If you humour me on the tenuous observation that old English lettering for 's' looks like an 'f', it becomes serendipitous that Sagittarius season is best defined by three Fs: Fighting, Fun, and Fire. Despite having no Sagittarius in my chart, I can tell you right off the bat I've still had my fair share of fighting already this season – fighting myself, fighting other people who have tried to fight me, fighting people whenever it seems like it would be funny, etc. Which leads me onto fun – fun is associated with enthusiasm, humour, enjoyment, optimism; these are traits of the Sagittarius. And with too much fun (and too much fighting) comes the fire; we've all had a stupid year and as keen as we are to let loose at the end, it's important for us to not fall into the classic Sagittarian move of getting carried away with ourselves and letting our impatience and tactlessness start any fires. So you know, don't overdo it.
But that's not the main message Sagittarius season has for us. The best thing we can take into our stride is their determination to head off the beaten path, to explore and foray, to forge new routes. there are still things to be salvaged and embraced in these final days of the year – don't be afraid to try new things (those unfulfilled resolutions, perhaps). Only if you like, of course. Yeah, yeah, I know, classic horoscopic advice. Sue me, or see me in 2021.
Sagittarius Season Mix: Lighght
The Ireland-based, creatively boundless experimental-electronic producer and comedic miscreant known as Lighght shares an offering to stave off the darkness as we approach the winter solstice. It's unclear how much he's into the whole astrology thing (going from "being sciencepilled into astrology" to claiming the "list of hot Sagittarius people and the list of all Sagittarius people is the same list" within the space of a week), but what is clear is behind all the online antics lies a generous, genuine personality and the courage to pursue a deep musical curiosity. This much is evident across his own releases, from the club crunch of Sorry I Can't Go Out Tonight, I'm Too Busy Going In to the more conceptual noise, spoken word and trancey travails of Gore-Tex In The Club, Balenciaga Amongst The Shrubs, and of course the downright uncanny and exhilarating juxtapositions of his edits – some of which are included in his Sagittarius Season mix. It's an astonishing 48 minutes of tantalising textures, beguiling blends and moments that both bamboozle and bring clarity. Featuring many of our favourite artists, it's a pleasure to be able to share it with you as the final Season mix of the year. Accompanied by his darling cat George in the mix artwork, Lighght says:
"Shout out to all the pets, present and departed - they are living or have lived their best lives with you by their side."
Listen to Lighght’s Sagittarius Season Mix and check out the tracklist here.
What can lyrics tell us about Sagittarius season?
"Sagittarius, so you know I'm an optimist"
Nicki Minaj keeps it clean and straight to the point on Barbie Tingz. My Mercury-in-Capricorn ass appreciates the incisive communication.
"I was in love with a Sagittarius / See the emotions he put me through... I was in love with a Sagittarius, he blew my mind"
The Missy Elliot-penned Beyoncé song Signs is famously first mentions Sagittarius, of all the astrological signs. Of course she was dating one December-born Jay-Z at the time, so that checks out. Famously, the song spotlights each sign but Capricorn, and I will forever resent being left in the lurch like this. (That said, it's classic Capricorn to never feel properly appreciated!)
"There was a woman I could remember, a Sagittarius / She was the first to let me touch her pubic area / We was young, I'm the one that made her cherry bust (bust) / Now that we grown I still be in that hairy stuff (stuff)"
Twista, I don't know if anyone has ever provided feedback to you about your song Birthday, so let me just tell you: this is too much information, man.
"Hey, listen! Listen, man! I don't know how many you people believe in astrology... Yeah, that's right... that's right, baby, I... I am a Sagittarius. The most philosophical of all the signs, but anyway, I don't believe in it, I think it's a bunch of bullshit, myself. But I tell you this, man, I tell you this, I don't know what's gonna happen, man, but I wanna have, my kicks before the whole shithouse goes up in flames, alright!"
Roadhouse Blues. Fuck you, Jim Morrison, but I too would like to have my kicks before the whole shithouse goes up in flames.
What can Marquis Hill tell us about Sagittarius season?
I think I've sung praises of my friend Alba in the newsletter before, and once again she's introduced me to some amazing astrological gems. This one comes in the form of a new album of Zodiac jazz from trumpeter, composer and producer Marquis Hill. On Soul Sign, he shares a cut for each sign that cuts to their very essence in a way that's both musically and lyrically luscious and lucid. I've transcribed his words for Sagittarius below:
"Welcome to Sagittarus. Mutable Fire. Ruled by Jupiter. Education. Learning. Spirituality. Expression of self. These are all top priorities for a Sagittarius. When we have the frequency vibration of Jupiter here, spiritual expansion is gained from new experiences, from new adventures. This is why Sagittariuses are one of the most free-spirited signs of the Zodiac. One thing you don't wanna do to a Sagittarius is make it feel like it's caged in any type of sort. Life is the biggest teacher. You best understand that. A Sagittarius'll teach you that. It doesn't really matter – I ain't gon' say it doesn't really matter but to a certain degree, what we could learn in a book may just be miniscule to the things we can experience in everyday life.
"Thus why a Sagittarius seeks new adventures and only wants to surround themselves with goals that can add on to these new journeys that a Sagittarius continuously wants to embark on in this lifetime. Life lesson for my Sagges: of course new experiences and adventures are the things that you seek in this lifetime because you understand these things bring you wisdom, however, these are the very mindsets that can lead to a chaotic life. Let's just make sure some practicality and organisation are supporting your back in these adventures, Sagittarian."
A cool thing
sad_rave finally got me to watch Jupiter Ascending earlier this year, and it didn't disappoint. Directed by the Wachowskis and starring Mila Kunis, it demonstrates a vision for intergalactic sci-fi and family-dynasties that's super refreshing as well as stylish. Mila Kunis plays Jupiter Jones, who eventually finds fulfilment in life ones she explores beyond what she knows, emphasising the Sagittarian need to break free and do ones own thing. Jupiter is of course the ruling planet of Sagittarius, and interestingly, Mila Kunis' own ascendant sign is apparently Sagittarius. I love it when the dots connect – especially when they draw out a constellation.
That's it from me – take care and we'll see you in the new year. We've already got some cool and fun things in the works!
Tay x
p.s. Here is a picture of Lighght's other wonderful cat, Rocket:
