I wish I could hug that little girl so tightly.
I want to remind her how special she is, with so many planets in Aquarius in the 10th house of the zodiac. She is destined for success in whatever she pursues. The Universe has given her the tools!
Believe me—you have it within you! The stars are aligned for your greatness. Don’t let others’ words drag you down. In that picture, I can already see myself slouching. That smile wasn’t real—something heavy was already pressing on me.
I remember that faded Strawberry Shortcake turtleneck, a hand-me-down from one of my mom’s clients. My mom probably didn’t even know it was picture day, which is why I looked so scruffy. But I had a tan, so we must have just spent the summer in Portugal.
That girl, though, she was so imaginative—the poster child for Aquarius. We need a lot of nurturing when we’re young because our minds are everywhere. No one noticed. I was an A+ reader, always solving puzzles and building things with my dad. He taught me how to use a saw and hammer at that age, and I craved more! I made friends easily, was funny and eccentric, but not so much that I scared people off. I was incredibly smart, but focusing was a challenge.
I wanted to work. I saw my brother at the fish market on Ferry Street, and I wanted to join him. I always wanted to earn money, to help stray dogs, and, most of all, to buy a van so I could take my mom out and stop her tears.
I was tough, too. I explored abandoned houses and peeked into open crypts to glimpse skeletons. I led my cousins on adventures, fearless and eager.
I waited for someone to nourish me, to help me bloom, but it never happened. A few teachers tried here and there, but as a little Aquarius, I kept my feelings bottled up.
I wish I could go back and tell her about her Venus in Pisces—how all we feel is love, empathy, and compassion. Not everyone will be like that, so be ready and learn about boundaries. I want to tell her to use that magic to change the world. Join the Peace Corps when you turn 18. Let me tell you how you'll get to see the world. Jupiter is also in Pisces next to your Venus. This world is yours.
But most of all, Little Michelle, I love you. If there’s ever a time in your little life when you feel unloved, please know I love you. I love you, little starshine. All those four planets illuminating Uranus—don’t let anyone dim your light.
I hope there’s another dimension where you read this, and it changes the course of your life.
