Sunday mornings in my family were some of the most memorable times of my childhood. I grew up in a modest, 2 bedroom home and the room I shared with my siblings was right next to our kitchen. What usually stirred me awake were the sounds and scents of my mother preparing homemade meat sauce. Onions danced in the pan. Oil would sizzle and pop as she fried meatballs. The smells made me beam – I always woke up happy on Sunday.

But it was the Italian music that made me bolt upright. Hearing my father warm up his voice as he’d stroll into the living room, fumble with an 8 track cassette, then sweep back into the bathroom for his morning shave, was my signal to get out of bed.

First, I’d grab a warm meatball from the counter with my sister, then she and I would park on the floor in front of the bathroom door. We’d watch my father sing his heart out to music of his homeland as he meticulously groomed himself for the day.

I’d sit there, Indian style, mesmerized by the astounding beauty of my father’s voice. He sings with passion, intensity and grace. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that this man’s voice can rival Andrea Bocelli, dare I say even Luciano Pavarotti. It makes you tremble; it goes right through your soul. Staring at him, I knew my Dad was most at peace when he could display his love of harmony.

Born October 5th, my father, Carmine, is a Libra. No other sign is more concerned with restoring harmony, justice, and appreciating and expressing beauty through an art form that involves balance,, than this fair minded sign. Not every Libra can sing of course, but I challenge you to find me one who isn’t talented in some type of art form whether it is drawing, writing, dancing, singing, or modeling. They can thank their ruling planet, Venus, for these gifts.

For a Libra, even speaking is an art form. Libra is an air sign and they are dominated by their logical mind and thoughts. A Libra without someone to talk to is a very sad Libra indeed.

My sister-in-law, Jodi, born October 13th, is a great example of this. Thanks to our having what I like to call the “Venus connection” (I’m a Taurus and she’s a Libra so we’re both ruled by the same planet), we have a lot in common and have found a strong mutual bond. One major difference in our personalities however, is the fact that she hates to be alone whereas I crave solitude.

One day, Jodi came up with what she believed was a brilliant idea. Her sparkling eyes glistened and she had my attention.

“Hey Maria, why don’t we start working out at the gym together? It’ll be so much fun – and having company will help me get through the exercise.”

I forced a smile and did my best acting job. “Uh, yeah Jodi…sounds like fun.” Inside I was dying. This was going to be torture for me because as much as I love Jodi and our conversations, when it comes to my gym time it is sacred ME time. I bring along my music, and spend my mornings charging up for the day.

Now, I would have to talk.

I tried to make it work, and Jodi, being a Libra fully understood my needs at the gym. I’d do my best to talk for as long as I could possibly stand it. When I couldn’t take it anymore I’d say, “Ok Jodi, I have to zone out now” and put on my walkman – ignoring her for the rest of the workout. I felt guilty as hell for leaving my Libra sister without a sounding board. I knew she was feeling just as tortured NOT talking as I had felt making gym conversation.

Needless to say, when it comes to exercise, Jodi and I have gone our separate ways. But get us together for lunch and I’m more than happy to share conversation. After all, it’s not that I don’t love to talk – just don’t ever try talking to me at the gym!

Libra, a cardinal sign, is one of the best self-starters of the Zodiac. They initiate new ideas that spew out of their mind like nobody’s business. And with Cardinal Air there is never a shortage of brilliant ideas. Very self motivated as well, Libra doesn’t need you to tell him how to do something, thank you very much.

Libra makes a fabulous politician because of their diplomatic nature. They can smooth over just about any situation. But what I really love about Libra is how they seem to know everybody in the world. What’s more, they know how to introduce you to someone with the power to change your life. Partnership is their keyword and with Libra’s collaboration skills, if you subscribe to the theory that “it’s all who you know”, you’d better have a bunch of Libras in your address book. They know who to introduce you to.

Because Libra rules the house of marriage they must be involved in a relationship in order to learn their life lessons. But the interesting thing is that you will rarely meet a Libra who doesn’t have serious relationship problems in some aspect of their life. This can be family, friends, work or marriage. As much as Libra needs a partner – a relationship – what he needs even more is to learn how to restore balance in relationships.

