Astrology: Sun Sign Gemini

Albrecht Durer, Adam and Eve , engraving, Germany, 1504. Durer was a Gemini, born 21 May 1471.

“I don’t think I’m tangible to myself.”

Bob Dylan,singer-songwriter, author, Gemini b. 24 May 1941

The Sun travels through the astrological sign of Gemini from ~ 22 May to ~ 21 June each year. In the Northern Hemisphere, Spring is in full swing, flowers are blooming, birds have returned from their southern sojourns and nature is bursting with activity, bright, noisy, cheerful and busy, much like Gemini. Open the window wide on a warm spring day and let the breeze flutter through the curtains. See the papers stir on your desk, perhaps lift and drift to the floor. Step outside into a garden, or better yet, go to a hillside or mountain, feel the wind over the earth, and see the pollen and dandelion seeds floating on the air currents, the butterflies hover and dart, and listen to the humming of the bees as they move from flower to flower, ever eager to catch the best pollen hoard. That’s Gemini, soft and light, sharp and quick, a balm to those who suffer from boredom, but a potential irritant to the particularly sensitive. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Earth is falling deeper into the throes of late Autumn, and while many people assume that to be a quiet time, it is actually one of the busiest seasons as the earth is deeply engaged in multiple processes that will ensure the return of fecundity with the inevitable rise of solar power. Either way, Spring or Autumn, Gemini is busy, busy, busy as the elements go about their business collecting, organizing and preparing material reality for its next phase of existence.

Ah, Gemini. Delightfully changeable or maddeningly inconsistent? Superficial, or meticulous? Which is it? Why not both? Gemini loves variety, spontaneity, jokes, puzzles, tricks, mysteries, mischief and most importantly, communicating.  Gemini is Mutable Air, ever changing, flowing and dancing from topic to topic, from one personality trait to the next, one scene to the next, one person to the next.  Ruled by Mercury, God of Tricksters and Thieves, the fundamental impetus is to knowledge, conversation, categorization, definition, analysis and logic. Gemini find that every single little thing is a joy of discovery. Why stop to make a commitment when there’s always more to do, see and be? To stand still is boring, lifeless and dull. The next thing might be so much better than what is here now, so it’s best to keep moving and discovering. 

Gemini Tarot Correspondence Tarot Major Arcana VI: The Lovers (Rider Waite Smith Tarot)

Gemini feels most authentic when allowing themselves to be versatile. Society often deems Gemini as superficial, but it isn’t as simple as that. In fact, the Gemini mind is most complex, forever collecting, comparing, defining and redefining all that it knows. The designation of “The Twins” is a nod to their need for versatility and their capacity to shift perspectives. Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, is often considered an amoral god, as the line between good and evil is ill-defined for one with such extensive knowledge, and the ability to take the opposing view with little hesitation, merely because there is definable and sound logic in the argument can be maddening to those with fixed opinions. Sales people, stock brokers, businessmen, secretaries, writers, journalists and educators fully embrace a flexible mind and open morals, as it is in objectivity that we truly discover the truth. Gemini can handle routine, but only insofar as there is some variety within that routine. Excellent at multi-tasking, they want nothing more than to cover all the bases, as fast as possible, win the game and go on to play another one, preferably with a whole new set of people.  They love the idea of more – more talking, thinking, planning, and then entirely changing their minds to find an ever better scheme than the original.  Change is anathema to many people, but to the Gemini is it is as necessary as the air we breathe. When it comes to love – male, female, transgender, asexual, auto-sexual, gay, straight, pansexual – who cares, as long as they are interesting. Stuck on how to fix a problem? Ask a Gemini and you will get multiple solutions tossed at you, categorized in hierarchical order like it was nothing.  Can’t figure out how to approach that cute potential date?  Ask a Gemini, they’ve been there, done that.  A quick text and away you go, off on a new adventure. Need someone to be there at the most important event of your life?  Maybe don’t ask your Gemini bestie. While they might be very enthusiastic, there’s no telling if something far more interesting than you might crop up as a distraction that cannot be resisted, and if you are a sensitive type, it could lead to tears, recrimination, rumor mongering and some sorry ego bruising.  Life with Gemini is certainly never boring, and once you get the knack of the ever-changing whims and moods, you are in for an unforgettable treat of a ride.

