Hip- Hop Through The Houses

Last night, I was thinking about the tremendous impact that hip-hop continues to have on our world. As a professed hip-hop "head", it's not easy to turn on the radio and witness the myriad of methods used to reduce the art of creative expression to dollars and cents. I'm not here to say what's "real" hip-hop and what isn't, but I am here to state my preference and to support those individuals whom I think are producing the music because they love it and feel it's a viable medium for self-expression in regard to their particular worldview.



Yes, like it or not, these artists sometimes use profanity where other terms may be more "suitable". Some of them may speak on subject matter that you disagree with and label as noise pollution. Guess what ? I agree with you. However, I have a solution: don't listen. Just like the far right flips past MSNBC or the lefties tune out Rush Limbaugh. I encourage all to pursue your particular musical tastes with fervor, but to be cognizant of the fact that different musical tastes don't qualify as "better" or "worse".

I applaud the efforts of the hip-hop artists that I choose to support for pursuing their goals and dreams. Thank you for continuing to do your "homework" and studying the elements. I'm writing this piece regarding hip-hop and the astrological houses because I really enjoyed writing my sun sign hip-hop playlist article and I think the connection between hip hop and fields of life experience, which the astrological houses represent, is fascinating.

In studying astrology, one of the first jewels of knowledge that I was presented with is that everything that transpires in our life can be assigned to one of the areas symbolized by the houses.

Some Astrologers may care to be more technical or specific, but here's how I would assign the basic house meanings:

1-Personal identity, self- presentation.
2-Personal and material values, finances, talents.
3-Communication, basic education, thought processes.
4-Home, childhood, roots, psychological foundation.
5-Self-expression, entertainment, creativity, sex, romance.
6-Work, daily routine, health, service.
7-Partnerships, marriage,public dealings.
8-Others' resources, transformation, hidden elements.
9-International travel, advanced learning, philosophy, religion.
10-Public ambition, status, fame, career.
11-Organizations, friends, goals,humanity, the collective.
12-Internal life, meditation, prayer, seclusion,spirituality.

For all of the hip-hop heads, here's my playlist and contribution towards helping you towards a better understanding of the Astrological houses. The following are song titles that describe issues, themes or phenomena relevant to the representative house:

First House
"Me Myself and I" - De La Soul
"Take It Personal"- Gangstarr
"My World"- O.C.
"This is Me"- Common
"Selfish"- Slum Village featuring Kanye West & John Legend

Second House
"Paid in Full"- Eric B. & Rakim
"Make Munne"- Black Moon
"C.R.E.A.M."- Wu- Tang Clan
"Money on The Clock"- Oddisee
"Who Makes The Loot"- Grand Puba

Third House
"Form of Intellect"- Gangstarr
"Speakin"- El Da Sensei
"NY State of Mind"- Nas
"Flava In Your Ear"- Craig Mack
"Super Lyrical" - Big Pun featuring Black Thought

Fourth House
"The Place Where We Dwell" -Gangstarr
"2nd Childhood" -Nas"
"Nothing Like Home"- Mobb Deep
"Breakin Bread" - Hi- Tek
"My Country"- Nas

Fifth House
"Express Yourself"- Salt N Pepa
"The Show"- Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh
"Sex, Sex, Sex" -Nice & Smooth
"Stages & Lights"- Sadat X
"The Game"- Common

Sixth House
"Method Man"- Wu Tang Clan
"Work"- Gangstarr
"A Day in The Life"- Diamond D
"I Go To Work"- Kool Moe Dee
"I Get The Job Done"- Big Daddy Kane

Seventh House
"Ex Girl to The Next Girl"- Gangstarr
"You and Yours"- O.C.
"Won on Won"- Smif-N-Wessun
"Getting Married"- Nas
"Bridging The Gap"- Nas

Eighth House
"War Games"- O.C. Featuring Organized Konfusion
"Survivin"- KRS- One
"Phone Tap"- The Firm
"Roxanne's Revenge"- Roxanne Shante
"Invstigative Reports"- GZA

Ninth House
"Philosophical"-KRS One
"Church"- De La Soul
"The World is Yours"- Nas
"What You Seek"- Diamond D
"Travelz"- Baby Blak & Jazzy Jeff

Tenth House
"Mainstream"- Outkast
"Mass Appeal"- Gangstarr
"For My People"- Large Professor
"Just To Get A Rep"- Gangstarr
"What I'm Here For"- Gangstarr

Eleventh House
"Friends"- Whodini
"Revolution"- Dennis Brown"
"Liberation"- Outkast featuring Cee-Lo
"Fight The Power"- Public Enemy
"U.N.I.T.Y."- Queen Latifah

Twelfth House
"Best Kept Secret"- Diamond D
"The Unseen"- Quasimoto (Madlib)
"Hellucination"-Smif N Wessun
"Lose Yourself" -Eminem
"Mind's Playin' Tricks On Me"- Geto Boys

Read more...