Libra is learning the tough lesson of relating to others without losing himself in the process. Libra will go to great lengths to maintain peace in his relationships, often at the expense of his own well being. The thought of conflict sends him into frenzy and Libra would rather remain in a miserable situation, then stir up some commotion to challenge the boundaries of relationship.

Another Libra quirk is the fact that they often can’t seem to make a decision and are well known procrastinators. This is not because they don’t know what to do – don’t let Libra fool you! Always remember they are a cardinal air sign and quite intelligent and capable of decision making. The underlying reason for this indecision is because if they make a choice is different from their partner this would cause unbearable conflict. It’s much easier for a Libra to say “I don’t know, you decide.” What he’s really saying is “I don’t want to cause a fight; I’ll just give up my say.”

During one of my family’s famous evening dinners, my father began to talk to his children about the importance of respect. My sister, brother and I were arguing about something that day and my Dad, in typical Libran peacemaker fashion, wanted to smooth it over.

He points to my sister and brother and says in a serious Italian accented tone “Antonietta, Basilio, don’t you ever forget that your sister Maria is the oldest and because of that you ALWAYS need to show her respect!”

I remember the smug laugh and satisfied feeling I enjoyed for a brief moment as I looked at my siblings, feeling triumphant that my father defended me and put my brother and sister in their place.

I should have known my father would put me in my place next.

He turns away from them, looks at me with his stern, authoritative glance and says, “But Maria, you’re the oldest in the family. Because of that you need to respect your brother and sister TRIPLE!”

Yet another relationship balanced by the Libra touch. You’ve got to love Libras!

A couple of years ago, I spent a “girl’s day” out at the mall with my then 3 year old daughter, Annamaria. There’s this store where they sell little girl make-up, costumes, and trinkets. Browsing here makes Annamaria’s day so I promised her we’d pay her favorite “girly girl” place a visit. The look of excited anticipation on her face was priceless, yet even that look couldn’t compete with what she was about to do.

We walk in and as my eyes scan around in Mommy fashion for something appropriate enough to buy her, I feel a sharp pull on my left arm. My daughter proceeds to drag me across the aisle with great determination while one finger points ahead to our destination – a tall display of children’s sunglasses. She immediately pulls off the object of her obsession, a pair of pink sunglasses drowning in glittery sparkles. She places them on her face and beams, “Mommy these sunglasses are SOOOOOO princess – I HAVE to buy them!”

As I watch my daughter strike a pose with her hands on her hips I try to remember if she is 3 or 30. Where does she get this from? Surely it can’t be from me – I don’t own a single pair of sunglasses and she and I most certainly don’t have the same taste. She’s full of flamboyant style while I’m much more subtle. There is nothing understated about Annamaria. Of course not, she’s a Leo.

Leo is ruled by the Sun, symbolizing the creative potential within all of us. Leo is fun, carefree, playful and exuberant – literally full of life and vitality. Annamaria, born August 13th, is typically Leonine in all of these qualities. From age 2 she was singing along to the songs on the radio during our car drives. If I had the audacity to sing along with her, she’d quickly put me in my place: “No Mom, stop singing. I can’t hear the song!” Translation: stop singing so everyone can hear Annamaria.

She loves an audience and is a born performer. Whether it’s dancing around the living room, singing in the car or diving across the pool, as long as someone is watching and giving her a pat on the back, she’s in her glory. All Leos are born performers, and you’ll find many involved in creative fields such as dance, theatre, and singing. Anything where they can bask in the spotlight and have an audience clapping in the background will do.

Leos don’t simply enjoy this audience, they crave it. This sign is learning life lessons having to do with self-love, approval and self-respect as well as the uninhibited expression of their own unique creative energy. Some Leos fall into the shadow of what they are “learning to become” and mange to be either uncontrollable egomaniacs OR people who have a very serious distortion of their own self-worth in the most negative and unhealthy ways.

Many Leos in fact, have the difficult lesson of seeking the approval of others in order to validate their own self worth. Once a Leo learns to love himself regardless of the opinions of another, he radiates warmth in a way no other sign can.

