Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Feb. 5, 2003: In the Stars

Everyone knows that horoscopes shouldn't be trusted. My solution is to read several every day and choose the one I like.

Sometimes I hold onto horoscopes that seem particularly apt; but then, I generally forget why by the next time I read them. Still, with the sort of general advice that horoscopes provide, it's not hard to read into them so that they apply.

And of course, we tend to forget about the ones which don't match.

The daily horoscopes I receive include a very "New Age" one which includes predictions based on which earth element you are, as well as messages from your "angels." This one can be particularly fun.

Here's a recent one:

EARTH ELEMENT: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

You have an inner conflict about a past issue. It's not good to listen to the little devil on your shoulder trying to make you feel guilty now. Instead, have a good cry about it or beat up a pillow if it makes you feel better. But let it go.

Angel Message for EARTH ELEMENT people

The angels are inspiring you to write a beautiful story. Your fingers are flying across paper and keyboard!

This one fascinated me primarily because of the angel message. It's a pretty safe bet that I will be writing that day, although I rarely write a "beautiful story." My fingers more frequently fly across the keyboard writing snarky personal essays.

The earth element prediction, about an inner conflict, is one of those generalized statements that can fit just about anyone. At the time, it seemed relevant, but I can barely remember in what sense. Perhaps I listened to the advice and "let it go."

(Jan. 21) Virgo

Today it's important to get in touch with your own sensuality as the Sun slips over into Aquarius. You're being asked to break loose a bit and enjoy a more creative approach to life. The Moon trines with Mercury moving retrograde which means that you're the great puzzle solver today. Romantic opportunities come out of the blue. You want to talk about what's going on in that heart of yours, and a sympathetic stranger is there for you.

Well, the part about enjoying "a more creative approach to life" was accurate, anyway. Reading back over this horoscope, I could imagine it fitting perfectly for a bondage mistress.

(Jan. 22) Virgo

Expect wild ups and downs today as the Moon inconjuncts with Uranus. This isn't a great day to make plans at this point. Instead it may be wise to just go with the flow. You'll find it easier to focus if you can take your work to your home. Career wise it's time to experiment and take bold chances - tune into your own deep gut feelings, follow them rather than a simple plan. You need to prepare for the unexpected opportunities to come your way.

This sounds like a day when one would be best advised to stay in bed. Especially if "wild ups and downs" and "unexpected opportunities" are in the forecast.

(Jan. 23) Virgo

I suspect that you've come to a halting point in your life, a point of no return where it's wise to understand what really counts and what doesn't. It may help to pick up your roots and change direction, especially if you are uncomfortable living where you live right now. The Sun in your 6th house has you focused on health and you may find that working out at home brings you great peace of mind. You need a good method of venting however; if you feel anger taking control, use that energy in a positive manner.

Well, maybe I've "come to a halting point in my life" because I listened to yesterday's horoscope, which told me not to make plans!

This horoscope is particularly annoying for its apparent accuracy on certain points I wish weren't accurate. My landlord has sold the place where I live and I actually am uncomfortable living here, if only in the sense that I don't know whether I'll be able to stay. I guess that's why I'm being asked to consider "what really counts and what doesn't."

As far as health is concerned, the eerie thing is that this horoscope was for the day after I thought I was having a heart attack. Of course, as it turned out, I wasn't. Or at least, not a fatal one.

EARTH ELEMENT: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
(Jan. 23)
Before you write someone out of your life, look at your
motivations. They may be being difficult right now but
they have reason to be. Instead of running away, ask if
you can help. You may be surprised by the answer.

Yes, but what are you supposed to do if the person you're trying to help runs away instead? And even if I write them out of my life, isn't there always a chance for a sequel?

While horoscopes are frequently off-base, their advice is frequently sound. Just imagine what the world would be like if we followed their advice: everyone viewing problems as challenges, keeping our minds open about change, contacting old friends, supporting current friends and family, taking care of our emotional needs, being careful about our negative reactions and ignoring the "devils" on our shoulders.

We would all be alert for opportunities, be careful of how we respond to cranky associates, and would look for enlightenment all around us.

This wouldn't be such a bad thing. I mean, if you're going to waste time at work anyway, you might as well be looking for enlightenment.

Moral:
The student read the horoscope and was enlightened.

Copyright 2003 by Alyce Wilson

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