Winter solitude leads to spring transformation.
by Suzanne Wagner
Arthurian Tarot: Sword of Strange Hangings, Britannia
Mayan Oracle: Organic Balance
Aleister Crowley: Interference, Completion, Happiness
Medicine Cards: Mountain Lion, Wolf
Osho Zen Tarot: Going with the Flow, Conditioning, Politics
Healing Earth Tarot: Seven of Crystals, Seven of Pipes
Ancient Egyptian Tarot: Ace of Cups, Five of Swords, Three of Wands
Words of Truth: Release, Truth, Multi-dimensional, Reclamation
Most of us think of the new year as a time of change and movement. While changes will occur this January, their full effect will not be felt until approximately March 2008. Some of this is astrological. Mars went retrograde in November, causing everything to feel delayed until the end of January. This is a time to re-evaluate and complete projects already in progress rather than move forward in some big way with a new endeavor or dream.
For now, the cards suggest going with the flow and becoming aware of any self-imposed traps or patterns that inhibit the coming changes and transformations. Some firm decisions that will substantially impact your life will need to be made in the near future. This shift will be motivated by deep and powerful emotions within each of us.
But with this emotional energy comes a warning. If you indulge in excess during this time, you can bring about your own destruction and suffering. So, caution is the name of the game for January. Allow the emotions to motivate you to your highest potential, but do not allow them to pull you into destruction and selfishness.
January is ruled by the feminine. In the depth of winter, you have the silence and solitude to contemplate the many things that can potentially inspire your deepest gifts. Finding your purpose is a great thing, but to find it you must sit in silence and be with yourself in ways that allow the deeper inner voice to finally be heard.
Knowing your deepest purpose takes time and effort. Otherwise you might just be spouting off nonsense and believing in others’ illusions rather than your deepest truth. Finding the power within your solitude may allow you to confront your limited views. Only by discovering every inch of your inner and outer world can you find true wisdom.
Know that teachers can come in all forms: a voice in the wind, a tree, a book, a meditation. Teachers are everywhere if you are willing to observe the messages all around you.
As Pluto goes into Capricorn on January 27, a new pattern emerges that will transform our awareness for the next 15 years, until March 24, 2023. One of the times Pluto was previously in Capricorn was during the American Revolution, a hugely transformative time that heralded a new perspective and consciousness for the people-democracy. But this did not happen at the beginning of Pluto in Capricorn; it happened towards the end.
Transformation takes time. Many pieces have to be in place for an ignition point to fan the flames of consciousness into a new global awareness. Sometimes it takes many small sparks to make the fiery transformation a certainty.
The wolf card in this reading indicates that new ideas are coming to instruct us all in this change. Technology will cause an increase in shared knowledge, and many of you will feel compelled to write or express your unique perspective. Mountain Lion shows that we must confront the fear of showing up in our true power and leadership We must release the concern that when we take charge, others will blame us if the outcome is not what they want.
True leadership does not care if anyone follows. True power is a delicate balance of strength, intention, grace, mental clarity, sincerity of heart and love for others. You lead when you know that you can open others so they can begin to serve the world with their greatest gifts. Leadership is not about serving your own ego or desires. When you act from an attitude of true service, when your life becomes the dance of expressing your love and gifts, then everyone will want to follow.
A sure sign of being unenlightened is a lack of humor. So during January, laugh, cry, expand, and enjoy the resistance created in the drama of your life as you manifest the movement and change your heart so desires. But be patient. Go at the pace of your soul rather than your mind to assure balance and attain peace.
Suzanne Wagner is the author of numerous books and CDs on the tarot. She lives in Salt Lake City.