Twenty-something trees and their temperaments, explained — Most trees are friendly, but some have a few tricks up their trunk. Lately, I’ve been exploring whether trees might leave behind ghosts — and along this journey, I’ve gathered that the type of tree might make all the difference. According to myth, different trees have different personalities. Some trees…

Far from bullish, this celestial cow has rich history and mythology — (April 20 — May 20)* If you’ve ever watched a bull saunter through its territory, you’ve likely contemplated the easy bucolic life of an animal that doesn’t have a care in the world. And in doing this you would have completely underestimated the beast’s true power. Bulls are fighters. They…

From closet mushrooms to foraging fungi, mushrooms are incredibly versatile — Rich, earthy tones amid a landscape of scattered leaves. Savory meat substitutes and delicious brain food. Fly agaric fashion and mushroom forays. Mushrooms are incredibly versatile. From popular science to your local supermarket, these fungal fruiting bodies capture our attention. Mushrooms can break down harmful plastics, improve focus, and form…

All that glitters and how Greco-Roman heroes lost a golden fleece (again) — Aries (March 21 — April 19)* The first rays of spring welcome lush fields, wildflower super-blooms, and …mythical glittering sheep. An ardent fire sign and the first symbol of the Western Zodiac, Aries represents an elusive treasure. …

On imposter syndrome, lonely conservationists and finding your place in science communities — Between winged creatures and flights of fancy, I pressed my nose against the nearest Natural History Museum exhibit and inhaled. The air was charged with energy and voices buzzed around the museum’s annual bug fair. In kindergarten, I was obsessed with bugs. I went to bug fairs. I reread Animal…

On fish mythology and keeping Pisces on your good side — (February 19th to March 20)* Pisces wanders by the tide pools, turning over rocks to uncover hidden sea life. They’re a lagoon creature, an anxious little ball of energy. They’d rather disappear into a fictional seascape than have to start tomorrow all over again. True, Pisces can become a bit…

This air sign’s fluid history, and how intellectuals are riding the impacts of change — Aquarius: the levelheaded air sign. (January 20 to about February 18)* They’re the artsy friend who is always working on a new project, always concerned with their community. When I think of Aquarius signs, I think of blue corn flowers strewn in a cup of stimulating tea. I would trust…

Origins of marine monster myths and why this cryptid’s future might be in peril — Sea serpents have slithered into our imaginations. They terrorized ships of yore and plunged unsuspecting travelers down into the ocean depths. Sea serpents are often depicted as ancient creatures of chaos and destruction. So where are these slippery legends today? To be clear: as far as we are concerned here, this salty cryptid does not, and never…

And why is the fish-goat an Earth Sign? So begins the season of our loyal, workaholic fish-goat. (December 22 to about January 19)* Capricorns are supposedly the level-headed, goal-driven G.O.A.T.S of the zodiac. While some might consider this sign cold-hearted, others expect them to make strategic decisions and deliver results. …