there is a part of you that has spent years preparing for betrayals that have not happened yet. you notice things other people miss. you notice hesitation before someone answers. you notice inconsistencies in stories. you notice the tiny shift in a person's energy that everyone else ignores. people call this intuition, but what they rarely understand is how exhausting it can be to live with the feeling that every interaction contains information you cannot afford to miss. you have become exceptionally skilled at reading other people. sometimes so skilled that you understand what someone is feeling before they are ready to admit it themselves. the problem is that this gift often comes with a hidden cost. the more clearly you see others, the less willing you become to let them see you.
you ask questions. you pay attention. you remember details people forgot they ever shared. you collect information naturally, almost without trying. somehow, entire conversations can pass with another person feeling deeply understood while you remain largely unknown. this can feel powerful. it can feel intelligent. it can feel safe. but there is a loneliness that develops when everyone around you becomes visible while you remain hidden. you may tell yourself that you are simply waiting for the right person. the trustworthy person. the person who has earned access. but if you're honest, some people have probably earned it already. and you still haven't opened the door. because the fear was never only about whether they could be trusted. the fear was about what happens when there is nothing left standing between your heart and another human being.
you may carry entire emotional realities that nobody knows exist. you may spend days, weeks, or months processing a hurt that never leaves your mouth. you may explain your pain through analysis because the raw truth feels too exposed. you may find yourself investigating a relationship rather than participating in it. you may secretly wait for disappointment before allowing yourself to relax. not because you enjoy suffering, but because expecting betrayal can feel safer than risking trust. there is a part of you that would rather predict the wound than be surprised by it.
people often see your strength long before they see your fear. they see someone composed. someone intense. someone difficult to shake. someone who appears completely in control. what they rarely see is the amount of energy required to maintain that position. they do not see how exhausting it is to always be the strong one. they do not see how often control becomes a substitute for safety. they do not see how much tenderness exists beneath the armor. they do not see how deeply you want closeness while simultaneously fearing what closeness demands from you.
you may have learned to treat vulnerability like a liability. you may feel more comfortable being the observer than the observed, the investigator than the investigated, the person holding the secrets rather than the person revealing them. over time, this can become a prison disguised as protection. the walls that once kept pain out begin keeping connection out as well. eventually, you start to wonder why intimacy feels so far away despite how desperately you want it.
unguarded: beyond the need for control explores the hidden relationship between power and protection, secrecy and intimacy, vigilance and loneliness. through deep reflection, guided writing exercises, and psychological inquiry, you'll examine the fears that keep your walls standing long after the danger has passed. you'll explore trust, emotional exposure, resentment, control, self-protection, vulnerability, and the exhausting pressure of always feeling responsible for your own survival. this workbook is for the part of you that is tired of holding everything together. the part of you that is exhausted from carrying secrets alone. the part of you that is beginning to suspect that control is no longer protecting you the way it once did. the part of you that wants connection more than leverage, intimacy more than certainty, and peace more than vigilance.
★ shadow work for each rising sign: navigating the transformative transits of 2025-2026 ★
☆ pluto into aquarius:
first entry: march 23, 2023 (retrograded back into capricorn in 2023)
re-enters aquarius: november 19, 2024
fully settles in aquarius: january 20, 2025
stays in aquarius until 2043, as pluto spends about 20 years in each sign.
☆ uranus into gemini:
first entry: july 7, 2025
retrogrades back into taurus: november 8, 2025
re-enters gemini and stays: april 26, 2026
stays in gemini until 2033, with uranus spending about 7 years in each sign.
☆ neptune into aries:
first entry: march 30, 2025
retrogrades back into pisces: october 22, 2025
re-enters aries and stays: january 26, 2026
stays in aries until 2039, as neptune spends approximately 13-14 years in each sign.
☆ saturn into aries:
first entry: may 24, 2025
retrogrades back into pisces: september 1, 2025
re-enters aries and stays: february 13, 2026
stays in aries until february 15, 2028, as saturn spends about 2.5 years in each sign.
