‘Poets are Stars’ contributors and IR staff were invited to answer a couple of zodiac related questions. Here’s what those who answered said:
POETS ARE STARS CONTRIBUTORS:
Frances Cannon
1. What is your Zodiac sign? Capricorn, through-and-through, both sun and rising. Stubborn, hungry to learn, overly communicative, bookish. (With a very sensitive, passionate Libra moon lurking behind the front door).
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? I’m ambitious and disciplined, yet often stunted by my own voracious appetite for knowledge; I spread myself thin by trying to read too many books simultaneously, or learning too many art forms at once, or juggling too many jobs. In my writing and art, this means that currently I’m teaching science and nature writing at Kenyon College, but also trying to write a graphic biography and edit a book about queerness in nature. My greatest fear is wasting time. Thank goodness my Libra moon keeps me in check and reminds me that I’m a human with lots of wobbly emotions and corporeal needs.
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? Imagine a shared birthday party for the following Capricornians: Patricia Highsmith, Susan Sontag, Henry Miller, Haruki Murakami, Simone de Beauvoir, Umberto Eco, Paul Bowles, Donna Tartt. This would be a moody group, perhaps a bit competitive, yet an undeniably dynamic conversationalists. Everyone will show up wearing an outfit that is somehow both daring and subdued—such as a smoking jacket with pockets lined by blood-red silk, or a dark floor-length dress accented with a beetle-brooch. Based on their works, perhaps someone would suggest a murder mystery theme, and three others would roll their eyes. Everyone would drink a few too many glasses of vermouth, and there might be a flirtatious tryst or two who sneak away after dessert. One thing is certain: a few days after the party, every Capricorn in the group would write about the experience, only thinly disguised as fiction.
Claire Donohue Roof
1. What is your Zodiac sign? Capricorn.
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? I think, as a Capricorn, this sign affects my writing in positive ways. This earth sign ushers in the winter season. Capricorns know both the value of reflection and merriment. We work hard towards our goals. We are of the earth, but dream in the clouds.
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? As a Capricorn myself, I associate with Joy Harjo’s poetry which resonates with both the injustices against Indigenous nations, and her feminist values. When I saw her read once outside, as she read her work, a bolt of lighning struck behind her. The wind suddenly picked up and then stopped. It was a powerful moment of the earth and the sky coming together to honor her words. She is a Taurus, a sign associated with loyalty and sensuality. I am drawn to this writer’s intense and passionate work.
Arya F. Jenkins
1. What is your Zodiac sign? 2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? I’m a Libra who, as a young, aspiring writer and journalist, read and fell in love with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s work. I read all of it–essays, stories, diary excerpts and biographies about him, his writing and life with Zelda. In my reading I discovered he was a Libra too, born Sept. 24. Like me, he struggled with alcoholism. Like me, lived in Westport, Conn. Like me, explored every genre and wrote steadily since his youth and, like me, kept a diary of lists. Whenever I read Fitzgerald’s work, I kept feeling I knew him, or rather, his heart. Along with my (Scorpio) mother, who wrote and published stories and books in two languages, he was the key inspiration to me as a young writer.
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? Fitzgerald’s sense of romance, loyalty, doggedness and perseverance as regards his work, are Libran traits, according to astrology, and they are also mine. But it was the romantic Libra heart of Fitzgerald I fell in love with, which felt palpable to me in his stories and novels. The Great Gatsby, one of the greatest American novels ever written, was not only a quintessentially American story but a lesson in literary economy, packed with emotional precision. Fitzgerald inspired me to tap more into my feelings, to create a balance between them and my thoughts and ideas in my writing.
Daniel Lehan
1. What is your Zodiac sign? Pisces.
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? Growing up I was aware that Pisces was regarded to be one of the more creative and intuitive signs, and that the character of a Pisces in their career was either to be highly focused, or the opposite of this, rather fish-like, swimming aimlessly in an ocean of vagueness. Knowing this provided me with a sense of caution not to drift.
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? I tend to associate Pisces with writers and particularly musicians, rather than painters, sculptors – visual artists – though I’m not quite sure why this is.
Nate Logan
1. What is your Zodiac sign? Virgo.
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? I’m not sure how much I can chalk it up to being a Virgo, but I do have a specific writing routine and I’ll get grumpy if I’m kept from it. Now, if I know I won’t be able to write on my usual writing day, I will plan so that I do have an alternate day and time with my usual coffee drink, headphones (music on), and laptop. This, I think, is very Virgo.
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry, or any artist or writer with any particular sign? Technically, he’s a Taurus, but spiritually, Thomas Pynchon is a Virgo. Also, “Falling” by James Dickey seems like Virgo, maybe? Of it, he said: “I suppose there are faults in it which people will be pointing out to me for years, but I did it the way I wanted to do it, and I’ll stand by that.” Bingo.
Colette Love Hilliard
1. What is your Zodiac sign? I’m a Taurus on paper and in practice. I’m a stubborn perfectionist who loves dogs, nature, and a quiet night at home above all else. I work hard as a teacher, I’m always tired, and my dream is to see the northern lights.
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? I’m extremely critical of my work, and I get frustrated when the words don’t come easily. I’ll often stop creating for long periods of time. I am still learning to show myself the same grace I extend to others.
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? If I had to categorize blackout poets, I’d say they’re born under the sign of Cancer. The community of poets I’ve met who prefer this genre are unassuming, nurturing individuals who are supportive of each other. The poetry they produce is often packed full of emotions that are amplified by their artwork. They’re an empathetic group of creators.