Moon in Capricorn, Mercury Retrograde + Full Moon in Pisces

With the Moon moving into Capricorn, it's time to practice what you preach. Straight up. For the last couple of days (and as I write this), the Moon has been in Sagittarius. So, we've been in our "ebony" and "ivory" towers so to speak. Hopefully, we've been re-examining the meaning of our overall life philosophy, as well as re-establishing our purpose while dusting off our mission statements. Now, it's time to bring all of that lofty, high-minded business down to earth. Results and tangible form is what we're after. Like my man T3 from Slum Village said: “Be about what you about.” You see somebody bluffin'? Full of hot air? Call them out. But, try to make sure that your thoughts, words and deeds wear the colors of consistency. The Moon in Capricorn symbolizes good ole' common sense. Those who have this natal placement should enjoy this energy and find it quite useful. For those of you who have set goals, dates and time lines recently this is a great time to refine and specify.


Speaking of dates, Mercury will be in retrograde from this Friday, August 20th until Sunday September 12th. For those of you who are unfamiliar, retrograde motion ( commonly abbreviated as Rx) it is the apparent backward motion of a planet. So, while it may appear to be moving in reverse, it's really not. For those of you who are familiar with Mercury Rx, I'm sure you've read that your flight, train, or bus is going to be delayed (or your going to miss it altogether), your e-invite to the party of the year will somehow get lost, the fax machine is going to break down and you and your best friend will be beefing because he or she swears they fired off that text or left that voice mail, but you didn't get it. While all of this may have some validity, the key is to get your plans straight. Double and triple up on communication. To quote Chris Tucker: "Remember it, write it down, take a picture, I don't give a f$*^!! I don't know if "Friday" was filmed during Mercury retrograde, but Smokey was definitely on to something ! To sum it up, just be aware that this energy is at play. The planets don't "do" anything to you. Just make your preparations. Consider this a cosmic weather report.

On Sunday, there is a full moon in Pisces, so hold on to your feelings. Have confidence in where you stand in your friendships and relationships. Sometimes the Piscean energy can manifest as being quite nebulous. You may find yourself having the "So, what are we doing here?" relationship talk. Or, just plain unsure about where you fit into a friend’s or significant other’s life. Your “unions” may possess an undefined and or fluid quality. For those of you who find this uncomfortable, have faith. This too, shall pass. If you’ve been wishing for this, enjoy and live it up.


Read more...

The Moon in Sagittarius: The Search For Meaning and Purpose

"Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete specific assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor his life repeated. Thus, everyone's task is as unique as is his specific opportunity to implement it." - Victor Frankyl

With the Moon now in Sagittarius, it's time to allow yourself permission to become the person that resonates with the deepest core of your being. Having recycled the psychic and emotional garbage as symbolized by the Moon's passage through Scorpio, it's time to get free. Although details have their place, it would serve us all well to put the microscope aside for a couple days and use the telescope, adjusting the lens as widely as possible. Round up your collection of bows and arrows and get your targets ready. What is your purpose in life? What are you going to do to instill a sense of meaning and mission? Aim high. Find solace in the fact that there is something in this world that YOU can do better than anyone else. Now is the time to take the steps which will allow you to uncover what that is. 
 
"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates
 
Are you "serving" your life philosophy? Or, is your philosophy serving you?  Better yet, do your guiding principles truly belong to YOU ? If not, it's time to go on a repo mission. Any time we allow anyone, no matter how "well meaning" to dictate our identity, purpose or focus through "should's" and "shouldnt's" , we are one step further away from claiming ownership of our life. Now,  let's all cast our nets widely and keep our thoughts lofty. Let's get it !! Read more...

Zodiac Mixtape :The Soul Version

Soul (n) : The animating and vital principle in humans, credited with the faculties of thought, action, and emotion and often conceived as an immaterial entity. (2) A strong, deeply felt emotion conveyed by a speaker, a performer, or an artist.

Yesterday, I was reflecting on what I wrote in my original "Zodiac Mixtape" post. I 'd mentioned walking into Border's and questioning what demographic the makers of the "Cosmic Grooves" CD's were attempting to appeal to. Also, my opinions  and frustrations regarding who I thought they were excluding. As a result, I gave birth to the hip hop version of the zodiac mixtape. In honor of the Sagittarian penchant for expansion, I am now attempting to make sure all of you lovers of soulful music get your fill.

