As an astrologer, I have come to love the shadow as much as the light. For it is in this hidden, dark place where we find our greatest growth as individuals. By honestly digging down and being willing to explore this place in ourselves, we return with a gift. The gift is a deeper understanding of what runs us -- of why we may be reacting to life in ways that may not be supporting us.

With the following, we will look at each of the Sun signs and explore both our light and dark sides. I will use "he" for the traditionally masculine signs, and "she" for the feminine, but you can substitute "he" or "she" where appropriate.

Aries, the Warrior (Mar 21 to Apr 20)

The light side of Aries is that he is a warrior. The dark side of Aries is that he is a warrior. Aries is all about courage, confidence, and raw energy. He is the initial source of life itself. Aries can be aggressive, with limitless vitality, self-assurance, and enthusiasm. Aries is all about the will. There is no one who can get something done faster and more efficiently. Talk about plowing through and cutting down the obstacles! You want it done? Just hire an Aries and get out of the way. Aries is ready for and needs action and adventure.

When directed by a cause outside himself by a higher direction, Aries is in his glory. Herein lies the key. The shadow of Aries is the person he becomes when he has lost his God-direction. Without it, Aries has no worthy cause, no goal for the betterment of others. Or, his cause becomes self-seeking -- money, notoriety, approval. He barks at his spouse. The kids "disappear" when he comes home. Anything in the way is subject to attack. The key for Aries is to focus on what serves a higher purpose. When the warrior keeps his eye on a worthy goal and is breaking all barriers to get there, he is kind and generous.

Taurus, the Bull (Apr 21 to May 21)

No one builds better than the Taurean Bull. His job on earth is to take raw life energy, (ideas) and make something solid. Whether it is building a home, a chicken coup, or a company, Taurus can make it happen. Taurus has the gift of vision; he knows how an idea can be manifested into the physical realm. Taurus loves the earth. He loves to get his hands dirty, cook a fabulous meal, watch his children grow. This is Taurus in the light.

Taurus in the shadows is a slightly different character. He builds for his own sake, for self-aggrandizement, to look good, and sometimes just because he's so darned scared there won't be enough to go around. This self-absorbed Bull is boring and dead inside because it is all for him. What Taurus needs is a vision of what may be good for somebody else out there. This doesn't have to be a grand scale vision. In fact, Taurus doesn't work that way. It is what is physically in front of him that might help even one other person that gets him back in the light. Remember, Taurus: your energy feels better going out than it does coming in.

Gemini, the Twins (May 22 to June 21)

So quick-witted, these Gemini friends -- and friends they are! I find no one as stimulating to be around as a Gemini. Not only their quick minds, but also their perceptions, are amazing. They can always see both sides of an issue (the twin aspect) and will elaborate on both. Whew! It can be downright exhausting just trying to keep up with them. They really can live two or three lives at once just because they are so wonderfully intelligent. As with every astrological sign, they have a job. Theirs is to tell us the Truth. They sift through all the information and extract from it the highest truth. If you really want the straight scoop from all angles, ask a trustworthy Gemini.

The shadow side of the Twins is not as enlightening. The darker side of our Gemini friends is them telling the truth, but just twisted a little here, embellished a bit there, punctuated by some obscure facts. This will throw off even the most astute seeker of absolute truth. Nobody does it better. Gemini, take heed: This happens when you bump up against some hard facts that you don't like, something that makes you feel uncomfortable or that makes you look bad in your eyes. When this happens, step back, take a deep breath, and ask for courage to be who you really are: one who distills Truth for the rest of us.

Cancer, the Crab (June 22 to July 23)

The Crab is an interesting creature. Since her main mode of being is feeling deeply, we couldn't expect her to go around psychologically naked. This would be a prescription for constant pain. Thus, Cancer needs a shell. This sign is the mother of all mothers. Nurturing, giving, and loving -- Cancer draws you in like a warm blanket. This watery teacher shows the rest of us just what enfolding and caring for another is all about. In this light, Cancer's shell is permeable. Love and emotion go out; love and emotion come in. All is well.

But the Crab may crawl under a rock. Away from the Sunlight of the Spirit, fear creeps in -- fear of being bruised, of not getting the love she so much wants; fear of exposing herself under that ever thickening shell. Then Cancer stays home and turns on the TV. An even nastier shadow occurs when Cancer builds a shell around herself with people she "loves". Actually, "taking hostage" is a more accurate term, for children, spouses, and friends can't break away to live life because Cancer "needs" them so badly. The key to unlock this mini mystery is to let down the shell in increments. Let in those who have proven trustworthy, then a little more. Really look at that shell named fear and start chipping away. We need you out here, Cancer!

