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...