An Astrological chart is very similar to a musical symphony, with our Sun signs serving as our "conductors". Our task is to make sure that we employ our personal conductors to establish rhythm and harmony within our lives. Although our Sun sign may be our loudest, most visible instrument, sometimes we will have to yield to our other resources to ensure that the music flows. For those of you whom are familiar with your birth charts, a 24 hour "solo", by our Sun's is rarely, if ever productive. Sometimes we need to give our Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars a chance to play. Let Jupiter rock out with Saturn, Uranus and Pluto a little bit. When it's all said and done, I think we'll appreciate the complexity of our life orchestra.

Without further delay, I bring you the soul version of the Zodiac Mixtape. Enjoy.

Aries
1.Cold War- Janelle Monae
2.Me- Erykah Badu
3.Fast Lane- Bilal
4.Mars vs.Venus-Usher
5.He Is- Heather Headley
6.Put That Woman First- Jaheim
7.Still A Man- Tony, Toni, Tone

Taurus
1.Venusian- Julie Dexter
2.For The Love of Money- O'Jays
3.I Love You- Mary J. Blige
4.Touch- Amerie
5.Simple Things- Glenn Lewis
6.Honey- Erykah Badu
7.I Got A Love Jones For You- Refugee Camp All Stars

Gemini
1.Mass Transit- Meshell Ndgeocello
2.Tell Me- Groove Theory
3.Mr. Radio- Crissette Michelle
4.What's the 411- Mary J. Blige
5.Call Me- Aretha Franklin
6.Mr.Telephone Man- New Edition
7.Come and Talk To Me- Jodeci

Cancer
1.Where I'm From- Anthony Hamilton
2.Sensitivity- Ralph Tresvant
3.Soul Sista- Bilal
4.Refuge- John Legend
5.The Root- D'Angelo
6.Tender Love- Force MD's
7.Darker Side of The Moon- Goapele

Leo
1.Golden Boys- Res
2.Sunshine- Floetry
3.Shine- Amel Larrieux
4.Vain- Dwele
5.Blame It On The Sun- Stevie Wonder
6.Hero- Toni Braxton
7.Be Happy- Mary J. Blige

Virgo
1.Sincerity- Mary J. Blige feat. Nas & DMX
2.Slowly, Surely- Jill Scott
3.Masterpiece- Atlantic Starr
4.I Can't Get Next To You- The Temptations
5.Signed, Sealed, Delivered- Stevie Wonder
6.We Need A Resolution- Aaliyah feat. Timbaland
7.Don't Take It Personal- Monica

Libra
1.Other Side of The Game- Erykah Badu
2.You and Me- Musiq Soulchild
3.Wardrobe- Toni Braxton
4.All In Love Is Fair- Stevie Wonder
5.Back and Forth- Aaliyah
6.When Somebody Loves You Back- Teddy Pendergrass
7.Sweet Tooth- Raheem Devaughn

Scorpio
1.Devil's Pie- D'Angelo
2.Phoenix Rise- Maxwell
3.The Rebirth- Bobby Valentino
4.Suspicion- Van Hunt
5.What's Not Being Said- Heather Headley
6.Freekin You- Jodeci
7.Sexual Healing- Marvin Gaye

Sagittarius
1.Truth- Dwele
2.Do It Till Your Satisfied- B.T. Express
3.Paris Nights and New York Mornings- Corinne Bailey Rae
4.Master Teacher Medley- Erykah Badu
5.Understanding- Xscape
6.Believe- Raheem Devaughn
7.Mr. Big Stuff- Jean Knight

Capricorn
1.Control- Janet Jackson
2.Karma- Alicia Keys
3.Character-Van Hunt
4.Uptight (Everything's Alright)- Stevie Wonder
5.Take Control- Amerie
6.Bitter- Meshell Ndgeocello
7.One Woman Man- Dave Hollister

Aquarius
1.Bohemian Rhapsody- The Braids
2.Happy Being Me- Angie Stone
3.No Ordinary Love- Sade
4.Brotha- Jill Scott
5.One In A Million- Aaliyah
6.What About Your Friends- TLC
7.Leave Me Alone- Mint Condition

Pisces
1.Make Me Whole- Amel Larrieux
2.Heaven- Tweet
3.Have A Talk With God- Stevie Wonder
4.I'm Cheatin' -Dwele
5.Crown Royal- Jill Scott
6. Forgive Them Father- Lauryn Hill
7.We Are One- Ledisi Read more...