Leos are also the most generous sign of the zodiac – sometimes generous to a fault. They would serve their own heart on a silver platter if it would make a loved one happy. You can probably see another shadow lesson here. Leos, because they so deeply crave the respect and approval of others, sometimes have to learn the lesson that you can’t buy love. Maybe it’s because some Leos have great difficulty believing someone can love them for who they are. Self love is the greatest lesson for a Leo to learn. I see qualities of this lesson in all of my beloved Leo family members.

This brings me to one of my soulmates, my beautiful son Vincent. Born August 10th, Vincent is very different from his sister in that the easy, effusive, open expression of Leo energy isn’t readily accessible to him. This is because Vincent’s Leo Sun is intercepted in his birth chart. I like to call planets that are intercepted as being “in the closet”. Sure, the energy is there, but it’s much more difficult to harness it or even acknowledge it because it’s trapped within the birth chart. This can result in some interesting problems for a person with intercepted planets.

Vincent, like any other Leo, needs attention and approval. But Vincent kind of spites himself in the ways he goes about trying to get attention. He often resorts to negative attention seeking behaviors to solicit a reaction from others, thus putting him in the spotlight in a less than desirable manner. Vincent has a very hard time expressing his need for attention and approval – in fact he probably denies it. Whereas his sister will demand that all eyes be on her every move, Vincent will never make such a statement. Instead, he’ll become the “class clown” and draw attention to himself by making others laugh or will break a class rule on purpose because he knows it will get the teacher to pay individual attention to him.

I’ve observed that he has more difficulty with breaking rules in school than in summer camp. Why? My theory is that, with 25 children and 1 teacher in a classroom, he has to try very hard to get his intercepted Sun heard, while in camp, there are 11 children and 4 camp counselors. Vincent is easily getting all the attention he needs and all I’ve been hearing is what a pleasure he is to have at camp – he hasn’t broken a rule yet. He is the type of child who would clearly benefit from the smaller classrooms of a private school.

While Vincent pulls away from being in the spotlight, he’s the one I inevitably find dancing and singing in the living room when he believes no one is watching. He’s still a Leo after all!

My son truly amazes me with his generosity and compassionate heart. All the interception in the world can’t erase the combination of a Leo Sun/Moon/North node with Pisces rising. From the age of 2 he insisted I give away some of his toys and clothes to “the boys and girls who have none”. Once, we watched a Feed the Children infomercial together. He put the phone in my lap and told me to call and give them money. He was barely 3 at the time!

I can’t leave Leo without noting the fact that they are a fire sign. There is a boundless energy, enthusiasm and optimism in every Leo and whether they are 3 or 93, the heart of a Leo always belongs to a child. Respect them, love them unconditionally, and never bruise their ego or take advantage of their generous nature and you will witness them shine in their natural light. Even better, they’ll share this light with you – just like the Sun.

When I’ve had a bad day, I pick up the phone and call my brother, Basil. If he happens to answer, I’ll tell him to hang up. After all, it’s not like I want to talk to him. I’m calling to listen to his latest answering machine message. It’s a verbal skit he conjures up weekly that, no matter how rotten of a mood I’m in, guarantees to have me doubled over in hysterical laughter.

Basil, born May 29th, has his Sun in Gemini. The realm of communication – thinking, reading, speaking, writing, learning and teaching – all mental pursuits – are part of his essence. He is “learning to become” a communicator.

Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury, blessing him with endless curiosity, a quick, clever mind and a nimble (although sometimes jittery) body that’s always busy doing something or going somewhere. Gemini’s are well known for having that “Peter Pan” quality about them and often look much younger than their years.

The first of three signs in the element of air, Gemini is intellectual and logical. With that cool, airy temperament, my brother is never insulted when I tell him I don’t want to talk to him. Actually, he revels in the fact that so many people call his answering machine to listen to what he has to say. Air signs seldom become overemotional; they’re too busy being rational.

