When I told an aunt that I was dating a Scorpio coworker, she predicted a breakup. "Two Scorpios won't do." Ironically, that Scorpio is now my husband, and despite our misaligned stars, we are happily married. My knowledge of the zodiac has always been limited to the seventeen zodiac signs, and until last month, I wasn't even sure of my rising sign. However, as someone who has always loved traveling, I am drawn to content that connects astrology and travel. (For example, New Orleans is my favorite city; an astrologer once told Bustle that it's Scorpio heaven.)
So I'm excited about Cheap Caribbean's new astrology program, which allows travelers to create a free birth chart and use that information to guide their vacation planning. The travel agency offered me the opportunity to chat with its new chief astrologer, Valerie Mesa, who created a personalized itinerary based on my readings.
Valerie came ready for our Zoom session with my detailed birth chart (a screenshot of the sky from the moment I was born). She told me that I am a Scorpio sun, Scorpio moon, Pisces rising (lots of water); 5 of my 11 planets are in Scorpio, and my ruler is Neptune, which rules creativity and spirituality. By the end of our session, I considered re-subscribing to the magazine of my youth, purely for their monthly horoscopes - because Valerie pinpointed my interests so accurately, especially when it came to my travel style hour.
"Scorpio is a water sign, Pisces is a water sign. The element that rules you is water. Do you see 10 pilots in the water?" Valerie said, emphasizing first the element on my chart and then another. I'm the only pilot in the sky. She noted that there was a lack of air in my chart, which was why I easily felt stuck when I stayed in one place for too long. (I generally avoid all-inclusive resorts for this very reason.) But don’t be fooled: The abundance of water in my chart is not indicative of my love of the high seas.
"There's a lot of water in your chart. But although you're attracted to the ocean, you also have a deep respect for its mystery and depth. "I love the beach... but I'm also very, very afraid of deep water, and I'm not a snorkeler Girl, I told Valerie, this could be a problem when planning a trip to the Caribbean. "Don't worry," she said with a smile. "We won't let you swim into the abyss."
She also guessed that I was interested in weird stuff. "You're passionate about cultures that have a sense of spirituality and mystery. Since Scorpios love death and rebirth so much, they're a little obsessed with it. You're probably into murder mystery documentaries, right?" Correct. I'm also an annoying friend who gets mad at people at bars for not dressing up for Halloween.
Her most important observation: I gravitate toward authentic experiences rooted in cultural immersion. "Scorpio is ruled by the root chakra, and the root chakra is very tribal. It's the rumble of the earth. Surround yourself with culture and music, [these environments] are where you replenish your energy," Valerie explains. "Your Pisces rising also helps you because you are very open to possibilities, different religions, different cultures and want to see what's out there."
Therefore, she suggested that I visit Montego Bay, Jamaica, to appreciate its tranquil beauty and rich local lore. To alleviate the feeling of being trapped I felt on an all-inclusive package, I booked Breathless Resort, a five-star hotel with a party vibe but on a smaller scale. What's its main attraction? The spacious suite had an oversized balcony and was connected to the neighboring Secrets Resort, ensuring there was plenty of room for me to roam so I didn't feel closed off.
My first activity was a one-hour bamboo raft ride through the Martha Brae, a river that winds through the dense forest canopy. We stopped along the way to drink rum punch and roast chicken, listen to the running water, and look for termite nests in the trees. I was worried that the river would be crowded with tourists, but was surprised to find that only a few tourists were present, and the guide deliberately spread out the rafts to make me feel as if I had the entire river to myself.
This activity allowed me to appreciate the water without actually being in it. Other than that, there were no water activities on my agenda: no jet skis or deep dives here. Thank you, Valerie.
My itinerary included a free day and a cabana reservation by the pool. The atmosphere was a bit rowdy (I was suffering from a killer hangover - CC: Rum Punch), so I moved to a beach side cabana and spent the day in the Caribbean sun. I would never do this voluntarily—Valerie points out that my Pisces rising is the reason I create jam-packed Google Docs itineraries when I travel—but it turns out that giving myself time to relax feels great.
My last day was the highlight of my trip. The sun was setting when I arrived at Rose Hall, a former plantation-turned-history museum that checked off the “ghost” box on my birth chart. As our group walked down an ominous path lit by tiki torches, a drummer played a conga drum, and the guide explained that this was once the home of Annie Palmer, who murdered three husbands and Several lovers, known as the "White Witch" to Jamaicans, condemned her cruelty. (If you've been to New Orleans or seen American Horror Story: Coven , this story has similarities to Delphine LaLaurie's.)
I'm afraid my lips are sealed. Our tour guide asked us to keep the tour details secret from future guests, but I'll tell you this: We visited the tombstones by candlelight, and not even RL Stine could have prepared me for the level of creepiness.
My best friend, my traveling companion, and my stalwart Gemini, regretted not bringing holy water with me. "I admit, this is perfect for you ." After 25 years of friendship, even she was stunned by the precision of the itinerary. I tend to agree.
I’m not sure if the success of this trip can be entirely attributed to my birth chart, but Valerie reminded me of an important lesson: always travel with intention. Due to my permanent wanderlust (I now know Pisces rising), I generally have a "go, go, go" attitude when traveling. This custom vacation encouraged me to be more thoughtful about my schedule and combine my travel plans with activities that truly fulfill me. I will no longer cross things off my wish list just because Pinterest tells me to.
