Study #18

The Beatles, four cheeky lads from Liverpool, are burned into the collective subconscious as a unit known for their infectious songs and effortless style. Combining solid musical chops and innovative orchestrations, each Beatle had a role to fulfill and they seemed to do so in a preternaturally succinct way; as Paul has said, they were “four sides of a square.” Unlike bands that had come before, part of The Beatles appeal was that they were on equal footing amongst themselves and no one was made to shine brighter; this allowed their fans to identify with and latch onto their favorite guy, the one who most embodied whatever it was they were looking for.

Are you a John? (fire, head)

If you had to point to a leader in the Beatle’s self-governing society, John Lennon was it. He had a knack for dominating the room and effortlessly manipulating those around him. He was caustic, clever, and innately talented (alongside his prodigious musical output he published two works of irreverent fiction and countlessly reproduced line drawings). He was an idealist who had lofty, albeit subversive, dreams and was prone to latch onto people and causes that he saw value in.

He loved infrequently yet passionately. He drew people into his orb with his engaging manner and piercing wit, but kept them at arm’s length if they weren’t all that he wanted them to be. Drugs were a constant factor in John’s life, and he used them to alternately expand his mind and numb his pain. Like his Libra sign, John was contradictory, compassionate and prone to feel guilt and shame deeply.

He was the eldest in this family dynamic. The others looked to him for guidance and reprimand. They trusted him completely and basked in the glow of his artistic sensibilities. If you were around him for long enough you were prone to see his nasty side, but it always seemed to be worth it.

Are you a Paul? (air, body)

Paul McCartney was often the driving force behind the band’s musical landscape. He churned out melodies effortlessly; he heard arrangements in his head and knew exactly how to execute them (or find someone who could). He led in a more subtle way than John did, and had more exacting standards that often led to friction in the studio. Even after The Beatles split he continued to make music and headline tours around the world until the present day at 80 years old. Since 1979 he has held the Guinness Book of Records ‘most successful musician of all time’ badge.

It is said of Paul that he was "the easiest to be around but the hardest to get to know.” He was methodical and didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve but could easily chat to anyone in a room. He was cautious and guarded but also eager to go further than expected and pursue concepts that were absent from his working-class childhood in the North of England. A Gemini, Paul was voracious for knowledge and could easily charm those around him by knowing which aspects of himself to alternately reveal and conceal.

Akin to a second oldest, he was more in charge than those under him but never willing to raise his voice the loudest when making a stand.

Are you a George? (water, soul)

George Harrison’s musical output was more sparse than John and Paul’s, but no less richly crafted and well-received. Those who knew him were impressed by his steadfast manner and strident beliefs. He was exceedingly warm and funny, with a quick and mocking Scouse wit. He was deeply spiritual and loved to open up to those around him, constantly expanding his circle of comrades while keeping his inner circle tight.

His spirituality found him through music. After being introduced to the exotic sounds of the sitar he travelled to India for long periods of time to study the culture and religion extensively. Through his interpretation of an Eastern instrument he introduced to the Western world a new form of music and living. As a Pisces, George often found himself at odds between earthly delight and otherworldly purpose - he could lose himself in his garden but also found it hard to eschew the perks of a rockstar lifestyle.

The quintessential middle child, George was consistently and unconsciously relegated to the background. He had to fight to get his voice heard and strove for equality amongst the band members. He was a peacekeeper who learned to rely on himself for fulfillment.

Are you a Ringo? (earth, heart)

Ringo Starr was the steady beat interwoven throughout both the music and the lives of The Beatles. He was steady and easily relied on. He was not a pioneer, but he maintained a level ground for the others to land on. He felt the emotions and moods of those around him deeply, and consciously reacted accordingly.

Ringo was outgoing and fun-loving but also more inclined to stay at home in the English countryside with his family than jet-set and push boundaries with the others. He was content to be comfortable and never strove to reach beyond his means. A Cancer, he yearned for stability and often felt nostalgic for the past.

The epitome of the youngest in a family, Ringo could lighten the tension and bring together the rest of the members with his earnest affability and desire for a cohesive unit.

Lonely Hearts Club Band.