2013 Here we come!!

Here we are on the last day of a pretty intense year, winding down from yet another powerful Full Moon. Though the world did not end (surprise, surprise),  2012 was indeed a turning point for many, and 2013 will bring more of the same !! (and then some!) We are definitely living in interesting times!

In the past few posts I have mentioned  the ‘higher self’ quite a bit— and realize there can be many interpretations of what that might be.

What I have been referring to is our true identity, who is in contact with Source at all times and who understands our original intentions for coming to the world. Unfortunately most of us seem to have a form of amnesia. Even so, part of us deep down remembers…if we would only listen.  When we do get in touch with that deeper part of us, we move beyond the fear and limitations of the small self into an experience of our full potential as human beings.

Think of your higher self as an “alternate identity that is liberated from the fear and guilt associated with what we call the ego” (smaller, survival based self).

“That fear/guilt aspect often declares itself the mind’s one identity, hijacks the psyche and is, on the psychic level, one of the reasons why so many people drag themselves through existence with such struggle and misery.” (Eric Francis)

This years Winter Solstice, with its link to the end of the Mayan calendar,  strongly called to all of us wake up, to reconnect with who we are.

The purpose for doing this is pretty basic. If we are out of alignment with who we really are, then everything in our life tends to feel just a bit off. When we feel ‘off’, we tend do all sorts of things to try and feel ‘good’ . .. and not only does this take up a lot of energy, we remain dissatisfied.  We also tend to behave in some not so great ways and do some not so great things when we are out of alignment with ourselves.

All wisdom schools agree that the only thing that will really, really make us feel ok… is to be fully in touch with the very core of our being… our true self, which is in a constant state of ‘on’-ness (oneness!)

And when we are not… well look around. As within , so without.

At this end of the year moment, and this end of an era moment, we are being called very strongly to step up to the plate. Our planet is in crisis, our cultures are in crisis, many of our relationships  (personal and global) are in crisis, and many of us are in crisis.

It’s a major shake down and Pluto, the crisis planet, has been hitting us hard in the past year or two. Pluto also rules Scorpio, and Saturn in Scorpio is also pushing us to deal with deep survival issues.  Last Friday’s Full Moon joined the Sun and Pluto as well, just to make sure  there is no doubt that deep transformation is the name of the game now, and for a while to come.

When under pressure or feeling threatened, there is a very human tendency to attack, to judge, to blame.  Sometimes it is others we blame, sometimes it is ourselves.

The current series of eclipses in Gemini and Sagittarius ask us to let go of those judgments and patterns of blame, to step beyond old stereotypes and search for the bigger picture. They emphasize inner knowing, versus superficial information.

Know who you are! 

Yet to get there usually requires  some growth and healing. I keep hearing over and over that healing starts with forgiveness; of self and other. Neptune and Chiron in Pisces right now signify a profound wave of grace and healing that can help us step beyond old grudges and past mistakes to wipe the slate clean.

And Uranus in Aries keeps pushing us forward.

Yet, Saturn in Scorpio reminds us that sometimes we have to wade through the pain and the grief before we are ready to let go.  That’s a bit scary sometimes. It can feel pretty overwhelming. To step into the unknown takes courage. And trust.  And it also means honouring where we have been and what we have been through,  as we assess what has been gained, and lost, along the way.

I always take time at New Year’s to reflect on the past year, as well as  to image forward into the new one, to…

 ‘Release the old, embrace the new’.

I am looking forward to another exciting, dynamic, and transformative year on planet earth!! Never a dull moment!

Happy New Year 2013!

Auld Lang syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine^† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

And here’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.