One would think that with the coming of 2008 we would feel tremendous movement and change. While there are changes happening in January, the total effect will not be felt till approximately March of 2008. Some of this is astrological. We will be feeling a lack of movement because of Mars going retrograde in November and causing everything to feel delayed until the end of January. Mars creates energy but when it is retrograde everyone feels blocked. So, this is a time to re-evaluate and complete projects that are up in the air rather than move forward in some big way with a new thing or dream.

The suggestion is to go with the flow and become aware of any self imposed traps or patterns that inhibit the changes and transformations that are coming. There are some firm decisions that will need to be made in the near future that will substantially impact your life. This shift will be motivated by deep and powerful emotions within each of us.

But with this 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 dark places that are destructive and selfish.

January is a month that seems to be ruled by the feminine. In the depth of winter is a time when 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.

January is about going into the not knowing. This is the domain of the feminine. It is the nature of the feminine to flow emotionally moment by moment. Knowing your deepest purpose takes time and effort. Otherwise you might just be spouting off nonsense and believe in others illusions rather than what is your deepest truth. Take some time to go and find the power within your own aloneness. By doing this you may be forced to confront your own 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. They can come as a voice in the wind, a tree, a book, a meditation, etc. Teachers are everywhere if you are willing to become still enough and to observe all the messages all around you.

As Pluto goes into Capricorn on January 27th a new trend and pattern emerges that will transform our awareness for the next fifteen years, until March 24, 2023. One of the times Pluto was in Capricorn was during the American Revolution. That was 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 more towards the end. Transformation takes time. Many pieces have to be in place for things to shift and 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 indicates that new ideas are coming to instruct us all in this change. Technology will cause an increase in sharing of knowledge and many of you will feel compelled to write or express your unique perspective. Mountain Lion is showing you that you must confront your fear of showing up in your true power and leadership skills. You may still be concerned that when you take charge, others will blame you if the outcome is not what they want.

To truly lead you need to not care if anyone follows. True power is a delicate balance of strength, intention, gracefulness, mental clarity, sincerity of heart, and love of others. You lead when you know that you can open someone up to a place that they can begin to serve the world their greatest gifts. Leadership is not about serving your own ego or desires. When you come from that place of true service, when your life becomes the dance of expressing your love and gifts, then everyone will want to follow. As you open them to their potential. Then everyone wins.

Remember, a sure sign of someone not being in an enlightened state of being is a loss of humor. So for the month of January, laugh, cry, expand, and enjoy the resistance you create in the drama of your life in order to manifest the movement and change that you heart is so desiring. But be patient. Go at the pace of your soul rather than your mind. Then balance is assured and peacefulness is attained.