Aries

March 21-April 19

Aries, “ram” in Latin, is the first of the zodiac signs. People with Aries signs are typically courageous, competitive and energetic. Aries share a sign with actor Jim Parsons.

Taurus

April 20-May 20

Taurus, the bull, is  a more noticeable constellation. Tauruses are often patient, diligent and resourceful. They share a sign with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Gemini

May 21-June 21

The twin constellation, Gemini, is defined by two key stars: Castor
and Pollux. Geminis are usually sweet, outgoing and affectionate. They share a sign with actors Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen.

Cancer

June 22-July 22

Those born between June 22 and July 22 have the crab horoscope. Cancers are typically nurturing, loyal people with a great sense of humor. They share a sign with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter.

Leo

July 23-Aug. 22

Leo, the lion, can be seen from all parts of the world except for Antarctica. Leos are often generous and confident. They share a sign with golfer Nelly Korda.

Virgo

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Virgo is the second largest zodiac constellation in the sky. Virgos are usually intelligent and hardworking. They share a sign with actor Jack Black.

Libra

Sept. 23-Oct. 23

The weighing scales, Libra, is the only constellation in the night sky to be named after an object. As the name suggests, Libras are usually honest and fair. They share a sign with dancer Isabella Boylston.

Scorpio

Oct. 24-Nov. 21

According to Greek mythology, Zeus put Scorpius, the scorpion, in the sky to pursue Orion, the hunter. Scorpios are often intuitive and brave. They share a sign with actor Ryan Gosling.

Sagittarius

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Sagittarius, the archer, is said to have turned himself into a constellation to escape a Titan. Sagittariuses are humorous, adventurous and optimistic. They share a sign with scientist Bill Nye.

Capricorn

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Capricornus, the sea-goat, is one of the fainter constellation in the night sky. Capricorns tend to be hardworking and responsible. They share a sign with former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Aquarius

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

One of the oldest constellations, Aquarius is Latin for “water-carrier.” Aquariuses tend to be open-minded and independent. They share a sign with soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo.

Pisces

Feb. 19-March 20

Pisces, the fish, is the last of the signs. The constellation is faint, but its distinct V-shape makes it easier to spot. Pisces are typically artistic, forgiving and compassionate. They share a sign with writer Lois Lowry.

My decision to watch the April 8 solar eclipse at the center of the path of totality stems from a family tradition: After traveling to Missouri to see the 2017 solar eclipse, my family followed this year’s eclipse to the beautiful beaches of Mazatlan, Mexico, where we saw all four minutes and 26 seconds of totality as the moon’s shadow came in over the western coast.

If you are in the path of totality like I was, after second contact — when the leading edge of the moon hits the leading edge of the sun — the moon directly overlaps with the sun and you can take off your protective eyewear to stare directly at the sun. It truly is a moment that a camera cannot do justice — the split-second transition from watching the tiny, orange sliver of sun wane away to observing the breathtaking faux sunset over the ocean, the sun a brilliant halo encompassing the pure black circle of the moon.

While I don’t believe in astrology, I can see how some would want feel a spiritual connection to totality. Astrology, in its original form, is an attempt to find personal meaning in the cosmos — a way to use the stars to explain what seems inexplicable. And even though we now have scientific explanations for why it looks like “the sun has been eaten” (according to some of the earliest carvings of eclipses), it can be fun — and for some, meaningful — to attach personal significance to the event.

Across the U.S., astrology believers have connected this event to horoscopes and omens. Following the April 5 New York and New Jersey earthquake, netizens took to Twitter claiming that the earthquake was a bad omen. According to CBS, a Philadelphia astrologist said that the eclipse would be extra meaningful to people with certain zodiac signs and signify different life moments for them.

At the same time, our fascination with eclipses has also led to advances in astronomy, as they are key moments to study the moon, the sun, light and orbits. A 1919 eclipse confirmed Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity three years after its publication. During this year’s eclipse, NASA sent out more scientific instruments by rocket to collect data on the eclipse’s effect on Earth.

