Like many amateur astrology-enthusiasts, I started out only knowing my Sun (☉) sign. In my spare time, I would skim my daily horoscope in apps like Co-Star and The Pattern, as well as my monthly horoscope in whatever magazine I had gotten my hands on. This past year, my long-term friend, an exceptional artist and Libra, Annabel Berusch, recommended me the poetically written and informative book, The Stars Within You: A Modern Guide to Astrology by Juliana McCarthy. The majority of my fundamental knowledge and understanding of astrology was learned from this book!
Some Scorpio traits – both the enlightened and neurotic:
The Neurotic Scorpio
- Egotistical
- Destructive
- Moody/Volatile
- Spiteful/Vengeful
- Controlling/Obsessive
- Struggles with depression and/or addiction
The Enlightened Scorpio
- Sexual/Passionate
- Magnetic/Hypnotic
- Mysterious
- Bold/Courageous
- Receptive/Empathetic
- Revolutionary/Transformative
Who am I? A Scorpio Sun ☉, Aries Moon ☽, and Leo Ascendant/Rising ⇡. My name is Juniper June Shay and my pronouns are they/them & ze/zir. The secret: we are all capable of magic if we believe in ourselves and the world around us. Raised in a predominantly Atheist home, I found the space to explore spirituality, mythology, or otherworldly divinity was limited. Astrology gave me the key to open the door into the mystic; there is a reason they call it the language of the cosmos. Here’s a look into a day in my life with an accompanying playlist.
Juniper photographed by DGT Portraits
Wednesday
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"Intro" by The xx
10:00 a.m. – I am not particularly a morning person, hence the late start. I always start and end my day with some music. Tunes set the mood and are essential for me to generate a harmonious headspace. I instinctively play my Spotify playlist Scorpio Sound: The Mixtape to tap into my energy. I am warmly received by Coco, a loyal and people-loving Shorkie (Shih-Tzu Yorkie mix). A wave of calmness washes over me.
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"My Song" by Labi Siffre
10:05 a.m. – I scroll through my IG feed and come across the face of the lovely Capricorn Enga Domingue. I actually discovered Dooz because I saw her post as a #DoozMuse on Instagram: “As a Capricorn, we might not always want to stick around but we’ll always leave you better than we found you. So proud and honored to work with @dooznyc celebrating astrology womanhood diversity & individuality.” I guess the algorithm got it right this time. Or it was fate, because those words spoke to me. I immediately needed to see the Scorpio Céleste Bag and Sweater-T.
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"People Are Strange" by The Doors
10:10 a.m. – I buckle Coco’s harness on and head for the door. On our walk, I notice that the gate to one of NYC’s smallest historical districts, Sniffen and Court, is open by chance because a gardener is watering the plants/cleaning the street. I stop in my tracks and scramble through my purse to find my Contax TVS, aim, and capture the magic.
My love of photography can be accredited to my eccentric Aquarius father, Farhad. My dad constantly documented my childhood. It didn’t take long for me to want to get behind the lens.
Photographed by Dr. Farhad (Phil) Shay, Aquarius
Photography gives me true existential fulfillment, especially when photos include beloved friends and family. In fact, I believe there is divinity in connection. I use my photographs to transcend both reality and nostalgia. I am fascinated by all of the different ways we reminisce, dream, and express ourselves. These projections allow us to live our most authentic truth.
My photography aims to capture the intimacy and mysticality of a moment. I am drawn to the junction where the visual, audio, written word, and human connection meet I listen to music while working on a project, because it yields a more organic final product, not to mention it’s more enjoyable I especially love experimenting with color schemes and body posture to further enhance the visual narrative. Capturing the essence, mantra, and purpose of the Earth in harmony with all its creatures is my true goal. That is truly why I become overwhelmed: when I can permanently capture moments that spark joy, embracing the beautiful chaos that is this universe – Scorpio intensity!
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"That’s Life (feat. Mac Miller & Sia)" by 88-Keys
10:45 a.m. – I scarf down the veggie omelet my younger sister, Camille made me, and I’m on my way to the nonprofit outpatient mental health clinic MDCSNYC. I graduated from college this past spring and was recently hired as their Social Media Manager after completing my summer internship. Inclusive and informative mental health advocacy is of great importance to me. I am extremely perceptive to the mood and energy of people and spaces, and it often affects my mentality. Scorpios are known for their supernatural capabilities; they are in touch with the realm of good and evil. Because of an innate ability to explore and surrender to the wide spectrum of human emotions and experiences, Scorpios make great healers and therapists.
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"Patience" by Tame Impala
11:00 a.m. – I brew my morning cup of coffee in the staff lounge.
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"The Prince Of The Hanging Gardens" by Beatenberg
My piece is about the benefits of horticultural therapy, using information from the American Horticultural Therapy Association website. I selected this topic because I recently enrolled in Horticultural Therapy classes through the New York Botanical Garden. I wish to further explore the mystical healing powers of flora, which creates a sense of rebirth in patients. Something Scorpios know a lot about – picking up the pieces from the ashes and growing something entirely new.
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"Being Here" by Vacationer
2:10 p.m. – I snack on various chocolate candies in the staff lounge, which leaves me craving sour straws. I need my snacks to have a balanced flavor profile.
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"Red Wine" by Grapetooth
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"Orbit" by Nao
6:30 p.m. – I head home to finally watch the season finale of Euphoria (don’t worry, no spoilers. Scorpios can be cruel, but you have to bruise their ego first). I’ve been holding off because I love the show so much and I don’t want to face the inevitable withdrawal until season two. I’m a bit impatient and not so great at goodbyes.
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"Paint Me Silver" by Pond
8:00 p.m. – I head over Jenny Urban's apartment, we’ve been best friends for 14 years. Unsurprisingly, Jenny is a Cancer. The Scorpio-Cancer water sign combo epitomizes trust and loyalty. I know in my heart that our friendship is eternal – she has seen me through all forms of my evolution, and has loved me consistently.
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"I Met You" by Anna Lunoe and Flume
–Juniper June Shay
Cover image and other images courtesy of Juniper June Shay, unless otherwise credited
