The 13th Full Moon.

Well, the Lunar Year of the Rabbit is finally drawing to a close. January 25th marks the last Full Moon of this “adjustment” year, meaning an extra month is added to account for Lunar / Solar cycle differences, making it the 13th Full Moon. Next year will only have 12 Full Moons. Well, everyone can already tell that this year was “special”. . . !!! Yeah!! It was special alright. LOL.

So it’s looking like we might be having a little bit of a rough ride ahead in the new Lunar Year of the Dragon. In Daoist philosophy, when the ride gets rough, the Shen (conscious attention) must become a pointed ray of light. With strategy, skill, perseverance, clear focus and a decided outcome – force of will, grit and determination will carry you with the headwinds and currents. It could be scary. It could end in disaster. Or it could be a fun adventure that ends up being progressive. You can choose how to look at it. You can choose your response to the events that unfold. 

Personally, I recommend deciding UP FRONT, to not let your focus be pulled away by any drama. The nature of this particular Full Moon requires us counter balance difficult emotions, most likely at home, by building structure in our lives and remain grounded in our intentions and goals. Regular planning, routine, schedules, clear communication and financial accounting are good practices to keep you on your path. Use your grounding mat, get outside, schedule a wellness practice and get your financial situations under control. Look at your daily habits. Which ones are getting you there? Which ones are getting in the way? Which ones are essential?

From observing in my life and clinic, it seems we’re all in some sort of shedding process. The areas effected and levels achieved are different for everyone, but the process is the same. The comfortable old, dried up and peeled off. The exposed new skin . . . the exposed hidden. . .not pleasant at first. It’s new. We think:

• I don’t look like I used to. 
• I don’t feel comfortable in this new skin. 
• What will people think? 
• How is this change going to effect my life? 
• Everything’s changed. I can’t go back. There’s no back to go back to.
• What’s around the corner?
• Am I ready?

I always like the pictures of spiritual work as alone crying in a heap on the bathroom floor. Who wants to do that in front of others? Ok, well Geminis, Cancers and Leos aside, _{(Astrology Comedy Tour has been suspended. LOL)} spending time alone gives us a safe place to process these emotional and/or painful adjustments to our new reality. To give yourself a break from the difficulties of change, this a good time for a short get away that inspires you and gives you a little lift. Even if it’s just a trip to the park, beach or river front. Spending time in nature can help calm and prepare you.

This season is a time for COMPLETION. Many will find a long communications project, or an educational endeavor coming to an end. Launching the finished project and/or beginning a new career path is highlighted and helped by the New Year’s energy. Thinking and communicating becomes clearer, more rational and progressive during these next weeks, so it’s a good time to plant some seeds for a future harvest and keep your focus strong. Post it notes and phone alarms. Set them up now.

Family matters during this time of the year revolve around siblings or sibling type relationships. It’s probably a good time to bury some hatchets and embrace the brotherly love thing. The polarization of the last years will rebalance itself by everything crashing together again. Yin and Yang. . . the never ending cycle. There is something in common we all share. Find it. Quick. Make the call. Make the plan.

I like that Sweet Caroline ad where everyone’s is together, singing and happy. We need more of that. Well, not the drunk part!!!  It’s a good getting back together theme. EVERYBODY. . . Sweet Caroline! Da Da Daaaaaa!!  (not advocating drinking alcohol or Jim Beam – Everyone should be dumping the alcohol portion of the show about now – I just like the damn song…..OK???!!!!)

Had some fun? Did you take a nice break?

Ok. Chop chop. The Dragon is coming. What do you have to show for yourself?