Introductory Musings
Looking for your next great read and not sure where to start?
Just for fun, this year I am launching an astrology-themed book recommendation blog series, starting (NOT just because I am weird) at the end of the zodiac with Pisces and ending at the beginning with Aries. (I know it’s customary to start at the beginning, but some describe Pisces as the cosmic (or oceanic) womb, so in a manner of speaking it’s both the beginning and the end of the zodiac. Also, since the zodiac is a circle, there really is no beginning nor end per se).
Do you believe in astrology? Regardless of your personal perspective on this ancient (and recently trending in millennial and Gen Z circles) form of divination, you may enjoy this blog series. Even if you do NOT believe in astrology, you may enjoy focusing on different themes inspired by the archetypal energies at play based on the zodiacal sign of the month. For instance, Pisces is a mysterious sign associated with the depths of the ocean, so some nautically themed books would be appropriate during the time when the sun is passing through this sign (beginning on February 18th this year).
Funnily enough, the Spring 2025 Readers’ Circle topic, chosen by the book group, is “Nautical Adventures” and starts during Pisces season with a discussion of The Perfect Storm on Thursday, February 27th at 7pm.
The Perfect Storm (catalog record & book discussion link)
It gets even better…The New Moon in Pisces falls on this day (or the 28th, depending on the time zone). Here in Yarmouth this astronomical phenomenon will be exact – both the sun and the moon at the same degree of Pisces – at 7:45pm on the 27th, during the book discussion no less! This scheduling around the Pisces New Moon was NOT planned, but it sure is a funny coincidence. 🙂
If you don’t know how to use this guide based on your own birth chart, fear not. If you know your birth time and location, you can use this free online chart calculator to determine your “Big Three”: Sun, Moon, and Rising Sign/Ascendant. If you don’t know what time you were born, the calculator will not include your rising sign, but you should be able to figure out your moon placement (unless you were born during a day when it changed signs). As an FYI, you share your sun sign with everyone born in the same roughly month-long period as you, but the moon placement changes every 2 days and the rising sign every 2 hours (or so), so those placements are far more personal to you. (For more about the sun, moon, and rising signs and how to understand them, check out this fantastic podcast episode with popular astrologer and activist, Chani Nicholas, it is also available on Youtube).
Once again, fear not if you’re not a believer. You don’t have to be. You may find this series whimsical and entertaining, if nothing else. And if you are a believer this series may help deepen your connection to the zodiacal energies/archetypes through your monthly reading choices as we move through the cosmic wheel of the year.
-Courtney
