How to Be More Vulnerable, According to Your Zodiac Sign

Ever since Brené Brown’s TED talk broke the internet, vulnerability has been at the forefront of everyone’s minds. How can we be more vulnerable? What does being vulnerable even mean? By putting ourselves out there and owning our emotions rather than hiding them for the sake of others (or out of fear), all of us can live happier, healthier lives full of purpose. By being vulnerable, you let the world see you for your true self, and the confidence that comes with that can be extremely healing. The path to greater vulnerability is different for every individual, but here are some guidelines each zodiac sign can follow on their journey to their inner Brené.

Aries can often get their head stuck in the clouds thinking about future greatness, but they can only express their vulnerability when they let their thoughts and feelings be rooted in the present. This can mean going against some of their leadership instincts by allowing themselves to be honest about their emotions as they arise instead of tamping them down in order to “take one for the team.” A simple mindfulness meditation aimed at getting your mind and body into the present could be exactly what an Aries needs to be their most vulnerable self.

Bulls tend to close themselves off to possibility and risk, preferring the stability of a daily routine. In order to be more vulnerable, a Taurus will have to shake things up a bit. By challenging their own thinking, this notoriously stubborn sign can get out of their comfort zone and expand into new, more vulnerable horizons. Trying a new class, agreeing to last-minute plans or simply doing away with the to-do list for a day can do wonders with helping this sign open up and let the world in.

Geminis are masters of avoidance. At even the hint of awkwardness, they’ll run for the hills or masterfully change the subject. But Geminis who want to work on vulnerability should allow themselves to sit in life’s awkward moments in order to glean whatever lessons they might provide. Their tendency toward avoidance can be used to shield themselves (and others) from their true feelings and hinder their growth. Next time an awkward situation arises, Geminis looking to be more vulnerable should allow themselves to sit back and watch things play out rather than intervening immediately to smooth things over. 

Cancers are famous for their empathy toward others, but they often forget to extend that empathy to themselves. In fact, Cancers tend to put a wall around their own emotions for the sake of being there for other people, even when they desperately need love and support. Cancers who are looking to be more vulnerable should let themselves share their feelings of anxiety, sadness or fear with others, rather than bottling them up and putting on a brave face. It can seem scary to open up at first, but in the end, they’ll be thankful they did.

Proud Leos hate admitting to failure, but it's only by allowing themselves to fail that they can learn and grow. Leos are at their most vulnerable when it's time to offer an apology, admit to fault or otherwise own up to the fact that they’re not totally perfect. By allowing themselves to hear criticism, Leos can free themselves from their own ego and actually grow into the coworker, friend and lover that they always knew they could be.

Virgos love to know everything about everything, so they are at their most vulnerable when admitting that they are not the expert in the room. By allowing themselves to ask questions (and risk looking stupid), Virgos can shed their perfectionist tendencies and open up to new opportunities. In order to increase their vulnerability, Virgos should let themselves be the student rather than the teacher. After all, the only way to become an expert in a topic is by first allowing yourself to be a beginner.

Super social Libras love spending time in groups but can sometimes balk when it comes to spending time with themselves. Alone time can leave Libras feeling, well, kind of alone, and in turn quite vulnerable. By learning how to enjoy the time they spend with themselves, Libras can become more open and confident. Libras looking to be more vulnerable should try seeing a new movie alone, taking themselves to dinner or just spending a relaxing solo night at home and seeing what emotions arise.

Scorpios can be more vulnerable by being intimate with someone else, and we don’t just mean that sexually. By opening themselves up to close friends, family members and yes, lovers, Scorpios can help tear down the walls they often build up around their giant, empathic heart. Scorpios are known for their intense love of those close to them, so by opening up and receiving that love in return, they’ll learn valuable lessons about vulnerability, patience and understanding within relationships.

Sagittarius is a zodiac sign known for its desire to seek the truth, so it should come as no surprise that they are at their most vulnerable when being totally honest. Because archers tend to be highly adept in social situations, they often find clever ways to hide their true feelings or soften the blow of a contrarian opinion. By allowing themselves to be totally honest (in a nice way, of course), Sagittarians can open themselves up to the deep conversations they love and further their quest for the truth.

Capricorns tend to suffer from more than a little social anxiety. In order to be more vulnerable, Capricorns will have to put themselves out there in social situations, rather than hiding away or calling out sick at the last second. Parties and large social gatherings can make all sorts of people feel vulnerable and exposed, but by sticking it out and allowing themselves to work through the initial awkwardness, Capricorns can learn to accept those feelings and power through them to get out of their shell and form more lasting relationships.

Forward-thinking Aquarians love to put themselves out there and be vulnerable for the sake of progress. Luckily, going against the grain comes easily for them, and they’re often able to push their own vulnerability to higher heights. Sticking out in a crowd, making a scene and causing good trouble are all ways Aquarians can make themselves feel alive. Basically, they love to let their freak flag fly!

Pisces is the most creative of the zodiac signs, which is why they are at their most vulnerable when creating art. Artistic expression is one of Pisces’ best outlets for vulnerability and can help them work through feelings they find hard to articulate to others. Pisces who want to get really vulnerable can take things one step further by sharing their art with the world, but just the act of creating it can be enough to get them out of their head and into their feelings.