ARIES
These fire-headed fire signs are a THERMOMETER (duh). Galileo Galilei is often mistakenly credited as the inventor of the thermometer–he invented something called a thermoscope, but that’s a story for another day–a title that more accurately belongs to Italian scientist Santorio Santorio. In 1612, the double-named guy applied a scale to an air thermoscope, effectively inventing the first true thermometer, though its accuracy was limited by a lack of understanding about air pressure’s effects. The first sealed liquid-in-glass thermometer was developed later in the century, in 1654, by Ferdinand II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, using alcohol–though this lacked a standardized scale. (It wasn’t until 1714 that the Dutch-German-Polish Gabriel Fahrenheit introduced the mercury thermometer, significantly improving accuracy through mercury’s predictable expansion and better glasswork techniques.) Just like a thermometer reacts to temperature changes, these fiery rams are quickly reactive to the situation around them–and they certainly aren’t shy about cranking up the intensity. When they get fired up, it’s bonfire level. Whether they’re stirring the pot in a debate or igniting a new passion project, Aries knows how to bring vigor hotter than a heat wave during estate italiana. And let’s not forget these rams’ mood swings; Aries can shift gears like a thermometer that goes from scorching to chilly in a flash.
TAURUS
“Work hard, rest hard,” could be the motto of these earth signs. The reliable, determined Taurus doesn’t rush when it comes to work, but rather focuses on getting things done properly, no matter how long it takes. And, once their check list is complete, Taurus certainly knows how to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Their love of well-being means they take relaxation seriously (they kinda take everything seriously)–and it’s for this very reason that they’re none other than the JACUZZI. These hot tubs can be traced back to the seven Jacuzzi brothers, Italian immigrants to the US who originally designed airplane propellers and pumps for irrigation systems. In the 1940s, when Candido Jacuzzi sought a solution to alleviate his young son’s rheumatoid arthritis, the family adapted their existing technology to create a portable hydrotherapy pump that could be submerged in a bathtub for a therapeutic whirlpool effect. It’s an invention clearly worthy of these bulls, who can turn any day from blah to bliss. Chill hangouts with the likes of cozy comfort dishes, crafts, and matching PJ sets are hallmarks of these luxury lovers. So if you need a little pampering and peace, look no further than your friendly neighborhood Taurus–just don’t get too comfortable, for their sass is always on the verge of bubbling up.
Courtesy of Paulo Jacuzzi
GEMINI
These air signs are a RADIO, because they’ve got all the right channels to keep the good vibes flowing. Just like a radio can switch between smooth jazz and rock ’n’ roll, Geminis are the ultimate social DJs, able to tune into any conversation and mix it up with their quick wit. After patenting wireless telegraphy in 1896, Bolognese Guglielmo Marconi, the “father of radio”, achieved his first major feat in 1899 by transmitting across the English Channel. His crowning accomplishment, however, came in 1901, when he sent the first transatlantic radio signal from Cornwall, England, to Newfoundland, Canada, a distance of 3,500 km. His less-than-savory connection to Italian Fascism aside, Marconi received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909, and, on the day of his death in 1937, the BBC Radio network fell silent for two full minutes in honor of his contribution. Like a radio, Geminis have a wide range of frequencies under their belts, always balancing different hobbies, careers, passions, and circles of friends; to these twins, variety really is the spice of life. The Gemini versatility, however, can sometimes come across as inconsistency, when they’re affectionate one moment, and then distant or aloof the next, the way a radio can switch from world affairs to pop hits at the turn of a dial. It’s the hot-and-cold sign’s version of static to flit from one topic (or one mood) to another faster than the speed of light! (Which just so happens to be the speed of radio waves–300,000,000 meters per second.)
CANCER
Cancers meet their match in the TYPEWRITER–both old souls with traditional values. Just as a typewriter requires care and precision to convey its message, Cancers put deep emotional thought into everything they say or do; as full of heartfelt expression as the click-clack of keys forming words on paper. The evolution of the typewriter was a collaborative effort, with as many as 52 inventors independently contributing to its development over centuries. The very first typewriter-like device, however, was created in 1575 by Trentino printmaker Francesco Rampazetto, who developed the scrittura tattile, a machine designed to impress letters onto paper (his edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy is somewhat legendary). Fast forward to the beginning of the 19th century and Tuscan inventor Pellegrino Turri makes another huge leap when he crafts a typewriter specifically for his blind friend (perhaps lover?) Countess Carolina Fantoni da Fivizzano, as well as carbon paper that can provide ink to the machine. Just like Turri, it seems, family-minded Cancers are happy to take the time to craft something beautiful for those they love. And, while a typewriter’s charm lies in its imperfection and character, Cancers’ strength comes from their lack of gloss and their preference for the humble and the genuine. These crabs are all about slowly but surely pouring their hearts into every situation. To them, every word counts—just don’t be surprised if the time they take to process their feelings is more Olivetti than Apple!