Gemini’s polarity lies in the sign of Sagittarius. While busy accumulating data and proving that they have it all ready and meticulously catalogued, Gemini might take a lesson from their alter-ego Sagittarius, and remember the big picture of life, the universe and everything. Facts, figures and collections are extraordinarily valuable things, for indeed, where would be be as a civilization if it weren’t for the power of logic and reasoning? But in order to find balance and meaning, Gemini has to keep in mind the grand scheme of things, the long view, and the ultimate destination. You might not have received the communication you need right now to get your immediate task completed, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing when you allow room for things to float and rise about the nitty-gritty sometimes? And if anything, Sagittarius can remind Gemini to laugh – laugh loud, laugh hard and keep it light, because as they have learned, nobody likes a know-it all!

  • Keywords: versatile, quixotic, changeable, dynamic, adaptable, communicative, witty, intellectual, analytic, rational, logical, cunning, insensitive, inconsistent, superficial, jumpy, anxious
  • Rulership: Mercury, the God of Thieves, Tricksters, Travelers, Merchants, messenger of the Gods
  • Modality: Mutable Air
  • Polarity: positive masculine
  • Gemstone: aquamarine, clear crystals, alexandrite, tourmaline, spar
  • Metals: mercury (quicksilver),
  • Tarot: The Lovers
  • Colors: yellow, orange, mauve, pale reddish grey
  • Deities: Mercury, Janus, Castor and Pollux, Apollo, twin deities hybrid deities
  • Flora: birch, hybrid plants, orchids, hazel, nut bearing trees and shrubs, marjoram, lavender, ferns, lily of the valley, caraway, peas, beans
  • Fauna: hybrid creatures
  • Famous Gemini personalities: Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Rudy Giuliani, John F. Kennedy, Boris Johnson, Xi Jinping, Aung San Suu Kyi, Bob Dylan, Helena Bonham Carter, Chris Evans, Angelina Jolie, Tupac Shakur, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Nicks, Natalie Portman, Kanye West, Johnny Depp, Paul McCartney, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (twins), Prince, Nicole Kidman, Clint Eastwood, Pancho Villa, Elon Musk, Egon Schiele, Diego Velasquez, Albrecht Durer, Paul Gaugin, Mary Cassatt.

Astrology: Sun Sign Virgo

Quentin Metsys the Younger, Sieve Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, oil on panel, England, 1583. Elizabeth is portrayed as Tuccia, a Vestal Virgin who proved her chastity by carrying a sieve full of water from the Tiber to the Temple of Vesta. Elizabeth was a Virgo, b. 7 September 1533 – d. 24 March 1633.

We teachers can only help the work going on, as servants wait upon a master.

Maria Montessori, Italian physician and educator, founder of Montessori Method, Virgo, b. 31 August 1870- d. 6 May 1952

The Sun moves through the sign of Virgo each year from approximately August 23 – September 21, the final month of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. As the earth rejoices in the richness of early harvest, and preparations for the long winter ahead are still a consideration for tomorrow Mutable Earth wants nothing more but to experience the myriad permutations of this physical world. There are so many things to consider, digest, explore, analyze. So many facts to derive, so many positions, juxtapositions. All so very interesting! But wait, don’t get too familiar, because familiarity is a bit too…sticky. Virgo likes to keep things pure, simple, and somewhat at arms length. There is no harm here, no judgement, it’s simply…cleaner, more rational, and tidy. Virgo loves to analyze, to help, and to know. And if they know about you, then you had better consider yourself a very lucky soul, because they simply do not bother with anything that is not interesting. At worst, you will be dismissed with a shrug , perhaps a critical comment to consider as you are dismissed. At best, you will become the object of concern, consideration, scheduled attention, detailed management. Love for Virgo is a matter of caring, and if a Virgo cares about you, pay attention, because these people know their stuff.

