A 16-year Era Ends and a 20-year Revolution Begins — Pluto’s Shift from Capricorn to Aquarius and How it’s Helping us Remember WTF We Are
Artist unknown.
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If you watched my November Energy Update, you know that November 19, 2024, is a pivotal day for the world. Let’s talk about why this moment matters and what it means for us collectively, and for you individually.
Since January 2008, Pluto—the planet of deep transformation, power, and rebirth—has been in Capricorn, a sign focused on structure, tradition, and authority. We’ve collectively witnessed and personally experienced the breakdown of outdated systems, both externally in society and internally in our own lives.
For the past 16 years, Pluto in Capricorn asked us (more like dragged us) to pay attention to the foundations we’ve built and gave us the opportunity to decide what stays, what goes, and what needs to be rebuilt entirely.
On November 19, 2024, Pluto officially left Capricorn and stepped into Aquarius, marking the start of a brand new 20-year cycle.
Aquarius is all about the future. Think community, innovation, individuality, and revolutionary change. Over the next 20 years, these energies will shift how we see progress and our connection to the world around us, and urge us to strengthen existing communities and create new, inspired movements that empower and uplift humanity.
Releasing the Past 16 Years
If you’re reading this and you’re like, “I don't know what you’re talking about, Mel. The world is still a literal dumpster fire,” I want to say two things:
Yes, the world is still a blazing dumpster fire. You’re not wrong there.
AND ALSO, when we’re shot on gratitude (which is what we should be cultivating right now), we have to look at the facts.
Artist unknown.
Pluto in Capricorn’s purpose was to sweep through all of our lives and force us to reconsider our foundations so that we can continue evolving toward the greatest and highest good of all. In the U.S., this transit began with the 2008 financial crisis, which exposed corruption and instability in global systems.
It shone a glaring light on the inequalities baked into society, forcing us to reckon with how deeply white supremacy holds the world in its grip—or, as I said in my latest video, how the capitalist patriarchy has had its foot on our necks for centuries.
Movements like Black Lives Matter erupted onto the global stage, demanding justice and accountability for centuries of systemic oppression. Most recently, we’ve witnessed a collective rallying for the freedom of Palestine as they face an American-funded genocide, with people worldwide recognizing the interconnectedness of struggles for liberation.
This era also forced us to confront vulnerabilities in our infrastructure, health care, and even the way we work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology advanced rapidly, reshaping industries and calling for structural reforms to match the changing world.
So yes, while the past 16 years have been marked by chaos and upheaval, they’ve also awakened us to the major cracks in the systems we had no choice but to rely on. Pluto in Capricorn wasn’t about band-aid fixes—it was about tearing down outdated power structures and exposing the deep inequalities that [continue to] keep us divided.
As painful as this process has been for people all over the world, as much as we’ve experienced loss and had to temper our grief just to get by, it has also paved the way for conscious awakening and the potential for collective growth and lasting change.
We will never be the same. And now (I hope) we know better.
These transformations weren’t just collective; Pluto in Capricorn also reshaped our lives on a deeply personal level.
Let’s get into what your life was trying to get you to pay attention to—and ultimately transform—depending on your astrological rising sign. Each sign faced its own unique challenges, all with the same ultimate goal: conscious rebirth and deeper alignment.
Disclaimer: I’m not a professional astrologer. I just really love energy, and I think it’s extremely important to consider as energy beings in human bodies.
Look for your rising sign below and read, but you’re encouraged to take this information and use it as a stepping stone for continued reflection. What did your Pluto in Capricorn era look and feel and feel like, how did it change you?
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Focus: Career, long-term goals, structure, status, reputation, public image, masculinity, men, fathers, experts, and fame.
Themes: Pluto pushed you to examine your ambitions, redefine what success means for you, and confront power dynamics in your professional life. This may have included clashes with authority figures or moments that forced you to own your power and step into leadership roles.
The Last 16 Years: You may have felt immense pressure to prove yourself and faced challenges in your career or public life. Spiritually, you were positioned to learn that true success is not just about status but about creating a legacy rooted in authenticity and service to the greater good.
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Focus: Travel, wisdom, philosophy, higher education, law and religion, and cross-cultural relations.
Themes: Pluto transformed your relationship with knowledge and belief systems. You may have felt drawn to explore new philosophies, break free from dogma (especially if you grew up religious), or experience life-changing travel that expanded your perspective.
The Last 16 Years: It may have felt like an unraveling of old belief systems, forcing you to search for meaning in unfamiliar places. Spiritually, you were positioned to learn to trust the unfolding of your journey and connect with a higher truth that resonates deeply with your soul.