Astrological References in Hip Hop

"I'm a Pisces, I like to drink iced teas."
Grand Puba- "Lickshot"

"Born a Cancer zodiac with features that attract."
Pete Rock feat. Vinia Mojica- "Mind Blowing"

"What is a Scorpion? An animal that stings."
Pharoahe Monch- 'Behind Closed Doors"

"A cheeba cheeba ya'll, well I'm a Libra ya'll"
Wyclef(Fugees)- "Nappy Heads"

"August the 1st, So I guess I'm Leo."
Rampage- "Abandon Ship"

"I always roam through the forest, just like a brontasaurus, born in the month of May, so my sign is Taurus."
- Busta Rhymes "Abandon Ship"

"Me I'm a Pisces, blame it on my birthday."
Oddisee- "What's Crazy"

"Hand combat Tai-Chi, fight me, I'm Sagittarius, so I don't like Pisces"
Canibus- "The Mic Disease"

"Important, Am I? Gotta ask myself, but then I think twice like a Gemini."
O.C.- "M.U.G."

"Off the hook with (droppin visions), so the Leo of the trio."
- Tash (The Alkaholiks)- "Coast 2 Coast"

"I'm a true Capricorn, and I admit to being a complete control-freak," but falling in love can be so deliciously scary because you're having the time of your life, meanwhile leaving yourself open to being completely crushed. You feel like asking every other minute, 'But you're not going to hurt me, right?"
- Interview with Amerie

"Baby girl won’t you come and hold my hand Won’t you come and chill out with the Virgo"
Nas- "Virgo"

"Two fish, one swimmin’ up stream, one swimmin’ down livin’ in a dream "
Erykah Badu- "On &On"

"It's derived from the film and the book of the same title. But beyond that, the reference to the water represents my water sign [Pisces], and the chocolate represents the soul and the Blackness of the music."
-Common when asked about his album titled "Like water For Chocolate"

"D.A. wanna indict me cause fish scales in my veins like a Pisces."
-Jay Z " Blue Magic"

"I'm a, rhymer, with a tim-er attack to your mind, a reminder of what kind of headliner you'll see, when you come to the show Blast Master KRS-One, Leo -- the Lion."
- KRS One (BDP) "Duck Down"

"Sting ya like my sign do, I'm a Scorpio."
-Rock (Heltah Skeltah) "Eye of The Scorpio"

"No one (no one)I'm the scorpion And Ill probably bite the bullet cause I live by the gun."
-Onyx "Last Dayz"

"Aries is my sign, I know that I can rhyme sometimes I rhyme in riddles, plus I make the honeys wiggle."
-Q Tip (Tribe Called Quest) "God Lives Through"

"Pardon me, my mind wonders in the worst way, also a Pisces, blame it on my birthday."
-J- Live "What's Crazy" Read more...

Quotes Through the Zodiac

 Being a philosophical Sagittarian , I love quotes. I think that they allow us to take ourselves to a higher level of consciousness because we begin to add "building blocks" to form a worldview based upon the subject matter. Similar to the zodiac mixtapes, I have put together quotes which I think embody the spirit of each zodiac sign. For those who are somewhat unfamiliar with Astrology, I think that you will begin to understand some of the themes that are significant throughout the zodiac. Enjoy.

Aries
“A competitor will find a way to win. Competitors take bad breaks and use them to drive themselves just that much harder. Quitters take bad breaks and use them as reasons to give up. It's all a matter of pride.”
-Nancy Lopez

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
-John C. Maxwell

"Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all time thing. You don't win once in a while, you don't do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.
-Vince Lombardi

Taurus
"Stability is not immobility.”
-Klemens Von Metternich

“Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.”
- Dalai Lama

“To make our way, we must have firm resolve, persistence, tenacity. We must gear ourselves to work hard all the way. We can never let up.”
-Ralph Bunche

Gemini
"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind."
-Rudyard Kipling

“Information is the seed for an idea, and only grows when it's watered.”
-Heinz Bergen

"Ideas are the beginning points of all fortunes.”
-Napoleon Hill

Cancer
“The family is the school of duties - founded on love”
-Felix Adler

"I'm glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility."
-Nikki Giovanni

"Being considerate of others will take you and your children further in life than any college or professional degree. "
-Marian Wright Edelman

Leo
"Sometimes I amaze myself. I say this humbly".
-Don King

"If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started."
-Marcus Garvey

"You cannot be lonely if you like the person you're alone with."
-Wayne Dyer

Virgo
"When you aim for perfection, you discover it's a moving target."
- Geoffrey Fisher

