{"id":8110,"date":"2026-06-01T14:12:14","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T14:12:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/?p=8110"},"modified":"2026-06-01T14:12:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T14:12:14","slug":"student-investigates-french-revolution-pamphlet-horoscope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/2026\/06\/01\/student-investigates-french-revolution-pamphlet-horoscope\/","title":{"rendered":"Student Investigates: French Revolution pamphlet horoscope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This series features the work and research of University of Iowa students at the Libraries. The following is written by Brianna Bowers, an undergraduate student employee who has spent the last couple years working on describing French Revolution pamphlets at Special Collections and Archives for the catalog.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to know your horoscope? Well, don\u2019t look to the stars! Since history loves to repeat itself, we\u2019re looking into the past at how the thousands of French Revolution pamphlets housed in the Special Collections and Archives at the University of Iowa may reveal advice (or warnings) for your future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aries<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This pamphlet from March 20, 1795, is honest and bold enough for an Aries: \u201cLa lanterne de diogene, ou ne vous fachez pas, c’est la v\u00e9rit\u00e9. La libert\u00e9 de la presse n’existe que quand on peut d\u00e9plaire impun\u00e9ment \u00e0 ceux qui ont l’autorit\u00e9. Autrement c’est une chim\u00e8re.\u201d This translates to \u201cDiogenes’ lantern, or don’t get upset, it’s the truth. \u2018Freedom of the press exists only when one can offend those in authority with impunity. Otherwise, it\u2019s a chimera.\u2019\u201d Aries aren\u2019t afraid to demand the right to always speak their minds, so the stars are telling you to get your keyboard into the comment section to practice some free speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 2345 in box 2305-2375.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Taurus<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Pamphlet 87:77, from April 22, 1795, will appeal to the responsible and creative Taurus: \u201cLois relatives aux domaines nationaux. Des 29 Germinal, 2 et 3 Flor\u00e9al, an troisi\u00e8me.\u201d In order to raise the most funds for the sale of surplus national property, the National Convention decided to hold a lottery for them. This is a sign that some kind of lucky winning is right around the corner for Tauruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 87:77 in box 87:1-87:95.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gemini<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

For a Gemini, we have a collection of letters purportedly written by Charles de Lameth, Duport, Delaborde, Alexandre de Lameth, and Barnave and collected together by an anonymous editor on May 28 or 29, 1790. The letters from these men all have the same purpose: to deny ambition and declare that they\u2019re not after a high-ranking position. The headings of the letters reveal that many of them now have the positions that they in the letter professed to not want at all. This anonymous editor was probably a Gemini, since the editor is adept at mocking the false humility of these politicians in unique ways. The title is \u201cCollection de belles lettres\u201d [Collection of beautiful letters]. If you\u2019re a Gemini, this pamphlet is warning you that your coworker who says they\u2019re not jealous of your job might be scheming behind your back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 2259 in box 2234-2304.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Would a Cancer be interested in a pamphlet entitled \u201cloi Relative au mode de paiement des baux \u00e0 ferme\u201d about rent payments from June 27, 1796? Maybe, but they\u2019ll definitely be charmed by something that makes the University of Iowa\u2019s copy of this pamphlet unique: a long-dead bug impressed against the back cover. A sentimental and compassionate Cancer could stare at the little bug for hours. Is it a centipede? Where did it come from? Why is it preserved so well? How long has it been dead, and how long did it live? This pamphlet is telling Cancers that the next time they see a creepy critter inside their house, they should put it in a jar and take it outside instead of squishing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 89:48 in box 89:35-89:140.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Leo<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If I tell you Leos love glory, are confident to the point of arrogance, and are incredible leaders, who from the French Revolution pops into your head? The king? No. The revolutionaries of the National Assembly, who began the Revolution? Eh, glorious yes, but we\u2019re not quite there . . . the republicans of the National Convention, who killed the king and paved the way for more progressive policies? Mm, we\u2019re getting there . . . The weak and corrupt Directory which followed? Please. No, Napoleon was a Leo, and this pamphlet he signed well demonstrates this sign\u2019s intensity: \u201cN.\u1d52 1193. Bulletin des Lois, N.\u1d52 39. arr\u00e9t\u00e9 Qui prononce des peines contre les militaires invalides convaincus d’avoir vendu ou donn\u00e9 des effets distribu\u00e9s \u00e0 leur usage,\u201d from Aug. 21, 1800. It imposes punishments on disabled soldiers who misuse their paychecks. Harsh! If you\u2019re a Leo, remember not to invade Russia in the winter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 83:16 in box 82:118-83:40.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Virgo<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