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Focus: Merging, sex, intimacy, shared finances, inheritances, taxes, loans, assets, property, joint ventures/goals, mystery, partners, and resources.
Themes: Pluto forced you to dive deep into themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and shared resources. You likely experienced transformative moments around trust, financial entanglements, and personal empowerment.
The Last 16 Years: This was an intense period of endings, rebirth, and revelations. Your finances are definitely not what they were in 2008. Spiritually, you were positioned to learn to embrace the cycles of life and death within yourself and your relationships, trusting in surrender and transformation as pathways to empowerment and abundance of all kinds.
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Focus: Relationships, marriage, contracts, business partners, equality, sharing, and interpersonal style.
Themes: Pluto transformed how you connect with others, revealing toxic patterns in partnerships and pushing you to create more balanced, authentic relationships.
The Last 16 Years: Relationships likely felt intense, with deep transformations in how you give and receive love. Spiritually, your relatinships were Divine assignments, positioning you to learn to view interpersonal connections as sacred mirrors, offering lessons in balance, respect, and honoring both your needs and those of others. Your self-worth went through a deep process of revitalization.
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Focus: Health, fitness, systems, analytical nature, pets, work habits, organization, sense of usefulness, and service given.
Themes: Pluto reshaped your routines, work habits, and relationship with your health. You may have faced challenges that forced you to take better care of your body and create sustainable habits in your daily life.
The Last 16 Years: You likely had to address issues around burnout or poor health, ultimately building routines that support your well-being. Spiritually, you were positioned to learn that the way you care for yourself is a reflection of how you show up for the world, turning daily life into soulful rituals—acts of devotion.
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Focus: Romance, love affairs, play, creativity, fertility, children, childlike spirit, joy, self-expression, and drama.
Themes: Pluto transformed your relationship with joy, creativity, and self-expression. You may have faced challenges in expressing your authentic self or reevaluated how you experience pleasure.
The Last 16 Years: This period likely brought creative blocks or lessons in self-worth, pushing you to rediscover your passions. Spiritually, you were probably probed to reconnect with your inner child as you were positioned to learn that joy is not frivolous but an essential part of your purpose. This could have been an era of reconnecting you with the Divine through play and authentic expression.
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Focus: Home, roots, family, self-care, emotions, foundations, mother, children, women, and femininity.
Themes: Pluto brought major transformations in your home life and emotional foundations. You may have faced upheaval in your living situation, family dynamics, or ancestral healing.
The Last 16 Years: This period likely felt like a deep restructuring of your inner world. This could have been an era that made you reconsider what family really means for you, and how you want to continue to nurture your family in your lifetime. Spiritually, you were positioned to learn to connect with your lineage, heal generational patterns, and build a sense of home within yourself that no external circumstance can shake.
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Focus: The mind, thinking, communication, siblings, social activity/interests, neighbors, and education.
Themes: Pluto pushed you to transform your mindset and communication style, revealing hidden fears or limiting beliefs that hold you back.
The Last 16 Years: This was likely a mentally intense period, with challenges in relationships with siblings, neighbors, or your immediate environment. Spiritually, you were positioned to learn to control your inner impulses and recognize the power of your thoughts and words as sacred tools for creating your reality, and healing yourself and others.
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Focus: Money, work, income, daily routines, values, material possessions, priorities, habits, your job, and work ethic.
Themes: Pluto transformed your relationship with finances and self-worth, urging you to reevaluate your priorities and align your values with how you earn and spend money.
The Last 16 Years: This period likely felt like a rollercoaster of financial challenges and breakthroughs, paired with lessons in self-esteem. Spiritually, you were positioned to learn to see abundance as a reflection of your inner worth, teaching you that true wealth and abundance comes from alignment with your values.
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Focus: Self, appearances, beginnings, the body, first impressions, attitude, identity, and approach to life.
Themes: Pluto brought a complete transformation of your identity and self-image, asking you to shed old versions of yourself and embrace your authentic power with the mind, body, and spirit you have.
The Last 16 Years: This was likely a deeply personal period of growth, where you redefined your sense of self through challenges and rebirth. Spiritually, you were positioned to learn to embody your highest truth, aligning your external identity with the strength and power of your soul.
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Focus: Endings, healing, closure, spirituality, solitude, karma, old age, afterlife, what’s hidden, limiting beliefs, and the subconscious.
Themes: Pluto invited you to spiritually explore the unseen—your subconscious, karmic patterns, and connection to the divine. It was a journey of deep healing and surrender.