“Make sure you eat your vegetables, get 8 hours of sleep, drink 2 liters of water a day…!”.  Rules, routines and guidelines are just the kind of thing that makes Virgo super happy.  This is Mutable Earth, a state of being that embodies and grounds the often random and mysterious facts of life. Categorization is a joy to Virgo, cataloging and delineating are like a fine wine to people who value reason above all else. They will always be there for you if you happen to need detailed advice or a thorough critique of just how you are incorrect in every way, and a compendium of facts pertaining to just about any question you can come up with. Virgo like details, they like precision, they like things tidy and organized and boy, do they like schedules. Got a messy problem?  Call a Virgo.  They are the type of people who just love to be left alone with sticky problems. You can come back in a few hours (or minutes, depending on your Virgo) and there you go, problem solved, and if you are wise enough to take their advice, your situation will be better than ever before, with innovations and ideas for future improvement to boot.  Virgo cares – about you, about the bigger picture, about doing the right thing, and in the right way. Virgo is perfectly content to let others believe what they want, quietly observing and making notes for future access, because they understand better than anyone that knowledge is power, and if you have power, you really don’t need to go advertising it. Aristotle said “What lies in our power to do, lies in our power not to do.” A Virgo can understand this perfectly, as power is a matter of choice, an execution of will, and without the knowledge and details to back you up, you’d might as well not bother. Go away and perhaps try again when you know what you are doing.

Virgo Tarot Correspondence – Major Arcana IX: The Hermit (Rider Waite Smith Tarot)

Many Virgos can be a bit retiring in overtly social situations (more or less depending on their Leo/Libra spread), because they tend to get a bit confused as to how to present themselves, always thinking of rules of decorum, order of communication, social protocol etc. Are they going to be boring, or should they just let themselves go this time? Always polite, though occasionally overweening, these folks do love to share their insights if they find the right person to listen to their pet theories, of which they usually have many.  The original nerds of the zodiac, Virgos are people who will gladly take on any type of situation, however gross, weird or confusing, with an almost clinical eye that moves past the squeamishness that would make others run for the hills.  If you have an Uncle who just loves to talk about his favorite hobby ad nauseum, and the very sight of him brings back looming memories of time spent listening to the very detailed ins and outs of tropical fly fishing, he might just be a Virgo. But don’t be surprised if that hot scientist who is expounding on their latest discovery, full of charisma and vigor is a Virgo too. These folks are usually quite surprising, and take a bit of time to understand. On a personal level, physical intimacy can be taxing (so close, so weird, so new, so messy!) and they may just leave their socks on all the time (if you know what I mean).

Virgo’s polarity lies in the mutable, watery sign of Pisces, and it is by taking a page from Pisces’ playbook that Virgo might learn a few things about why they are the way they are. Pisces has deep lessons of compassion, fluidity and universality that, while often confounding and overwhelming, can give analytic, earth-bound Virgo something to think about, infusing the occasionally dry sensibility of Virgo with a richness and depth they might not even know they need. Let yourself take the plunge, Virgo – go out into the Pisces deep end every now and again and dive down, for there are untold treasures in the depths that can only add to the richness of knowledge that you have already accumulated.

  • Keywords: diligent, considerate, astute, precise, meticulous, modest, shy, practical, observant, intelligent, reliable, orderly, fastidious, petulant, obsessive, finicky, snobbish, demeaning, harsh, prudish, hypercritical, anxious, conservative, tense
  • Rulership: Mercury
  • Modality: Mutable Earth
  • Polarity: negative feminine
  • Gemstone: mercury, sardonyx, peridot, pink jasper
  • Metal: mercury, nickel, flint
  • Tarot: The Hermit
  • Color: navy blue, dark green, dark brown, yellowish green, plum, grey green, slate grey, violet
  • Deities: Isis (as Virgin), Attis, Persephone, Eve, Ceres, Adonis
  • Flora: forget-me-not, snowdrop, lily, narcissus, buttercup, cardamom, carrots, endive, grain, hay, millet, oats, potatoes, skullcap, valerian, wheat
  • Fauna: all small domestic animals, in general, chickens, small felines, dogs
  • Famous Virgo personalities: Queen Elizabeth I, Louis XIV, Michael Jackson, Mother Teresa, Maria Montessori, Kobe Bryant, Freddie Mercury, Beyoncé Knowles, Amy Winehouse, Lance Armstrong, Whitey Bulger, Leo Tolstoy, Aaron Paul, Faith Hill, Greta Garbo, Keanu Reeves, Stephen King, Prince Harry, Jimmy Fallon, Nick Jonas, Jennifer Hudson, Pink, Idris Alba, Rose McGowan, Nick Cave, Sheryl Sandberg

Astrology: Sun Sign Libra

François Boucher, Venus Consoling Love, oil on canvas, France, 1781. Boucher was a Libra, b 29 September 1703 d.30 May 1770.

