Have you ever wondered why you instantly connect with some students, while others seem like they are speaking a whole different language? The ancient practice of astrology, in particular the twelve zodiac signs of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, can suggest why this is.
Think of the student body as the night sky, where each person is a star and the signs are constellations representing generalized personality traits. For example, fire signs like Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are often characterized by passion and drive, contrasting with water signs like Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio, who are typically known for being more protective and intuitive.
For some students, astrology holds significant spiritual meaning. Within spiritual practices like Wicca, certain signs are assigned associations; for example, water signs like Pisces, Scorpio and Cancer are often seen as being particularly mystical, while earth signs like Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are commonly linked with concepts of grounding and healing.
“The connection between them [the religion and the zodiac] the fact that the zodiac signs have control, not total control, but control over your personality and what’s going to happen that day,” senior Makayla Riffel said.
Riffel refers to her own sign Scorpio as a prime example, “Allegedly, I’m supposed to be very mysterious,” Riffle said. “But I’m not.”
However, some aspects of the zodiac signs resonate with her.
“I’m supposed to be very passionate, very fiery which is completely true about me,” Riffel said.
Other students like junior Ella Brinker, take a more casual interest to the signs.
“I think there’s truth in zodiac signs sometimes,” Brinker said.
Many people are first introduced to the zodiac signs through their social circles. Brinker noted that she likely encountered them this way.
“I think it was through friends,” Brinker said.
As a Sagittarius, Brinker finds some traits well fit while others miss the mark, “I am curious and I think it is fitting,” she said.
The different perspectives are reflected in the astrological makeup of the student body itself.
With 316 communicative Geminis and 240 Capricorn, the rarest sign on campus, our school population represents the full spectrum of all twelve zodiac energies.
One of the biggest philosophical questions in the field of astrology is the balance between a predetermined path and free will. Riffel, who uses Tarot, emphasizes that the future is never set in stone; that readings can show where a situation heads and encourages you to act.
“If you want to fix it [a situation] I’d recommend you do that or be like, hey, continue doing what you’re doing right now because it’s good and healthy,” Riffel said.
Ultimately, the power remains with the individual. Whether you use astrology for spiritual guidance, personal insight or for fun.
“Nothing should have that much control over your life,” Riffel said. “Only you.”