The Last 16 Years: This period may have felt isolating, with lessons in letting go of what no longer serves you. Spiritually, you were positioned to learn to trust in Divine timing (everything happening when it is most in alignment with the highest and greatest good of all), embrace solitude as a sacred opportunity for self connection, and heal the deepest layers of your soul.
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Focus: Groups, friends, social awareness, humanitarianism, technology, hopes and wishes, and the future.
Themes: Pluto transformed your social connections, challenging you to find your true community and align with long-term goals that resonate with your soul truth.
The Last 16 Years: Friendships and community dynamics may have shifted majorly, teaching you who truly supports your growth. Spiritually, you were positioned to learn the power of collective energy and align your vision with a higher purpose for the greater good of all.
Dreaming Up a New World During this Revolutionary 20-Year Era
As of Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Pluto is stationed in Aquarius for the next two decades, and it signals a new era of transformation, calling us to reimagine the future—individually and collectively.
Artist unknown.
Aquarius, the sign of revolution, innovation, and humanity, reminds us that change is not just inevitable but essential. As we face the unknown—politically, socially, and environmentally—the beginning of this new cycle invites us to dream up the world we want to live in while staying grounded in the lessons we’ve already learned.
In the U.S., this energy arrives at a pivotal moment (re: literal dumpster fire) as uncertainty around leadership and systems continues to grow. But Pluto in Aquarius offers hope rooted in action, reminding us that progress comes when we align with a vision of equity, liberation, and connection for ALL. It’s not about ignoring what’s broken but about focusing on what’s possible and taking intentional steps toward it.
This 20-year energetic transit challenges us to evolve while staying mentally clear and spiritually rooted. Whether through meditation, movement, mindful connection, or whatever fills your cup, our routines and rituals will help us anchor ourselves as we navigate this revolutionary time.
The future depends on how we show up every single day, so our clarity, presence, and perspective couldn't be more important. This is our chance to co-create a reality aligned with both personal growth and collective well-being.
Ask yourself: What kind of world do I want to live in? How can I align my actions with that vision?
The power of Pluto lies in transformation, and Aquarius brings the vision to guide it. Together, they'll offer us support to build something extraordinary—for ourselves and for generations to come. The world will never be the same after these next 20 years, but we get to decide what that means.
Let’s explore how this revolutionary 20-year transit will impact you, based on your rising sign.
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Focus: Groups, friends, social awareness, humanitarianism, technology, hopes and wishes, and the future.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will transform your connection to community and your long-term goals. You’ll be called to reevaluate your role within groups, causes, or movements and to align your vision with something that feels more meaningful and impactful. It’s a time for stepping into your power as a leader or contributor in ways that serve not just you but the collective.
The next 20 years will probably be: A period of deep reflection and transformation in your social circles and aspirations. You may find old friendships or networks falling away to make room for more aligned connections. Spiritually, you’ll be positioned to learn how your personal growth and unique talents can contribute to the greater good. This is your time to dream boldly for yourself and the world—and to take actions that make those dreams a reality.
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Focus: Career, long-term goals, structure, status, reputation, public image, masculinity, men, fathers, experts, and fame.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will transform your career and public image, urging you to step into a more authentic and powerful role in the world. You may find yourself questioning traditional ideas of success and aligning your ambitions with something more progressive or impactful. This is a call to take ownership of your long-term goals while embracing innovation and leadership.
The next 20 years will probably be: A journey of redefining your professional path and reputation. You might face power dynamics in your work or feel drawn to create something revolutionary within your field. Spiritually, you’ll be positioned to learn how to merge personal fulfillment with public contribution, building a legacy rooted in both authenticity and service.
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Focus: Travel, wisdom, philosophy, higher education, law and religion, and cross-cultural relations.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will transform your understanding of truth, wisdom, and belief systems. You may feel compelled to explore new philosophies, take on higher learning, or travel to places that expand your mind and soul. This is a time to challenge old paradigms and embrace ideas that align with your evolving perspective.
The next 20 years will probably be: A period of profound growth in your worldview. You might feel drawn to break free from limiting beliefs or outdated systems of thought, replacing them with a more progressive and expansive spiritual foundation. This transit positions you to share your wisdom with others and inspire change on a larger scale.
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Focus: Merging, sex, intimacy, shared finances, inheritances, taxes, loans, assets, property, joint ventures/goals, mystery, partners, and resources.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will bring transformation to your intimate relationships, shared resources, and connection to the unseen. This is a time to confront power dynamics in partnerships and redefine how you merge your energy with others—emotionally, spiritually, and financially.
The next 20 years will probably be: An intense journey of letting go, rebuilding, and stepping into your power. You may face shifts in shared finances or transformative experiences that deepen your understanding of intimacy and trust. Spiritually, you’ll be positioned to learn that surrender and vulnerability are pathways to empowerment, liberation, and well-being, for yourself and for all.
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Focus: Relationships, marriage, contracts, business partners, equality, sharing, and interpersonal style.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will transform how you approach relationships and partnerships. You may find yourself drawn to deeper, more meaningful connections while shedding dynamics that no longer serve your growth. This is a call to create authentic and equitable relationships and to recognize how all interpersonal connections are spiritual assignments.
The next 20 years will probably be: A time of profound shifts in how you connect with others. You may experience transformative relationships that help you grow spiritually and emotionally. Spiritually, you’ll be positioned to learn how to balance your individuality with a commitment to meaningful partnerships, and to develop a deeper connection with your self-worth.
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Focus: Health, fitness, systems, analytical nature, pets, work habits, organization, sense of usefulness, and service given.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will transform your daily routines, health, and relationship to work. You may feel called to create systems that better support your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. This is also a time to reconsider how you offer your service to the world.
The next 20 years will probably be: A journey of restructuring your habits and redefining your sense of purpose in your work and health. Spiritually, you’ll be positioned to learn how small, intentional actions can create revolutionary change in your life and the lives of others.
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Focus: Romance, love affairs, play, creativity, fertility, children, childlike spirit, joy, self-expression, and drama.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will transform your creativity, self-expression, and relationship with joy. You may feel called to reclaim your inner child or explore new creative outlets that feel authentic and revolutionary. This is also a time to redefine romance and your approach to love, especially as it relates to healing within romantic relationships.
The next 20 years will probably be: A period of deep exploration into what brings you joy and fulfillment. Spiritually, you’ll be positioned to learn that creativity and play are sacred tools for self-discovery and collective healing.
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Focus: Home, roots, family, self-care, emotions, foundations, mother, children, women, and femininity.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will transform your connection to home and family. You may feel called to redefine what home and family mean to you, heal ancestral patterns, and/or create a sanctuary that supports your growth and well-being.
The next 20 years will probably be: A time of emotional transformation and healing. You may experience shifts in your living situation or family dynamics, positioning you to learn that true security comes from within. Spiritually, this is your chance to build a home rooted in authenticity and love.
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Focus: The mind, thinking, communication, siblings, social activity/interests, neighbors, and education.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will transform how you think, communicate, and connect with others. You may feel drawn to explore innovative ideas or develop a deeper relationship with your voice and mental clarity.
The next 20 years will probably be: A journey of rewiring your mindset and refining your communication style. Spiritually, you’ll be positioned to learn that your words carry the power to shift and create worlds, and your ideas can inspire profound change.
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Focus: Money, work, income, daily routines, values, material possessions, priorities, habits, your job, and work ethic.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will transform your relationship with money, values, and self-worth. You may feel called to align your material goals with your deeper sense of purpose and contribution to the collective.
The next 20 years will probably be: A time of financial and personal growth, urging you to reorganize how you make, spend, and keep your money. Spiritually, you’ll be positioned to learn that true abundance comes from living in alignment with clear values and honoring your worth.
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Focus: Self, appearances, beginnings, the body, first impressions, attitude, identity, and approach to life.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will transform your identity and how you show up in the world. You may feel called to shed old roles and step fully into your authentic power, becoming a trailblazer in your own right, from the way that you present in the world energetically as well as physically.
The next 20 years will probably be: A profound period of self-reinvention. Spiritually, you’ll be positioned to learn how to embody your truth unapologetically and inspire others through your unique perspective.
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Focus: Endings, healing, closure, spirituality, solitude, karma, old age, afterlife, what’s hidden, limiting beliefs, and the subconscious.
Themes: Pluto in Aquarius will bring deep transformation to your inner world. This is a time to explore your subconscious, release limiting beliefs, and embrace the sacred power of solitude and surrender.
The next 20 years will probably be: A journey of profound inner healing and spiritual awakening. You’ll be positioned to learn how to trust the unseen forces guiding your life and find strength in embracing the mysteries of your soul journey.
My Personal Reflections
18-year-old Melanie, 2008.
I was 18 years old in January 2008 when Pluto entered Capricorn. I had been a college freshman for five months, living on my own and away from my family for the first time, and inevitably, I was experiencing major changes in my relationships. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to brace herself, to talk less and listen more, and to see everything as an opportunity, because shit was about to hit the fan for her, and she would never be the same.
I am a Cancer rising (actually, I have a Cancer and Capricorn stellium, meaning I have more than three planets in these signs), so for the last 16 years, I’ve been experiencing deep transformation in all areas related to relationships, marriage, contracts, business partners, equality, sharing, and my interpersonal style.
The last 16 years have challenged me immensely. It positioned people on my path who reminded me of my immense power, my strength, my beauty, and unique ability to nurture—but much of it happened by way of navigating narcissism, disempowerment, humiliation, and mental and physical abuse, to try to name some of the chaos I’ve faced.
There were times when the weight of it all felt unbearable. I was so consumed by pain and loss that I began to question my place here—on this planet, in this lifetime. The thought of cutting my human journey short crossed my mind more times than I want to elaborate on, but there were moments when it felt like the only way out. I was experiencing severe mental health issues and felt broken in ways I didn’t think I could ever recover from, surrounded by people who took more than they gave and relationships that drained me of my sense of self.
But this era was also synonymous with my spiritual awakening, so eventually I realized that my breaking was a catalyst for my breaking through, and that this era was also about rebuilding.
Among the people who shattered my spirit, there were also those who held me when I couldn’t hold myself. Those who reminded me, even in my darkest moments, of my worth and my ability to heal. And while some connections faded entirely, others deepened. There were people I thought that I’d have in my life forever that I had to distance myself from, and there were others with whom I rebuilt relationships stronger and more authentic than ever before.
Through it all, I began to see the patterns, the cycles, and the lessons I was being positioned to learn. That the journey wasn’t about avoiding pain but about finding the strength to move through it—to surrender and respond accordingly. To let it all transform me.
And transform me, it did. I sit here now, writing this blog post as someone who has been completely rebirthed.
I am grateful for the trial and the fire because life is clearer than ever.
I am grateful for the narcissists, the frenemies, and the fuck boys and girls who snaked their way into my heart only to tear me down from within—because I will never again allow anybody to take advantage of me. I will never forget my worth—not just in relation to others, but most importantly, to myself.
I am grateful for the people who left, the ones who stayed, and the ones who came back, because they all taught me something about love, boundaries, and forgiveness. The ones who left reminded me that not everyone is meant to walk my entire journey with me, and that’s okay. The ones who stayed showed me what true connection and loyalty look like, anchoring me through even the darkest times. The ones who came back taught me the beauty of growth, healing, and second chances. Because of them all, my circle is tighter than ever—not out of exclusion, but because I’ve learned the value of intentionality and surrounding myself with those who truly see and honor all parts of me.
I am grateful for the pain that brought me to my knees because it taught me that feeling it all and rising from pain don’t have to be exclusive. The act of sitting with my pain and acknowledging it fully was the first step in reclaiming my power and alchemizing it into something beautiful.
I am grateful for the moments when I felt completely lost because they forced me to find my own way. To see myself as the light at the end of my darkest tunnels. To trust that even when I couldn’t see the path, I carried the sacred strength and wisdom to create it step by step.
I am grateful for the breakdowns, because they led to breakthroughs I never could have imagined—each collapse forcing me to confront the parts of myself I had been avoiding, to shed what no longer served me, and to rebuild with a stronger foundation.
I am grateful for the lessons that broke my heart, because they opened it wider than I thought was humanly possible.
And I am grateful for myself—for surviving, for choosing to stay, and for continuing to grow, even when it felt impossible.
Now that I’m clear on my worth and perspective when it comes to relationships and my interpersonal style, the next 20 years will bring me on a profound journey of merging, collaborating, and more transformation.
This era won’t just be about forming relationships, it’ll be about what happens after. It’ll be about merging emotionally, financially, sexually, and spiritually. It’s about intimacy, trust, shared resources, and the vulnerability required to deepen connections and create revolutionary communities.
As I dream up the next 20 years for myself and for the world, they both look like expansive partnerships, rooted in trust, and deeply aligned in clarity of perspective. I envision courageous intimacy, where vulnerability is met with deep respect, and collaboration is built on mutual growth and cultivated for the highest and greatest good of all. This means merging in ways that are intentional and transformative—emotionally, financially, spiritually, and beyond.
For me, it’s about stepping fully into relationships and connections that nurture authenticity and inspire evolution. For the world, it’s about communities coming together to share resources, ideas, and power in ways that amplify collective potential and honor our interconnectedness.
I am holding in my heart a future where clarity drives both personal and global action—where I trust myself to stand firmly in my truth, and where the world releases dogma and leans into innovation, equity, and shared purpose rooted in liberation. It’s a vision of growth, of breaking down structures that no longer serve us, and building bridges that bring us closer to the world we want to live in.
Let’s connect in the comments 💬 What era are you leaving behind, and which are you beginning based on your rising sign? What are you dreaming up for yourself and the collective for the next revolutionary 20 years?