Every other Friday I do actually call Basil to remind him and his wife Mary that it’s pizza night at my house. If you could only be a fly on my kitchen wall, you’d witness the most remarkable spectacle of fickleness and changeability that Gemini’s are famous for. This is due to their mutable nature.

I live in New York so you can imagine how many dozens of pizzerias are in my neighborhood. Well, my darling baby brother has a penchant for changing his mind every week about which one makes “the best” pizza. He walks into my house, plops down in a chair, bites into a slice and begins his Gemini dance:

“Where’d you get this pizza from?” he asks, with a scrunched up face.

“I got it from Gina’s just like you asked – last week you said they make the best pizza” I reply.

“No, no, next time order from Mario’s pizzeria, they make it better. And don’t get any pepperoni.”

“But I thought you loved pepperoni?” By now I’m looking at his girlfriend and we both roll our eyes.

“Yeah, but I’m not in the mood for it. Just get regular next time.”

I sit down, grab my own pepperoni slice, look over to Mary and wink, “Typical Gemini!”

If I didn’t understand his nature maybe I’d get annoyed at the fact that I have 20 pizza menus in my house and have to play this ongoing game of “who makes the best pizza?”. But since I know it’s part of his character, I recognize this fickle nature as symbolic of something much deeper.

Gemini’s are perceived as dualistic and flighty because they have an intense need to look at an issue from every possible perspective in order to process it. Gemini is constantly collecting new information and thinking about what he’s just experienced. Since this is a never-ending cycle, his mind is in a continual process of growth and evolvement. Of course, opinions change like the wind during this growth.

That explains why my brother can be on one side of the fence in the morning and move onto the other side by afternoon. He’s not being two faced. He’s not being a double talker – no – he’s evolving!

You’ll always find this quick witted sign up to date on the latest news. Basil reads the newspaper daily, feeling that he can’t get through his morning if he doesn’t know what’s going on in the world. His greatest talent and passion is playing the drums. Mercury rules the nervous system and Gemini’s are one of the more jittery signs in the zodiac. Have you ever noticed how fast a drummer moves those sticks? I get tired watching my brother banging away, wondering to myself how his wrists aren’t killing him. But to Basil, moving fast is second nature.

Gemini’s are called the “jack of all trades and master of none”. This is because Gemini often has so much that interests him, and so many talents and abilities; he can’t seem to focus on one long enough to become an expert.

If something doesn’t hold their interest – including a relationship – Gemini will move on to collect something new to hold his attention. Ahhh… relationships. It isn’t that a Gemini is unfaithful or incapable of commitment – that trait can’t be determined by the Sun sign alone. A Gemini does, however, need to be with someone that understands and respects his need for variety and stimulation. These needs are apparent in career path as well and Gemini’s are known for having more than one career path, sometimes even juggling them at the same time!

Early education experiences and siblings will often be very significant in Gemini’s life. My brother had a difficult time in elementary school because of not being diagnosed with Dyslexia until later grades. It was harder on him still because his two older sisters went through the school system first and teachers were often comparing him to us. This blocked his ability to learn even more because it sent the subtle message that something was wrong with him because he learned in a different way from his siblings.

Not every Gemini has a learning disability but every Gemini has a communication lesson to learn, and for my brother, one of his central communication lessons has been to overcome his Dyslexia and believe in his ability to learn and communicate effectively. As an adult he’s become a master debater; some of my favorite times with him are around my kitchen table on pizza night after I’ve put the kids to bed and the adults start talking. The conversation is never boring!

Gemini’s, as they tackle this lesson of collecting and processing knowledge in order to become better communicators, often end up being some of the most significant teachers to the rest of us. They teach us to have an open mind, laugh at life and question what we don’t understand. They show us that a little flexibility isn’t so bad, and that there are several sides to any story. In my opinion, Basil is doing an amazing job learning his communication lessons. There’s no one else I’d rather call to brighten my day.

Back when I launched this website and my monthly Sun sign highlights column, I dreaded the time when I’d have to write about the sign of Capricorn. Why? It’s not that I have any issues with Capricorns. In fact, as a fellow earth sign I’m quite fond of all you goats!

