The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are  thrilled once again to have our good friend and guest blogger Steve Nelson return to share his wisdom. Steve is an astrologer who follows a Jungian mythological tradition. He was raised by a part Cherokee shaman Aunt Maude who learned much of her lore from Molly Runningwolf, the mother of Amanita Sequoyah, the last Cherokee medicine man officially recognized by the Eastern Tribe. Steve’s Indian name is Steven Red Wolf, his lineage is of the wolf clan, one of the 7 tribal groups of the Cherokee. Steve follows many of the Cherokee traditions especially as these relate to celebrations, the use of ritual fire and star lore. For more information about Steve Nelson see www.GaiaAstrology.com

February 2012

We begin to turn outward again awakening to new life as the spirit of Winter Carnival rises within us. It’s time to frolic, dance and become a child again. Each of us is a child of this magical New Year coming to be. The new spirit that entered on Winter Solstice becomes conscious at Imbolc / Candlemas (Feb 1-4), the Winter Cross-Quarter. The New Year spirit is quickened to awareness during Winter Carnival ending with Mardi Gras Feb 21. Carnival celebration is designed to awaken the vital force of Nature, “the dragon” or primal energy that will be trained to purpose during Lent. Old world traditions show how the soul is to be united with the vital force of Nature.

The year ‘Dragon’ is awakened in the Winter time when it is young and more easily trainable. The 40-day Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday Feb 22. On this day ashes are placed on the forehead to stimulate the brow chakra and draw primal energy (a.k.a. the oil of Mars or Mardi Gras) up the spine to open the higher chakras. The bigger the dragon awakened during Carnival and trained to purpose in Lent the more creative energy is available in the Spring and Summer. By tradition, lovers are chosen on Valentine’s Day because it is easier to awaken and tame dragons in twos. Actually though any two or more gathered to this purpose can learn to tame their dragons and the dragons of the world.

The dragon training art becomes especially important in this Year of the Dragon 2012. The first rule of dragon training is “Never look the dragon in the eye.” If direct attention is given to primal energy then the dragon takes over, the energy gets shorted out and the magic is lost. We train our dragon by focusing attention where we want the energy to go, to a wish or ideal, an intended purpose or the soul of the lover. By neither repressing awareness of primal energy nor giving it direct attention we can train this force of Nature to realize our dreams and transform our world.

Evening Star Venus is the planet to watch this month as the goddess of love, beauty and prosperity is exalted in Pisces, her favorite sign. Venus rules the Libra third of Aquarius we enter now as we leave the Piscean Age, she is our guide in this new time. Revolutionary insights come through the arts and in symbols by way of Venus who also rules the higher mind, the transcendent realm of pure images that become beauty in the world. Breakthroughs in consciousness occur now as new mythic symbols are energized bridging the way to a new high culture that begins to flower in Spring 2012.

Other planets due attention now are Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune. Returning king Jupiter and the old world titan Saturn continue to face off highlighting the political divide of our time. Jupiter moves forward in Taurus bringing good fortune to those who align with emerging progressive forces to occupy our world. Saturn moving backwards through Lupus the Wolf decan Libra highlights the old patterns of fear, greed and violent aggression that make up the shadow spell (Tolkien’s “Dark Tower”) that is to be broken in our time. Neptune’s passage through Pisces beginning Feb 3 speeds the dissolution of the astral veil so everybody will increasingly become more psychic so that,  according to prophecy, “all that’s been hidden will be revealed.”

The year begins on many levels, 2012 is enlivened on the emotional feeling level during the waxing Moon of the Lunar New Year Jan 24 – Feb 7. The Lunar New Year celebration culminates at the Feb 7 Full Moon when the flood gate is fully opened for the great Year of the Dragon 2012. This is a Water Dragon Year and Water Dragon is the dragon of the astral world, the collective unconscious or emotional sphere, the realm of the Moon. The Chinese Dragon chases a ball and this ball is the Moon. It is called the thunder ball as it creates spiraling winds and lightning storms; it is also known as “the precious pearl,” a universal symbol of the Moon.

Just as the Woman of Revelation and the High Priestess of Tarot have the Moon at their feet so Kwan Yin, the Chinese Bodhisattva of Compassion, appears serenely riding a dragon on a stormy sea. 2012 is the year of this emerging feminine power, the New Woman who brings forth the New King. All these mythic elements are coded into the chart for this lunar year. This is the year when we all learn to ride our dragons or fall into the stormy sea. This Dragon Moon (1/23 – 2/20) will light the way forward. In the Lenten Moon that follows 2/21-3/22 we will train our dragons to realize those dreams deep within that we’ve always believed would come to be.

As Candlemas fires stir hearts desire, the Dragon awakens from its lair;

Dragon Fire rises ‘neath Lenten Moon, tamed by the magic of Othala’s rune.

 Imbolc / White Rabbit Day, Feb 1 – New Beginnings, Magic Is Afoot!

Say “White Rabbit” first thing today for luck through the month. The Rabbit in the Moon is our magical guide. This Imbolc (Gaelic “in the belly”) cross-quarter 2/1-4 marks the first quickening of life in the womb of Mother Earth.

Candlemas / Ground Hog Day, Feb 2-4 – Illumination

The New Year Spirit quickens to life through the fires of Candlemas, the cross-quarter honoring the Celtic goddess Brigid. The exact Candlemas cross-quarter point this year is 5:30 am Feb 4 and this seasonal midpoint power gate extends until about the same time Feb 5. This holiday derives from the Celtic custom of scrying the future now by observing animal signs. Birds and burrowing animals are messengers of this time.

Lantern Festival Full Moon, Feb 5-7 (4:54 pm 2/7) – Celebrate!

Chinese New Year festivities culminate with the lighting of lanterns for health and good fortune. In another mythic tradition, this Sun in Aquarius Full Moon represents the mystical Pool of Galadriel by which Gandalf is healed following his victorious battle with the Balrog dragon. All the myths come alive in 2012. Each Full Moon brings revelation and opportunities for healing body, mind, and soul. The Full Moon is like a pitcher that pours out a magic elixir we raise our cups to receive. Cosmic energies flow for 3 days following Full Moon. Revelations come in dreams, chance encounters and flashes of inspiration. Stay tuned!

Urania Gate of Inspiration, Feb 9-10 (4 am 2/8 – 4 am 2/9) – Inspire!

A Muse Gate opens every 40 days, 9 each year. Whatever blocks creative flow comes before the Gate to be let go. This is a time to dissolve body tensions that hold outmoded ways of thinking and feeling. Breathe deeply and move freely (do yoga, tai chi, dance!) to shed the old and be present to the power and possibilities of the time. The Muse Urania brings new knowledge of the celestial bodies and cycles of heaven.

