Astrotheme
A New Approach to Astrology

Zodiacal Picnic

Disclaimer: with astrology, it is possible to decipher our behaviour or to get a glimpse of the future. This is a theory which cannot be systematically tested. On the other hand, one may wish to follow an easier path, which puts into practice the principles listed in astrology textbooks. In a way, this is precisely the type of practical exercises that we suggest in this Lifestyle column.

We recommend that you follow our advice with both a light and observing mind. Beyond entertainment, the aim is to understand how each of us behaves in various fields; thus, we can better define and fathom, by deduction, how we have developed our natal predispositions. In addition, why wouldn't we be able to guess the talent(s) which we could harness in the future, according to our astrological profile.

The following information is given for signs in their purest form. Depending on the case, it is advisable that you check your planetary dominant or the sign of your Ascendant, the position, quality and aspects of the significators of the area involved, and if applicable, the position of the planets associated with it. For instance, for family affairs, examine the 4th House and its ruler, as well the Moon; for romance, examine the 5th House and its ruler, as well as Venus, etc.

The large number of books we have read, and more particularly, the experience we have drawn from the study of thousands of charts, urge us to be cautious. However, we thought that it may be interesting to provide a few concrete indications, which will turn out to be accurate, quite often.

You can also read dozens additional lifestyle articles on different topics.

Aries, Aries rising, Mars dominant, or strong 1st House

It is mainly the stroll before or after the picnic that is of interest to you. Regardless of the weather, you are hopping up and down with impatience at the prospect of doing some physical exercise. You are not too picky regarding your outfit. You want to feel comfortable, and therefore you need some good footwear and perhaps a Swiss knife in order to channel your sometimes wild impulses.

Zodiacal picnic for Aries, Aries rising, Mars dominant, or strong 1st House

Without slipping into caricature, since you are an Aries Sun sign, picnics is joyful and fun to you. And above all, easily organised. No shopping list, therefore. Whatever is in your fridge, or available at the nearest supermarket, will do. However, if you are given the choice, you prefer food to be grilled. Because the moment you like best is when it's time to start the fire, of course.

Your second asset is your improvisational skills: you cut a piece of wood and turn it into a barbecue spit, on which you slip a sausage, a merguez or even some mushrooms. Just be careful not to burn your snack out of impatience!

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Aries, Aries rising, or Mars dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 1st House.

Taurus, Taurus rising, Venus dominant, or strong 2nd House

There are several reasons why preparing a picnic appeals to you. Firstly, you feel that any contact with Mother Nature is always soothing and good for you. Secondly, in your opinion, the prospect of spending a nice moment sharing a meal with your friends is a safe bet. In your mind, it has more to do with "The luncheon on the grass" by Edouard Manet than scout outings.

Zodiacal picnic for Taurus, Taurus rising, Venus dominant, or strong 2nd House

So this is what you need: sunny and quiet clearing, with shadowy spots where you may choose to lay a beautiful bucolic tablecloth. It will be garnished with dishes which you concocted yourself according to the rules of the art: brandy meat pie, slices of baguette bread, assorted salads prepared with produce from your vegetable garden or from the market, fruits and home-baked cake. A glass of red wine will never be refused either.

Lastly, you foresaw everything for people's comfort: cooler, thermos, and blankets. And if the whole function could be prolonged with some music – or even songs and guitar according to people's tastes – you will be perfectly happy.

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Taurus, Taurus rising, or Venus dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 2nd House.

Gemini, Gemini rising, Mercury dominant, or strong 3rd House

You enjoy going for picnics because they are fun, necessarily fun! Therefore, to begin with, you will drum up all the friends and acquaintances which might join you. To select the location, you are the type of person who does a poll, so as to please the majority.

Zodiacal picnic for Gemini, Gemini rising, Mercury dominant, or strong 3rd House

As for your own preferences, you like the idea of getting some fresh air and bringing back the atmosphere of your summer camps. However, you leave the mission of feeding the troops to signs such as Taurus and Cancer. Since you are clever, more often than not, the delegation of authority has every chance to go through without a hitch. In return, you take care of practical things and entertainments, of course. You are well-equipped, and you come up with board games, pétanque balls, and the devices required to play the soundtrack you have selected.

Your outfit is meant for movement such as running around the fire, or even tree climbing, while remaining perfectly elegant. A pair of jeans and of sneakers, the last fashionable sunglasses, and you are ready.

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Gemini, Gemini rising, or Mercury dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 3rd House.

Cancer, Cancer rising, the Moon dominant, or strong 4th House

Oh, a picnic, what a nice prospect! Firstly, as a sign of the middle of summer, you love the idea of having a meal outside, if possible with the family. There you are, with your eyes closed, imagining children frolicking around you or playing with your pet. You hear them laugh, and you are deeply moved, straight away.

