In order for light to exist, we must have darkness; to have joy, you require sadness. Human nature has this duality. Shadows are not necessarily a negative, just a part of the balance of life. When we look at birth charts, sun signs, and the zodiac, we tend to look for the traits that resonate with us. This is because people want to locate a personal identity in the stars and signs. They may look for redeeming qualities to make them feel more understood. While there is a great deal of celebration of the 12 sun signs on the positive qualities, there is also a shadow side that can be powerful and even healing. Keep in mind the sun sign is only representative of a small part of who we are because we have an entire birth chart that can influence our personality traits. Below, we look at each zodiac sign to learn a bit more about the dark side and how beautiful it can be if we truly understand it.
- Aries – The first zodiac sign that is ruled by the House of Self is tasked with leading the zodiac. As a fire sign, Aries can move mountains if they choose with their persistence, drive, and passion, but left unchecked this can lead to turbulence. Aries can be known for jealousy, fiery tempers, moodiness, and impulsivity at times. They are capable of being strong leaders, but also fighters. Though the traits serve them well, but an awareness of how they behave in different situations is necessary.
- Taurus – Taurus can be stubborn and rigid at times, as represented by the bull, but they are also reliable and driven with the perseverance to achieve wanted results. Ruled by Venus and an earth sign, Taurus can be rigid and want their way, but this can leave you stuck. A Taurus can do well to honor their traits to carve out their own path, but find balance with some flexibility when letting go of little things.
- Gemini – Gemini is represented by duality, the celestial twins. They can be social and creative one moment and serious and restless in the next. Being an air sign means they can be floating from one project, hobby, or interest to the next quickly. They require novelty and adventure, but also intelligence. Gemini struggle with anxiety and often, commitment. Gemini would be well served by maintaining longevity in things they pursue and being with someone who is practical and grounded, but not jealous.
- Cancer – Cancer is one of the more emotional of the water signs that is ruled by the moon. A Cancer’s emotions are in constant flux which can be exhausting and lead to depression if left unchecked. It is important for Cancer to be aware of what causes emotional shifts and when out of balance, issues are addressed.
- Leo – Leo is the “King of the Jungle” being the exuberant, fiery zodiac sign. The natural born leader tends to try to lead and control any situation. This is accompanied by all the normal pitfalls of holding power so it is important Leo recognizes when they are trying to take power that is not their own or their responsibility. Leos are compassionate and driven, but they burn so bright they often overlook those who are quieter. Leos should use their power to lift these quiet ones up.
- Virgo – Virgos are known perfectionists and overall, quite efficient. Being an earth sign, they are grounded, organized, rigid, hard-working, and conservative. Just below the surface, Virgo is passionate with a deep sense of humanity. Virgos need to be watchful over emotional health as they can easily walk into worry, overthinking, and extreme anxiety. Being overly cautious can make this worse. Virgos need to balance out their traits.
- Libra – Libra values balance, harmony, and even equality. This need for harmony can leave Libra at risk for being too passive and allowing others to run over them to keep the peace. They may also be indecisive and fear any confrontation. The air sign makes a wonderful listener and friend, always being diplomatic. They will value having a partner to share life with and the finer things. Libra must be mindful of a need for harmony so they are not taken advantage of while just trying to keep the peace.
- Scorpio – Scorpios are highly misunderstood, often viewed as dark and causing fear, sometimes thought of as manipulative and cruel. Some Scorpios can use subtle manipulation, but it is most often not to harm others. It is about strategy, intellect, and charisma, but can be used maliciously if they choose.
- Sagittarius – Sagittarius is a fiery traveler that hunts for adventure in life. They thrive on freedom and are not known for tact. It is important Sagittarius to be aware of their power so their light does not dim that of others.
- Capricorn – This earth sign sticks true to its roots and sometimes becomes immovable. Capricorn is hard-working and serious, often intelligent with all the right answers. This can lead to a rigidity of thinking. Capricorn must learn to be willing to be wrong and find some flexibility.
- Aquarius – Aquarius is the type of person whose strengths can become their weakness very easily. They are temperamental and quirky as free spirits, but can take this freedom to extremes to become flaky. Being creative, they make great artists and activists, as well as great friends once they are comfortable.
- Pisces – Pisces are gentle and solid, but can be ruled by emotions if not mindful of them. They are excellent listeners and tolerant, but may easily take on the emotions of others unnecessarily. This can lead to anxiety and depression as well as other issues. Pisces struggle with being criticized, but once they are aware of emotions, they can be wonderful friends and partners.