Moon at the Equator, Feb 9 (3:02 pm – 11:52 pm) – Meditate

Lunar Zero Points are cosmic balance times ideal for creative imagination. 0 Point South is time to connect with the greater whole and scry our true place in the world.

3rd Quarter Moon, Feb 13-15 (exact 12:04 pm 2/14) – Dreams in Action

This Moon cuts away all that distracts from realizing our deepest dreams. 3rd Quarter Moon integrates new ideas into creative expression; it’s time to follow our bliss and do what feels good in concert with the whole.

Valentine’s Day, Feb 14 – Choose Your Partner, Find Your Circle

By tradition, birds choose their mates on this day and so do we. Valentine’s Day began as a pagan festival called Lupercalia when lovers were chosen in a game of chance. This is the time of year when the vital energy of Nature begins to stir and this energy may be better channeled in twos. This energy working is for others besides lovers, any two or more who come together to focus energy creatively may successfully channel this awakening force of Nature now. Why Feb 14? Tarot Key 14 Temperance is a key to training primal energy, it depicts the archangel Michael who conquers the dragon. Feb 14 happens in third decan Aquarius which is Cetus the Sea Dragon, the monster that rises from the sea threatening to devour princess Andromeda. But she is saved by the hero Perseus who she marries and lives happily thereafter. This is another Valentine’s Day story.

Balsamic Moon, Feb 17-19 – Make a Wish!

Shadows that come before New Moon are cleared through deep breathing with attention to the light within. The Balsamic Moon is the Wishing Moon, the best time to put wishes on the air. Also called Witches Moon, it is a time to bring others to mind for healing. Feeling invokes healing; as we feel we heal. Needs felt now invoke magic from the new lunar cycle.

Carnival Week End, Feb 18-19 – Awaken Your Dragon!

This is the time to awaken the dragon to be trained to purpose during Lent.

Dark of Moon/New Moon, Feb 20-22 – Time to Go Within

The day before New Moon until Sunset a day after is ideal for inner work to seed the new cycle, outer activity is favored after the crescent appears.  The New Moon (5:35 am 2/21) is a cosmic spring that flows freely as we slow down. Nostradamus calls this “the day of Diana, a time for silent rest.” The New Moon is like Alice’s rabbit hole, great wonders await our going within. Here we can know what is and learn how to shape what is to be.

Ash Wednesday, Feb 22 – Train Your Dragon!

At Noon on the first day of Lent, wood ash is rubbed on the forehead. This stimulates the brow chakra and draws vital energy up the spine. So the primal “dragon” awakened in Carnival / Mardi Gras (literally “the oil of Mars”) is raised and focused toward realizing goals, hopes and dreams.

Moon at the Equator, Feb 22-23 (6:25 pm 2/22 – 4:35 am 2/23) – Imagine!

Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times ideal for creative imagination. Moon at the Equator going north is a time to envision and initiate what we wish to become. Uranus also at the Equator now adds its magic to this special time for recreating our world.

Crescent New Moon, Feb 23-27 – Time to Sow

It’s time to bring forward what we wish to be realized. Farmers plant seeds when the crescent appears, seeds are fertile on every level. Moon magic is strongest Sunset to Moonset when the Moon is in the 7th House. Meditation now opens doorways, wishes take wing and prayers bring blessings for this Moon and the New Year.

1st Quarter Moon, Feb 28-29 (exact 8:21 pm 2/29) – Time to Choose

This Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky, it’s a time to cut free from the trappings of the past and affirm our purpose moving forward. Sacred to the Druids, this Moon is pivotal in the cycle of creation. Choices made are likely the right ones. Breathing deeply through the light of the crown frees energy flow up and down the spine to clear shadows and power our dreams.

Bright Blessings in January 2012!

Steve Nelson, Mythic Astrologer with The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.)

-Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses Tarot, name analysis, and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and realize natural abilities.

*****The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about them at www.shiftyourlife.com

This article is from Robert Peng’s latest newsletter. Robert is an extraordinary Qigong Master and the author of the book “Qigong Master: My Life and Secret Teachings”, which we have reviewed on this website and highly recommend, as well as his CD’s and DVD’s. We believe so much in his heartfelt teachings that we have recently just completed his intensive 3 month 12 Cycle Yang Qigong course.We have also been doing Seasonal Empowerments for a year and it has strengthened our spines, helped increase flexibility and is a wonderful exercise to connect with the Cosmos.  Sign up for Robert’s newsletter and receive free video instruction for Jieqi qigong and find out about his qigong courses, books, and other teaching material at: www.robertpeng.com . The following is directly from Robert Peng’s most recent newsletter and is in his own words:

In a few days the Chinese seasonal calendar begins anew. This is an opportune time for a refresher on the yearlong Seasonal Empowerment series that we are about to start. What makes this practice so valuable? How do you benefit from doing it? How long does it take? Let’s find out.

The Chinese seasonal calendar divides the year into 4 seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each season is further subdivided into six stages. A total of 24 phases (4×6=24) make up the yearly seasonal cycle.

Each of these 24 phases is known as a jieqi (jee-ay-chee) and lasts approximately 15 days. The start of a new jieqi is determined by the position of the sun. Every time the sun advances 15° on it’s journey around the ecliptic a new phase begins.

Qigong masters were keen observers of the flows of Qi energy. They noticed that during the first two hours of a jieqi a powerful “wave” of energy washed over the earth.

Here is a simple way to envision what happens each time a new jieqi begins: Picture Time Square on December 31st at 11:59 PM, just one minute before the New Year begins. The buildup of energy is palpable. The New Year’s Ball hovering above the cheering crowd is about to drop. Then the countdown begins: Ten, nine, eight… three, two, and one!

As the ball hits the ground the crowd lets out a wild roar and a tremendous wave of energy is released. Many of us have experienced this surge of energy either live or on television. At that moment we are often inspired to make a New Year’s resolution instinctively realizing that we can leverage the groundswell of exuberance to make real changes in our lives.

The first two hours of a new jieqi are like a mini New Year and long ago Qigong masters realized that if they timed their Qigong practice to coincide with this narrow window they would benefit tremendously. Practicing Qigong at this time is like raising your sails while a strong wind is blowing. A little effort carries you a long way. Seasonal Empowerment Qigong (or Jieqi Qigong) was taught to me by my Master, Xiao Yao (shiao-yeaow). He would consult a yellow astronomical book to determine the precise time the jieqi began and we would practice the Seasonal Empowerment together. By joining the thousands of practitioners doing Seasonal Empowerment you join our growing Circle of Cosmic Qi and partake in an ancient tradition.