"Service is what life is all about."
-Marian Wright Edelman

"But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it”
-Buddha

Libra
"The choicest pleasures of life lie within the ring of moderation."
-Martin Tupper

"Beauty is being in harmony with what you are."
-Peter Nivio Zarlenga

"I will speak ill of no man, and speak all the good I know of everybody."
-Benjamin Franklin

Scorpio
"Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion”
-Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

“Personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us. The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one.”
- Marianne Williamson

"Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power."
-Tao Te Ching

Sagittarius
"The mind, once expanded to the dimensions of larger ideas, never returns to its original size."
- Oliver Wendell Holmes

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men.”
- Moorish proverb

"All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind."
- Martin H. Fischer

Capricorn
"All great achievements require time."
- Maya Angelou

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it today."
-Malcolm X

"Ambition is the desire to go forward and improve one's condition. It is a burning flame that lights up the life of the individual and makes him see himself in another state. To ambitious is to be great in mind and soul. To want that which is worth while and strive for it. To go on without looking back, reaching to that which gives satisfaction."
-Marcus Garvey

Aquarius
"We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society."
- Angela Davis

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.
-e.e. cummings

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
-Judy Garland

Pisces
"The world is but a canvas to the imagination."
-Henry David Thoreau

"Nothing happens unless first we dream."
-Carl Sandburg

"All prosperity begins in the mind and is dependent only upon the full use of our creative imagination."
-Ruth Ross Read more...

Virgo: Practical Precision

Art by Lauren Kate

Virgo, the 6th sign of the Zodiac and ruled by Mercury reminds us all of the value of public service. Mind you, this is not the jumping up and down, shouting "Look what I did" type of service. It's more like the satisfaction gained from knowing that whatever is presently looking great could not have been possible without those who worked dilligently to cultivate and refine the finished product. From those results alone, Virgo's obtain a great deal of satisfaction,even if they're not publicly recognized or showered with accolades.Taking compliments very modestly and operating below the radar are right up the Virgoans alley. More concerned with perfection than the limelight, separating the wheat from the chaff is a treasured past time for these natives.

Armed with a very acute sense of discrimination, a Virgo sun can instantly tell you whether "it is" or it "is not". These are the editors, proofreaders, "I dotters" and "T crossers". Precision and purity are the watchwords for the day. Don't get Virgo twisted, the archetype of the "Virgin" is not who you think she is. Consulting Webster, one of the definitions for the word virgin is:"In a pure and natural state; unsullied". Natives of this sign are in a constant mode of observation, analysis and perfection when it comes to their thoughts, words and actions. Have you ever been stuck on how to say it, or spell it right? Do you need a rundown of which gluten-containing grains to avoid in your diet? You may have to wait a while until you search the zodiac and arrive at the letter "V",but your search will be amply rewarded. They may not tell you, but they've re-recorded their voice mails ten times over until they're 100% happy with how they pronounce every word.

Displaying a cool and detached demeanor, Virgo's are the types who enter a room and find a cozy place from which to analyze the behaviors and interactions of others. When their calculations have reached a degree of satisfaction that suits them, only then are they able to join the party. Like Gemini, who is also Mercury ruled, information is power. While the twins may be the distributor of such information, Virgo is more likely to retain or conserve it until they deem conditions to be perfect.

Employers tend to love Virgoans because of their efficiency, organizational skills and promptness. "If you're less than ten minutes early, you're late" could surely be a Virgo maxim. Yes, this is the person whose first day at their new job may be spent sanitizing their work space and wiping their phone down with Lysol, but through all of that they've probably finished more work than the more procrastinating signs,one of whom the writer of this piece is a member. Extremely pragmatic, everything must have it's place for a Virgo. This ability to compartmentalize may be one of the secrets for creating systems that operate with a very high level of output.

So, where are the "glitches" in the system , you ask? When Virgo energy is misused, they have a radar for finding the chink in the armor of everyone and everything in their immediate surroundings. these aren't the type of folks who will just lay you on the ground and drive a bulldozer over you, they will pick small pieces of shattered glass out of your skin one at a time. At their best, they're highly discriminating, acutely observant and sharply precise. But at their worst they are nit picky, distant and hypercritical.

