Whether you like it or not, 2018 is on the horizon. We survived another year, dudes. So, what better way is there to celebrate than to engage in something truly odd, truly bizarre, and truly unexpected? Something that gets you out of your comfort zone, and potentially helps you find a new hobby to keep in 2018. Not sure where to begin? Here's the unique thing you should try in 2018, based on your sign.
Western Astrology, which centers around the 12 zodiac signs, has been in practice for literal millennia. As you can imagine, sky-gazing as a method of divination has been around for about as long as humans have. In ancient Mesopotamia, Babylonians began to devise a time-keeping system that determined the temperament of babies, depending on what the zodiac constellations looked like at the time of their birth. Sound familiar? A lot of the basic tenets of astrology were retained over thousands of years, thanks to the ancient Greeks, who refined what the Babylonians began, and the Arab Empire, who took up where the Greeks left off and improved the mathematical calculations that continue to underpin the whole practice (I mean, have you ever seen a professional astrologer in action? The calculations alone are honestly kind of mind-boggling).
Initially, astrology and astronomy were one in the same, and were respected as a science. But a rift began to form during the 18th century as astrologists clung to their motto, "As above, so below," and astronomers began to increasingly believe in celestial goings-on that we couldn't necessarily see. But at the heart of both astrology and astronomy is the desire to understand more about the world, past what we're taught in school or by our parents. Astrology in particular may not be a predictive science, but it can be the starting point for getting to know another person. It encourages us to ask questions and investigate our own feelings and actions. And in this completely topsy-turvy world that we live in, valuing human connection has never been more necessary.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Ambitious, hardworking Aries are the first in the zodiac calendar — just like they prefer to be first in, like, everything else. Put those innate leadership skills to the test and try falconry. Yes, with the glove and the falcon and the medieval knight vibes. You'll proably feel like a total badass.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
As a steadfast earth sign, a Taurus is drawn to material objects, things they can physically touch and feel and taste. Um, does that make a Taurus the perfect candidate for developing sommelier skills? Yes. It does. That classic Taurus stubbornness will also come in handy if friends and family try to argue with your wine suggestions.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Geminis are hyper-intellectual and verbal, making them the ideal candidates to learn how to read tarot cards. Not only does a tarot reader need to memorize and understand the nuances of all 78 cards (and then show off those skills), they are presented with endless opportunities to get to know others — and themselves — on a deeper level.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
We know that for Cancers, who are deeply creative and sometimes mask a sensitive soul with a tough exterior, inviting people into their home is a big step. Can you imagine, my sweet Cancer babies, inviting a loved one into your home and then presenting them snacks on pottery pieces that you made? Take a pottery class. You're gonna love it.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)
If you identify with the classic Leo sensibilities — namely creativity, passion, and being admired, you should try your hand at art modeling. Imagine: an entire roomful of people making you-inspired art and paying you for the opportunity. You're more than just a muse — you're a whole heckin' genre of fine art.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22)
Virgos, I know you deeply value organizing your personal space and, like, every other element of your life. It's admirable. But sometimes, you become so fixated on controlling all the things that you become really stressed. Take a breath, take a seat, and book a reiki consultation. It might be difficult relinquishing control and placing at least a little faith in something you can't see or prove to be real, but lean into that uncertainty.
Libra (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22)
Libras are known for their love of physical beauty and their love of love. Wanna take your game to the next level? Take a sex class, in anything from Bondage 101 to Advanced Dirty Talk (yes, variations of both exist) — whatever you feel interested and comfortable in.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
Scorpios are spooky AF — mysterious, brooding folks who love secrets. And by love secrets, I mean they love keeping their own and learning all about others'. Scorpios, you guys are the perfect candidates to go on ghost walks around your neighborhood. And remember: it's OK to be scared! Not that you will be, just saying, like... as a rule in life...
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
It's difficult to get a Sagittarius out of their comfort zone because their comfort zone is just so freakin' big. There's very little you enthusiastic, high energy pups aren't willing to try at least once. But enrolling in a musical improv class will stretch your physical and intellectual limits simultaneously. And why do anything if you're not going to grow from it?
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
Capricorns value tradition, family and high levels of craftsmanship, but you also have an appreciation for beauty. In learning carpentry, you can indulge your high level of taste and make furniture for all your friends and family.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
If anyone is going to save the Earth, it's going to be an Aquarius. These independent humanitarians thrive on forging their own way in the world and developing creative ways of helping others. A great (and ambitious) goal? Living a "no spending" year. Disengage from consumerism and redefine what "essential" means within your own life.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20)
As a water sign, Pisces are deeply creative and intuitive. But, at times, you guys struggle to find a clear direction. So, get your birth chart mapped out by a professional astrologer! Oftentimes, they will also spend an hour discussing what each element in your chart means and bodes.