Seasonal Empowerment Qigong is a simple yet effective practice designed to help you leverage the surge of Qi energy at the start of each new jieqi. The basic technique is this: each time a new jieqi begins you focus your attention on a specific vertebra and empower it with the Qi that abounds. Why a vertebra? The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae and Qigong masters established a correspondence between the 24 seasonal phases and the 24 vertebra. Each Seasonal Empowerment  targets a particular vertebra and over the course of the year you empower your whole spine, one vertebra at the time

The Seasonal Empowerment is made up of two different parts. Let’s consider each one separately:

Part 1 is the empowerment meditation. This part is practiced exclusively during the first two hours of each new jieqi. You begin by concentrating Qi energy into the vertebra associated with the jieqi and then radiate the energy that you collected throughout your body to nourish your internal organs. Part 1 can be done from twenty minutes up to two hours. It’s up to you. By the time you finish the empowerment you feel “supercharged” with high-grade Qi that will significantly boost your sense of well being.

Part 2 is a movement practice designed to strengthen your spine. The movement pattern changes with each jieqi and each specific movement targets the vertebra associated with the current empowerment. Part 2 is not time sensitive. You can practice it anytime (once a day) until the next jieqi begins. It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. With regular practice you will notice the muscles and soft tissue along your spine grow significantly stronger and more resilient. Since we feel as old as our spine is young, this practice promotes longevity.

Each newsletter includes Practice guidelines (a video and written instructions) to guide you step-by-step through the Seasonal Empowerment, so remember to check them out.

Seasonal Empowerment Qigong can also transform your life into a magical adventure. Here is how. Each of the seasons embodies an essential quality. It’s easy to tune into the exuberant mood associated with the promise of Spring, the blooming abundance of Summer, the refined maturity of Autumn, and the sobering stillness of Winter. But we can deepen our connection to the seasonal cycle by identifying the essential quality of each jieqi and the universal theme it represents.

For example, Grain in Ear (June 6-21) is the seasonal phase when grains and leaves branch out most dramatically and not surprisingly, the theme associated with this jieqi is branching out. Autumn Equinox (September 22 – October 7) coincides with “Indian Summer” when the trees start to turn colors and the theme associated with this jieqi is beauty. Minor Cold (January 4-19) ushers in the coldest part of the year and the theme associated with this jieqi is resilience.

By “awakening” the essential quality of the current jieqi and expressing its associated theme creatively through your actions, you can participate more fully in the movement of life. With each newsletter we will identify the theme of the jieqi and the attitude that you can activate in your daily affairs to resonate with the seasonal cycle. Why should you care to do this? When you come into a conscious relationship with nature space become charged with meaning and synchronicities abound. Basically, when we embody the seasonal themes life becomes an enchanted journey.

Now with all of this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the first jieqi of the year:

The Start of Spring Empowerment

The birth of springtime
On Saturday February 4th the 1st phase of the Chinese seasonal calendar begins. This phase, Start of Spring (Lichun Jieqi), begins at 5:22 AM EST as the sun reaches 315° Longitude (15° Aquarius).
Start of Spring is the first of the six stages of spring. In this newsletter we will explore the “meaning” of springtime in general and then focus on the “meaning” of the first phase of the season. Here you will find you will find Practice Guidelines for the Start of Spring Empowerment

Over the next three months springtime will unfold. Day by day you may not notice the changes, but four months from now, looking back, you would notice a dramatic transformation all around. Nature will be green and bursting with vitality. The warming skies will be filled with chirping melodies and the buzz of insects. The “mood” of nature will have shifted ninety degrees. The difference between wintry starkness and a landscape of animated greenery captures the essence of springtime.

Springtime represents the “rebirth” of nature which has retreated underground for the last three months. The life force is about to burst forth with irrepressible vitality. Spring is an expansive life-affirming season that gushes with youthful exuberance. The themes embodied by springtime include new possibilities and the excitement they generate. If you had to personalize Spring, giving the season a face and a personality, how would you do it? I envision Spring a smiling young boy with big curious eyes eager to explore a mysterious new world. As we enter springtime, nature will support you when you express the spirit of adventure.
Now let’s zero in on the meaning of the first phase of Spring, Start of Spring. If springtime is a time of new beginnings then the 1st phase of Spring represents the beginning of the beginning. Picture an artist standing before a blank canvas. What will she paint? She doesn’t know yet. The possibilities are endless. Her freedom is complete and so is her openness. Facing endless possibilities she is capable painting of anything. But as soon as a vision emerges and she makes a mark on the canvass the universe of possibilities will shrink from infinity. But before the vision emerges she embodies the “beginning of the beginning” and free to imagine anything.

The theme associated with Start of Spring is perfect freedom. Now is the time to allow yourself not to know. Over the next fifteen days relax the mental muscle that says “yes” to one thing and “no” to another. Drop judgements and opinions. Suspend both belief and disbelief. Welcome enlightened ignorance. Let your mind go for a swim in the sea of infinite possibilities. As springtime matures a new vision will materialize. But before that can happen you must create the space for that vision to emerge. Now is the time to awaken the field of “not knowing.”

Practicing the Start of Spring empowerment on Saturday February 4th between 5:22AM – 7:22AM EST will bring you into deeper alignment with the cosmos and boost your energy level. (Remember to adjust for the time difference if you live in another time zone). Start of Spring lasts until Sunday February 19th at 1:17 AM EST when Rain Water, the next phase begins. Until then knock down the walls inside your head and notice the empty space within. Click For Practice Guidelines

Watch the video!

Good Qi,

Robert Peng with (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.)

The Shift Doctors give Robert Peng‘s book “Qigong Master: My Life and Secret Teachings” two thumbs up!! It is a must-read for any serious metaphysical student or student of qigong… and you will learn how to change the taste of your favorite beverage in the process!! See Robert’s full newsletter and details of how to perform the empowerment at: http://web.me.com/robertpeng9/Circle_of_Cosmic_Qi/Start_of_Spring.html

**Find out more about Robert Peng, his workshops and his book and accompanying CD’s and DVDs as well as sign up for his newsletter at: http://robertpeng.com.

**Check out The Shift Doctors’ books, videos & CDs at the Shift Your Life Site http://www.shiftyourlife.com/shift-store/

**The Shift Doctors are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about them at www.shiftyourlife.com

The Cherokee Story of the Two Wolves:

An old Cherokee told his grandson: “My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy and truth.”