You see, I originally envisioned a column where I could write about real people in my life and display their solar qualities in a practical way that readers could easily identify with. How could I do this, I asked the universe, when it comes time to write about Capricorn if I don’t have a single Capricorn in my life?

So I prayed, and prayed. “God, please send me a Capricorn friend. Give me time to get to know the intricacies of this sign.” For three months I said this prayer. The universe, as you well know, works in mysterious ways and I trust in this elusive process. Well, as it turns out, the universe did something even better than introduce me to a Capricorn friend. It introduced me to a Capricorn teacher.

Capricorn is a sign ruled by Saturn, the planet of discipline, hard work, rules, restriction and delay. Saturn is the taskmaster of the zodiac because, without him, nothing would get done. This planet is the stern teacher and will teach us our most pressing life lessons. In fact, it is directly involved with our karma. So when I first learned about the Capricorn man I now call my mentor, I knew the universe gave me the perfect gift: a teacher who calls himself “gracefully tyrannical”; a brilliant, genius of an astrologer by the name of Noel Tyl. And boy oh boy, is he ever the epitome of Capricorn!

Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign, so along with this combination you’ll notice an ambitious energy for practical achievement. A Capricorn always has his feet on the ground, but they’re moving UP; climbing the eternal mountain of success and goals to be realized. With Saturn being Capricorn’s ruler, it’s usually a slow and steady climb, but rest assured, he will reach the top of that mountain.

Some people think of Capricorn as a sign that is “all work and no play”. While it’s true that Capricorn has a reputation for being overly serious at times and even a bit dry, you must understand that this sign truly feels the weight of the world on his shoulders, and from a very early age!

What a Capricorn is learning most about in this lifetime is how to balance responsibility. This is why you may also notice that, as a Capricorn gets older and realizes some of his goals, they do learn to relax and enjoy the view from that mountaintop. I’ve heard many times the expression that as a Capricorn gets older; he feels free enough to be the child he never could be during childhood. The expression “youth is wasted on the young” surely must have been coined by a Capricorn!

Getting back to my new found Capricorn teacher, I had looked at his horoscope before making my first phone call to him and knew, based on certain interaspects between our charts that he was the perfect educator for me. I knew he would be demanding and I knew that, by signing up for his Master’s Degree Certification Course in Astrology, it would be a VERY long and slow climb up my own personal mountain.

Noel has a reputation you see; he’s world renown and has pioneered countless astrological theories that are practiced today by astrologers everywhere. He is the epitome of success in my field and I understood that, as a Capricorn, he would take this reputation and his responsibility as an astrologer and teacher quite seriously.

His voice was commanding when he answered the phone that day in early October. No amount of looking at his horoscope beforehand could have prepared me for this. His voice electrocuted me. I mean this in the most invigorating, empowering and respectful way possible. It was a conversation that stimulated the desire to work my hardest and become the best astrologer I could hope to be. Other teachers have taught me astrology, but I knew that it could only be someone like Noel Tyl, someone with gifts of Capricorn strength, integrity and knowledge, who would be able to pull the astrologer out of me.

And so the universe answered my prayer in the most ironic of ways. I’ve said before when describing the planet Saturn that he’s like the teacher in grade school who gives homework on Fridays, presents the most demanding tests and assignments and never grades on a curve. He’s the teacher that, while you’re in his class, you “love to hate” because he makes you EARN what you learn.

It is this very same teacher however, that you end up thanking and appreciating most as an adult; after you’ve come to understand the value of what he’s given you by forcing you to learn those lessons. Once earned, nothing can take away what Saturn has taught you. No one knows this better than a Capricorn. Capricorns everywhere can teach us the value of working hard to achieve something enduring. Capricorns remind us of the importance of living a responsible and purposeful life. You know what I say? Thank goodness for answered prayers.

There’s a running joke in my family about me and my sister, Antonietta. If you’re in the mood for some gourmet food served on Lenox, exquisite linens, fine wine and beautiful presentation, then come to my house for dinner. But, if you’re in the mood for “real” food, comforting surroundings, and a gallon of table wine (which we, in our loving Italian family, like to call “grape juice”), then go to Antonietta’s.