LEO
These larger-than-life lions command the attention of any room; their charismatic presences can get anyone buzzing. Just like an ESPRESSO MACHINE brews up a rich, robust cup of coffee in a flash, Leos know how to inject excitement into any situation, making even the ordinary feel a little more electrifying. In 1884, bar and hotel owner Angelo Moriondo was on a mission to up the coffee game for his clients at his now-defunct establishments in Turin. He whipped up the first espresso machine prototype, a steam-powered contraption that pushed heated water through a bed of coffee grounds to extract flavor. It was a bold experiment, but this inventive design was more of a coffee catastrophe—awkward and inconvenient, it never made it past the prototype phase. Fast forward to 1903, when mechanical whiz Luigi Bezzera revolutionized the brewing process with a high-pressure steam system that made espresso extraction quicker and more efficient. Two years later, engineer Desiderio Pavoni snagged the patent for Bezzera’s brilliant invention, and together they launched the “Espresso Machine” in Milan under their La Pavoni brand. This new and improved espresso machine took Italian cafes by storm, serving up shots of espresso named after the speedy “treno espresso” (express train) of the time. Sometimes it seems like Leos could match the velocity of the espresso: always ready to zoom into action, Leos are all about that “go big or go home” mentality, charging ahead with bold ideas and a can-do attitude. These fire signs thrive on spontaneity, often deciding to take a weekend trip on a whim or hosting a last-minute gathering that turns into an epic bash–no matter what, having a Leo friend is like a shot of caffeine to your system and your schedule.
VIRGO
Perfectionists to the core, no detail (not a single one!) goes unnoticed by a Virgo–what better than EYEGLASSES? Just as eyeglasses sharpen one’s vision, Virgos have a knack for bringing order to chaos, offering clarity, precision, and… just an ounce of judgment. The earliest form of eyeglasses–two convex lenses set into wooden or metal frames, held up to the eyes by hand–is believed to have been invented around the late 13th century in Pisa and was used primarily by monks and scholars to aid in reading. The real game-changer in eyeglass development came in the 17th century, when the concave lens was introduced to correct nearsightedness; this advancement, combined with the printing revolution, led to a greater demand for reading glasses as more and more people became literate. Venice, one of the great centers of glassmaking during the Renaissance, became known for producing some of the highest-quality lenses, known as “Venetian cristallo”. The entire story practically screams Virgo; they’re the zodiac’s professional problem-solvers, always adjusting the lens to bring everything into focus. These detail-oriented detectives come armed with a crystal clear, critical eye and a no-nonsense attitude–rose-tinted lenses are nowhere to be found. This means that Virgos can often come across a bit harsh–your outfit wasn’t that bad–but they really just want to help you see things as they truly are.
LIBRA
Libras are basically the human version of a TELEPHONE. Just like the phone revolutionized communication, Libras have a knack for bridging gaps between people, bringing harmony to even the messiest of situations. You could even think of them as the original operators, constantly trying to connect people in a way that’s fair and balanced. Though many credit Graham Bell for the telephone–he was the first to patent it–Florentine innovator Antonio Meucci was the one who really invented the device in 1849. Working as a stage technician in the city’s famed Teatro della Pergola, Antonio Meucci built an acoustic telephone in 1834 for communication between the stage and control room, inspired by pipe-telephones used on ships. In 1856, Meucci developed a prototype for an electromagnetic telephone, which he used to communicate with his ill wife (the costume designer of Pergola); he from his basement laboratory and she from their second-floor bedroom. (He would create 29 more versions in the next 14 years.) Just like Meucci’s creation, these social butterflies love to feel connected and are always out on the town, dialing up the good vibes. They love a bit of back-and-forth banter, and they’re always on call for a chat. Missed their ring? Oh, you’ll be hearing from them—Libras, like telephones, don’t let things slide for long.
SCORPIO
What better for these mysterious water signs than SCUBA gear? In 1500, while working in Venice—a famously waterborne city—Leonardo da Vinci designed an early version of scuba gear intended for sneaky underwater attacks on enemy ships. His diving suit was made of leather and included a mask that covered the diver’s head. From the mask, two cane tubes extended up to a cork diving bell floating on the surface, supplying air to the diver below. The mask also featured a valve-operated balloon that could be inflated or deflated, allowing the diver to control their buoyancy and easily rise to the surface or sink deeper. It was the Tuscan polymath’s designs that inspired French Jacques Cousteau and Émile Gagnan in their invention of the first Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA). Diving deep is the name of the Scorpio game. These thrill seekers love to get beneath the surface–whether it’s the depths of the ocean or the complexities of human emotion–thriving in uncharted territories and always seeking to explore what others might miss. Just like you wouldn’t snorkel the Mariana Trench, you don’t get the full Scorpio experience by staying on the surface. They’re built to explore life’s darkest, most secret corners with the stealth and grace of deep-sea divers avoiding sharks.
