Libra Rising: A Journey through Dissonance into Harmony
Who Am I?
Good question.
Diagnosed with mental illness at a very young age, there was a long stretch of my life when I’d answer that question by listing my diagnoses: “Hi, I’m JP, and I’m a bipolar alcoholic.” For years, that identity shaped how I saw myself and my place in the world.
But now, having found a path toward healing—beyond anything I could have imagined in my sickly youth and early adulthood—I’m discovering someone beyond DSM labels and diagnostic checklists.
So, who am I now?
An unfolding story.
An adventure that’s just begun.
A writer, lifelong learner, and healing soul on a journey toward balance, connection, and self-discovery.
After years of navigating the complexities of mental illness, addiction, and disconnection from my true self, I’ve come to realize that healing isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about remembering who I’ve always been. Writing has become a powerful tool for reflection and growth, and through sharing my story, I hope to inspire others on their own path to wholeness.
What Is Libra Rising?
In astrology, your rising sign, also called the ascendant, represents the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth. While your Sun sign reflects your core essence and identity, your rising sign shapes how you present yourself to the world and approach new experiences. It’s often described as the “mask” you wear in social situations, but I see it more as a bridge between the inner self and the outer world.
My rising sign is Libra, symbolized by the scales. Libra is ruled by Venus—the planet of beauty, relationships, and values—and is associated with balance, harmony, fairness, and connection. Libra energy seeks peace, aesthetic grace, and meaningful interaction with others.
For much of my life, however, I lived in a state of inner dissonance—a disconnect between emotion and intellect, desire and action, solitude and connection. With Gemini as my Sun sign, I often felt split between extremes: intense emotions on one hand, and deep intellectual curiosity on the other. Gemini energy thrives on exploration, ideas, and duality, and I’ve experienced that dual focus acutely—especially when grappling with mental health challenges and addiction recovery.
Embracing My Rising Sign: A Journey of Healing and Balance
Recently, I’ve begun to consciously embrace my rising sign—leaning into Libra’s energy of balance, grace, and relationship, not only with others but also with myself. This shift is helping me to heal, grow, rediscover who I am, and reconnect with the world around me.
Healing from Addiction: Finding the Middle Ground
Balance between extremes has been essential in my recovery. Instead of seeking numbness or chasing intensity, I’m learning to hold space for calm and clarity—to rest in the middle ground. Libra’s influence encourages me to pursue inner peace, not just escape. This approach has brought new depth and sustainability to my healing journey.
Developing Healthy Relationships: Rebuilding Connection
Libra’s relational nature reminds me that connection is healing—that I am not defined by isolation or illness. I’m learning to build mutual, respectful, and authentic relationships, breaking free from patterns rooted in fear or codependency. Each step toward genuine connection helps me reclaim a sense of belonging.
Relearning Nutrition: Nourishing Mind, Body, and Soul
Nutrition has played a powerful role in my mental wellness. Through trial, error, and research, I’ve found that food deeply impacts how I feel. I’m learning what truly nourishes me—releasing judgment and embracing balance in how I eat and care for myself. This holistic approach is helping to rebuild my foundation for long-term healing.
Reconnecting with the World: Beyond Labels
Perhaps the most profound transformation has been seeing myself not as someone broken or defined by mental illness, but as a whole human being—capable of joy, creativity, and contribution. Libra rising calls me to rejoin the human community with openness and grace, no longer hiding behind labels or fear.
From Dissonance to Harmony
This journey is not linear. I still face moments of imbalance and doubt. But by embracing the qualities of Libra Rising, I’ve come to understand that harmony isn’t the absence of conflict—it’s the integration of all parts of myself: mind and heart, solitude and connection, struggle and healing.
This is Libra Rising in motion—not a static ideal, but a living, breathing journey toward balance, grace, and deeper self-understanding. It’s about walking through dissonance and choosing, again and again, to move toward harmony.
