The Zodiac in Music and Entertainment
Astrology and Zodiac signs have been a popular theme in music and entertainment for many years, often used as metaphors or symbols to convey different moods, characteristics, or ideas. Here are a few examples of songs and shows that reference Zodiac signs:
Music
- "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" by The 5th Dimension: This song is from the musical "Hair" and has become a classic. It talks about the Age of Aquarius, a period of peace and enlightenment according to astrological beliefs.
- "Aquarius" by Nina Simone: This is another rendition of the song from "Hair", performed by the legendary Nina Simone. Her soulful and powerful interpretation has made it a fan favorite.
- "Capricorn (A Brand New Name)" by Thirty Seconds to Mars: This song is from the band's self-titled debut album and explores themes of change and rebirth, reflecting some of the key traits associated with the sign of Capricorn.
- "Taurus" by Spirit: This instrumental track from the late 1960s has been noted for its melodic similarity to "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin.
- "Scorpio" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five: An iconic song from the early days of hip hop, "Scorpio" pays tribute to band member Scorpio (aka Mr. Ness).
- "Gemini Feed" by Banks: This song uses the duality of the Gemini sign to discuss a past relationship.
- "Zodiac" (2007) by Sufjan Stevens: This is a collection of electronic instrumentals, with each track dedicated to a specific Chinese Zodiac sign.
- "Star Signs" by Tinashe: This song explores the connections between love and astrology, with Tinashe singing about her compatibility with different Zodiac signs.
- "Sagittarius Silver Announcement" by Panic! At The Disco: This song from the album "Pretty. Odd." is an instrumental interlude with a psychedelic vibe.
- "Zodiac Shit" by Flying Lotus: An instrumental electronic song that reflects the artist's experimental style.
- "Cosmo's Factory" by Creedence Clearwater Revival: The band's drummer, Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, is a Taurus, and the album's name is a nod to his astrological sign.
TV and Films
As for television shows and films, Zodiac signs are often mentioned or explored as part of a character's background or development, although they might not be the central theme. Some examples include:
- "Zodiac" (2007): A thriller film directed by David Fincher, based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer who terrorized California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Although the film is not directly related to astrology, it does use the Zodiac theme in its title and narrative.
- "Astrology with Squidward" (2000-2001): A series of short segments aired during commercial breaks on Nickelodeon, featuring Squidward from "SpongeBob SquarePants" giving humorous horoscope readings for each of the Zodiac signs.
- "Zodiac Way" is a Chinese drama series that incorporates the Chinese Zodiac signs into its storyline, with each sign representing a different character.
- "Knight of the Zodiac" (Saint Seiya): This popular anime and manga series features characters who wear mystical armors known as "Cloths" that are inspired by the constellations of the Zodiac.
- "Astro Boy" is a Japanese television series based on the manga of the same name by Osamu Tezuka. While not directly about astrology, the main character's name is a play on words, linking to celestial themes.
- "The Twilight Zone" : In the episode "Nick of Time", the characters become obsessed with the predictions of a fortune-telling machine in a diner, echoing themes similar to horoscope readings.
- "Zodiac" (2014): This Chinese drama series revolves around a team of detectives who each represent a different sign of the Chinese zodiac.
The influence of Zodiac signs and astrology across a wide range of music and media, demonstrates the universal appeal of these themes.
Further Reading