★ aries rising ★
pluto’s move into aries rising’s 11th house of friendships and goals pushes them to face insecurities around group identity and social roles. shadow work here involves examining where they may have masked self-doubt with a bold presence, fearing they might fade into the background. they may discover a tendency to lead or assert control as a way to feel valued. meanwhile, neptune and saturn in the 1st house challenge them to question if their confident self-image hides deeper vulnerabilities, asking if they’ve built a facade to protect against rejection. addressing these dynamics will allow aries rising to embrace authenticity in both social groups and personal identity, finding strength in their true self instead of external validation.
☆ prompts: “where do i feel the need to ‘prove’ myself to others? how do i feel about the idea of taking a less prominent role in group settings? am i masking insecurity with confidence, and if so, where can i soften and allow my true self to be seen?”
★ taurus rising ★
pluto’s transit through taurus rising’s 10th house of career asks them to address attachments to public success and stability. shadow work involves exploring fears of failure, especially if they’ve tied self-worth to professional achievements or status. with uranus moving through the 2nd house of values and finances, taurus rising is also called to question if material wealth has become a substitute for inner security. they may uncover scarcity mindsets or a hidden fear of instability. by confronting these shadows, taurus rising can redefine their sense of success and security, focusing on inner values over external rewards and building a career path aligned with their true needs.
☆ prompts: “how does my career affect my sense of worth? where am i relying on material wealth for a sense of security? what do i fear losing if my career or financial situation changes? what would true inner security feel like for me?”
★ gemini rising ★
as pluto transforms gemini rising’s 9th house of beliefs, they’re called to re-evaluate core philosophies that may have limited their growth. shadow work involves confronting any fear of uncertainty or “not knowing” that could lead them to cling to rigid beliefs. uranus in the 1st house encourages self-reinvention, but they may hesitate to break free from familiar identities, fearing they’ll lose themselves. they’re invited to examine any habits of hiding emotions behind wit or intellect. by releasing these fears, gemini rising can embrace a fluid, open-minded approach to life that honors both their curiosity and evolving identity, allowing them to connect authentically with others.
☆ prompts: “what beliefs or ideas do i feel resistant to let go of? where do i avoid vulnerability by intellectualizing or using humor? who am i without my established ideas and perspectives? how would embracing change deepen my self-expression?”
★ cancer rising ★
pluto in cancer rising’s 8th house of intimacy and transformation encourages them to confront fears around vulnerability and dependence on others. shadow work involves addressing any control issues in relationships that may stem from fears of betrayal or emotional pain. with neptune and saturn in the 10th house, cancer rising is also asked to question whether their career choices reflect their true self or if they’ve sought “safe” paths to avoid risk. they may find they’ve neglected personal fulfillment for security. by embracing openness in relationships and honesty in career pursuits, cancer rising can create a life that aligns with their authentic self, balancing vulnerability with resilience.
☆ prompts: “how do i respond when i feel vulnerable in relationships? what control tendencies do i rely on to avoid emotional risk? am i compromising personal fulfillment for security in my career? what would true openness look like in both my relationships and career?”
★ leo rising ★
with pluto in leo rising’s 7th house of relationships, they’re invited to explore where their self-worth is intertwined with external approval. shadow work involves examining any patterns of people-pleasing or overcompromising due to hidden fears of rejection. uranus in the 11th house prompts them to shift their social dynamics and find fulfillment beyond admiration. neptune and saturn in the 9th house further challenge leo rising to question long-held beliefs that may have propped up their public image rather than supported authentic growth. by working through these dynamics, leo rising can develop relationships based on mutual respect and self-confidence, finding satisfaction beyond external validation.
☆ prompts: “where am i seeking approval in relationships and social circles? what beliefs about myself might i have formed around admiration or validation? what would it feel like to create connections based purely on mutual respect and authenticity? how can i affirm my self-worth without external reinforcement?”
★ virgo rising ★
pluto’s influence in virgo rising’s 6th house of work and health calls them to confront perfectionism and productivity-based self-worth. shadow work here involves examining any beliefs that their value is tied to their usefulness, revealing a fear of inadequacy. with uranus transiting the 10th house, they’re encouraged to redefine career goals and embrace innovative paths, shedding rigid ideals of success. they may uncover where they’ve sacrificed personal joy for others’ approval. by releasing control over outcomes, virgo rising can foster a healthier relationship with work, recognizing that self-worth isn’t defined by accomplishment, and embracing balance over perfection.