The boy thought about it, and asked: “Grandfather, which wolf wins?”

The old man quietly replied: “The one you feed.”

Our Inner Wolves

The Shadow Wolf: We all have our inner shadow characters fueled by our internal ego-based chatter. Whenever we are not in our heart , we are essentially in a negative, reactive shadow self creating powerfully from our baser emotions rather than from love. We have a whole cast of shadow characters within us that can rear their ugly heads to wreak havoc in our relationships, our body and our life circumstances. We may identify them as: The Furious One, The Frightened One, The Powerless One, The Guilty One, The Pleasing Caretaker, The Sarcastic One, The Sightless or Blind One, The Fake One, The Inconsiderate One, The Worthless One, The Secluded or Isolated One, The Defiant One, The Dissatisfied One, The Evasive One, The Woeful One, The Critical One, The Mean One, The Scheming One, The Dutiful or Obedient One, The Non-Caring or Numb One, and The Confused One.

Think of the last few negative interactions you had with your partner, spouse, children, boss, friend or family member. Replay the interactions with this person in your mind as if you were observing it on a movie screen. Now review the above list of shadow characters that represent the forms that your Shadow Wolf may take and note which ones closely resembled the energy or emotion that you were in during the entire interaction that you are recalling. (Note: When we get into one of our shadow character energies, the person we are dealing with will often react to us as we push their ‘buttons‘ by jumping into one of their own shadow characters as they either feel threatened or fearful of the energy we are exhibiting. Then we react to their shadow character as they push our ‘buttons‘ with either the same or another shadow character- as if we were on stage and doing quick costume/energy changes in reaction to one another. And so it goes until the reactive dance of the interaction is complete.)

These negative reactive patterns with people often are subconsciously fueled by our ‘pre-programmed buttons’ that we carry around with us from our own internal ego-based beliefs about who we are or what we believe our place is in the universe or in relationship with others. These ‘buttons’ are often programmed from earlier experiences in our families of origin or early adulthood; and they play themselves out in an ‘unconscious’ reactive manner in our lives until we CHOOSE to become mindful and aware of our internal Shadow Wolf. We tend to replay the same shadow characters (i.e., The Angry One, etc.) with a particular person in our life; and we may use completely other shadow characters with other people. You will not become aware of this fully until you decide to SHIFT your awareness, become mindful of your internal eg0-based chatter that takes everything personally, and consciously decide to stop feeding your Shadow Wolf. (We have many tools, meditations and techniques for assisting you in transforming your Shadow Wolf when you are ready or if you need assistance in our book SHIFT: 12 Keys to Shift Your Life ).

The Light Wolf: We all also have our True Essence, our Inner Teacher or our Higher Self that expresses itself through us automatically when we are fully in our heart in any situation or circumstance. This wolf does bring us inner peace and serenity. When we are listening to the Light Wolf, we do not take things personally; we are able to be the observer of other people and do not ‘react’ unconsciously to situations or statements. We become proactive rather than reactive.

When we are experiencing our Light Wolf, we realize that we are very powerful in our choices: of where we choose to focus our thoughts, what emotions we choose to dance in, and how we choose to act. We do not unconsciously ‘take the bait‘, ‘bite the poisoned apple‘ or ‘bite the hook’ in unconscious reactive scenarios with friends, family, lovers or colleagues. We create from the present moment rather than from our childhood or past fears. There is less drama and discord in our life and frequently in our bodies as well when we choose to feed the Light Wolf instead of the dramatic Shadow Wolf.

How do you feed the Light Wolf? This is best done by being mindful of where you allow your thoughts to go or where your internal chatter goes in your head. When the thoughts appear to be fear-based (which includes any angry, guilty thoughts or thoughts of abandonment, fear of the unknown, heartbreak, powerlessness, hopelessness, resentment, unworthiness, lack of self-love, etc.), it is important to change the shade and attitude of you inner wolf. Meditation on a regular basis- it is very helpful take time to regularly to connect with your ‘inner still small voice’ as this is indeed your Light Wolf, True Essence, or Inner Teacher. We have two SHIFT Meditation CDs to assist you if you are not already practiced in the art of meditation.

Which Wolf will you choose to feed?

Loads of Light to you in your journey,

Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D. (a.k.a. The Shift Doctors)

**The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on Energy Medicine personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about their books, DVD’s, CD’s and tools for personal transformation at www.shiftyourlife.com.

When you are feeling helpless, powerless, inadequate or have angst about meeting a challenge that is facing you in your life, the ‘Mountain Meditation’ can prove to be a transformative experience. If you are ready to feel your inner strength, click on the meditation above, sit back, close your eyes and prepare for a journey (led by ‘The Shift Doctors’) back to vitality and your powerful inner nature.

If you enjoy this meditation, check out our other meditations that can assist you with transforming anger, guilt shame, sense of abandonment, lack of self-love, fear of the unknown and heartache- or you may choose to meet your own True Essence to reawaken your innate inner gifts and abilities. Find more of Dr.’s Latz & Ross’ meditations (and DVDs) at The Shift Store!

Have a good ‘trip to the top’- it just might Shift Your Life!

“The Shift Doctors” (a.k.a. Tracy Latz, M.D., Mh.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D., Mh.D.)

**The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on Energy Medicine personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about their books, DVD’s, CD’s and tools for personal transformation at www.shiftyourlife.com.

We have come across many people who claim to be a Master of their spiritual teaching or healing modality. What makes someone a ‘Master’? A true master operates outside of ego and has become a master of him or her own self.

We have been asked so many times by different people: “How does someone become a Master or get labeled a Master? Do they just declare that they are one or is it bestowed upon them?“ While we had our own inner sense or knowings of what this meant (we will discuss our understandings of what the qualities are that makes someone a Spiritual Master Teacher in a future post),  we thought we would do an internet search on the topic – and were quite shocked at some of what we saw or read.

Did you know that there are websites that tell people how to be perceived as a “Spiritual Master” so that they may earn people’s trust and their money?! They actually give people tips on how to present to the public as ‘spiritual’ so that their teachings will not be doubted.

Modern Man’s Media Version of How to Create a Spiritual Guru:

BE WARY and CAUTIOUS of any out there who claim to be a “Spiritual Teacher” or a “Spiritual Master”!! There may be a few people out there who are following the suggestions of some of the websites we saw- we are NOT saying that ALL people who claim to be ‘Masters’ are intentionally misleading you or trying to gain access to your wallet. Those who desire to become known as “Spiritual Masters” or to create a “Celebrity Spiritual Master”  facade presence are encouraged by various websites to adhere to the following formula:

• Get followers to create psychological transference of ‘divine’ qualities/goals to them;
• Wear the ‘proper’ spiritual clothes (which may be robes, white cloth, crystals, beads, or dark black/white suit depending on the audience they wish to ‘hook’);
• Change their name to an exotic sounding spiritual one like Swami, Diva, Guru, etc.;
• Try to teach in a country or culture different from the one they are from so they seem ‘exotic’ and appear to have more credibility;
• Try to behave (at least in public) as if they are peaceful and loving;
• To keep the audience in awe and impressed, include words in presentations such as “oneness“, “infinite love”, “loving ourselves“, “we deserve“, “loving what is“, “meditation“, “touching the void“, “quantum *****“, “opening the heart“, “non-duality“, “letting go“, “finding what is true“, “opening the heart“, “letting go“, “being yourself“, “authenticity“, “finding what is true“, “opening the chakras“, “reaching within“, “connecting“, “everything is inside“, and “it is simple“;
• Use foreign words or phrases NOT to have profound meaning but to ‘pep up’ spiritual talks and sound more ‘exotic’;
• Develop an abundance of self-confidence and charisma to be more attractive to others who are unsure or ‘seeking’;
• Never admit to not knowing something – just become silent to seem mysterious or turn the question back on the follower to answer it them self;
• Up-sell products and teachings with constant increase in  opportunities for followers to purchase time or information;
• Create genuine or contrived spiritual lineages so followers will await to have enlightenment somehow bestowed on them;
• Promote the rareness of spiritual awakening to create lack of disappointment if it doesn’t occur rapidly;
• Create rumors of magical or extraordinary powers;
• Develop third party endorsements;
• Create hierarchical access to the teacher by creating a tier or hierarchy in followers with a definite ‘inner sanctum’ of special relationship to the teacher (possibly with use of security guards or private jets);
• Create an educational or charitable foundation to get more income in the form of donations;
• Open an ashram or spiritual center;
• Create a website with a spiritual name;
• Create supplementary sales by selling part of their energetic vibration (i.e., photos of the ‘guru’, items blessed or energized such as crystals, energized pendants, etc.);
• Reward the most faithful followers by feeding their spiritual egos and encouraging them on their spiritual path.

In Contrast- Here is the Definition of A Spiritual Master according to Osho: “When you are not there, when you have completely disappeared, the other becomes an open book to you. The more other-oriented you are, the less you can know what is happening to the other. The more you become self-oriented, the more possibility there is of knowing what is happening within someone else. A moment comes when you are completely dissolved. Then you know the other totally. Then the other is not the other; he is not something separate from you. You do not react to him; there is no need. There is a response, not a reaction. Only deep absence.”

We wish you all well on your own spiritual path- wherever it may take you. No one can walk your spiritual path for you as we each have our own journey. There are gifts for us on many paths we can choose to take.

Our intention in writing this post is not to create discord but rather to create inner discussion. To perhaps get people to listen a bit more to their own ‘inner spiritual teacher’ or their own “inner still small voice“. We will follow soon with another post on the topic of “What ARE the qualities of a True Spiritual Teacher or Master?” according to ancient tradition.

Wishing you all Inner Peace,

“The Shift Doctors” (a.k.a. Tracy Latz, M.D., Mh.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D., Mh.D.)

**The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on Energy Medicine personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about their books, DVD’s, CD’s and tools for personal transformation at www.shiftyourlife.com.

Being menopausal can bring on challenges. Energy Medicine has relieved many of its symptoms over the past few years for both the Shift Doctors, their patients and students. Energy Medicine empowers the patient to be the healer and strengthens the integration of mind, body and spirit leading to a greater sense of well being and passion. It’s free, no need to make an appointment and only requires the knowledge of how to do it and the discipline to carry out the exercise routine.

We were  both fortunate to meet Donna Eden a decade ago and attend various classes. She is an extraordinarily joyful and effective healer who can clairvoyantly see the body’s subtle energies. She and her husband David Feinstein  have been teaching classes and spreading her knowings about how to harmonize the bodies energies, around the world for 30 years. This article is based on her teachings and writings which we are delighted to share with our readers to enhance your ability to balance your energies, self heal and boost your vitality.

So, how do you know if you have an estrogen imbalance?  Here are some possible symptoms; you are feeling depressed for no particular reason, apathetic, experience mental fuzziness, feel you couldn’t care less. Physical symptoms may include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, cramping, headaches, night sweats. Symptoms are different for everyone and our hormones often fluctuate but these exercises can do no harm as the body generally self regulates when hands on energy interventions are done and will most likely produce improved mood and help relieve physical symptoms, with regular practice.

Before Watching the- Stimulating the Production of Estrogen video do these three energy exercises from Donna Eden’s Book- Energy Medicine for Women

Triple Warmer Smoothie

Triple warmer energy starts at the tip of the ring finger, travels up to the neck, behind the ears, and ends at the temples. You can use the electromagnetic energies of your hands to readily calm overactive triple warmer energy by tracing part of this pathway backward.

Here are the steps:
1. Place your fingers at your temples. Hold for one deep breath, again breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.

2. On another deep in-breath, slowly slide your fingers up and around your ears, smoothing the skin while maintaining some pressure.

3. On the out breath, slide your fingers down and behind your ears, press them down the sides of your neck, and hang them on your shoulders.

4. Push your fingers into your shoulders and then, when you are ready, firmly drag them over the tops of your shoulders, and smooth them to the middle of your chest, with one arm resting on top of the other. This is the heart chakra. It brings you home to yourself.

5. Hold here for several deep breaths.

Sedating the Liver Meridian

Simultaneously place the middle finger of one hand on Liver 2 and the middle finger of the other hand on Heart 8 on either side of your body and hold for 2 minutes. Repeat on the other side.

Then place the middle finger of one hand on liver 4 and the middle of the other hand on Lung 8 and hold for a minute. Repeat on other side.

Triple Axis Hold

This is a quick and simple technique that brings comfort and calms and balances your hormones and benefits the pituitary and hypothalamus glands in particular.

1. Place the heel of either hand on your forehead, than take your middle finger and rest it on the top of your head.

2. Make a three finger cluster with the thumb, index, and third finger of your other hand and place it just beyond the curve of your head.

3. Hold during three deep breaths.

Now Watch and Follow the step in this Video To Stimulate Estrogen Production

1. Locate the adrenal reflex points, touch an inch above the navel and then go out an inch to each side. Massage these points for 15 seconds.

