self-portraits Archives - The Oxford Astrologer

Category: self-portraits

Libra: A Self-portrait and a Poem

II I am a far more deserving inventor than all those who went before me; a musician, in fact, who found something resembling the key of love. At present, a noble from a meager countryside with a dark sky I try to feel emotion over the memory of mendicant childhood, over my apprenticeship [...]

Virgo Self-Portraits: Perfect Wits

David (30 August 1738) It will come as no surprise to see that the work of artists born under Virgo is consistently detailed, crafted, technically excellent and polished to a wonderful degree. Nor will it surprise you that all these painters could draw beautifully. Ingres (29 August 1780) [...]

Virgo: A Self-portrait and Two Poems

for forty years the sheets of white paper have passed under my hands and I have tried to improve their peaceful emptiness putting down little curls little shafts of letters words little flames leaping not one page was less to me than fascinating Read the rest of the poem here — from [...]

Leo Self-Portraits

Last month, I found a huge number of artists born under a Cancer Sun. It seems that Leos are less prone to pick up a paintbrush. I think a lot of them might find being in a studio all day too lonely. So no surprise then that possibly the most famous Leo artist of the […]

Leo: A Self-portrait and a Poem

Still, there’s a lot of fun to be had in the gaps between ideas. That’s what they’re made for! Now I want you to go out there and enjoy yourself, and yes, enjoy your philosophy of life, too. They don’t come along every day. Look out! There’s a big one… Read the [...]

Cancer Self-portraits

“I don’t draw like nobody. You speak one way, but I come on and say it different. You can draw a mule, dog, cat, or a human person, I’m going to draw it different. Because you always see things different.” — Nellie Mae Rowe, Cancerian artist Rubens June 28, 1577 [...]

Cancer: A Self-portrait and a Poem

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul. I love you as the plant that never blooms but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers; thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance, risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body. Read […]

Gemini: A Self-portrait and a Poem

I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you. I loafe and invite my soul, I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass…. Read the rest of the poem here. From Song of […]

Taurus: A Self-portrait and a Poem

The Afternoon Sun …This room, how familiar it is. The couch was here, near the door, a Turkish carpet in front of it. Close by, the shelf with two yellow vases. On the right—no, opposite—a wardrobe with a mirror. In the middle the table where he wrote, and the three big wicker chairs. Beside [...]

Aries: A Self-portrait and a Poem

You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may tread me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room… Read the rest of [...]

Pisces: A Self-portrait and a Poem

Sea Breeze The flesh is sad, Alas! and I have read all the books. Let’s go! Far off. Let’s go! I sense that the birds, intoxicated, fly deep into unknown spume and sky! Nothing – not even old gardens mirrored by eyes – can restrain this heart that drenches itself in the sea, O nights, […]

Aquarius: A Self-portrait and a poem

Patterns I walk down the garden-paths, And all the daffodils Are blowing, and the bright blue squills. I walk down the patterned garden-paths In my stiff, brocaded gown. With my powdered hair and jeweled fan, I too am a rare Pattern. As I wander down The garden-paths. My [...]

Sagittarius: A Self-Portrait and a Poem

I Am Much Too Alone In This World I am much too alone in this world, yet not alone enough to truly consecrate the hour. I am much too small in this world, yet not small enough to be to you just object and thing, dark and smart. I want my free will and want […]

Scorpio: A Self-portrait and a Poem

Name, my Laura, name the whirl-compelling Bodies to unite in one blest whole– Name, my Laura, name the wondrous magic By which soul rejoins its kindred soul! See! it teaches yonder roving planets Round the sun to fly in endless race; And as children play around their mother, Checkered [...]

October Horoscopes 2015

It’s always an interesting time of year — October. We are half way round the Zodiac now, in Libra, the sign of balance, measuring and assessment. Often there’s a weary contemplation of the self as we go into Scorpio, But this year, October seems full of potential. There are [...]

Sadko In The Underwater Kingdom by Ilya Repin (Wikimedia Commons) From Tunisia to Elizabeth Taylor, you never know who you’re going to swim past down there in the blue, blue sea. With the Sun still in Pisces, visit or revisit these OA posts on or about the sign of the Fishes. A Fortnight [...]

Do We Need Narcissus?

Narcissus (suddenly): “Have you ever been in love? I mean really in love?” You: “Well, obviously, I marr—“ Narcissus interrupts: “Me – I’m super sensitive so when someone like me falls in love, well it’s probably unusually intense. I mean I [...]

Suzanne Valadon

This terrific self-portrait dates from 1927. Just as a supplement to the Satie piece: here is Suzanne Valadon’s chart. She was a wonderful woman, a free spirit, single mother, great painter and an inspiration for many other artists (Neptune in the 7th), in particular Renoir. For a while [...]

Cancer Self-Portraits Redux

Cancer is the first water sign – an immediate, unmediated emotional response to the world. Maybe that’s why so many artists have been born under the sign of the golden claws. To read last year’s piece and get an eyeful of gorgeous portraits by artists with the Sun in Cancer, click here.

Gemini Self-Portraits Redux

I’ve just re-read last year’s Gemini self-portraits piece again and it made me smile. Take a look and enjoy how surprisingly alike some of the artists look, right down to the facial hair and the rebel attitude. To see the whole piece click here. Main pic: Diego Velazquez, born June [...]