One famous Virgo is Louis XVI, the king who tried to cling to his throne and was guillotined. Although he barely made the cut to not be a Leo, he had much more of Virgo\u2019s practicality than Leo\u2019s fire: he pretended to go along with the Revolution for a long time, even though his strong loyalty was directed against it. While cooperating with the revolutionary National Assembly, he signed their decrees into law. One decree is the \u201cLoi Relative aux Archives nationales\u201d from Sept. 12, 1790. It\u2019s about the National Archives of France, how much the head archivist and his assistants would be paid, when people could view the items in the Archives, and how no one was allowed to light any fires in the Archives. So the advice for Virgos today is: come to the Special Collections and Archives, and don\u2019t bring any fire with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 82:52 in box 82:28-82:117.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Libra<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The fair and gracious mind of a Libra lends itself to social reforms like those to the criminal justice system in \u201cD\u00e9cret de l’assembl\u00e9e nationale, Sur la r\u00e9formation de quelques points de la Jurisprudence criminelle\u201d [Decree of the National Assembly, on the reform of some points of criminal jurisprudence], from Oct. 8 or 9, 1789. If you\u2019re a Libra, this is your sign to go directly to jail (to advocate for a change of your choice!) without collecting $200.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 2963 in box 2933-2998.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Scorpio<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Your Scorpio passion is reflected in \u201cLes horreurs d\u00e9voil\u00e9es, Pour servir de suite aux conspirateurs d\u00e9masqu\u00e9s.\u201d It\u2019s a classic example of neoclassical dramatism, with exclamations, declarations and flourishes galore, from Nov. 15, 1790. For the stubborn Scorpio who can sift their way through the purple prose, you\u2019ll find amusing details like a misnomer of the not-yet-extremely-famous Maximilien Robespierre (here, Robertspierre) on page 23, as the anonymous author recalls a rumor that Robespierre was related to an attempted assassination of Louis XV, the previous king. Scorpios, this is too much drama for the page, so your stars want you to go to the theater!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 2687 in box 2674-2727.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sagittarius<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A fiery pamphlet for this fire sign, we have a representative in the National Convention arguing for Louis XVI\u2019s execution from Dec. 1, 1792. Marc-Antoine here wanted to use Louis\u2019s death to inspire the world outside of France to break the chains of tyranny as well. To show his devotion to the universal rather than national cause, he included a (badly spelled and grammarless) sentence in English in the title. \u201cConvention nationale. opinion du citoyen Marc-Antoine baudot, D\u00e9put\u00e9 de Sa\u00f4ne-&-Loire \u00e0 la Convention Nationale, Sur le jugement de Louis XVI, Imprim\u00e9e par ordre de la Convention. To the kings death, for the safety world’s of peoples. Le premier D\u00e9cembre, l’an I\u1d49\u02b3 de la R\u00e9publique fean\u00e7aise.\u201d This pamphlet wants to remind Sagittarians to think about how their actions will affect the wider world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 77:26 in box 3202-77:65.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Capricorn<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The French Revolutionary wars that broke out between France and monarchies across Europe made travel difficult for intrepid tourists, but if a Capricorn wanted to go see the beautiful French countryside, that wouldn\u2019t stop them. They would instead take a diligent look at the laws in France at the time to make sure they didn\u2019t accidentally look like a spy or commit counter-revolution. The pamphlet that they would consult about passports, \u201cArr\u00eat\u00e9 Du Directoire ex\u00e9cutif, qui prescrit des mesures relatives aux passe-ports des \u00e9trangers arrivant en France,\u201d was written in under their stars on Dec. 24, 1796. Capricorns\u2019 horoscope says they\u2019d do well to take a break and travel somewhere fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 88:179 in box 88:115-89:34.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Aquarius<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

On Jan. 27, 1795, a politician named Joachim Vilate published the pamphlet \u201cLes myst\u00e8res de la m\u00e8re de dieu, d\u00e9voil\u00e9s; Troisi\u00e8me Volume des Causes secr\u00e8tes de la R\u00e9volution du 9 au 10 Thermidor.\u201d Vilate discusses how Catherine Th\u00e9ot, an old woman who claimed to be a prophetess, was used by Bar\u00e8re (a politician) to defame Robespierre (another politician), and how various newly formed pro-Revolution religious sects were created\/wielded for political gain. The originality and imagination of what Bar\u00e8re shared with others, punctuated by dialogue between political figures of the day as they threw shade at each other, will entertain Aquariuses. The stars are telling you to start a dream diary so you can remember your own \u2018visions\u2019 better!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 2199, box 2179-2233.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pisces<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"French<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The artistic soul of a Pisces enjoys poems, pictures, and classical references, so the Iliad\u2019s French parody, \u201cLa bazoche\u00efde, po\u00ebme burlesco-patriotico-h\u00e9ro\u00efque, en trois chants. Par M. R***,\u201d will appeal to them. It\u2019s a burlesque\/patriotic\/heroic poem scattered with beautiful drawings. This was printed in 1790, but doesn\u2019t have a proper date on it, so is relying on the empathetic Pisces to adopt it. To all the Pisces reading, this is your sign to go to Bazoches, a commune in northern France with historic buildings and beautiful parks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pamphlet 2960 in box 2933-2998.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your can find more about the names of astrological signs as well as their dates and traits at https:\/\/www.horoscope.com\/zodiac-signs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This series features the work and research of University of Iowa students at the Libraries. The following is written by Brianna Bowers, an undergraduate student employee who has spent the last couple years working on describing French Revolution pamphlets at Special Collections and Archives for the catalog. Do you want to know your horoscope? Well,Continue reading “Student Investigates: French Revolution pamphlet horoscope”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":219,"featured_media":8121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,837],"tags":[829,828,848,843],"syndication":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8110"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/219"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8110"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8110\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8145,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8110\/revisions\/8145"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8110"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8110"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8110"},{"taxonomy":"syndication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/speccoll\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/syndication?post=8110"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}