I'll never forget the infamous tirade that Nas (Sept, 14, 1973) displayed on power 105. While in a well publicised hip-hop beef with Jay-Z, Nas was a scheduled headliner at New York's Summer Jam, where he planned to hang Jay-Z in effigy as part of a skit. When concert organizers deflected his attempts, Nas did not perform. He then went to Hot 97's rival, Power 105, criticizing fellow Virgo rapper Noreiga, telling him he loved him, but he needed "to step his rap game up." Next, he went in on Cam'ron, telling him that "he's a good lyricist, but the album is wack." Nas continued to allude to radio D.J.'s getting paid to spin a select group artists records, while others who are arguably more creative were left out in the cold to fend for themselves. Even while ranting, Virgo's can still make relatively solid points.

Fortunately, everyone made nice some time ago and this is all behind us for the moment. Nevertheless it's an example of negative Virgo energy gone wild. Yes,Virgoans can get caught on a "bad" day, but nine times out of ten, they're much better than that. Believe that.

Memo to Virgo: Use your immense gift for analysis on yourself in order to maximize your potential. Perfect your craft, continue to refine your intellect. When used positively, there is no limit to your ability to be efficient and effective in your service to humanity. Also, please remember to treat yourself fairly. We all have our faults and flaws and there's no reason to mercilessly go over yourself with a fine tooth comb. Kemet wasn't built in a day.


Virgo Keywords: precise, analytical, discriminating, modest, observant,detailed, hygenic, fussy, worrier, efficient, pragmatic, dilligent,intelligent, overcritical, reserved.

Virgo, Mercury and 6th House Representatives Include:
health food stores, pens, pads, "post it" notes, herbs, supplements, routine service, regimens, diets, hygeine, deodorant, mouthwash, skin cleanser, wheat, pets, clothing, employers, daily habits, medicine, chores, duty, nurses, volunteer work, purity,secretaries, clerics, research,lists, public health, naturalness, details,reasoning ability, ideas, thoughts, speech, short trips, siblings, study, tenants.

Virgo Roll Call:
Michael Jackson (R.I.P.), Idris Elba, Joe Budden, Beyonce, Sean Connery, Nas, Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, Shock G, Larenz Tate, Columbus Short, Mase, Noreiga, Charlie Parker, Amy Winehouse, David Stern, Cameron Diaz, Keith Murray, M.C. Shan, Barry White, Tyler Perry, Damon Wayans,Henry Louis Gates, Hugh Grant, Rachael Ray, Otis Redding, Gloria Estefan, Fiona Apple, Moby, Jack Black, Ben Carson, Rosie Perez, Ludacris,  Chaundon, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Easy-E(R.I.P.), Big Daddy Kane, Selma Hayek, Fred Hampton, Kobe Bryant, Yao Ming, Richard Wright, Bill O'Reilly, Slug, Adam Sandler, Swizz Beats, Cal Ripken, Terry Bradshaw, Isiah Whitlock, Jr.("The Wire's" Clay Davis) Dave Chappelle, Keanu Reeves,Jesse Owens, Jay Electronica, Grap Luva, Oliver Stone, Taraji Henson, Victor Williams, Doug E. Fresh, Foxy Brown, Lola Falana, Nicole Richie, Sophia Loren, Greta Garbo, Faith Hill, Pink, Ryan Phillippe. Read more...

Sagittarius: Spiritual Archery

Sagittarius is the 9th sign of the zodiac, ruled by Jupiter. Usually, the sign is represented by an Archer's arrow, or a Centaur, which is a mythical half man/half horse shooting his arrow upward. This action symbolizes great aspirations to transcend the animal, or lower nature and evolve into a higher consciousness. Every Sag that you come in contact may not be a Carter G. Woodson or an Adam Clayton Powell, but Sagittarians tend to expand and enlarge everything they touch and experience.The Jupiterian energy that encompasses this sign is always looking for a broader, deeper avenue to disseminate universal truth . The key, however lies in practical application of the knowledge in the larger world.

Basically, Sagittarians are jovial, even-tempered and extremely optimistic. Every day for the archer is pure potential. There's always more knowledge to gain, thoughts to be expanded or discoveries to be made. The operating umbrella of Sags is infinite. However, the integration of a more detail oriented mentality is defintely something that should be aspired to for these folks, as they can sometimes be fixated on the forest while they fail to notice the trees falling at their feet. For Sags who wish to refine their mental capabilities, focus is the watch word. Sometimes intensely aiming the arrow at one or two objectives can prove much more beneficial for these natives than shooting random arrows haphazardly.

Freedom is a keyword that accurately reflects the inner dynamics of this sign. Independence of thought, speech and movement are deeply embedded their spiritual framework. Often times, the independence is not so much expressed as an individual who has to be everywhere all of the time, but as someone who requires the time and space to put in the necessary work to pursue their own destiny. Sags wholeheartedly believe that one of their main purposes in life is to serve as a catalyst and inject as much inspiration as possible into others. However, hell hath no fury like a Sagittarian who feels restricted from doing his or her life's work.