Zodiacal picnic for Cancer, Cancer rising, the Moon dominant, or strong 4th House

The dream location is by the bank of a river or a lake, just so you can lie down restfully for a nap after the feast, unless you fancy swimming. Before you go, you always manage to ensure that there will be enough food for everybody: ham and cheese sandwiches, sea-food terrine, boiled eggs with mayonnaise. You think big, and your menu is rather classical. Desserts are never overlooked, because you have a sweet tooth.

You are also a sign which thinks of anything that might protect your loved ones: suntan cream, hats, veal to hang in order to be protected from sunrays of raindrops. You are really good at that. However, you leave the strictly practical arrangements to more terrestrial signs. Indeed, once your stomach is full, there is only one thing you want to do: close your eyes and dream...

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Cancer, Cancer rising, or the Moon dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 4th House.

Leo, Leo rising, the Sun dominant, or strong 5th House

You prefer luxury restaurants to informal snacks. Nevertheless, you may enjoy a picnic, provided it meets your top-level criteria. Ideally, it consists of a basket prepared by a four-star caterer, which only needs to be picked up before heading for the picnic venue.

Zodiacal picnic for Leo, Leo rising, the Sun dominant, or strong 5th House

If you don't have this opportunity, you may choose the luxury picnic hamper. You may ask someone to offer it to you as a gift. It is usually made of quality rattan wood, and contains fine bone China, cutlery, a corkscrew and a tablecloth by a designer, if possible. The only thing that remains to be done now is to find a spot under a majestic oak, overlooking a gorgeous panorama, and perhaps to open a bottle of Champagne. This is how you understand picnics, which ought to meet stringent quality standards.

As to food, salmon, sushi, and cold meat are you favourites. It is safe to foresee a substantial budget when you get into it... And also pay utmost attention to your outfit. Slipping on the first pair of shorts at hand, or wearing sturdy shoes would be too depressing. Therefore, whether you are a man or a woman, you will manage to remain classy.

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Leo, Leo rising, or the Sun dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 5th House.

Virgo, Virgo rising, Mercury dominant, or strong 6th House

There you are ! The only prospect of going for a picnic awakens the scout who lies dormant in you. Whereas some people are content to toy with this idea and let themselves drift along, this is not your case. One can rely on you when it comes to organising everything. You already checked the weather forecast in order not be caught off guard, and you informed the other participants so that they dress up accordingly.

Zodiacal picnic for Virgo, Virgo rising, Mercury dominant, or strong 6th House

As for you, you selected the best spot in the forest after having viewed it on Google Earth. With you, no one risks to fall on an anthill! Then you set off, fully equipped, and saying so is below the truth. Isotherm flask, Swiss knife, bottle opener, matches and lighter, sheets of newsprint, handkerchiefs, first aid kit, in a word, you are unlikely to be caught unprepared. There is something sweet in the way you strive to control nature.

Lastly, you can also give of your best with your specialities. You often like whole bread, cold marinated vegetables, with a weakness for vegetarianism. In any case, all the food is very healthy.

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Virgo, Virgo rising, or Mercury dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 6th House.

Libra, Libra rising, Venus dominant, or strong 7th House

Although you may be enticed into a picnic, it is not that easy. A priori, the prospect of dealing with the elements, just for the sake of eating – usually eat less well than elsewhere – does not appeal to you too much. And how would your sense of refinement fare, if you are to undergo the experience, without hurting people of course?

Zodiacal picnic for Libra, Libra rising, Venus dominant, or strong 7th House

The first advice is to gather information on the venue, so as not to start with a blunder. What will be most suitable is to take the picnic as an opportunity to socialise.

For girls, it is easy. Prepare a sort of doll tea's party like you used to when you were a child. Your model? Julie Andrieu, always elegant, with a perfect make-up, and never short of nice quick recipes. As for men, they can take up the challenge and become the Cyril Lignac of the woods with a nice crispy gourmet salad rapidly prepared which will amaze the guests. In a word, one might as well say that the culinary part becomes an aesthetic exercise and that under such circumstances, the picnic may become quite fun.

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Libra, Libra rising, or Venus dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 7th House.

Scorpio, Scorpio rising, Pluto dominant, or strong 8th House

Picnics conjure up fizzes in your mind! Indeed, according to your concept, they may be anything, but dull. You even fancy dramatic staging, though remaining quite reasonable. To satisfy your secretive facet, you will choose a highly magnetic venue, a mysterious forest, or even a cave in the neighbourhood. Actually, you set off as if it were an exploration, fully ready to face any adventure or any creature, whether the Licorn or the wood elf, or even a wild beast... Picking mushrooms may also be added to the picnic operation.

