Astrology is a pseudoscience dealing with stars, locations of plants, and how they affect each person. While not scientifically proven, this topic’s popularity has been around for thousands of years, dating back to Babylon times. Its ties with different cultures show in its various legends and backstories. In the United States, astrology is mostly shown through Zodiac signs. However, astrology’s other popular aspects are rising signs, moon signs, birth charts, and constellations. 

Boa Li Huang, a worker at the renaissance and book store [a popular place for astrology buffs], has grown up with astrology since birth. 

   “Growing up with immigrant parents meant lots of Chinese cultures built into me. We have quite a few holidays and observances around the moon; Lunar new and Mid- Autumn festivals are really big ones.” Huang said, “I do not fully believe in every story, but I do believe it is an important part of Chinese culture. However, we do not have the same astrology practices as the United States does.” 

   Huang does, however, enjoy astrology in the western world. He thinks that because many people have different views on astrology, it allows it to flourish in different parts. Mia Paladino, a senior at Nixa high school also enjoys astrology; she does not use it as a spiritual guide as some do but has nothing against those who follow it as such. 

   “I was always very interested in why I was the way I was when I was younger. I would always try to figure out which characteristics I got from my parents and which ones I didn’t, but I never fully got the answers I wanted. That was until I found a book one day laying on one of the various bookshelves in my house and it was all about astrology. I immediately was hooked on astrology because I felt like this book knew all of my inner secrets and wishes. Over the years, my love for it has definitely grown, I have tons of books about astrology, and I even have an app on my phone that gives me my daily horoscopes.” She said.

   Horoscopes, also known as zodiac signs, are dependent on when a person was born during the year. They are supposed to show what one born during this time will most likely be doing, or experience- a definitive guide in short. However, other signs, such as the moon and sun, can also demonstrate such qualities for people if they do not tend to line up with idealistic for their birth zodiac. This is usually used when astrology events happen- such as if Jupiter and Venus crossed when one was born or if a blue moon was in cycle. 

   “Well, my sun sign is a Libra while my moon sign is an Aries and rising in Capricorn. Something super cool though about my sign is that I am a Virgo-Libra cusp meaning that my birthday falls on the day when the two meet. So I can relate to both signs pretty well.” Paladino said. 

   This demonstrates such events. Zodiac signs; represent a person and can guide them. They are present in many cultures and hold a particular part in people’s lives and religion. They can determine how one feels happy, sad, out of place, or stressed; and because school is so stressful and the end of the year is approaching, the following paragraph is dedicated to students or anyone reading with helpful ways to combat fretful thought. 

Virgo (August 23rd – September 22nd) 

   Being perfectionist comes with a toll. Even being all over the places with messy rooms and chaotic assignments that don’t have time to be fixed can drag one down. Not to mention emotional labor allows for the making of a ticking time bomb. It’s best to take all these negative emotions and reflow them into something that brings them into a positive light. THis can be done by mediating in your own way from painting to taking a bath, any to reset allowing the stress to melt away. This allows for a calm and level head to work on anything that has fallen behind. 

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) 

    All over the place, knows what has to be done, but can’t figure out where to start because doing one thing means having to have something else done before the original task can start. While it’s easy to adapt and put on a fade that everything is excellent; it’s most likely that none of that is true. Just opening up to someone about what’s going on even if it takes time can allow for help or pressure to dissipate. Though this might not always work- so write it down. Journaling is proven to help with stress. Picking a place to start will make everything better no matter what it is. 

Cancer (June 21rst – July 22nd) 

   Criticism, looks that linger to long, and personal insecurities aren’t a friend. One of two things can happen- hiding away or extravagant confrontational skills come into play. Consider a cancer a special sponge, Once they take in too much, good or bad- it overwhelms them. Breathing exercises, a skill most people learn as kids, helps to clear the mind and establish a positive and calming environment. Changing things up could also be a more progressive move, taking a self care day or adding calming colors to a room will benefit in the long run. 

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) 

   Smart & stressed out! Mostly about not knowing what on an upcoming test or if they studied hard enough. Even if they trained hard enough for upcoming sports events- did they really train enough? This makes burn out a too common issue. Stopping isn’t an option, but it’s what’s needed. Stop and take a break. Yoga- often used to slow down the body in stretching or layout in the sun to increase vitamin D levels will boost morale to keep on pushing!

Libra (September 23 – October 22) 

   Balance- while is the main thought when Libras come to mind, it can be hard to achieve. Making decisions for ones self vs other often brings in conflict between the heart and head. Not used to being their own mediator inner battles no matter how big or small causes major issues. Seeking out a second hand like a counselor or mediation to resolve conflicts gives a new angle to look at when it comes to the issue at hand. 

Taurus (April 20th – May 21) 

   Thriving in hard times? Thats not unusual, being a bull represents strength and the ability to withstand most things thrown ones way. However, if everything is getting to wild and out of hand- take it slow. Simple pleasures such as gaming, reading, dancing will typically do the job just fine. 

Aries (March 21 – April 19) 

   Aries they see a problem and know how to fix it- just not but the usually mean. They typically don’t respond well to pressure from those close to them and like the ram are hard headed. So heres something that could help. Depending is they are extroverted or introverted relaxing could mean lazy day binge watching television or grabbing friends to go have a blast go-cart riding.

Gemini (May 21rst – June 20th) 

   The twins, one good, one reckless and both get stressed fast. While amazing at handling big conflicts- it’s the little things. Miss pronounced words, a sound with no origin, or traffic- it truly is life’s small mishaps that have these two spinning wild.  So- go wild, get out of where ever if upsetting and have a blast. Aquarium, mall, that secret spot- anywhere away from modern day problems. 

Leo (July 23 – August 22) 

   Kings of the jungle, main of gold, and a slight want to control things. If the last doesn’t work out- prepare to hear the loin roar. If a computer isn’t working, an assignment didn’t submit, or something got lost just breath. Also eat- grab ones favorite food, person, and go talk it out. Small rants, while seem unimportant can ease worries and resolve the little things before it turns ugly. Don’t trap it in for later, it will just get worse. 

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) 

   Ever get irritated by loud noise, not getting respects when deserved, or not enough privacy. No fret, negotiate with a level head so others will understand worries and annoyances. They aren’t really bothered when it comes to these things because while it sucks Scorpio’s embrace all the thorns of life and simply clip them. 

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) 

   One word- traffic. While not always about moving because sleeping is better when on the run- how dare traffic exist. Simply turn on the radio or plug in the aux and take time to enjoy favorite songs. Hopefully another person is there to make it all better, or roll the windows down only if the weather is nice. 

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

   Being spontaneous is what calms Aquarius down and stresses them out. When asked or judge for doing things without reason or need- it is practically a ticking time bomb. Especially since they tend to procrastinate. Getting lost in a game allows one to forget the present annoyances. Another approach could be a coloring book, or just playing with shaving cream.