“The truth is rarely pure, and never simple.”

Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895. Wilde was a Libra, b. 16 October 1854 d.30 November 1900,

The Sun travels through Libra from ~23 September – ~23 October each year. Associated with the warm days of Autumn, the month of Libra is typically one of the more pleasant times of the year. Venus expresses herself in Libra as the paragon of refinement. Not one wrinkle, smudge or gaffe is permitted when Libra is in the house. Lights must be just so, flowers arranged exactly to best effect, food and wine perfectly paired, outfit showing off figure to maximum benefit, makeup perfectly applied, music pleasantly interesting, and the party filled with good friends and many laughs. Would that every day could be a party, a vivid discussion, a visit to the art gallery, an argument settled and peace restored. Cardinal Air loves nothing so much as to set things straight, ensure that balance and harmony reign, and that the angles are all correctly applied. Not that Libra doesn’t love a good fight, in fact, they often instigate conflict in order to control the restitution of peace. They love to be peace brokers, having their hand on the scale, occasionally tipping it one way or the other just to ensure that they can maintain the position of leadership, arbiter, and final judge on any topic. As far as they are concerned, until they have had their say, the matter is not settled, nor is it even worthy of consideration unless they deem it worthy. They may be pleasant, but never be fooled into thinking that lovely Libra is anyone’s pushover.

“Should I call him or not?”  “What do you think of this blouse?  But what about that one?” “Should we have pizza or sushi tonight?  I can’t decide”.  A Libra mother bought her son two ties for his birthday, both of which were fine silk, beautifully made, each with elegant patterns. She invited him over to dinner, and thinking he would please her, he wore one of the ties that evening, to show her how much he appreciated it. As he sat down at the table, his Libra mother looked at him and said – “Why are you wearing that tie?  You didn’t like the other one I bought you?”  Classic Libra.  Libra has a reputation for being indecisive, but it isn’t quite as simple as this. Libra people do tend to have a bit of trouble when it comes to making decisions, but it is mostly because they just don’t want to allow the thought that one thing could be better than anything else. It just wouldn’t be fair, as everything has its merits, if you look hard enough, and justice requires that we do just that.  They may fully prefer white, but if you choose black, then they will argue black with you, because they love you, they can see your point, and well, it would be better if you both agree to the same thing, wouldn’t it? They love to love, and they take pride in seeing the good in all. They will be very thorough in sussing out all the possibilities in any situation, considering and talking through each question from a myriad of perspectives, discussing with anyone who will listen, and looking around for further input to add to the mix already at hand. 

Libra Tarot Correspondence – Major Arcana XI: Justice (Rider Waite Smith Tarot)

Libras present themselves gracefully, and you will rarely experience any instances of vulgarity, offensiveness or any sort of unpleasantness when dealing with a Libra.  They strive for peaceful circumstances, pleasant people and surroundings with which to occupy themselves. Discord or unpleasantness can make them physically and emotionally ill.  They will simply avoid people who upset them in any way, by being too loud, forward, rude or otherwise unpleasant. Often it is hard to understand exactly what has upset your Libra friends, and even they may have a hard time putting a finger on it, but they will simply know that something was “off”, and will avoid any repeat events until they figure out to their satisfaction how and why the situation can be remedied. Arguments can send them reeling for days, and recovery can occasionally require complete elimination of anything upsetting or bothersome. Arriving at a peaceful conclusion is the driving force behind their actions, and if they do not reason that peace can be achieved, they will move on to a more congenial circumstance. Life is short, why bother with misery? They are idealistic, and in their minds, a just world is a peaceful world, where all wrongs have been righted, all viewpoints are considered valid, and everyone’s thoughts are accorded with merit. How could anything less be fair? Libra can always be counted on to lift your spirits with their gentle loveliness, and when faced with a serious situation, even if the circumstances are life and death, they will always be able to choose the gentlest words, and the most just and equitable solution. Always fair and kind, Libra is the natural peacemaker of the Zodiac, motivated to lead the way to harmony, restore beauty and nurture friendship with all.