☆ prompts: “in what areas of my life do i feel driven by the need to be ‘perfect’? how does being useful contribute to my sense of worth? what would embracing imperfection allow me to experience in my daily life? where am i putting others’ needs before my own joy, and how can i shift this?”
★ libra rising ★
pluto’s energy in libra rising’s 5th house of creativity and romance brings up insecurities around self-expression, inviting them to confront fears of rejection or failure in love and creativity. shadow work involves exploring where they’ve stifled individuality to gain admiration. with neptune and saturn transiting the 7th house of relationships, libra rising is also asked to address dependency patterns, particularly where they’ve put their own needs aside to maintain peace. they’ll need to confront any fear of being alone, understanding that harmony begins with self-acceptance. through this process, libra rising can cultivate self-worth, finding freedom to express their true self in love and creativity.
☆ prompts: “where have i held back my true self in creative or romantic expressions? what am i afraid others will see if i show my full self? how do i compromise my needs to keep the peace, and what would happen if i didn’t? how can i practice self-acceptance in relationships, so my needs are honored?”
★ scorpio rising ★
with pluto in scorpio rising’s 4th house of home and family, they’re prompted to confront emotional security and past patterns that may limit intimacy. shadow work involves addressing fears of vulnerability and abandonment, particularly where family dynamics may have shaped emotional defense mechanisms. with uranus in the 8th house of intimacy, they’ll feel challenged to release control issues that limit trust, uncovering fears of betrayal. this period encourages scorpio rising to establish security within, understanding that true strength comes from embracing emotions fully. by confronting these fears, they can build a foundation rooted in openness and trust, fostering deeper connections and self-acceptance.
☆ prompts: “what fears come up when i consider being vulnerable with those close to me? how have family dynamics influenced my current relationships? where do i exert control in intimate situations out of fear of betrayal? what would building security within myself, rather than relying on external stability, look like?”
★ sagittarius rising ★
sagittarius rising’s 3rd house of communication is transformed by pluto, pushing them to address insecurities around self-expression and social dynamics. shadow work here involves examining fears of judgment or appearing vulnerable, which may lead to overconfidence or projecting a confident facade. with neptune and saturn in the 5th house, they’re also encouraged to explore where they’ve avoided commitment or depth in relationships, fearing vulnerability. they may realize escapist habits have kept them from genuine connections. by embracing authenticity and communicating openly, sagittarius rising can cultivate deeper bonds, finding self-worth beyond surface interactions and discovering the joy of meaningful connections.
☆ prompts: “where do i hold back in conversations to avoid vulnerability? how do i use confidence as a shield against deeper connection? what would it look like to truly engage in depth with those i care about? where have i avoided commitment in relationships, and how has this limited my sense of connection?”
★ capricorn rising ★
pluto’s shift into capricorn rising’s 2nd house of values and finances invites them to confront deep-seated fears around scarcity and self-worth, especially where they’ve linked value to financial stability. shadow work involves addressing attachments to success and control, particularly if they equate worth with income or status. uranus’s influence in the 6th house challenges them to release rigid routines and embrace a more balanced approach to work. by confronting fears that tie self-worth to external achievements, capricorn rising can embrace a sense of value that transcends professional image, fostering a life that prioritizes both accomplishment and inner peace.
☆ prompts: “where have i connected my self-worth to my financial or career success? what beliefs do i hold about success and control, and how have they shaped my life choices? how would my daily life change if i released my need for financial validation? what does a balanced approach to work and self-care look like for me?”
★ aquarius rising ★
with pluto in aquarius rising’s 1st house, they face intense transformation of self-identity, urging them to confront fears around authenticity. shadow work involves addressing any fear of rejection or being “too different,” particularly where they’ve suppressed their individuality to fit in. with uranus in their 5th house, they’re encouraged to embrace creative and romantic vulnerability, examining where detachment may have limited expression. by releasing the need for external validation, aquarius rising can redefine self on their own terms, embracing uniqueness and developing deeper, more honest connections.
