Did your new year start with a whimper instead of a bang? Maybe you found yourself longing for one more week of downtime before tackling the new year…

I can relate!

My holidays were low-key, as they usually are. I enjoyed some quiet dinners with friends, went for long walks with my puppy, Pearl, and worked on a new course I’m creating for the JVP School of Mystical Arts. Despite that pleasant respite, as I entered the first week of 2023 I found myself surprisingly low on energy. 

I didn’t think much about it until I realized that a number of other people were having the same experience. Luckily, Kellee White, vedic astrology expert, medium, and co-host of the weekly broadcast, Both Sides Now and Beyond, was able to share some “heavenly” light on the situation! 

Feeling “off?” The heavens may hold the answer. 

It turns out, the new year started off with both Mercury and Mars in retrograde. When a planet is in retrograde, it appears to be moving backwards. That’s not actually the case, but it seems that way because of the relative positions of the retrograde planet and Earth, and the way that they move around the Sun. But regardless of which direction the planets are actually traveling, retrogrades cause energetic disruptions that can affect our moods, feelings, and ability to get things done – in all kinds of ways.

Fortunately, Mars and Mercury will go direct again in a few days, and things will feel more normal, energetically speaking. But there’s more going on in the heavens, and the next planetary event has some interesting lessons to teach us. 

Saturn in Aquarius offers the opportunity to approach life from a different angle.

On January 17th, Saturn, after two and a half years of being in Capricorn, will be changing signs and moving into Aquarius (based on vedic astrology charts). This planetary movement will shake things up, ushering in positive change and providing new chances for growth and healing. 

That’s all good news, but it’s important to note that reaping these benefits will require you to look within. Introspection, calm, and seeking guidance from your deepest soul-self is what this year is all about. 

The Answers are within you! 

With all this in mind, maybe it makes sense that you’re starting the year off a little more slowly and quietly than usual. Let’s stick to a mindful approach and consider some ways to get the most out of the new year. 

Start with an honest assessment of where you are

Think about your journey, and look back over the past year. How are things going? Are you depressed? Are you inspired? What’s working, and what’s not? Is there a part of your life that needs to change? How’s your health?

Don’t judge yourself or beat yourself up if you’re not exactly where you think you should be. Step back and assess your life as a whole, and write down your observations. While you’re at it, make a list of your key values, and think about which of them are most important to you. Are your activities well aligned with your values? 

It’s not unusual to find yourself distracted from the values you believe matter most. Other people’s expectations, health and financial issues, not being able to say no and set boundaries, are a few reasons you might find yourself thrown off course. But be open to the idea that you  might be kidding yourself about where your priorities really lie. For example, you might say family is most important to you, but constantly miss out on family events because of work obligations. You might say that you value kindness above everything, but receive regular feedback that you are not walking your talk.  

You don’t have to be perfect, but you can make a goal of spending more time on those areas that support your key values. A clear headed assessment is a great first step toward getting your activities and values aligned. 

Embrace a New perspective 

A fresh new year is a great time to get yourself a new journal or calendar. Those pristine pages can be a starting point for your goals and dreams for the new year. Based on what you learned during your self-assessment, schedule time for the activities that support your values, and be sure to track your progress. 

While you’re working towards positive change, keep these simple instructions in mind and use them as much as possible:  

• Be grateful 
• Be positive 
• Trust your gut
• Look for signs from Spirit
• Create a safe, beautiful space for yourself
• Ask your guides for help
• Recognize and break negative patterns
• Set healthy boundaries 
• Don’t prioritize other people’s judgment and feedback above your own
• Explore different ways of looking at things 
• Eat healthy foods
• Exercise 
• Stay grounded
• Practice self-love and self-care
• Create something (a painting, music, a garden…)
• Breathe!

 

Declutter your space – and your life

As Saturn moves into Aquarius, you have the perfect opportunity to start letting go of what doesn’t serve you. 

Is there something you need to let go of? It might be time to move on from old “stuff” you’re hanging on to, and break free of patterns that are keeping you stuck. This is the time to declutter your home, your thoughts, and your life! Be particularly mindful of the people you spend time with. Are they helping you stay aligned with your values, or dragging you down? The more aware you are, the better you can set boundaries and focus your energy on the people and activities that support your best self. 

Approach the new year like an owl…

One last note. When I was looking for an image to use on this blog, this photo of an owl resonated with me for several reasons. In the native american culture, the owl represents wisdom and intuition, magic and prophecy. Owls are also seen as messengers from the spirit realm. But here’s what really struck me. When it comes to seeing things from a different angle, Owls have the edge! They can rotate their necks 270 degrees to see everything that surrounds them. Talk about “seeing the big picture!” 

I hope you’re inspired to take on the year with mindfulness, look at things from all sides, and always have faith in the wisdom that lies within you. If you need some extra special inspiration, a new session of my Spiritual Life Coach Certification course is now open for enrollment. It’s filled with techniques that will empower you to live your best life, and help others to live theirs. 

Happy New Year!