When you sit down and think about it, astrology and the ocean really aren’t too different. A vast, wide expanse sweeping as far as the eye can see, obscurities of dark, deep, far-away spaces, our wildest dreams and questions often left nebulous. As students, we have a natural yearning to have life’s questions answered and solve the mysteries of its puzzle. Whether the answers we seek are the long-awaited solution to a multi-year thesis, or the trajectory of a graduate student’s sometimes convoluted personal life, it’s no wonder we want all the answers! 

With Valentine’s Day, or the halfway point of the Hallmark-instituted and chocolate-induced “month of love” upon us, why not take a break from the usual stressors of graduate school and see what the month of astrological mystery says about you, the connection with your loved ones, and your favorite Pacific Northwest marine critters. Who knows, maybe this will yield all of those puzzling answers you’ve been looking for (or maybe it’s just a quick breather from the middle of a busy quarter!). Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Aquarius
Air Sign, January 20 – February 18:
Happy birthday, Aquarians! Why not start this astrological journey through our oceans with the zodiac’s favorite water-bearer? Often described as independent, enigmatical or unique, Aquarians dance to the beat of their own drum. Much like how those born in Aquarius believe in making the world a better place, the sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) preys on red sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) who have decimated coastal kelp-forests, helping clean up rocky ecosystems and giving kelp stocks a safer space to rebound. Like the sunflower stars who use their 16 to 24 arms to move about and clean up their environment, those born in Aquarius spend most of their time engaging within the community to figure out how they can make their environment healthier for generations of Aquarians and sunflower stars to come.

Pisces
Water Sign, February 19 – March 20:
Highly intuitive and always eager to stretch their creative muscles, Pisces are known to be deeply intelligent as they work together in their tightly-knit groups. Orcas (Orcinus orca), the Pisces of the sea, work together in their family groups as they travel through Puget Sound and beyond to hunt down their favorite pinniped, the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). As the largest member of the dolphin family and one of the ocean’s apex predators, orca pods will work in collaboration with one another to surround their prey; big or small. Both on land and in the water, seemingly quiet Pisces have a strong sense of right and wrong and when they speak up to preserve their environment, people tend to listen.

Aries
Fire Sign, March 21 – April 19:
Migrating some of the furthest distances of any baleen whale, the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a natural pioneer. Independent Aries, another trailblazer, has no problem committing and throwing their all at whatever passion project, task at hand or journey is underway. Like the marine behemoth, Aries won’t shy away from a little friendly competition and, similar to a humpback’s echoing songs, will always tell you what’s on their mind. Have no fear, whether you’re migrating to a summer feeding ground or working alongside a strong-minded Aries, you’re sure to have a friend for life.

Taurus
Earth Sign, April 20 – May 20:
Taurus, often described as the “anchors of the zodiac,” are the foundation of any ecosystem and will never shy away from getting the work done. While terrestrial Taurus are smart, ambitious and have an eye for aesthetics, their marine counterparts, the sea otters (Enhydra lutris), are an indispensable member of the environment. Sea otters also have an eye for beauty and can often be found meticulously grooming their coat to keep them warm and waterproof in chilly temperatures. The role that these cuddly coastal champions play in environmental health is profound, and when they’re absent from the West Coast’s urchin-heavy coastal zones, it can negatively impact the health of spawning kelp forests there. Working hand-in-hand alongside their community (and sea otters), Taurus aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty and protect their coastal home.

Gemini
Air Sign, May 21 – June 20:
It takes one to know one and quick-witted Geminis should have no problem guessing their marine counterpart. Experts at blending into different groups, Geminis and the giant pacific octopus (GPO) (Enteroctopus dofleini) are adept at fitting in with anyone and everyone based on the vibes and energy they feel. While swimming throughout the sound, this eight-armed giant can change the color and texture of its body, expressing a shift in mood to best mirror its environment. Both extraordinarily intelligent, Geminis and the GPO are content keeping to themselves and are more than happy to stretch their minds while taking on a challenging task.

Cancer
Water Sign, June 21 – July 22:
No surprise my Cancer friends, the crab zodiac is highly maternal and thrives when taking care of others. Like their human-crab counterparts, the slender decorator crab (Oregonia gracilis) will tend to its home, blending in to its environment by slowly acquiring anemones (Urticina crassicornis), sea urchins (Strongylocentrotu purpuratus), and other camouflage on its shell. While Cancers may sometimes appear stand-offish, once they emerge from their finely decorated shell, you can find them living, sharing, and caring amongst their close family and friends.

Leo
Fire Sign, July 23 – August 22:
Once you find them dazzling just below the surface, the opalescent nudibranch (Hermiissenda crassicornis) is the easy representation of the bold Leo. Intense, courageous and natural leaders, the Leo in your life will always stand out. Much like the ambition and intensity of the Leo, the delicate gills of the nudibranch radiate color as these aggressive-natured mollusks head into battle. But don’t be fooled, though the Leo and nudibranch may appear to be all bite, these two can’t help show off their soft and warm side to those who surround them. 

Virgo
Earth Sign, August 23 – September 22:
Always a big picture thinker, the practical Virgo in your life yearns for control and security and will be the first to secure a plan. Much like other long-term planners, such as the acorn barnacle (Balanus glandula), Virgos thrive in spaces where they can show off their attention to detail in a project and when they can help those around them. Even though they often come off as shy at first, or eager to hide within their shell when the tide is out, once you’ve earned the kind-hearted Virgo’s trust, you’ll have a life-long companion.

Libra
Air Sign, September 23 – October 22:
With the harmonious Libra comes one of the zodiac’s biggest humanitarians. Intelligent and always eager to be surrounded by a large group of friends, Libras are immensely social and love to share their time with those closest to them. Often found in groups of up to 500, the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), like most Libras, enjoys self-care with a little R&R, and can be found hauled out along PNW rocky beaches. But when you’re not relaxing or taking in the calm surf and need to get a task done, look no further than the Libra in your life!

Scorpio
Water Sign, October 23 – November 21:
Always eager to blaze their own trail, the Scorpio, or red sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus), isn’t afraid of a little controversy. Passionate and curious, members of the eighth zodiac sign strive to make a statement wherever they go. Left unchecked as one of their main predators the sunflower star was wasted to disease, red sea urchin and others in their family roam along the rocky floor destroying coastal bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) forests. But unlike these urchins who tear down their kelpy foes, Scorpio will harness their passionate side to be your most dedicated and loyal companion or friend. 

Sagittarius
Fire Sign, November 22 – December 21:
The explorers and adventurers of the zodiac, strong-willed Sagittarius are unafraid of shying from the beaten path and carving a new one. Explorers of the marine world, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), will begin their anadromous journey from their home streams towards the ocean where they will spend about four years on the run from predators before returning to their home to spawn. Sagittarians and the complementing Chinook will never shy away from an adventure. Open-hearted and kind to those around them, the Sagittarius in your life loves to spark their imagination while learning, talking, and growing with their tight-knit group.

Capricorn
Earth Sign, December 22 – January 20:
Natural rule-followers, a Capricorn’s beliefs will run deep. Sometimes appearing stubborn and always hard-working, it’s no wonder Capricorns are pillars within their community. With a similar role, the dwarf red sea fan (Swiftia torreyi) is a foundational coral of any cold-water ecosystem. Both the Capricorn and dwarf red sea fans have a deep understanding of the importance of tradition and can be set in their ways, which can often help them reach their goals. Like oceanic corals, Capricorns love their family and those closest to them deeply which, lucky for them, are always an arm’s length (or branch) away.