by Maria Shaw

What are we hiding? What motivates us? What is it we can’t seem to grasp in our lives? Many of us wrestle with our “shadow.” In astrology, our shadow self relates to the 12th house in your birth chart This house contains all of the junk, garbage and fear’s we carry around with us, hidden in our subconscious. While a few have gotten in touch with our “shadow self,” the majority of us don’t have a clue what it is. It’s simply your inner self... some people say it’s your inner child because it has a lot to do with the parent/child relationship. I believe if you acknowledge your shadow, embrace it and learn to love it, your spirit will grow immensely. So let’s take a closer look behind the curtain of each zodiac sign. If you know your rising sign (ascendant) read that too. This column will make a lot more sense to you if you use the rising sign because it will give you a true picture of your 12th house. If you use your sun sign, some of you may not agree with the shadow lessons.

Aries • The Ram is lively and impatient. They sometimes lack the foresight needed to accomplish things. They’re impulsive like a child. Growing up, these kids demanded attention. They wanted to be number one in the family so their parents probably spoiled them or allowed them to get their own way. Sometimes it’s easier to give in to a demanding youngster than fight with them. And the Aries child, ruled by the warrior planet Mars was ready for battle. But what is Aries hiding? Their shadow is Pisces. The Ram feels a need to repress the Fish in order to survive. If they accepted their shadow side, Aries would have to surrender and let go. Finding satisfaction in serving others like a Pisces would do, is not part of the Aries nature. But if Aries were to embrace their shadow, they may find we need one another to survive.

Taurus • These folks are going to be cautious and steadfast. Many Taurus were born when their families were going through difficult financial times. The may have experienced at a young age what it was like to be poor or not have enough money for the little extras. Their parents could have had many fights over money. Dad may have lost his job. Little Taurus may have worn hand-me down clothing and limited to one helping of meat at the dinner table. So as an adult they are money and security driven. They are cautious people but want the finer things in life. They appreciate a good meal and often overeat. They want the very best money can buy and work hard to get the things they feel is due them. What is lurking in Taurus’s shadows? The essence of Aries. The aggression and need for survival. The pushiness and the drive. Taurus are stubborn but they’re not pushy. If they worked with the Aries shadow they may not be so cautious and take risks that could help them feel more secure.

Gemini • Because Geminis are intellectual rather than emotional, they sometimes feel alienated from others in society. They are personable, talkative and good communicators. There are times however they don’t always feel they fit in. Many Gemini came from father dominated homes so some feel woman are not as capable as men. Some do better working with male authority figures in the workplace. Gemini women suffer the most because even if they verbally disagree with that prior statement, their actions will show it. What is Gemini hiding? The steadiness of Taurus. The twins can be fickle and forever changing their minds. They live in the moment. But they can learn a great deal from their shadow side... about inner security, about sticking to things, about being patient and taking the time to think things through.

Cancer • Crabs are so emotional and sensitive. Home and family plays a big role in their lives. Many came from female dominated homes where mother was the biggest influence. The father was away or worked a lot so they got much of their nurturing from mom and therefore learned to work from a feminine/emotional standpoint. Intellectually, they may not have gotten a lot of practice if Dad wasn’t around. So the Cancers “feel” everything. Their shadow side is Gemini. Some Cancers cannot express their feelings verbally and they often feel they are the least important member of the family growing up. They worry a lot and are not able to live in the present. They think a lot about the past and only look toward the future if they really need to. Cancer needs to learn from the shadow side so they can effectively communicate their feelings. That will set them free from the emotional chains that bind them to the past, in their love lives and relationships with others.

Leo • Most Leos don’t like weakness in other people. They despise any sign of weakness in themselves. Why? because their shadow sign is Cancer and they want to repress the emotional neediness and vulnerability of their shadow so they always appear strong. Many Leos hang onto a talent or image of themselves from childhood. These are the folks that were born in families that praised them for their talents and attributes. For example, mom always said I was pretty. Dad always said I was strong. Uncle Joe said I could sing well. Leos take those compliments and emphasize them throughout their lifetimes. A pretty little girl will grow up to fuss over her hair and makeup. She may buy designer clothes and try her best at turning heads well into her 60s. If Leos cared less what others thought of them and allowed their shadow side to come out, they could address any weaknesses. Rather than repress them, they’ll feel good about themselves without needing approval and applause.

Virgo • Virgos need to be needed. This sign has been put on earth to be of service to others. They analyze things a lot and are dependable and down to earth. Virgo’s shadow self is Leo. Virgo represses Leo and its regal qualities. Leos like to be served. They prefer to be pampered and made over. Leos would never be anyone’s servant. So a Virgo can give but it’s difficult for them to “receive.” As children, many Virgos never saw their parents be affectionate with each other so this sign has to figure relationships out for themselves. They sometimes draw lovers that have problems and tend to martyr themselves for those they care about. If Virgo were to let their shadow come out, they would allow their playfulness and affectionate side to shine through. Instead, they show affection by taking care of their partners; worrying about them and fussing a lot. They crave those hugs and kisses but are afraid sometimes to let anyone get too close.