Whether people look up at the skies to study the sun, find an astrological connection or take in the beauty of an infrequent natural occurrence, they gain appreciation for and curiosity about our world. While rare, eclipses are worthwhile and a reminder to reach for the sky. See you in Spain for the next one in 2026!

At the heart of this dilemma is the oversimplification of astrology. While astrology is not truly scientific, authentic practice demands detailed calculations, profound understandings of celestial movements and nuanced interpretations of their potential impact on human life. However, this depth is often reduced to mere caricature on social media. Such a simplistic approach not only misleads viewers but neglects the discipline’s historical importance.

Astrology has been a pivotal cultural and scientific endeavor across civilizations, influencing everything from agricultural cycles to political strategies. Originating in ancient Mesopotamia, astrology played a crucial role in agriculture, guiding farmers on when to plant and harvest — essential for food security in their unpredictable climate. Astrology was also deeply connected to medicine, with practitioners using celestial charts to diagnose and treat illnesses, believing the stars at one’s birth impacted their health.

Astrology also has ties to other intellectual fields. For instance, Galileo Galilei, a key figure in the Scientific Revolution known for his advocacy of heliocentrism, engaged in astrological practices. He conducted astrological readings for wealthy clients and even incorporated astrology into his teachings, illustrating the discipline’s prevalence in the academic and intellectual circles of his time.

To grasp the essence of the current astrological revival, it’s essential to delve into the broader societal trends fueling its resurgence. The confluence of digital culture with the ancient art of astrology presents a compelling modern paradox: A practice rooted in detailed charts and celestial observations now intersects with the immediacy of the digital age. Alongside increased accessibility, this fusion elevates its allure as a medium for personal introspection and identity exploration in today’s era. During periods of personal or societal upheaval, people are naturally drawn to methodologies that provide a semblance of control or comprehension over their predicaments. The global pandemic’s profound impact on mental health and societal norms has notably increased astrology’s appeal as a beacon of certainty amidst uncertainty, offering many a personalized narrative of solace.

Moreover, platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have repackaged astrology as a mainstream, shareable element of online personas. The repercussions of this shift are significant, altering both the public’s perception of astrology and comprehension by newer generations. As content creators vie for attention in the digital expanse, the intricate details that define astrological practice are often obscured, supplanted by broad- stroke generalizations and sensational interpretations. In the quest for digital visibility, content creators often distill complex astrological concepts into simplified, engaging content. For instance, intricate personality analyses are reduced to sun sign attributes, neglecting the depth provided by moon and rising signs. This approach not only generalizes personalities based on a singular aspect of an astrological chart but overlooks nuanced insights into individual behavior and compatibility. Such broad, sensational interpretations risk diluting the detailed nature of traditional astrological practices.

Astrology’s migration from ancient archives to the screens of millions is a testament to its lasting appeal. The spread of superficial astrological content across social media platforms dilutes the core of the practice and promotes a misleading portrayal of astrology as a tool for amusement or a self-indulgent gimmick. This phenomenon is indicative of a broader trend of digital misinformation, where the quest for social media engagement often overshadows a commitment to thoroughness and substance.

The challenge, therefore, extends beyond merely addressing rampant misinformation on social media. It involves fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this age-old practice. Students must differentiate between the oversimplified, often inaccurate astrological content aimed at quick consumption and the thoughtful, comprehensive analysis that, while recognizing astrology’s lack of scientific rigor, respects its complexity and historical roots. Engaging critically with astrological content — questioning its origins, recognizing its limitations and valuing the insights beyond the memes — can help reinstate a level of respect for a discipline that, in many respects, has been co-opted by the relentless demand for digital content.

Capricorn:

FlexTime is looking good for you this week, Capricorn, so make the most of it. Follow your instinct and check out a new room for a change of scenery.

Aquarius: