Week of: August 12-17
Don’t you just detest astrologer who speak in cryptic riddles which become so convoluted that no one can understand a single word about what is being said, and then drag the sentences on too long because the author himself seems to think that he can write a single declarative statement which would summon up the likes of Faulkner himself?
Not that the planets are in evil dissarry or anything, but this a great week for literary quotations. Which one of Faulkner’s characters, and in which book, said, “Once a bitch, always a bitch, what I say.” Act now, identify that character, and receive an El-cheapo report, FGS style, for Free!
Jason Compson in The Sound and the Fury, page 223, more or less.
Aries: I like Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s tragedies. As one character slowly sinks into madness, she observes this: “‘Tis safer to be that which we destroy/Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy” (Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s MacbethIII.ii.6-7). That’s not a too hopeful message this week, but wait, it gets better. Aries, my friend, this is the week to make or break it. Other astrologers talk about new romance, and I’ll tell you about hot burning lava pool of love. But exercise caution, don’t let either fear or too much “past life” stuff get in your way.
Taurus: It’s Laertes in Hamlet who says, “The apparel oft proclaims the man” (I.iii.72). I hope you note that I got the proper MLA citations, just to keep the academics happy. Maybe you should consider buying some new apparel this week. New window dressings for the new you that is slowly emerging. Because it’s just like that character in Hamlet says….
Gemini: “Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing/Such notes as, warbled to the string,/Drew iron tears down Pluto’s cheek” (Milton, Il Penseroso [1631], line 105. If you don’t get it, then don’t worry about it. Pluto is direct again, and he’s having a hey day with Gemini’s. Enjoy the challenges as the summer really gets hot in several areas of your life. Remember that change is a good thing, and you don’t have to shed “iron tears” just because some one else is playing havoc with YOUR LIFE.
Cancer: For you, the motivation comes from that great Roman general, Coriolanus, “Now, Mars, I prithee make us quick in work,/That smoking sword may march from hence/To help our fielded friends” (Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Coriolanus, I.iv.10-3). Mars AND Venus are playing tag with your emotional well being this week. Retail Therapy is not the answer. In fact, follow the lead of the good general and face up to the daunting work at hand. I’m just glad that fishing is my vocation, otherwise I would have to work. Which is what you need to do. Go forth and do battle, and you shall win.
Leo: It’s like Leontes in Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale says, “Too hot, too hot!/To mingle friendship far is mingling bloods” (I.ii.108-9). It’s really too hot right now. Your summer should be a scorcher, and the trick right now is to keep from scorching some of your friends. The new moon in the middle of the week gives you an extra shot of energy, just be wary of getting things “too hot” with your friends. Exercise caution with small, low-yeild thermonuclear devices this week, too.
Virgo: How about a lesson from Jonathan Swift, one of the masters of Satire? “Yet malice never was his aim;/He lashed the vice but spared the name.” (Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift [1731] line 459.) The key this week is to use your given ability to communicate effectively to motivate others towards some good. You don’t want to be a mean person, and you should be very wary of using any sarcasm in hurtful way. You can win the argument this week, just do it nicely. Please?
Libra: Let’s talk about love this week. “Love goes towards love as schoolboys from their books,/But love from love, toward school with heavy looks.” That’s what Romeo says in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (II.ii.157-8). The reason why a love relationship is important this week is because you will find that you are balancing yourself against other peoples’ responses to you. And, in your romantic relationship, this sort of response can weigh especially heavy on your mind. I would examine what your lover says to you, turn it over your mind, but not put too much emphasis on it.
Scorpio: I would look to Prospero and his books, for little bit of information this week for Scorpio: “We are such stuff/As dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep” (The Tempest, IV.i.156). There is a lot of long range planning going on right about now, and there is some short range stuff, too. don’t forsake the long-term goals, at least, not yet. And trust what your dreams tell you; there is a lot of truth in your subconscious that is bubbling up to the surface.
Sagittarius: It’s sweet little Miranda, in The Tempest, who reminds us of how we mighty Sagittarius might appear this week, “Your tale, sir, would cure deafness” (I.ii.106). There will be a marked tendency towards curing a lot of other peoples’ deafness. We don’t need to bore these poor souls with our trails and tribulations, either. We are undergoing a time of great transformation, and we ought to keep our mouths shut until the effect is over. You’ll thank me later. Ah heck, I’ll thank me later.
Capricorn: Well, my dear Cappy friend, it’s like Griffith says in Shakespeare’s King Henry the Eighth, “Men’s evil manners live in brass; their virtues/We write in water” (IV.ii.46-6). You are under considerable pressure right now to perform in a relationship, and all the good things that you have done to help foster this happy union are forgotten. But you partner or mate or spouse or whatever is sure willing to bring up the bad stuff. And it’s not like the dirty laundry doesn’t need a little airing, it’s just not a good time for you to try to respond. Do the right thing: be quiet because you probably can’t win right now. Take solace in Griffith’s words.
Aquarius: How about a little quote from Friedrich Nietzsche, to start the week? “Insanity in individuals is something rare, but in groups, parties, nations and epochs it is the rule.” You will note that this epigram has a serious yet comical tone to it. I would consider that insanity which the author is address as being very common in your day to day observations. The problem here, my fine Aquarius friend, is that no else seems to recognize the pattern. You see it; you feel it; you can take some action. It’s not a good time, though, to tilt at windmills. Just make the notes for right now.
Pisces: I like Mark Twain. I think he was a Sagittarius so of course I’m predisposed towards him. He has a nice comment from one of Pud’nhead Wilson’s Calendar entries: “Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.” Now, how does this apply to Pisces? If you can just get a grip on some of what you know, it will pay off in a big way. Review your notes before making that big splash this week. “Training is everything.”
