We enter into January 2004 being somewhat serious and introspective about what we have accomplished and what we want to accomplish. This focus of attention includes identifying what stands in the way of progression and inner fulfillment. Of course, this statement can be applied to the unique circumstances of any specific position that each of us are dealing with. In all cases, use past reference points and current challenges as a means of clarifying what works and what doesn't work. Do this from a practical point of view rather than going into negative judgements and silly reactions. Expand your awareness to include a spiritual perspective as well. Most important, don't forget the value of the experience of lightness of heart and be open to the catalysts that change consciousness.

You are not only evolving as a soul with your own blue print; you are also participating in a fantastic phase of planetary evolution. We are so small in the scheme of things but still each of us can make a difference. It is our spiritual heritage to do so.

Times are heavy and changes and transformations can take so much energy for those of us dedicated to the process and even more energy for those in resistance. I read something recently reminding me of an Egyptian tradition regarding the measurement of the human heart on a scale against Ma'ats feather, emphasizing the importance of lightness of heart as the key for a Spirit's ability to transcend into the higher worlds. Life is so much easier when we choose heart healing and when we clear away the heaviness. Clearing is a day by day process. Go for the incredible lightness of being with trust and faith in the Almighty Creator.

Hold out for what has real meaning and what is right and proper for you. Stay alert and take in the things that resonate with you. Pay attention to what you attract. Apply the concept of the law of attraction to establish a deeper understanding of who you are and what you are putting out. Avoid fear based rash impulses, but be spontaneous in your daily life. There is much to discover and the temptation for the quick fix can be the trickster.

The Capricorn New Moon cycle began close the Winter Solstice late December, each chart being abundant with Capricorn and Saturn influences, including Mercury retrograde in Capricorn. Capricorn is the archetype that combines concentration, strength, hard work, aspiration, responsibility applied for the gain of worldly knowledge integrated with spiritual intentions, especially with the current influence of Chiron, the wounded healer moving through Capricorn.

Mars in Aries lights the fire for movement while Mercury still retrograde calls us inward to establish goals that are truly related to the core self. It is best to slow down and re-group to integrate thoughts and feelings. This will be the base for following up by goal oriented actions in a responsible manner after Mercury turns direct on January 6th.

While Mercury is retrograde during the first week of January, go slow, pace yourself, and turn attention toward your core self rather than just respond according to habit patterns and the pre-designed illusions and traps about what is required of you. This Mercury retrograde cycle places a strong emphasis on getting your life organized, which includes clearing out the past, letting go of attachments to things, ideas, people, self concepts, and beliefs that interfere with current time and productivity. Past agreements should be re-examined to assure the year ahead to be free from unnecessary hindrances for your spiritual, mental, emotional, and financial success.

This process that you are in teaches you to be true to yourself while
relating to others, sharpening daily decision making as well as development of communication skills to navigate through life, and ultimately this can lead you to greater win/win outcomes.

The Full Moon in Cancer on January 7th brings a culmination and increases one's awareness of feelings, instincts, personal needs, and concerns about family security. Obviously, your feelings and instincts must be included in your decision making. Your feelings and instincts provide indications of how to show up on a moment by moment basis. It's good to increase self-protective instincts and to extend your loving through protection to others, including prayers for our global issues and the safety of all people. It is good to find the balance of attention to your inner life, your personal relationships and your responsibility to your job, career, or your aspirations to actualize your potential to make a difference in the world while enjoying the challenges that make use of your innate talents and skills.

Chiron plays a significant role in the Cancer Full Moon as it travels through Capricorn. The gateway for spiritual influences and guidance from within is very powerful but the challenge of visiting past wounds will be an aspect of the process. Relating beyond traditional roles is a must. Do what is true to you even if you risk the opinions of an authority or a community. Traditional roles are great as long as they work for you but the point is you can use everything to your advantage. Empowering yourself when confronted with difficult relationships that are not going to go away will lead to positive outcomes if you have the courage to take the stand. Always pay attention to the flow of giving and receiving allowing for nurturing to come in and to go out.

Most of the people I know as friends, associates, clients, family members and the people I meet within the circles I travel are conscious, mindful, aware, and actively involved with personal evolution in one form or another. Even if they are struggling for greater health and freedom from deep disturbances, most of the people I know are doing what they can to create a greater sense of well being and doing what they can to keep up with the pace of global evolution. In this note I will remind you that your thoughts are very powerful and indeed create the reality you are experiencing. Use your thoughts wisely. Be conscious of what you have created and what you are now creating. Bring in the mental discipline necessary to think in affirmations, seeing solutions, thinking outside the box, and include the wisdom present in your heart as the primary source for guidance. Place your attention on what really matters, that is what you really want.

This will provide the foundation to manifest your goals during 2004. Whatever you give your attention to (and hopefully you have chosen what is in alignment with your destiny rather than something off track) will expand, attract, and eventually becomes your physical world reality. Choose wisely.

Also remember that your thoughts greatly impact other people, at least to one degree or another. Even if you don't verbalize it comes through on a vibrational level. Don't give energy to whatever you consider negative. The best approach is focusing on what is positive and avoiding the entanglement of power struggles and unnecessary negative reactions. The inclination to bring healing through forgiveness in relationships increases when Venus enters Pisces on January 14th, soon to conjunct Uranus on January 15th. Social idealism increases. Special events bring people together in the true spirit to bring forward peace.

The Aquarius New Moon initiates a cycle that highly increases our awareness of social issues. Aquarius always thinks big and sees big. Uranus conjunct Venus in Pisces adds the element of spirit, compassion, and urges for healing, social turbulence is absolutely present and acknowledged by most. Aquarius looks for alternatives and prepares for a future inspired by a vision that has not yet become a reality.

Mercury in Capricorn opposed Saturn seeks for practical solutions. This opposition has repeated for months. In fact, mid degrees of Capricorn have been activated intensely since last September with Saturn, Chiron, Mercury, and Mars. Mercury's last hit will be on January 26th. The cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) feel the impact of intensified conflicts to be resolved with an urgency to move beyond limitations. Some reason, information, and understanding will be acquired with the last contact of Mercury late this month.

With Aquarius we shift into a broader awareness of the environment and our global affairs. We are reminded that we are all humans on planet Earth.

Humanity at large becomes more important. There is no war without tears. We continue to pay the dues for freedom and for security.
Uranus now anchored in Pisces for the next seven years activates universal love, compassion, and the ongoing process of raising the frequency for healing on a collective level. Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius increase the prospect for raising our consciousness on a collective level to bring more love as opposed to war. War may be an eternal reality given the nature of our basic nature. However, we have a greater chance at resolving cultural
differences and social problems because more people will choose it.
The voice is getting louder. Too many people see, know, and are willing to take a stand. Many people address the issues at hand, speaking out about their concerns for themselves and for the many that need assistance. The forceful aspects during the last week of January cause us to wake up and get smart and choose the battle that is worth fighting. Superficial matters are irrelevant during the last week of January.

Pay attention! Engage in the process of personal and global transformation.

Find the resources, be this reading, media, teachers, music, art, spiritual practices, or loving relationships. Find your answers to the questions that help you to get the vision. Don't waste time in being a victim or by being unconscious. Open your eyes and your heart and join with the many others that hold the same vision. To whom much is given much is expected. You are surely one carrying a gift to share. The lightness of heart is increased through faith, unconditional love, and through being present and connected with Self and God.