2. With your hand open, lightly place the second, third and fourth fingers of your left hand on your left temple, just outside the eye socket. Place the index and middle fingers of your right hand in the crease behind your right knee. Relax as you hold this position for four deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.

Do these exercises regularly and they will most likely assist you in flowing through menopause more easily!

Happy Shifting!

Tracy and Marion

Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D. (The Shift Doctors)

***Contact us if you want The Shift Doctors to do an Energy Medicine class for your group or office.

**The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on Energy Medicine personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about their books, DVD’s, CD’s and tools for personal transformation at www.shiftyourlife.com.

The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are  thrilled once again to have our good friend and guest blogger Steve Nelson return to share his wisdom. His annual prediction is always a delight to read and a good indication of what to expect in the coming year. Steve is an astrologer who follows a Jungian mythological tradition. He was raised by a part Cherokee shaman Aunt Maude who learned much of her lore from Molly Runningwolf, the mother of Amanita Sequoyah, the last Cherokee medicine man officially recognized by the Eastern Tribe. Steve’s Indian name is Steven Red Wolf, his lineage is of the wolf clan, one of the 7 tribal groups of the Cherokee. Steve follows many of the Cherokee traditions especially as these relate to celebrations, the use of ritual fire and star lore. For more information about Steve Nelson see www.GaiaAstrology.com

Mythic Times 2012

In 2012 the Feathered Serpent will fly, and all our souls’ dream visions come alive.

Through power of the One, two plus two sum shines the light of the 5th World’s Re-Creation.

Quintessence, 5th element, philosopher’s stone are realized when this movement is done.

In the 12th year of century Twenty-One, the World Woman’s magic dance is done.

New Zeus opposed Saturn at New Year will bring the Fall of the Tower, Return of the King.

The great shaking of Gaia opens the way calling Heart Warriors into the fray.

As Candlemas fires stir hearts desire the Dragon awakens from its lair,

And Anduril, Aragorn’s sword of truth, frees the Spirit King forsooth.

Dragon Fire rises ‘neath Lenten Moon tamed by the magic of Othala’s rune;

Energy flows where attention goes, we seek Love’s kingdom, end of woes.

So the Light of the dawning Equinox Sun raises the Serpent of Tenochtitlan,

And the Dark Tower falls to the rising Star of the Occupy legions’ Avatar

While Grand Trine to Sun in Aries portends bright new beginnings as hearts make amends.

Moon joining the Sun will open the way for all to make merry in month of May.

Souls attuned in this Year of the Moon see wishes fulfilled in the month of June.

Then Medicine Wheels of every clime, begin to turn at Solstice time.

With cymbals, drums and flutes in tune happiness rises with Midsummer’s Moon.

The Phoenix alights in the City of the Sun, as Mother Nature’s work is done;

The 12 Tribe Nations of Inca awaken to the way of Sol so long forsaken;

And great Europa will likewise resound as the Song of the West makes its round.

The hearts of All Nations open too as the light of Sol is reflected true;

So this White Horse Avatar Year will bring a song that every soul can sing;

And 7th ray magic dance and play on waters of Luna to show the way.

Liberty shines from her Island of Love as hearts attune to the Sign of the Dove;

And the Green Dragon led by a Fair Lady’s girdle, brings power to the golden City of Myrtle.

The Crown Stone forgotten, chief of the corner, is revealed now in grain fields, Gaia’s rejoinder.

As the Stymphalian birds that shaded the Sun give way to the glory of the One.

Then the Eagles return with the gay folk of old calling Souls of all ages back to the fold,

And the Ring War ends in the halls of power through gentle hands by wind and shower.

As Light and Love and Power unite, the new Creation comes round right.

At Solstice the Feathered Serpent will fly and all our souls’ dream visions come alive.

- Steve Nelson

Mythic Times 2012 World View

This is the year that has long been looked toward with hope and foreboding and rightly so. The good in us is right to be hopeful and the old world shadow has reason for concern. An array of myths apply to this time so it is no easy task to see what will be. And in the end isn’t it true that what will be is part fixed cycle and part what we choose. Collectively we create the future and this is our time (especially now Jan 1 – Feb 3) to see possibility and to seed what will be.

The Yuletide season is our time to dream and shape the future year. The year is seeded at a deep inner level during the Capricorn solstice (Dec 18-24). The New Year unfolds more consciously its theme and story through the 12 Days of Yule / Christmas Dec 26-Jan 6 and the reflection wave that follows Jan 7 – 18. Dreams and events of this time provide guidance for the coming year. The images we give concerted attention will come to be.

On New Year’s Eve people throughout the world tuned in to Times Square to listen to the count down and watch the giant crystal ball descend from its 77′ height. “Friendship” is the message inscribed in this year’s Crystal Ball. Our Friend Ship is this precious Earth vessel in which we sail the universe together. By the close of this year we and our beloved planet will experience a shift into a new state of global consciousness that esoteric teachings term Initiation. New York City has an important role to play in this great awakening.

Jan 6, Epiphany, celebrates the birth of the new Aeon, child of the new year. A year begins on many levels, The 2012 zeitgeist or time spirit is empowered emotionally when the Lunar New Year of the Dragon begins on Jan 24. The year begins on the natural outer world level when the Sun enters Aries and the zodiacal year begins March 20-25.

2012 begins with the great benefic planet Jupiter, the new king, rising in opposition to the malefic old world king Saturn. It’s no longer business as usual as Jupiter moves forward from the pivotal first degree of Taurus bringing a great turn of fortune to those allied with the newly emerging celestial forces. The kings of the old order and the new in mystic triangle with oceanic Neptune activate the realization of global prophecies. Uranus (the higher octave of Mercury) aligns with Jupiter adding an extraordinary magic to this cosmic mix: the wizard Gandalf comes to the aid of the newly emerging king. Magical Mercury’s foray through the underworld (Out of Bounds South) Jan 7-20 represents Gandalf the Gray’s battle with the Balrog dragon and fall into the abyss from which he emerges as Gandalf the White. Our understanding of shadow forces is sharpened in preparation for the global transformation slated for the end of winter and beginning of spring.

Venus Evening Star/Hesperus conducts us into 2012. Hesperus refers to the Hesperides where the golden apple tree of Venus grows. Evening Star Venus is also called Venus Cerridwen to honor the original Queen of the Apple Isle. Cerridwen keeps a Cauldron of Inspiration, rebirth and healing that is the original Holy Grail. Inspirational Venus chi is gathered by raising left palm toward her light and holding right palm over the hara chi center below the navel. Breathe deeply to absorb the subtle energies of Venus.