Leo, the Lion (July 24 to Aug 23)

"On our way to becoming no one, it behooves us to become someone first," says Ram Dass. Leo is becoming someone. Forget trying to lose the self -- Leo has a contract with God to be himself right until the very end. His job on planet Earth is to recognize, touch, and celebrate who he is as an individual. No wonder another archetype label that Leo has earned is The Child. Innocent, playful and positive, our young Simba is just being himself. He gives to life; and life gives back.

Because Leo is ruled by the Sun, when the Lion steps into the shadows, there is a mighty darkness. He may suddenly find himself among those who do not appreciate who he is -- overly controlling parents, a strict teacher, a cranky boss. Although Leo will entertain us all day long, he expects applause. When there is none, Leo steps outside the innocent, child self and into the performer archetype. He dances harder, trying to get our approval, all the while making us more irritated, until Leo is no longer himself. The key, Leo? Remind yourself that you love you, regardless of who is clapping. That is your journey in a nutshell.

Virgo, the Virgin (Aug 24 to Sept 22)

While the modern, Western mind may see the "virgin" as a symbol of inexperience and innocence, the ancients had quite a different view on the subject. To them, virgin meant whole -- as in, no part of the person was given away to be owned by another. Virgo is such a seeker of wholeness. Contrary to pop astrology (which often depicts Virgo as the efficient secretary bringing her boss the perfect cup of decaf), the Virgin may very well be the most exciting sign of the zodiac. Virgo is an earth sign. As such, she sees how body and mind/soul -- or heaven and earth -- come together. You can bet it was a Virgo who put the whole chakra system concept together about three thousand years ago. Virgos are the leaders out in front of the mind/body movement. Dynamic and esoteric, Virgo is a healer of the highest order.

The shadow? Perfectionism. Virgo expects physical reality to match heaven's, and it doesn't always. Frustrated, trying to make her own physical reality perfect, Virgo judges herself as imperfect. Driving herself crazy, she then starts judging everyone in their sphere, too. And Virgo is not silent on this subject. Where did the healer go? The key, Virgo? Strive for perfection, but judge not. Viva la Virgin!

Libra, the Scales (Sept 23 to Oct 22)

If your ball happens to lands on Libra while playing zodiac roulette, you just signed on for one interesting ride! Libra is all about love, balance, harmony, and marriage. Marriage?! Don't panic, Libra. What you are here to teach the rest of us is how to be married to yourself. Teach us how to be whole by being your inner woman -- the gentle lover, the soothing peacemaker, the comforting Mom. Teach us by revealing your inner man -- strong diplomat, independent thinker, unmovable in his values. The inner working of Libra wants to be balanced and whole, bringing male and female together.

The shadow of Libra picks a side -- any side, male or female -- and stays there. This means that other people in Libra's life have to live out their opposite, and they never do it quite right. The Libra's husband starts making decisions about money that she doesn't like. Libra goes along for "harmony" sake. The Libra's wife "takes over" his children. He doesn't say anything for fear of disturbing the peace. Herein lies the shadow. Lies about who we really are can be kept for years, allowing only half a life to be lived. The key to unlock this whole sticky business is brutal honesty. Search for it, pray for it, love it. Honesty will set you free.

Scorpio, the Scorpion (Oct 23 to Nov 21)

Power. It's all about power, and no one knows personal power better than Scorpio. Scorpion is here to learn proper use of the stuff. With this trait come many wonderful gifts. There are no lies with Scorpio. Just notice her stare, her ability to see us without our psychological clothes. Scorpio can see straight through any facade, so don't bother putting one up. It's not possible to slip much past her. Psychic as she is, Scorpio knows our motives before we do. Never superficial, always with a fairly profound insight, Scorpio is indeed a powerful being, at best in the light and shining when her motive is to help the soul in front of her.

The Scorpion, tiny as she is, is more powerful than any beast that walks the land. One sting and, if not dead, we are incapacitated. When Scorpio feels a little unloved, injured, or just for kicks, she can dig into anyone with her powerful stinger and rob their energy. This may occur on an emotional level and can be devastating for some of the less powerful signs. Scorpio has the ability to circumvent trust and permission and get right inside our psyches, our wounds, our private reasons. When Scorpio gets her energy this way, it is thievery. The key, Scorpio? Just don't do it. You are more conscious than some of the other signs and know what you are doing. When you feel that old foe resentment, face him off. It's all about that internal struggle with your own power.

