I think it’s safe to say that 2020 hasn’t been the best year for many of us. From natural disasters to viruses to a tumultuous political landscape, I’ve found myself daydreaming of simpler times as a way to escape the negative reality we are experiencing for a little while. And don’t get me wrong; I’m all for living in the moment and making the most of life while you still can. But sometimes I can’t shake the feeling that I was meant to live in a different era than I do. If you ever feel the same way, check out this list of decades I created for each zodiac sign that hasn’t been vibing with the 21st century lately.
- Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): 1960s
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Grounded, level-headed, dependable, and unwavering, the “Swinging Sixties” is the perfect decade for earth signs. This era put people through many trials and tribulations such as the infamous assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Kent State shootings, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. However, the 1960s were also marked by the first manmade footprints on the face of the Moon, the rise of the Beatles in the United States, and the height of the Civil Rights movement marked by Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. The timeless film The Sound of Music was released during this time, as well as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which perfectly represented the glamor of the age and the appreciation of “the finer things.” This was a decade of major transformation, with many highs and many lows, but change was made all the same. Earth signs are not ones to abandon their goals or give up on their dreams, and the 60s wasn’t where dreams went to die, but rather where they went to thrive. With time and patience, momentous accomplishments were made, and earth signs are some of the most persevering of all. They are also known for their acute artistic abilities; the 60s has been named the “Age of Pop.” Perhaps the most popular pop artist, Andy Warhol brought colorful and lively artwork to the forefront of the artworld and the attention of people across the globe. Some of his most celebrated pieces include the “Campbell’s Soup Cans” and his drawing of famous actress, model, and singer “Marilyn Monroe.” And just like 60s politics, art, and historical events, fashion was another place that was used for self-expression, especially with women. Second-wave feminism strengthened the confidence of females across the nation, and soon bikinis, fringe, and bold prints were just a few of the 60s style staples that encouraged women to stop hiding and start loving their bodies. They were inspired to come into their power and to embrace who they are. This represents the determination, endless strength, and open-mindedness of earth signs.
- Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): 1970s
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Fire signs are, as a whole, very laid back and have a ‘go with the flow’ mentality. That is, unless you manage to piss them off. The 1970s is a hidden gem, from the fashion to the music to the historical movements during this time. During the summer of 1979 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, thousands of young people gathered and blew up their disco records at Disco Demolition Night. This momentous event marked the end of disco and welcomed in the revolutionary music genre that is rock and roll. Legendary artists include Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, Aerosmith, and Led Zeppelin, just to name a few. Like the fire signs, the 1970s was all about inspiring change and moving into a more peaceful future. Woodstock in ’69 marked the end of the 1960s, and this “Peace & Music” message of the festival reflects the harmonious and spontaneous mentality of fire signs that continued on into the 70s as well. The continued push for increased women’s rights was also central to the immense progression that occurred during this decade. It’s this radical thinking that matches the fiery, free-spirited personality of fire signs. If an Aries, a Sagittarius, and a Leo get together, major change is bound to happen. For example, many young people protested for peace and the end of Vietnam war in the late 60s and early 70s, and in 1973 U.S. troops were finally brought home. The clothing from that era is also brilliant – flared bell-bottom jeans, vibrant colors and patterns such as floral, and a staple that is still extremely popular today, miniskirts. People wore what they want, when they wanted to, and didn’t care about what anyone else thought. The viewpoints from this decade reflected the carefree lifestyles and strong intuition and peace of mind that fire signs have. They want to make the most of the moment and to live while they still can, and don’t see life as a one-way road, but rather as an adventure that is meant to lead them to unexpected places, with many twists, turns and detours along the way. This decade of “hippies” represents the way many fire signs don’t tend to plan ahead, overthink things, or worry much about the future.
- Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): 1980s
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The Breakfast Club, Michael Jackson, mom jeans, Top Gun, Whitney Houston, oversized blazers, music videos, Converse sneakers, and Madonna – the 1980s had a lot to offer. Similarly, air signs have a wide variety of personality traits that make them perfect to fit in with the 80s. Intelligent, curious, and great problem-solvers, Gemini’s, Aquarius’s, and Libra’s have the right characteristics that would lead them to forefront of educating and advocating for a solution to climate change, as the concept of Global Warming fell into the public eye during this decade. In 1989 the Berlin Wall fell, which marked the end of a long period of tension fueled by the threat of nuclear warfare known as the Cold War. Air signs tend to serve as peacemakers on account of their calm and collected natures and are the perfect people to go to when you need advice or someone to serve as an unbiased moderator in a conflict. They will always tell it how it is and won’t sugar coat the truth. But just like the rebellious and revolutionary culture of the 1980s, don’t risk getting on an air signs’ bad side. They will always say it how it is and aren’t afraid to make a powerful statement; for instance, one of fashion. The style in the 80s can best be described as “big”; poufy hair, bright colors, crazy patterns, and lots of sparkle, sequins, and shine. Women began exploring bolder makeup, tracksuits and leotards become popular, and the preppy style combo of tennis skirts and cable-knit vests that is being revived today was in its prime. Air signs are not afraid to stand out and to encourage others to as well. They want to help make the world a better place, and if today’s world isn’t quite your perfect fit as an air sign, the 80s just may have been.
- Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): 1990s
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The 1990s was a very diverse and multicultural decade in terms of politics, music, and fashion. The water signs are known for leading by their heart instead of their head, allowing logic and reason to take a backseat to sentiment and empathy. They tend to express their emotion through creative outlets and always put others before themselves. This is represented in the style of the 90s, which consisted of grunge and non-conformist fashion. This was the start of slip dresses as outerwear and the increased popularity of fabrics like silk and satin. Another trend is slim pants and the introduction of active wear into everyday style – fashion became more form-fitting. The casual chic trend of simple t-shirts, jeans, hoodies, and sneakers really took over as well, and fashion moguls that many women based their own style off of were supermodels, specifically the original Big Five; Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Tatjana Patitz. These women celebrated the female body and made it clear that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish as a woman, no matter how big your dream is. This shows the way that water signs will always stay true to themselves and aren’t afraid to be who they are; they’re not scared to make their life what they want it and won’t let anyone hold them back. In 1991 the acts of police brutality against Rodney King shook the nation, bringing the issue of systemic racism into the spotlight and inspiring reform, similar to the events that occurred this year. Water signs are helpers; they’re all about transforming the status quo, nurturing and loving, and advocating on the behalf of others to make a real difference in people’s lives.