Uranus is the global revolutionary, Venus Hesperus shapes this revolution. Benefic Jupiter in harmonic relation with Uranus now brings a favorable turn of fortune for the year. Jupiter is the king and order of things, Evening Venus transforms the king and brings forth the true king. Venus and Jupiter/Uranus together open new dimensions of creative expression and discovery.

The Mayans saw Evening Star Venus as the sundog Xolotl sitting in a caldron “pushing the Sun into healing darkness.” Long held secrets are revealed, heroes and kings are healed, leaders change or remove from the scene when Venus Xolotl is seen. So begins this prophetic year 2012.

The Mayans know Morning Star Venus as Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent. The “flying of the Feathered Serpent” predicts a time when America comes to full life and spiritual expression. When does the Feathered Serpent fly? When Venus rises before the Sun in a special time at the end of this great year. Venus becomes Morning Star again soon after her mythic Transit of the Sun on June 5 2012.

Yes, 2012 begins the time of the great Mythic Convergence and the most relevant myths for this year are:

1) The Lord of the Rings including the Fall of the Dark Tower and Return of the King that is slated to occur March 25-27. This great transformation is portended by the monstrous Serpent Storm on Saturn. The key dates for this year are listed in Tolkien’s Chronology. The first of these dates was Dec 25th when the Fellowship of the Ring began their quest at dusk as the lunar crescent appeared. This was also the day that Jupiter went direct and so began the king’s return. In late March Jupiter will have come back forward to 10 Taurus completing its shadow loop, then the dark tower will fall as the new king(s) come forth just as the zodiacal year 2012 begins.

2) The White Horse Avatar or Chiron King and the “sacrifice” of the shadow wolf Lupus. “The burning up of the wolf” is an important phase of psychic alchemy that is strongly highlighted in the Winter Solstice chart. It might be noted here that these myths overlap so Tolkien’s king Eleazar, the centaur king Chiron and the White Horse Avatar in his many forms are all one. Prominent among these is the hero Perseus who becomes king following his rescue of Andromeda. In the chart for this Winter Solstice a great Mystic Triangle focuses energy through Saturn (Sauron) in Lupus the Wolf decan of Libra and Neptune in the Cetus decan Aquarius. Cetus is the sea monster threatening to devour Andromeda, Lupus is the shadow Wolf that Chiron must sacrifice in order to unite the gods of Olympus to defeat the old world Titans. Cetus and Lupus and Sauron are aspects of the collective shadow or the Dark Tower that is to be brought down. All the important stories of this year tell us how we’re to vanquish the old world shadow and begin a new golden age.

3) Rebirth of the Phoenix, the beginning of a New Age, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The Dark Lord Voldemort represents our collective shadow with its astral minions. All the senseless violence of the past year and years comes from this shadow source. Only by remembering our natural magic can we overcome this shadow. In a related myth Persephone gives birth to a magical child named Zagreus who is born from her union with Zeus when he came to her in the form of a serpent. The child of this union has serpentine qualities (he can talk to snakes!) and he is born with the lightning bolt of his father Zeus. Zagreus is the model for Harry Potter and the magical child of this new era. Voldemort is real and must be defeated so we can get on with our true story. The new planet Eris bigger(?) than Pluto is Persephone and the dwarf planet Haumea is Zagreus her magical child. Through a very strange metamorphosis Zagreus becomes Dionysus who as heir of Zeus becomes the new king. Likewise, Tolkien’s Eleazar is a healer and wizard king. It is fitting that the kingly leaders of the new Aquarian era would have these magical qualities.

4) The Flight of the Feathered Serpent following the Venus Transit of 5 June 2012. The Mayans call Morning Star Venus the Feathered Serpent. The “flying of the Feathered Serpent” predicts a Renaissance period when America comes to full life and spiritual power. When does the Feathered Serpent Fly? When Venus rises before the Sun again and most likely as the Mayans predicted, when the Sun aligns with the galactic center (the galactic godhead Hunab Ku) at Winter Solstice 12/21/2012. The Flight of the Feathered Serpent symbolizes the activation of the 7 city chakra line beginning with Mexico City where the Feathered Serpent (kundalini) is coiled. The complete 7 city sequence is Mexico City, Atlanta, Washington, New York, Boston and London. These 7 cities correspond closely with the 7 chakras of the human body. Washington is the solar plexus and here is the largest solar obelisk ever created. Renaissance begins when the Phoenix lands atop an obelisk in Heliopolis, the City of the Sun. Washington was designed to be the Heliopolis of this era. New York is the throat chakra, Boston the ajna or brow and London is the crown. There is a similar line of chakra cities on the opposite side of the world that includes Nairobi, Mumbai, Darjeeling and Tokyo. These two lines of chakra cities are conduits for the global kundalini that becomes activated at this planetary initiation. In Hindu tradition there are two serpents, Ida and Pingala, yin and yang, that ascend the spine at initiation. The western Feathered Serpent line is yang, the eastern Dragon Current line is yin. On 12/21/2012 both these lines will be activated and we will experience a great global awakening. This could be what 2012 is all about.

5) The Last Judgment of Revelation and Tarot Key 20.  The Woman of Revelation 12 is the newly awakening feminine consciousness that mediates the coming of the true king represented here by her boy child. The Woman and Child are pursued by a Dragon, here the boy child king like the new Zeus is opposed by the saurian (Sauron) shadow dragon of the age. Leviathan rises from the sea like Cetus yet we are not to fear because the flesh of Leviathan will become as food for the righteous, those blessed ones among us who learn the magic of psychic transformation and herewith will free us all. The Last Judgment Tarot Key 20 depicts the Angel Gabriel blowing a horn calling people to rise up out of the tombs of their old world ways. These are people realizing their freedom and their immortality as souls. And this is exactly what has been happening with the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street, people are rising out of the tombs of the old world. On the banner of Gabriel is the design of the City of Revelation, “the city four square.” The instruction is to go to the city center and occupy it with the new spirit of the time. There is more guidance here to be scryed in future months. The Last Judgment and Armageddon have a parallel with the opening of Pandora’s box. Remember the monsters that fly from this box are the children of Eris, the goddess of discord. The new planet beyond Pluto bigger than Pluto is named Eris now (not always) for this is her time. At the end of every age all that has been repressed in the course of time is released to be cleared before we can get on with the new story. At the bottom of Pandora’s box is the winged angel Hope (Eleazar’s childhood name). If the box had not been opened and if the 7 angels hadn’t blown those trumpets we would not be able to begin anew. All is in divine order after all.