Those who are familiar with the archer are probably very well acquainted with their legendary enthusiasm. When they do it, they do it big. Hence the archer's tendency to overindulge. I mean, there surely has to be a better way than hitchiking home from Vegas ! Memo to Sag: Moderation is a word that should be looked up in the dictionary, highlighted, underlined and astericked. For good measure, the page should be marked so it will be that much easier to locate !!

Sags love to have a good time, but like as with many things in life, the party has to come to an end at some time. Ideally, the once reckless, wanderlusting rabble rouser will evolve into the wise, philosophical mental traveler who realizes the simple, but profound truth that life is to be lived from the inside out. The globe-trotting archer will then finally realize that every city, state, and country resides within.

Sagittarius, Jupiter and 9th house representatives include: truth, the higher mind, philosophers, travel abroad, professors, passports, globes, sportsmen, atlases, travel books, law books, lectures, seminars, courses, backpacks, horses, jockeys, wide open spaces, cathedrals, churches, temples, airports, airplanes, hostels, foreign languages, international cuisine, luggage, colleges, universities, higher education, long voyages, sportswear, imported beverages, hips, thighs, the liver, graduate school, broad horizons, comedians, explorers, life coaches, motivational speakers, encyclopedias, publishers, teachers, students, gurus, lawyers, plane tickets, sports tickets, unfamiliar surroundings, breaking routine, global awareness,religion, politics, high discussion, advertising.

Sagittarian Keywords: seeker, inspirational, traveler, sincere, liberal, independent, intellectual, philosophical, international, generous, goal-oriented, eclectic,open-minded, optimistic, free-spirited, pleasant, casual, wise, funny, expressive,athletic, jovial, outgoing, overindulgent, irresponsible, careless, restless, tactless, "know it all", dogmatic, reckless, argumentative.

Sagittarian Roll Call: Steve Biko, Terrell Owens, Mos Def, Jay- Z, Gianni Versace, Jamie Foxx, Carter G. Woodson, Adam Clayton Powell, Canibus, Masta Ace, Erick Sermon, Uri Geller, Woody Allen, Brad Pitt, Flip Wilson, Redd Foxx, Christina Aguilera, Tyra Banks, Rod Blagojevich, Adam Brody, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Harris(Eugene from "The Practice"), Don Cheadle, Dee Vazquez, Ossie Davis, Mo Vaughn, Warren Sapp, Reggie White, Ray Liotta, Sammy Davis, Jr., Richard Pryor, Ben Stiller, Samuel Jackson, Jim Tressel(Head Football Coach @ Ohio State), Lauren London ("ATL", "This Christmas") Twista, Trina, Emily Dickinson, John Kerry, Imogen Heap, Billy Idol, Britney Spears, Jimmy Smith(Jazz), Anna Nicole Smith, William Julius Wilson (Sociologist), Dionne Warwick, Bruce Lee, Tina Turner, Jon Stewart, Rob Hand (Astrologer), Larry Bird, Margaret Mead, Steven Spielberg, Treach (Naughty by Nature), Malinda Williams, Lucy Liu, Katie Holmes, Christina Appelgate,Kim Basinger,Tina Turner, Nelly Furtado, Jean Grae, Rah Digga, Gbenga Akinnagbe (Chris Partlow- The Wire), Wendell Pierce (Bunk Moreland-The Wire). Read more...

Libra: The Balancing Act

Portrait by Marjorie Borgella


Libra, represented by the scales, is the seventh sign of the zodiac. Co- ruled by Venus. , natives of this sign are known to strive for beauty, harmony and peace in every area of their lives. This pursuit literally ensures their well-being. In fact, this is probably less of an option for Librans than members of other signs, which may vibrate on, or be comfortable with much more randomness in their lives.


We all know those people who are “perfectly balanced” so to speak. Individuals who just take everything in stride with no ruffled feathers. Those whose reactions are never extreme despite the circumstances. I often wonder how these folks work an 8 hour day and escape with no wrinkles in their perfectly pressed button downs !! Now you are beginning to see the tip of the iceberg of the Libran mentality.

When I think about Libra, some of the words that immediately surface are: balance, charm, sociability, diplomacy, kindness and objectivity. No sign is able to recognize both sides of a story, situation or a person better than members of the sign of the scales.

In describing balance, I’m not specifically talking about moderation. Although this term does fit into the equation, I am more so describing the typical Libran tendency to weigh what is acceptable to themselves versus what is acceptable to society, in hopes of striking a happy medium where the result is the approval of all involved. In most cases, they’re able to pass this test with flying colors.

With the amount of charm that this sign contains, you would think that they carry a bottle of “social lubricant” with them wherever they go. Librans are the proverbial "VIP's" lists and rarely lack invitations.You will find them at the trendiest plays. music venues, hippest art shows and cutting edge galleries. If you need suggestions on picking out a present for that special occasion, or an article of clothing to set the night off just right, thank your lucky stars if you’re tight with a Libra because they will make you look like a fashion aficianado or a gift guru.

This is just scratching the surface.

Because of their inherent need for partnership, Libra’s instinctively know what it takes to successfully maintain an alliance of any kind. Whether it’s a  marriage, friendship or business partnership, Libran’s have maintenance and upkeep down to an art. If you need a companion for a function, there is no one that you would rather have on your arm. Once Libra starts talking, they’ll paint you in such a positive light that you’ll be ready to hire them for P.R. purposes. Even if difficult situations may present themselves, Libra is so smooth and tactful, they can tell your co-worker that her dress is ill suited for her body type with such grace that it may seem complimentary. If there was ever a maxim fitting for a Libra, it would clearly be :It’s not what you say, it’s HOW you say it !!

This high level refinement of allows Librans to mix and mingle with an incredibly vast variety of people. Rarely, if ever is there social inhibition and it’s an odd occurence if you find a topic that they cannot touch on with relative ease. However, the problem can start when you need a decisive answer. Librans are so used to playing both sides of the fence that after a while, it starts to be second nature. Misusing their energies, Libra appears transparent, phony, amoral and superficial. There becomes a strange obsession with what other people think surrounding many areas of their life and they become rabid “people pleasers” and approval seekers.

Consequently, this behavior carries over into their relationships and at worst, they become TOO compromising for the sake of keeping peace. Memo to Libra: There’s nothing wrong with fighting if you fight fair.Given your penchant for justice, you should be adept enough to hold your own. Speaking of which, a relationship is not always the answer. Disappearing into an alliance with someone else may work for a while, but it will not solve deep seated personal issues that need to be addressed. We all have areas of our lives which can only be examined FOR OURSELVES and BY OURSELVES. Unfortunately, feelings of isolation may surface, being that you’re such a social sign. Nevertheless, it must be done. But, you’ll be all the better for it.

Think about the value that you can bring back to the relationship once you have carefully weighed your own issues and come to a fair assessment.
Remember that two halves don’t make a whole when it comes to human relationships. Stand on your own two feet and you’ll have more than your share of suitors to choose from. They will all be able to appreciate the beauty, grace, and charm that is inherently Libra.


Libra Keywords: balanced, diplomatic, kind, sociable, superficial, calm, artistic, refined, helpful, considerate, indecisive, avoidant, wishy washy, polite, mediating, cordial, stylish, objective, fair-minded, engaging, charming.

Libra, Venus and 7th House representatives include: affection, art, balance, proportion, compromise, union, marriage, contracts, harmony, cooperation, divorce, agreements, attaction, conflicts, fairness, charm, objectivity, diplomacy, competition, composure, elegance, impartiality, companions, wives, husbands, business partners, Copenhagen, Denmark, clothing, refinement. cosmetics, equilibrium,, fashion, fine arts, flowers, social gatherings, justice, love, musicians, negotiations,tailors, weddings, boyfriends, girlfriends, public dealings, counseling, peace, lovers, litigation, erotica, common law marriage, alimony, art museums, good taste, theatres, vanity, vocalists, cologne, popularity, judges, public relations, approval.

Libra Roll Call: Wood Harris, Wyclef Jean, Will Smith, Snoop Dogg, India Arie, Ras Kass, Talib Kweli, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, C.L. Smooth, Serena Williams, Sharon Leal, Ashanti, M.C. Lyte, Teddy Riley, Bernie Mac, Heather Headley, Paul Pierce, Grant Hill, Jermaine Dupri, Eminem, Chi McBride, Mya, Neve Campbell, Donna Karan, Anne Rice, Monica Belluci, Alicia Silverstone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sting, Truman Capote, Catherine Zeta Jones, Ray Charles, John Lennon, Oscar Wilde, Shaggy, Art Blakey, Pedro Almodovar, Ralph Lauren, Dizzy Gillespie, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Issac Mizrahi, Matt Damon, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Vladimir Putin, Michael Douglas, Bryant Gumbel, Usher, Jamie Hector (Marlo- The Wire), Dominic West (McNulty-The Wire) Read more...