The first time I read about the Western Zodiac and learned I was considered a Cancer, I was in middle school. I remember being utterly devasted because my crush was an Aries, and I found out how ridiculously incompatible we were (they were right). I was also sad to learn that my shyness, sensitivity, and anxieties weren’t likely to disappear anytime soon, that perhaps they were ingrained in me not only by genetics or the way I was raised, but also by the stars.
Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate my sign’s creativity and empathy, and I do think it helps me with my writing and art. I also believe it can be helpful to be cognizant of one’s weaknesses. They may not ever completely go away, but at least we can learn how to live with them over time.
This is a short and sweet (and hopefully fun) Zodiac themed issue which is coming out just in time for spooky season (and I’m not talking about Halloween. I think there’s an election coming up?) It’s a terrifying time, and hopefully this offers an interesting diversion. Should we keep worrying, or is it all predestined and ‘written in the stars’ anyway?
I think it’s a combination of both and we have the power to change certain things, work with what we’re given…sometimes there’s something we can’t change. Here’s hoping that the fate of our country and the world isn’t total destruction, all of us at the hands of dictators and war. Ugh. There’s some of that in this issue. There’s also toxic relationships, women’s reproductive rights, reddit threads, and a couple poems about Aries misbehaving!
Please read the Zodiac Interviews–they’re really interesting (I never realized so many poets were Virgos! Or at least the Virgos felt the need to answer the questions. Not everyone participated. Virgos are rule followers, after all!)
Wishing everyone fortitude and good fortune,
Natalie Solmer
EIC
The Indianapolis Review
Indianapolis, Oct 2024
