I’m jealous, stubborn and possessive. I have a sexual drive that would put Wilt Chamberlain to shame. Not really, but according to numerous astrology books, Scorpios are notorious for their sex drives.

As it stands, I can only comment on myself. In the past, I’ve been known to have quite a possessive streak, but is it because the constellations lined up just right and determined my sun sign would be Scorpio? Or is it because I come from a long line of hot-tempered men and women and I’ve been raised to claim what is mine?

I agree with the latter. Either way, when it comes to horoscopes and astrology, I think it is safe to say that whatever sounds the best fits. Astrology is a form of reassurance. If you’ve been told all your life that certain characteristics pertain to you and you read a few astrology books that back up your feelings, it’s just reinforcing those characteristics. For example, if you are by nature a practical, observant person who is not afraid of hard work and your birthday happens to fall between Aug. 22 and Sept. 22, then you are obviously displaying characteristics of a Virgo, right?

Wrong. I think it all has to do with how we are raised as individuals. Just because I’m a Scorpio doesn’t mean I can’t be fair and balanced, much like the harmonious Libra. Just because I’m a Scorpio, it doesn’t mean I’m some sort of sex-crazed nympho. If I were, believe me, it wouldn’t have a thing to do with astrology.

When asked about their astrological signs, most students on campus didn’t know too much about the characteristics of their sign. Michelle Blake, an undeclared freshman who also happens to be a Taurus, says she doesn’t really follow astrology.

“I know we’re supposed to be bossy.” Blake said.

One student, Danielle Graves, a freshman accounting major, had a pretty good understanding of her sign, Sagittarius.

“They’re outgoing and adventurous,” Graves said. “We’re not afraid to speak up, and we like to travel.” Graves, however, considers herself pretty quiet and shy.

Graves said she also believes people are more likely see the positive traits within themselves.

“I guess a lot of the characteristics of the signs are positive,” Graves said. “You usually want to identify yourself positively.”

The way I see it, if you were raised by a callous and aggressive mother, it’s a good chance that you will harbor those same characteristics. Don’t blame it on your sign. Graduate student Alyssa DeVera said she doesn’t feel the need to align herself with her sign, Taurus.

“I can be stubborn sometimes,” DeVera said. “I don’t think the sign makes me who I am.”

That’s what I’m advocating. Take responsibility for your actions. I know I’m a surly, vindictive person, but that has nothing to do with being a Scorpio. It has more to do with my current living and working situation. So I stand here now and urge you to stop trying to blame the fact that you’re two-faced on being a Gemini. Don’t blame your ADD on being born a Sagittarius. Own up to it. More importantly, go get your situation checked out. I know some good doctors that may be willing to prescribe you some Ritalin.

Oneika Richardson can be reached at [email protected]