Libra • These people were likely born at a difficult time in their parents marriage. There may have been a lot of arguments or even divorce. The household may been in complete chaos. So adult Libras are always trying to smooth things out and make everyone happy. They hate confrontations and avoid any quarrels if they can. Many times Libras do experience problems in their close relationships because they can’t ask for what they need or want in their partner. They feel as if they open their mouth, they’ll cause more trouble. So they suffer in silence. A Libra is repressing its Virgo shadow side. Virgo will talk about things because this sign is ruled by the planet mercury (communications). If Libra would allow the fear they hold on to about speaking up, they would have better relationships and feel as if their life is in balance.

Scorpio • Since Scorpio is ruled by the planet Pluto and Pluto rules death and transformation, many Scorpions were born during a time when a major death occurred in the family. Their early home may have been a place of grieving and therefore did not get all of the cuddling and affection from their parents like other kids early on. So as the Scorpio child got a little older, his parents tried to make up for the lack of attention by giving the child lots of opportunities and were obsessed with making sure she would achieve all she set out to do. Therefore, the Scorpions’ childhood went from one extreme to another; death, rebirth, obsession, control. There was no balance. If Scorpio would allow their shadow to come out, it would be able to deal with their deep obsessive qualities. Libra will teach them to balance their life and create more peace and harmony in it.

Sagittarius • These folks likely came from a father dominated home. Dads were important. Moms were not. The Sag girls were likely tomboys and always trying to win Dad’s attention and affections. The girls thought their father always wanted a boy but they got stuck with a girl. That’s why many Sagittarius women have trouble with relationships but have lots of guy friends. Some of the Sag men can be chauvinistic thinking men are more important because that’s what they learned as child. Often Sag women will marry or attract older men. They find them to be more trustworthy and appeal to their needs for a father figure. If Sag worked off their shadow side in Scorpio, they could learn a great deal of transforming themselves; their ideals and relationships. Sag tries to repress the shadow, scared of getting obsessed or tied down. But they need a little bit of the shadow in their life or they never truly feel fulfilled or experience deep, intense emotions in a sexual relationship.

Capricorn • Because one parent was not actively involved in the child’s life there was no structure in the Capricorn’s home. Usually it was the father that was working all the time. So Capricorn learned how important “Big Daddy” was. Capricorn children had to be very mature for their age. But because mom was usually the boss in the household, they grew up to be more like her. They end up parenting one of their parents or their spouse if Capricorn choose to marry. Sometimes, the mid-life crisis is the most difficult for those born under the sign of Capricorn because they never had a true childhood. They try to claim their childhood in their mid-40’ and start acting crazy! The shadow sign to Capricorn is Sagittarius. Through their shadow they can learn to be more positive and free, to study higher philosophies and spiritual wisdom. Sometimes that is hard to do for the logical Capricorn because he believes only what he sees. If he trusted the universe more, a bright path would reveal itself.

Aquarius • Have learned that good feelings are temporary. There could have been some sort of abuse in the family home and the mother comes to the child’s defense. But she always brings it back up and throws it the Aquarius’s face; “Look how much I have done for you. I stepped in and saved you!” Because there was no structure in the early childhood or a crazy family life, Aquarius have learned to roll with flow and shut off their emotions at times so they don’t get hurt. Many times Aquarius will make their friends their family and move way from traditional bonds. Thru their shadow side of Capricorn, Aquarius can learn that tradition and structure do have a place in their life and if implemented wisely, can enjoy a deeper commitment to those they care about. Perhaps their life will not be so erratic and changeable if they took on some Capricorn organized shadow qualities.

Pisces • There was over coercion in childhood from parents. Parents didn’t give the child time or opportunities to be themselves. There was a lot of pressure in the home so now Pisces procrastinate a lot in their adult life. It’s called passive resistance. Because parents nagged them a lot in childhood and made them feel guilty. Pisces hate to take advice now from anyone. One of their biggest challenges is not to draw a partner that doesn’t support their goals. If the Pisces will work off of their shadow sign which is Aquarius they will set boundaries in their life where people can’t emotionally hurt them. They will make up their own minds and learn to let things roll off their shoulders. They will back away from negative relationships easier like the Aquarius do.

Here’s a great time to do a spiritual cleansing and get in touch with your shadow self! Every spring, we should not only do a house cleansing but a spiritual cleansing as well. These times are great to release the “shadow.” Is there extra baggage you need to get rid of? Look to release your shadow side to improve the qualities of your relationships and life as well.

Maria Shaw is the “National Enquirer’s” astrologer and the star of “CBS Psychic Radio Network.” “The Maria Shaw Show” airs daily 9a.m. to 12noon EST on psychiconair.com. Maria is also the author of nine books. She appears on “VH1,” “MTV,” “The Tony Danza Show,” the “Anna Nicole Show,” “Fox News" and other national programs. Visit MariaShaw.com for consultation information.