As Libra can have trouble with being a bit too accommodating sometimes, it can be helpful for them to tap into their polarity sign, Aries. Aries can teach Libra that it’s just fine to stand up for yourself, put your foot down, make a firm decision and initiate action. People will still love you, even if you decide to take a stand on your own, and relationships will not crumble if you don’t always defer to the prevailing mood or opinion. Libra can benefit from tapping into that maverick Aries energy once in a while, especially if they find themselves muddled with too many considerations.

  • Key words: fair, sociable, aesthetic, erudite, diplomatic, urbane, romantic, idealistic, just, peaceful, harmonious, indecisive, fickle, gullible, flirtatious, auto-erotic, flippant, elusive, superficial, prevaricating.
  • Rulership: Venus
  • Modality: Cardinal Air
  • Polarity: Positive, Masculine
  • Gemstone: sapphire, jade, chrysolite, coral, diamonds, opals, quartz
  • Metal: copper
  • Tarot: Justice
  • Color: emerald green, shades of blue, pink, pale green, deep green, crimson, yellow
  • Deities: Aphrodite, Eris/Discordia, Ishtar, Maat, Themis, Rhadamanthus, Minos, Vulcan, Yama
  • Flora: aloe, white roses, hydrangea, blue flowers, berries, dried legumes, wheat, apples, pears, grapes, mint, ash, poplar, tobacco, flowers in general, lilies, pansies, strawberries, violets
  • Fauna: lizards and small reptiles, elephants, nightingales,
  • Famous Libra Personalities: Mahatma Gandhi, John Lennon, Margaret Thatcher, Oscar Wilde, Serena Williams, Eminem, Pierre Trudeau, Kate Winslet, Will Smith, Jimmy Carter, Lee Harvey Oswald, Matt Damon, Heinrich Himmler, Vladimir Putin, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Theresa May, Bela Lugosi, Johnny Ramone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Simon Cowell, Carrie Fisher, Snoop Dogg, Anne Rice, Benjamin Netanyahu, Annie Leibovitz, Danny Glover, Desmond Tutu, Sting

Astrology: Sun Sign Sagittarius

Diego Rivera, Exploitation of Mexico by Spanish Conquistadors, mural, 1929-1945, Mexico City – Palacio Nacional,
Rivera was a Sagittarius, b 8 December 1886 d. 24 November 1957.

“When I tell the truth, it is not for the sake of convincing those who do not know it, but for the sake of defending those that do.”

William Blake, poet, painter. Sagittarius, b. 28 November 1757 – d. 12 August 1827

Imagine yourself rolling down an open highway in a fast convertible, top down, on a starry, cloudless night.  Nothing but the wind, the stars, and you. (Well, maybe a buddy if you are so inclined).  Feel the freedom, the rush of the open air, the blast of freshness and the sense of invincibility, of pure joy.  That’s Sagittarius energy, boundless, huge and high.  Sagittarians are the embodiment of Mutable Fire, like the fire of starlight, of the spark of inspiration, fleeting and sudden, changeable and inconstant. People have said that this is Fire at its coldest, but rather, it is Fire at its most potent. This is the Fire that Prometheus stole from Zeus to empower his creation, giving humanity a chance to crawl out of the mud of basic existence to a state of openness and inspiration, imbuing humankind with the potential to learn, grow, and soar in the realms of spirit and intellect.

The Sun moves into Sagittarius from approximately 23 November to 21 December, and in the Northern Hemisphere, this is late autumn. This is the time when students everywhere are in the rush and depths of their studies. Preparations are being made for the Christmas festivities of December 25, and the world is jovial and excited. People sing carols, the party season is in full swing, bonhomie and goodwill is shared among all. It is an inescapable energy, and the world gets caught up in it every year, eating, drinking and spending money to excess. These are the days of Jupiter, Sagittarius’ ruler, and if anything, an ostentatious party with the best food, drink and friends is the name of the game, a gathering where people can share themselves, reaching out with their philosophies, ideas for progress and furthering their lots, discussing pet projects, gossiping and giving to their favorite charities. Jupiter infuses Sagittarius with an unquenchable optimism and generosity, and you can always count on your Sagittarius friends to help when you really need it (if you can find them, that is!). It is easy for the Jupiter-ruled to understand your situation for they are broadminded, ever willing to lend a hand or share a laugh. They are limitless in their creativity, and they love their friends like no other, loyal to the end, always ready to come up with the best kind of reminiscing, always quick to recall the best of a person – the best story, the best laugh, the best characteristic – and they sweep aside negativity with impatience and disdain, for if anyone understands the phrase “There but for the grace of God, go I”, it is a Sagittarian.