My sister, you see, has been blessed with the gift of every Cancerian – the ability to provide nurturance to the deepest part of you. Perhaps I can feed your senses, but my sister, watery Cancer that she is, can feed your soul.

Antonietta, born July 3rd, has been nurturing me ever since I can remember. Not an easy task considering I’m nearly fourteen months older! And yet, for all the times I might call my brother to lift my spirit, I call my sister to recharge it. Nothing replenishes quite like some time with a Cancer.

Why? Ruled by the Moon, Cancers are one of the most intuitive, sensitive signs of the zodiac. Their instincts are so acute, it’s downright eerie. Cancer can put into words what you’re feeling, when you didn’t even realize that’s what was going on.

Razor sharp in their perception, yet tender and fragile in their self-protection, Cancers have been called both the most creative sign in the zodiac, and also the most insecure. The creative potential and sensitivity comes from the combination of the Moon’s rulership, but also the fact that Cancer is a water sign. Picture the emotionally angst artist, who must express herself through her art or else she’ll die – this is Cancer. This same artist however, paints in the dark and refuses to allow anyone to see her work. No, that’s too dangerous – then they’ll be exposed. This is also Cancer.

Antonietta, because the placements in her natal chart happen to make her less guarded than the average Cancer, might not have any obvious security issues, but make no mistake – they’re still there. She always loved to draw and paint but never allowed herself the time to pursue her passion. Yes, she’s busy raising three young children right now, but that’s my whole point. Cancers have an easier time nurturing others and taking care of family than they do their own needs. Cancers have that selfless mother instinct where their own happiness will float to the background for the sake of family or tradition.

I’ll never forget the last time I went to the mall with my sister. We had “the girls” with us (her two daughters and my one) and went into GapKids looking for some cute girlie outfits. She recently had her third child and was in that in-between stage where old clothes didn’t fit and maternity clothes were out of the question, so she started moaning about how she had no clothes.

I suggested we go next door to Gap and see what we could find for her “inbetween” stage. From her response you would have thought I suggested she put one of her children up for sale:

“No way, I can’t justify spending money on myself now; it would be such a waste. I’d rather stick to having no clothes until I finish losing the weight.”

“But Antonietta, why don’t you just buy a couple of outfits so you feel better about yourself?”

“No, I refuse to buy anything for myself now. But let’s stop there for a minute; Jay could use a new pair of pants.”

Yes, I wanted to slap my dear sister. Yet again, she put everyone in her family before herself – in mammoth proportions. Cancer seems to have a hard time believing they’re worth any investment in time or money before the needs of their family.

Cancer has this pattern of nurturing anything that isn’t capable of caring for itself with amazing tenderness and ambition. That’s right, I said ambition. While it’s easy to picture a Cancerian around the home fires, don’t forget that Cancer is a Cardinal sign. This gives them incredible drive and leadership ability. You will find a Cancer nurturing their career or a pet project just as much as you might find them nurturing children, family, pets, or their infamous mood swings.

As a child, my sister didn’t have a lot of self-confidence. Cancerians often suffer from low self esteem and various insecurities and this gives them a certain type of vulnerability to the world. Think of the crab in his protective shell. Braces, glasses, and being a little overweight during childhood caused her to retreat into this shell for a long time. But when she finally emerged, she became the tough as nails on the outside, but soft on the inside woman she is today.

She has a way of getting right to the heart of the matter, one of the things I love most about my sister. She’s never blunt or crude, but always honest and penetrating. One day, when I was sitting on the couch at her house with her, watching our kids play, we began talking about my then “new hobby” of astrology. She looked up from the personalized horoscope book I had given her as a birthday gift and said:

“Maria, you’re going to become a professional astrologer and write about astrology someday.”

I couldn’t help laughing. “What are you talking about? I have no intention of ever doing this professionally.”

She looked right into my eyes and said, “I’m telling you, that’s what’s going to happen.”

Here I am, a few years later doing exactly what she predicted I’d do. That’s the thing with Cancer. You have to trust their instincts. They just know.