Odd Henrik Johnsen on a scuba diving mission in Norway in the late 1960s
SAGITTARIUS
For these high energy fire signs, the most energy-giving invention: the BATTERY. In 1800, Como-born scientist Alessandro Volta revolutionized the world with the creation of the first true battery: the “Voltaic Pile.” This clever invention featured a stack of alternating zinc and copper discs, separated by layers of cloth soaked in saltwater, producing a steady electric current. This breakthrough not only laid the foundation for electrochemistry, but also enabled the practical generation of electricity. Volta was the first to demonstrate that electricity could be produced through chemical reactions, challenging the common belief that it was only generated by living organisms–though we can certainly see how Sagittarians would’ve confused the scientists of yore. Like a battery, Sagittarians are natural motivators, their high energy creating an electrical surge that inspires those around them to join in on their escapades. These energizer bunnies are bursting with enthusiasm and a zest for life; you’ll find them hopping from one thrilling experience to another, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a love for the wild side of life. So buckle up, because when a Sagittarius is in the mix, you know it’s going to be a high-voltage situation.
Courtesy of Fondo Antiguo de la Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sevilla from Sevilla, Spain
CAPRICORN
Capricorns are like BANKS—steady, secure, and always ready to invest in their future. While others might be living large on impulse buys, Capricorns are calculating interest rates and planning for retirement like seasoned pros. They know the value of hard work and the importance of investments, whether it’s in stocks or solid friendships. Banks trace their roots back to the early Italian Renaissance, with Giovanni Bicci de’Medici founding the Medici family bank in Florence in 1397. The term “bank” itself comes from the Italian “banco” or “banca,” originally referring to a bench and evolving to mean the counter over which money would exchange hands. The Medici’s pivotal move also came with the invention of certain financial operations–among them, the method of double-entry bookkeeping, which allowed businesses to record both credits and debits. This is a horoscope for god’s sake, so we won’t go deeper than this, but these techniques laid the groundwork for modern banking and finance. Just as banks are built on solid foundations and trust, Capricorns bring that same rock-solid reliability to the table. They’re the friends you can count on, the ones who hold your secrets like a safeguarded vault. These earth signs know how to budget their time and energy, making strategic withdrawals for work-life balance and never spending on drama. With a Capricorn around, you can be sure they’ll keep things balanced and accountable, and let’s be real, who wouldn’t want that kind of capital in their life?
Banca di Sicilia in the 19th century
AQUARIUS
These air signs are the original trend-setters, always serving up their unique insights and innovative ideas hotter than a breaking news alert; they’re, of course, the NEWSPAPER. The roots of the modern newspaper can be traced back to ancient Rome, to the Acta Diurna (Daily Doings) first published in 59 BCE. Though no copies have survived, it’s believed to have chronicled significant events, births, deaths, and daily gossip (an Aquarius would totally argue that gossip is a survival technique, developed to glean essential info about one’s peers). Fast forward to 1556 Venice, where a precursor to contemporary newspapers emerged: the avisi, or gazettes. Recognizing the need to keep citizens informed, the Venetian government initiated regular updates on local and political news and military conflicts in the form of handwritten publications. Well, juicy headlines are a progressive Aquarius’s playground; these original thinkers take every opportunity to challenge the status quo. And, let’s not forget, newspapers love to dive into the “deeper” issues, just like our humanitarian Aquarians, always ready to ink out a better world. They just love to bring up revolutionary ideas that get people talking, thinking, and even arguing at the dinner table (Aquarius is that uncle).
PISCES
Pisces is like the PIANO, always making a splash on the emotional stage! Just as a piano can hit everything from soft, heart-melting melodies to bold, show-stopping crescendos, these fishies ride the wave of their feelings with flair and finesse. The ultimate emotional chameleons, these water signs flow effortlessly between moods and vibes—with a range as large as A0 (the lowest note on a piano) to C8 (the highest note). The 88-keyed instrument was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori, a Paduan instrument maker, around 1700. Cristofori’s innovation combined the features of the harpsichord and clavichord, and he called his creation “gravicembalo col piano e forte,” meaning “harpsichord with soft and loud,” which was later shortened to “piano forte.” Initially built with wooden frames and gut strings, pianos began to adopt iron frames and felt-covered hammers, enhancing their sound and durability and becoming a favorite among composers like Mozart and Haydn, who appreciated its expressive capabilities. And, when it comes to expressive capability, there’s no one more skilled at it than a Pisces. These water signs feel things intensely, often experiencing emotions on a profound level–a quality that allows them to convey feelings that resonate deeply with others, whether through art, conversation, or simply their presence. Like a master pianist weaving together melodies, Pisces are dreamers and visionaries who effortlessly harmonize even the most disparate of ideas into a beautiful symphony.
A Florentine grand piano from 1720