Sagittarius Tarot Correspondence – Major Arcana XIV: Temperance (Rider Waite Smith Tarot)

At their best, Sagittarius is enthusiastic, fun-loving, loyal, optimistic, uplifting, encouraging, open-minded, philosophical, intellectual, flexible, positive, motivating, honest and true. At its worst, Sagittarius can be fickle, escapist, unmotivated, tactless, foolishly optimistic, careless, irresponsible, messy, inconsiderate, and prevaricating. Mutable Fire gives Sagittarius the essence of Air, inspiring and fanning the flames of spirit and development, but given that Mutability, there is a tendency to be inconstant and easily bored. Chances are, when you are looking for your Sagittarius friend or partner, they are off doing something of their choosing, freewheeling and fun, even if it’s a business meeting or an onerous task. The inborn optimism of these people makes it hard for them to acknowledge that things are difficult, or even bad, and they can have a tendency to building castles in the air if they are not careful. They will always look on the sunny side, and put you to shame with your moping, grumbling negativity. Need to be cheered up? Call a Sagittarius buddy, and soon you’ll be laughing again, pondering the mysteries of the universe and plans for the next get-together. There are no better people to turn to when you need a lift, a good insight, an alternative perspective or to settle your qualms because Sagittarius is positivity personified. It’s true that they don’t like it when things get serious, but they will respect the requirements of the situation, and respond with a broad-minded, gentle and probing philosophy that leaves most people wondering just what other mysteries this person has hidden in their depths.

Sagittarius’ polarity sign is Gemini, and when Sagittarius are at their most free-wheeling it can be very helpful for them to remember their very particular Gemini friends who are more than ready to sit them down, make a list, check and double check the facts, setting them off with a solid plan for achievement that will keep the spring in their step and the smile on their face. Sagittarius needs to mind the details sometimes, and tapping into Gemini energy is a great way to keep a sense of balance, continual enthusiasm and achievement flowing. Boring? Maybe, but imagine the bragging rights you’ll have if you’ve got some solid facts behind your big plans, Sagittarius!

  • Keywords: idealistic, enthusiastic, vibrant, jovial, humorous, optimistic, visionary, inspiring, intellectual, humane, just, friendly, gregarious, philosophical, broad-minded, messy, superficial, scattered, careless, insensitive, tactless, inconsiderate, assumptive
  • Rulership: Jupiter
  • Modality: Mutable Fire
  • Polarity: Positive masculine
  • Gemstone: topaz, quartz, turquoise garnets (carbuncles)
  • Metal: tin
  • Tarot: Temperance
  • Color: purple, dark blue, green, yellow, deep, rich colors, pale green
  • Deities: Jupiter, Zeus, Nephthys, Apollo, Artemis, Vishnu, Diana the Huntress,
  • Flora: betony, carnations, dandelion, sage, aniseed, balsam, cinnamon, moss, garlic, celery, onions, currants, raisings, leeks, lime, birch, mulberry, oak, ash, chestnut, lichen, mallow, palm trees,
  • Fauna: horses, game animals, elk,
  • Famous Sagittarius Personalities: Pope Francis, Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Thomas Becket, Mary Queen of Scots, Ludwig van Beethoven, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Taylor Swift, Franz Ferdinand, Pablo Escobar, Brad Pitt, Bruce Lee, Billie Eilish, Ozzy Osbourne, Stephen Spielberg, Scarlett Johansson, Diego Rivera, Emmanuel Macron, Nicki Minaj, William Blake, C.S. Lewis , Miley Cyrus, Alyssa Milano, Nostradamus, Georges Seurat, Jake Gyllenhaal, Samuel L. Jackson, Richard Pryor, Keith Richards, Joseph Conrad, Gianni Versace, Andre Gide, Woody Allen