Sagittarius, the Archer (Nov 22 to Dec 21)

An exuberant archer is Sagittarius! Bigger than life with the distilled characteristic of faith, Sagittarius know things are going to turn out roses. Even during the rough times, he moves on as if he's just been shot out of the bow. Every person, place, or event has a larger meaning. "As above, so below" could be Sag's motto. He takes nothing at face value. And optimism! Sagittarius truly believes there is a pony in that pile of horse dung. It is the faith. Optimistic, eternal student of life, Sag soars like an arrow above the earth just to get a good view.

The sad shadow of the Sagittarian is revealed when he has lost hold of faith. When in a "black" mood, absolutely nothing can break through the ice of this horrible and sometimes dangerous loss of faith and connection. Another side to this shadow is when Sagittarius turns dogmatic. The key for the Archer is communication. You break the spell with the first words uttered to another; you dispel dogma by communion with other religions, races, and even species. Come back to us, Sagittarius! We will be waiting.

Capricorn, the Goat (Dec 22 to Jan 20)

Traditional astrology tells us that Capricorn is the organizing leader, successful at whatever business he chooses. After all, Capricorn is the sign of the Father archetype, the authority. While all this is true, there's more. Let's look at the success machine: get some training, rub shoulders with the right people, and stick with it a few years. Capricorn usually accomplishes this task, but that is not why he is here. The Goat's hardest task is choosing the right mountain to climb. From the inside he is aware that his life's work must match his special talent -- the gift for the world that only he has to offer. It is easy for Capricorn to plug into a preformed mold. However, it is in forging his own trail up the mountain with his gifts of patience and self-discipline that Capricorn begins to shine. The hardest part is getting started because he is so darned successful and comfortable at his day job.

The shadow of Capricorn looks like this: a middle-aged man with a cushy career, a fat retirement account, and an empty heart. He's on top, but he's climbed the wrong mountain. He has ditched his own dream for the American dream. He can't let go of being on top long enough to slide back and start over with less esteem. In order to claim his authority others must become subservient. The key here, Capricorn, is solitude. Being alone with only you will help you connect with you and your dream. False idols will fall away and your genuine self will take its place. Welcome home.

Aquarius, the Waterbearer, the Revolutionary (Jan 21 to Feb 19)

Aquarius throws off a powerful light. Why? Because once he finds what he believes in, heaven and earth cannot make him change. Aquarius thus becomes a beacon for us all. Aquarius dances to the beat of a different drummer -- and that's a beautiful dance. Aquarius has the ability to see the big picture. In order to do this, however, he steps away from convention and status quo. This makes him look odd to the rest of us. I once had a friend who lamented, "If you call Aquarians "weird" they think you've given them a compliment." Aquarius is wonderfully truthful about what he sees!

The Aquarian shadow is conformity. When Aquarius tries to be what society wants him to be, he becomes an empty puppet. Do you know any Aquarians at wonderful jobs with full benefits -- enviable positions by most standards -- and yet their eyes are empty? You're looking into the Aquarian shadow. Worse yet is the quirky Aquarian who is different just for the sake of being different. This version of Aquarius insists on his right to wear a nose ring or eat only certain food. Most often, this is a counterfeit of the real thing, for fear keeps him from stepping out of the mainstream and taking on a special role in changing the planet. Each Aquarian has a unique gift to give, but first he must be willing to give up getting consensus from all of us that he really is different.

Pisces, the Fish (Feb 20 to Mar 20)

Pisces is about spiritual connection. Another name in archetypal speak is Mystic. Artist, Poet, or Seer will also do. Pisces has a spiritual connection like no other. This is her job -- to show the rest of us the magic in life. Behind every person, event and circumstance Spirit is working. Pisces can see this and tells us about it. Oh, joy for you, Pisces! You teach us meaning. Is it any wonder that so many healers, psychics, and spiritual leaders of all faiths are of Piscean blood? The Sun shines on you, Pisces, when you choose service as a Path. Connecting with others spiritually, "service" takes on a mystical tone. You do not deny the physical world, you are just beyond it.

The shadow of Pisces is to drop the physical world all together and escape. Alcohol, drugs, depression, and numbing out are all counterfeit substitutions for the Real Thing. When Pisces can't find her spiritual connection or just plain doesn't want to, she has no energy. Thus, she will pick up others' values, lose her personal power, and play the victim. The key to survival, Pisces, is meditation and creativity of any kind--sitting quietly by a river, writing a novel, or just plain old-fashioned prayer. We need your spiritual wholeness more than any material gift you could bestow. Thank you for you!