☆ prompts: “where do i feel the need to conform to be accepted? what parts of myself do i hold back in creative or romantic settings? how would it feel to let my unique qualities shine without fear of judgment? where am i relying on external validation for a sense of belonging?”
★ pisces rising ★
pluto’s move into pisces rising’s 12th house of the subconscious triggers a period of deep introspection, highlighting hidden fears and self-sabotaging tendencies. shadow work here involves facing unresolved pain or traumas that may have led to escapism or martyrdom. neptune and saturn in the 2nd house of values prompt them to re-evaluate self-worth, particularly where they’ve linked it to spiritual ideals or self-sacrifice. by addressing these patterns, pisces rising can establish a healthier foundation for self-worth, discovering inner strength and grounding their spirituality in reality.
☆ prompts: “what fears or past pain am i avoiding by disconnecting from reality? where do i overextend myself, sacrificing my needs for others? how have i equated worth with self-sacrifice, and how can i separate these? what would grounded self-worth look like in my daily life?”
This is dedicated to my fellow Water Mars (more specifically Mars in Scorpio) There is power in our Mars placement and the element it falls in will tell you the essence of this power. The sign it falls in will tell you have to tap into this power. Stay tuned for Earth, Air and Fire.
if you have taurus anywhere in your birth chart...
you don't experience life as a sprint. you experience it as an endurance test. you are the deep root, the heavy stone, and the fertile soil that waits for the rain. while the rest of the world is running in circles, you are the one standing still, trying to make sure the ground beneath your feet doesn't move. but there is a specific kind of exhaustion that comes with holding your ground. people see your patience and they call it strength. they don't see the stagnation. they don't see how heavy it feels to be too afraid to leave a bad situation because the unknown feels more dangerous than the painful familiar. to you, change doesn't feel like an opportunity. it feels like an earthquake.
you have become a prisoner of your own consistency. you have built an entire identity around your ability to endure, to provide, and to be solid. you have convinced everyone, including yourself, that you are made of granite, forgetting that even the strongest stone eventually erodes if it doesn't allow the water to move through it. you stay in jobs and relationships not because you are happy, but because you don't know who you are without the weight. you have taught everyone that your back is made of steel, so now they have stopped looking for the cracks. you are carrying a monumental performance, terrified that if you shift your weight even an inch, the entire structure of your life will collapse.
your body is a living record of every risk you were too afraid to take. you have spent your life believing that if you are physically comfortable, you are safe. you have used soft fabrics and heavy meals to drown out the quiet, persistent voice in your gut that is begging for change. you have turned your senses into a shield, but this comfort has a high price. it has made you heavy. it has made you slow. it has made you a prisoner of your own skin. the stiffness in your neck is the physical ghost of every word you have ever swallowed to maintain the status quo. it is time to find the difference between being satisfied and being numb.
to heal, you need a part of your life that is raw and unrefined. you need a space where the mask of the satisfied soul is buried in the dirt. you are not a monument to be looked at. you are a living thing that is allowed to grow, to decay, and to start over. you are the earth itself, and you are capable of surviving the winter and blooming in the spring. the things you are afraid of losing are just weights that are keeping you from realizing that you are already whole. you can put the bags down now. you can walk out the door. the world is waiting for the version of you that isn't afraid to be cold.
rooted is 60 pages of radical permission for anyone with taurus placements to finally let go of the heavy weight of the familiar. it is a digital guide and workbook to help the tired provider come home to themselves.
we all carry masks. we’ve been taught that our value lies in how well we play our roles, the warrior, the helper, the visionary, the savior. but what happens when you’re tired of the act? what remains of you when you finally stop trying to be what the world expects?
the complete zodiac guide & workbook series is finally live in the shop.
each 60-page guide is a somatic journey back to your rawest, most honest self. these workbooks are designed to help you quiet the noise of who you’re 'supposed' to be, allowing you to reclaim your edges and land back in your own skin.
