
Fellow lion, writer Jim Carroll proclaimed, “My voice has a quiver/ A quiver is where you keep arrows until you shoot them.” I urge you, lions, in the weeks ahead, to linger in the quiver before words a little longer and remember to direct your arrows at appropriate targets.
Notable Leo: John Lee Hooker / Aug. 22, 1917

Virgo
Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Jack Butler Yeats, fellow Virgo and celebrated Irish painter, famously refused to take on apprentices and would allow no one to watch him work. While his techniques remain a mystery, his genius is never argued. Though your best work may be made without an audience, your final product deserves one.
Virgo: Bernie Sanders / Sept. 8, 1941

Libra
Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Roger, my older brother and favorite Libra, recently offered the following advice, “Always tell the truth, or at least don’t lie.” As the zodiac sign known to stretch accuracy to preserve peace, I urge you to take heed of the wisdom. If you can’t be honest, be quiet.
Notable Libra: Jean Claude Van Damme / Oct. 18, 1960

Scorpio
Oct. 23-Nov. 21
’Tis the season of retrogrades, and for Scorpio that means expressing your feelings rather than burying them next to your inner child and the bones of those who have betrayed you. The current planetary lineup suggests friction between you and a close female friend or relative. Confrontation can be cathartic; think less spite, more hope.
Notable Scorpio: Leon Trotsky / Nov. 7, 1879

Sagittarius
Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Your candid communication style is usually effective in getting you what, and whom, you want. Yet, with the current state of the world, those closest to you may be especially sensitive to verbal exchanges. If you want to learn, listen.
Notable Sagittarius: Jimi Hendrix / Nov. 27, 1942

Capricorn
Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Fellow sea goat and Winnie the Pooh scribe, A.A. Milne grew to resent the children’s book series that made him famous. Why am I telling you this? I want you to be wary in the weeks ahead of the personal consequences of your successes. What are you willing to lose to make gains?
Notable Capricorn: Mary Karr / Jan. 16, 1955

Aquarius
Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Poet and fellow water bearer Langston Hughes wrote, “Folks, I’m telling you, birthing is hard
and dying is mean — so get yourself a little loving in between.” I hope you heed the call in Hughes’ words and choose to love, wholly and often in the only now that is.
Notable Aquarius: Lord Byron / Jan. 22, 1788

Pisces
Feb. 19-March 20
According to country folklore, a record producer told fellow Pisces Johnny Cash to “go home and sin, then come back with a song I can sell.” Cash got down to all kinds of hard living and song selling and the rest is history. I encourage a similar approach in the coming weeks: whatever challenge comes your way, double down on fulfilling it. All the better if it comes with a side of sin.
Notable Pisces: Michael Caine / March 13, 1933

Aries
March 21-April 19
Fellow Aries Quentin Tarantino cautioned, “Just because you are a character doesn’t mean you have character.” Resist prioritizing charm over merit on your personal value scale. Look closely at those you are getting close to.
Notable Aries: Francis Ford Coppola / April 7, 1939

REDA WIGLE is a middle child and Taurus Fire Tiger named after a stigmatic saint. She divides her time and affections between New Orleans and Key West.