Zodiacal picnic for Scorpio, Scorpio rising, Pluto dominant, or strong 8th House

As far as food is concerned, it must also include spicy dishes, even though it is only a sandwich. But with enough mustard, pickles or a pinch of other condiments such as horseradish for instance. If you have prepared salads, they will also be served with a seasoned dressing!

In short, you grasped the concept, and if possible, you ought to carefully select the company: you prefer interesting conversations to joyful scrums.

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Scorpio, Scorpio rising, or Pluto dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 8th House.

Sagittarius, Sagittarius rising, Jupiter dominant, or strong 9th House

Always ready to go, light-heartedly, you jump for joy at the prospect of going for a picnic. It would be wrong to imagine that the event may take place in the park at the corner of the street. No! You need exoticism and discoveries. To you, nothing is better than a place to explore, and in which you will feel like Indiana Jones. After all, why not go there on horseback, while you're at it?

Zodiacal picnic for Sagittarius, Sagittarius rising, Jupiter dominant, or strong 9th House

For a venue to be perfect, it requires firstly an open spot with a nice view. You keep on getting on with it. One can rely on you for starting the fire and organising the camping, since in addition to your practical mind, you get the upper hand on people. You assign tasks, and you take on the levers of the most delicate duties. It must be noted that, owing to your hearty appetite, you may have prepared a chicken to be spit roasted in the open air.

As side dishes, you have a soft spot for culinary discoveries, including exotic dishes. Actually, you enjoy so much this nomad life that you don't feel like going back home, and that's the rub.

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Sagittarius, Sagittarius rising, or Jupiter dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 9th House.

Capricorn, Capricorn rising, Saturn dominant, or strong 10th House

Going for a picnic ? Why not, although it must be deserved ! You can hardly imagine spending a whole day doing nothing, lying on a cloth and reaching an arm towards the victuals. However, you could easily be talked into participating in picnic networking, as it is commonly practiced in cities, to discuss work matters of course.

Zodiacal picnic for Capricorn, Capricorn rising, Saturn dominant, or strong 10th House

Well, all Capricorns are not extremist people. Some of them also indulge in leisure without afterthought. Provided they are in small groups and everyone takes care of oneself! Basically, they would have to leave with a backpack containing whatever is necessary to satisfy them if they feel a bit peckish. There is no risk of exaggeration, because you settle for Spartan comfort.

On the other hand, more than anyone else, you have a knack for finding a spot that is still wild, often in a mountainous area. You need to revive pioneers' impressions, for you are yearning for virgin territories. Do not hesitate to meditate after your meal.

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Capricorn, Capricorn rising, or Saturn dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 10th House.

Aquarius, Aquarius rising, Uranus dominant, or strong 11th House

A picnic? Yes, why not? Its quite social principle appeals to you. You imagine straight away gathering a large group of participants, or even turning the project into an experimental concept. First of all, you need an unusual venue. For instance, a disused mine, under an kiosk, or on a roof! And even a thematic picnic: futuristic, medieval, or as a tribute to a movie of your choice.

Zodiacal picnic for Aquarius, Aquarius rising, Uranus dominant, or strong 11th House

You will have no difficulty convincing people, since this is one of your natural talents. Likewise, you also know how to delegate, because you are not affected by the syndrome of authority. Since cooking is not your forte, you are very fond of Canadian picnics: everyone brings one's speciality, and therefore, there will be something to suit all tastes.

Regarding presentation, too, you prefer whatever is practical, easy to handle, and convivial, without getting upset about strictly aesthetic matters. Thanks to your sense of improvisation, you can come up with a B plan in all circumstances. As a result, you will even leave unparalleled memories.

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Aquarius, Aquarius rising, or Uranus dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 11th House.

Pisces, Pisces rising, Neptune dominant, or strong 12th House

To you, a dream picnic takes place by the seashore, what a silly question! For instance, at the foot of a dune protected from the wind, with the sea on the horizon as far as the eye can see.

Zodiacal picnic for Pisces, Pisces rising, Neptune dominant, or strong 12th House

First, you spread your bath towel, and open the deckchairs, the beach umbrella, and probably a few magazines or a good book, in brief whatever enables you to let time flow like sand between your fingers. As for edible pleasures, it is often the sea that is given the seat of honour. With grilled fishes and tuna sandwiches, you will manage according to your possibilities. Indeed, the project must not be too complicated, since the ultimate goal is mainly relaxation.

Although organisation is not your forte, you think of everything that is required to chill out: shawls to avoid feeling cold, a selection of sweet songs, even classical music, to create a pleasant ambiance, and various beverages. One can rely on you for playing the nice and emphatic host. That's the secret.

You will find on Astrotheme thousands of natal charts of celebrities who have the Sun in Pisces, Pisces rising, or Neptune dominant. The former are sorted in popularity order, whereas the latter are sorted according to the strongest dominant. Since each planet also rules a House – sometimes two houses – you may want to also look at charts having a strong 12th House.