Author: Madeline Thomas
Header photo by artist Logan O’Neil
(Album covers courtesy of the artists’ respective Spotify and or Bandcamp profiles.)
“Music recommendations coming straight from the stars”
Is Astrology fake? Maybe. Should you still check your horoscope? Yeah.
Non-believers listen up! Bear with me for a little persuasion… Stars are stars. So… why should you pay attention to your horoscope?
If you buy into astrology, you have a go-to small talk topic. Awkward silence? What’s your sign? Checked your transits lately? Two people who understand the zodiac are able to speak in astrological language, connecting and clashing when discussing sign preference, stereotypes, or compatibility. Sure, astrology’s credibility is uncertain. But, if you know enough about astrology, it follows that you know more about yourself and the other signs. With this knowledge comes an opportunity for performative vulnerability. Those aspects of your zodiac sign you choose to talk about offer an intimacy in conversation otherwise avoided in conversation. Get what I’m saying?
As an Aries moon, I am expected to be impulsive, indecisive, avoidant of emotional commitment and all together a sort of flighty individual when it comes to matters of the heart. Saying I resonate with this placement in my natal chart tells someone I feel like I encompass those traits. By saying I feel like an Aries moon, I am telling you so much more. And that is the beauty of astrology. The zodiac offers intimacy and intensity when used to connect with others. Granted, some astrology fanatics present their sign as an excuse for their actions. Just as common is the use of the zodiac in accumulating self-awareness, self-acceptance, and hopefully, self-love. Astrology is a tool kit; use it for whatever project you see fit.
Here’s the songs each sign will need to hear to get them through the month ahead. Plus, a list of upcoming astrological and astronomical events to look forward to.
Reminder: The stars have no real bearings on our lives, unless you allow them to…
In February, the new moon is on the fourth. On the 19th, at the beginning of Pisces season, the full moon arrives.
Planets of importance this month are Venus, which will move through Capricorn. During this time, consider the pragmatism of relationships. Mercury will transit Pisces in February, meaning daydreams will begin to spill over into afternoon, night, and dawn. Logic gives way to lucid imagination. A full moon in Virgo clashes with Pisces’ idealistic world of desire and whimsy. Ground yourself in reality without losing that childish excitement. Avoid harsh criticism. Affirm yourself each morning. Positivity flows through motion; joy is not stagnant.
AQUARIUS (January 20—February 18): Alone, but not lonely? Or isolated, and loving it? Wherever you are in regards to social capacity, respect and honor those limitations. Even as Aquarius season ends, it’s okay to keep the spotlight shining where you want it. Just don’t burn out the bulb.
Lighten up your life with Happy Trap — Kobe Jxrdan
PISCES (February 19—March 20): Pay attention to the details. Where is your energy going? Who—or what—maintains your focus? Spend time here; this is an investment in yourself. Guarantee a return.
Take notes to Recto Verso — Paradiso
ARIES (March 21—April 19): Fact or fiction? The real world is consuming you bit by bit. And you have bit off more than you can chew. Luckily, most everyone seems out of touch. Are you better for being so acutely aware of the consequences? Find solace in daydreams and doodling.
Take a break and listen to TOAST – EP — Claud
TAURUS (April 20—May 20): New and unknown—that’s what is on your mind this month. The Taurus is stereotypically indulgent, but this does not *always* equate to being a couch dweller or Postmates top customer. Comfort is found in friends, lovers, hobbies, essentially, a routine. Even if your comfort zone isn’t the couch or the bed, you need a change of scenery.
Something new? Slide – George Clanton
GEMINI (May 21—June 20): Admit it! You like them more… More than they know, more than you know how to explain. So just give in. Don’t analyze, don’t crowd source or IG poll an answer. Just… feel it. (Nike this is not a copyright infringement.)
Rimon’s BBYGIRL FOCU$ will send you straight into your feelings (even if you aren’t)
CANCER (June 21—July 22): Trust your gut. Cliché, yes, but Cancers are tied to the stomach and naturally intuitive. Relationships are a big deal to the crab, especially now, with Venus in Capricorn. You have partnership (romantic and platonic alike) on the brain. Who will you be better for being with? Without?
Indulge your intensity. Listen to New Skin – JONES
LEO (July 23—August 22): Taking the next step this month means walking with another, or at least in the same direction. Focus on collaborative efforts; teamwork will be fruitful, especially when you’re in charge.
Test your patience with an entire listening of Stillness in Wonderland — Little Simz. (Hint: the reward is GREAT.)
VIRGO (August 23—September 22): When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you look good. Do good unto yourself and those who offer you the same kindness in return. The well-nourished Virgo is a loved Virgo. Drink in the affection. How does it taste?
Songs for a sweet treat – A Real Romantic — ELIZA
LIBRA (September 23—October 22): Let’s unpack that. Questions cloud the mind. A shroud of confusion hangs over introspection. Happiness is in no way guaranteed, but you should endeavor to reflect on values of home, family, and commitment.
You’ll need this – Highway Hypnosis — Sneaks
Thank me later.
SCORPIO (October 23—November 21): Get back in there! Scorpio, it’s time to socialize. Mix up your daily routine with a sprinkle of small talk in the lobby or a spontaneous friend date. Find pieces of yourself in everyone you meet, no matter how short the interaction.
Recommend an album to a new friend, like Sorpresa Familia — Mourn
SAGITTARIUS (November 22—December 21): Did you get a raise or is your wallet just happy to see Capricorn season over? Money, money, money, honey! Sweet capitalist success is coming your way.
Roll around in dollar bills (or quarters, we take what luxury we can get) to Ill Na Na – Foxy Brown
CAPRICORN (December 22—January 19): You always know what to say. Quite the charmer, Capricorn! February is going to be good to you. You might feel overwhelmed by attention, or, alternatively, over-confident. Find some balance and stay put.
Feeling yourself? Embrace it with POTLUCK – PNTHN
Got an earth sign anthem worthy of sharing? That one album only water suns can truly empathize with? Add it to this elemental playlist series on Spotify. One for each of the four elements, for remembering who you are, and what you’re made of.
Follow me on Spotify for monthly mixes and more weirdly specific mood music.
MADELINE THOMAS | Aries Moon Awareness | KXSU Music Reporter