Jennifer Martelli
1. What is your Zodiac sign? My sign is Aquarius (2/18)
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? So, Aquarius is an air sign, and air signs are all about the mind, and Aquarius is the last air sign of the zodiac. I think I’m grounded with one foot, though, like the water bearer. This must be why I need to write my poems longhand, to keep me somewhat tethered here! Too often, my poems can take these leaps that only I understand!
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? I think of Sylvia Plath’s Ariel as an Aquarius, or at least, a February book. Of course, Plath died by suicide on February 11, 1963. I think of the cold English winter, and how she was living in a type of folk horror movie. That day was a perfect storm of miscommunications and mistakes. But February also brings in thawing deep below the ground. Ariel is a love story, too: Plath’s love for words and for her children.
Jacob Anthony Moniz
1. What is your Zodiac sign? Libra sun, Gemini moon, Taurus rising.
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? As a Libra with a double grand trine in my chart, I’m said to have an easy flow of ideas. Finding the discipline to sit down and organize those ideas is definitely a struggle, but it forces me to dig deeper and consider every angle of a narrative. In this way, the work becomes richer through exploration and effort.
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? Oscar Wilde is peak Libra.
Lylanne Musselman
1. What is your Zodiac sign? I’m a Virgo.
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? I see where my astrological identity comes into play quite vividly with my creativity. On the positive side, I’m hard-working, so tenacity keeps me creating; I’m observant , so I see things that others often miss, and I’m organized: I keep spreadsheets to keep me on task, to know where I send work, when, and what. And of course, Virgos are creative so that has always come naturally, like breathing. But! The negative side of my zodiac sign can torture me to no end as I’m super critical (of myself mostly), and I overthink – making things more difficult while writing or painting when I should just be “playing” and enjoying the process.
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? I associate Mary Oliver with being a Virgo. I recognize how observant she was; how prolific she was with her poems that she revised to make them her best, and her obvious love of nature which I associate with the seasons, and Virgos are the gateway to that most wonderous season, autumn. I love that she said, “Tell me, what are you going to do with your one wild and precious life?” Like Oliver did, I’m trying to live mine to the fullest.
Larena Nellies-Ortiz
1. What is your Zodiac sign? Pisces.
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? I feel that my Pisces zodiac sign influences my photography in that I identify as emotional, sensitive and mutable. I adapt easily to my surroundings and this kind of ability to camouflage helps me as a photographer because I can easily be a fly on the wall and capture the scenes around me.
Madison Wood-Gonzalez
1. What is your Zodiac sign? Leo Sun, Aquarius Moon, Capricorn Rising
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? As a Leo, I believe my writing is bold and brave. I enjoy writing with a confidently vulnerable voice and push boundaries and new ideas. Leos are leaders and enjoy attention. I suppose my form of self-expression and creativity is driven by my need to be heard. My aquarian moon definitely influences my desire to be a bit counterculture. I enjoy questioning the way we think and live, and often explore and express new ideas through my writing. My Capricorn rising fuels my need to be successful and driven. Unfortunately, my career has left me little time to write lately. Sometimes I think my Capricorn influences can hinder my creativity by bogging me down with tasks and to-dos.
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? While I can’t name any specifics off the top of my head, I find a person’s self-expression often showcases their sign, particularly in music. Lots of the artists I enjoy listening to definitely match their astrology signs. My husband, Nick Wood, is also a published poet and an Aquarius. His writing is beautifully done, with lots of social justice influences, and musings that challenge societal norms.
INDIANAPOLIS REVIEW STAFF:
Lydia Johnson
1. What is your Zodiac sign? Virgo
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? I am a perfectionist, and it takes me a long time to find the “right” word, line break, metaphor…everything!
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? Mary Oliver was a Virgo, and I can see the zodiac sign’s key characteristics of attention to detail and an inclination toward nature in her poetry.
Rachel Sahaidachny
1. What is your Zodiac sign? My zodiac sun sign is Aries, but I’m a secret water with a Pisces stellium (all the personal planets), and Cancer Moon and Jupiter.
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? I can be overflowing, intuitive, artistic, perceptive, moody, dreamy. I’m inclined toward the poetic and mystical, and view art as the ultimate self-expression. I look to express the inexpressible. With my midheaven and Uranus in Scorpio, I can obsessively peer into the shadows and investigate them layer by layer. Every horizon is a new beginning, not a fixed point. With Chiron in the third house of communication: writing as an act of healing, and helping others. Alchemical; the wound and the gift together.
Natalie Solmer
1. What is your Zodiac sign? I’m a Cancer with a Scorpio moon, so I’m double water! But I have a rising Gemini (a very writerly sign) to help balance out all my water…)
2. How does your astrological identity affect your writing/art? I think that my over sensitive, want-to-hide-in-a-shell Cancer/Scorpio stuff sometimes makes it really difficult with publishing and worrying what people think of my writing. Since I just published my debut book of poetry, I’ve been having a very emotional (not good emotional) experience, and I feel very exposed and out of my shell(s)!! The Gemini in me needs to constantly still seek out communication, keep up to date with what’s going on the poetry world, connect with others through this journal, etc. I also think that my astrological make-up provides me with a fountain of inspiration. I feel like I always have too many things to write about and get onto the page.
3. Do you associate any particular pieces of art, poetry or any artist or writer with any particular sign? I’ve long associated Sylvia Plath and Ann Sexton with Scorpios, and after checking, they both apparently were Scorpios. I admire their work and frank look at death, sex, and the taboo, hidden parts of ourselves. Frida Kahlo was a Cancer, and I take a lot of inspiration from her as well–I love her diaries and of course the self-portraits, which remind me of a favorite type of poem for me, the self-portrait poem.