Sylvia Reads the Stars

Hello to all you cool cats out there in Lakeshore land! My name is Madam Sylvia, and I’ll be your astrologer this lunar cycle. I am a wise old shelter mutt with a heart of pure gold. Disclaimer: I have no desire to impose my will onto yours or serve as a foil for your faith. I am a dog. Act accordingly.


Pisces Feb 18 – Mar 20

The word humble gets a bad rap. Acknowledge your challenges, sure. But embrace your strengths as well. Keep this perspective as February melts into March. My hunch is you’ve been underselling yourself this winter, and you deserve to get a head start on your own personal Spring. 

Daphne is a Pisces ready for adoption at Harbor Humane Society.

This adorable Pisces is turning 3 and wants to swim into your heart. Visit Harbor Humane Society for more information.


Aries Mar 20 – Apr 20

It’s been cold and windy in a way that feels aggressive rather than expected. Far too easy to bark at rather than with, if you know what I mean. But there are different barks, and it’s necessary to differentiate between playful and mean. Better to grab a mouthful of snow than raise your voice in anger. Most times they’re not barking at you, Aries. They’re barking with you. Repeat this as your mantra this month.


Taurus Apr 20 – May 21

I have watched you overcome long-held fears this season in the name of helping others when they are most in need. It is a pleasure and a treasure to the lucky dogs in your immediate orbit. If you think I’m going to say Keep up the good work or Take time for yourself, you’re wrong on both counts! I’m going to let you in on a little secret: You know exactly what to do. And thank you.


Gemini May 21 – Jun 21

May I inspire you to a) drink more water, b) watch the waves roll in from the strong south wind, and c) shower every day. It’s easy to stay in and stay down. And I know how you hate baths. But your twin is waiting to swim in inspiration, and water is the catalyst for you right now.


Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 23

I’d like you to perform the metaphorical equivalent of playing a CD on scramble. What song is next? Let go a little more than usual in the coming weeks, and know that an element of surprise will be music to your floppy ears. 


Leo Jul 23 – Aug 23

You do shine brighter when praise is heaped upon you. But please don’t be discouraged by criticism right now. Take a suggestion for a walk this week and treat it like the puppy it is–just a being full of potential who pulls a little too hard on the leash. 


Virgo Aug 23 – Sep 23

You do not have to be the biggest dog to be important–nay, essential–to the pack. Have you ever seen a Shiba Inu?

Wikipedia tells us “A small, alert, and agile dog that copes very well with mountainous terrain and hiking trails, the Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting.” The one at the dog park Saturday ran fast toward the pack, then ran faster away when the pack got a little too crazy. Pretty soon another dog decided things in the pack were getting too aggressive, so she joined the Shiba in running lines like point guards on the snowy park floor. They were joy personified. Virgo, sometimes you’re the quiet leader of but a few. It’s a role we absolutely need, and you’ll have more chances to show off your good sense and inclusive spirit very soon.


Libra Sep 23 – Oct 23

Libra, I feel it must be said: your style delights us all. It’s not that you have the fanciest dog coat from Paris or the squeakiest little rain booties from Rome. It’s how you effortlessly put your look together always with an eye to harmony. It’s no small thing to move through this world with beauty and balance. Please help lead us from cool pastels to full-blown blooms. And yes, I think you can take that both literally and figuratively.


Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22

Scorpio, you’re deemed the star sign of death. Now I know it’s sometimes hard to talk about, but lately I’ve been remembering my littermate who died young. I missed playing with her so much that for several months after, whenever my living sister bowed and wagged her tail at me, I snarled and barked back. That’s not fair. She just wanted to play. But I didn’t know how else to say I’m sad and I’m scared. So I encourage you to express yourself in a different way. Ask for help. Cuddle closer. Let the belly rubs begin.


Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 23

Sadge! What light through yonder window breaks! Why, it’s your love for life and dedication to all that is bright. Juliet may shine like the sun, but Romeo was ready for love. Are you? Boop boop, bee doop!


Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20

You are being asked to be highly, highly tolerant of change these days, Capricorn. This isn’t your strong suit. First, cheers for being present enough to complain. Second, hugs for being human. Or canine. Or something else completely. We all are called to adapt. Those of us who do so with any amount of grace are the most amazing creatures on the earth.


Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 

I think of you when I think of the inner workings of a brushed silver pocket watch. It seems your mind is on three tasks at once, and they all combine to tell us when to take our medicine, or not watch the news, or apologize. If someone reaches out after they’ve wronged you, listen with gratitude. And if you’re the one who moved a cloud in front of someone else’s sun, say you’re sorry. It’s time.