6) The Norse Ragnarok, the Age of Fire and Ice (extremes of heat and cold), when the Fenris Wolf is set loose and the Dragon comes down from the north to shake the world. Draco the Dragon is 2nd decan Libra star sign. The Ural Mountains of Russia look amazingly like a dragon wending its way down from the pole between 50 and 60 degrees east longitude, the Draco decan of Earth’s Zodiac. Draco includes most of Iran including the capital Tehran. 3rd decan Libra is Lupus, the Wolf that Chiron (Centaurus) brings to the fiery altar Ara. It’s important to note that each of these decans has good and shadow, positive expression and a misapplication. There is a good wolf and an evil wolf in the Native American myth regarding the 2 wolves within, the one that wins is the one we feed. Now at the end of the age the Dragon and the Wolf appear as powerful elements of the collective shadow bent on destruction. These sectors of the world (Draco = 50-60 degrees east and Lupus = 60-70 east) include some of the most troubled parts of the world (e.g. Afghanistan and Pakistan) and the areas of the world where women have suffered the worst oppression. This is more than coincidence, there is a direct relationship between the repression of woman and violence in the world. Why in this region particularly? Because it is here and in 3rd decan Virgo (40-50 east) where the new feminine spirit is emerging that will ultimately break the tyranny of the old global order. When there is peace in the Middle East there will be peace everywhere, when women are free here, women will be free everywhere. Between now and the 11/13/12 solar eclipse the shadow wolf and dragon will be vanquished and woman, the feminine soul, will be set free.

7) Bringing back the Goddess Eye, the Eye of Maat in the Golden Triangle that is source of the Freemason’s symbol on the US Seal. When the Goddess Eye retreats from the world then evil reigns for a time, when the goddess eye returns evil is destroyed. Maat the goddess of Truth and Justice holds a scale in her left hand that has a human heart in one pan and a feather in the other. Maat knows what makes the heart heavy and how to make it light as the feather of Truth. In her right hand she holds an instrument with which she eliminates what makes the heart heavy and this instrument is the Eye in the Golden Triangle. The bringing back of the goddess eye is key to the esoteric Egyptian religion according to the historian E.A. Budge. The hero god Onuris (our Uranus) brings back the Eye by stradling the abyss. This occurs every 500 years when Uranus is at the celestial equator as is now and will be at Spring Equinox 2012.

Planetary Cycles Key

The Seven Rays of creation channel through 7 planets (including Sun and Moon) in three important sequences:

1) The “Chaldean sequence” is the order of celestial motion from Saturn (the slowest planet) to the Moon (the fastest point). This sequence clockwise around the circle gives the order of the planetary rulers of the zodiacal years: Saturn 2006; Jupiter 2007; Mars 2008; Sun 2009; Venus 2010; Mercury 2011; Moon 2012 (Note: The zodiacal year begins and ends with the Spring Equinox). The reverse sequence (counterclockwise) is the order of the planetary hours, another useful key to cosmic timing.

2) The order of the days of the weeks. This sequence is found by following the lines clockwise on the star from Moon / Monday to Mars / Tuesday and so on around. And, on a much grander scale,  this is the order of the seven millennium cycle that began in 4000 BC. We are currently ending a thousand years of Saturn and just beginning the Millennium of the Sun, the long prophesied thousand years of peace and universal prosperity. The past few years have been a troublesome transition period. The influence of the new Sun era has been being felt more since the Total Eclipse of the Sun on July 11 2010. The effects of the Sun millennium will be felt much more strongly in 2012 especially following the Nov 13 Total Eclipse of the Sun. This eclipse is a cosmic reset to the Sun Millennium.

3) Counterclockwise on the star is the order of the seven 36-year planetary periods. This 252 (7 x 36) year cycle is a key to cyclic global renaissance. Each 36-year period is ruled by a planet (including Sun and Moon) in the same sequence as the planetary rulers of the days of the week but in reverse order. The sequence of these 7 planetary influences is the cycling of the 7 rays of creation of which the 7 primary colors and 7 musical notes are key elements. Over the course of 252 years (7 x 36 years) the rainbow of 7 colored rays alternate in their expression. Orange is the color of the Sun. Blue is the color of Venus. We’re currently in a 36-year Sun period entering (at Spring Equinox) a Year of the Moon (violet). At the the close of each 252 year cycle a 36-year Sun period illuminates and sums up the whole. This is our renaissance time.

The 36 Year Cycles run in reverse order to the days of the week: Sun Period 1729 – 1764; Saturn Cycle 1765 – 1800; Venus 1801 – 1836; Jupiter 1837 – 1872; Mercury 1873 – 1908; Mars 1909 – 1944; Moon 1945 – 1980; and Sun Period again from 1981 to 2016.

The current Sun Period began at the Spring Equinox of 1981 and will conclude at the Spring Equinox of 2016. This 56th planetary period since AD 1 represents the missing apex of the Great Pyramid or 1/56th it’s total height. According to prophecy this generation – this year! – will cap the pyramid of the age.

Now, during this 1981-2016 Sun period, the planetary elements that have emerged over the past 200 years are integrated and come to full conscious and creative expression. These times are periods of social renaissance including the mid-1700 Age of Enlightenment and Italian Renaissance of the early 1500s. This is a 2 beat cycle of greater and lesser renaissance periods. Every 500 years a new Phoenix is born and a Great Renaissance begins, this is one of those times.

Every 500 years the Phoenix dies and is born anew. An old world passes away and a new world is born in this recurring cycle of global Renaissance. The last Great Renaissance centered in Rome inspired by cultural winds blowing through Florence, “the city of flowers.”

The political center for the Aquarian renaissance is Washington DC and its cultural center is New York City, the mythic city of Liberty a.k.a. Ceres/Demeter, the torch bearing mother of Persephone, the goddess of flowers.

Of course, global renaissance isn’t dependent on one or two cities of the world. While the 1500s Italian Renaissance was cooking up in the Old World, the Iroquois Renaissance was stirring to life in the New World. 500 years before the Norse settled Iceland and ventured to America while the Chinese sailed to Africa and the Kukulcan (Feathered Serpent) Renaissance was humming along in Yucatan. Each Renaissance builds on the Renaissance times that came before like pearls on a necklace connected by a single thread of evolving vision.

Now we are entering the great Aquarian Renaissance when a 500 year renaissance cycle converges with the beginning of a New Age.

Plato named the 25,920 year cycle of precession “the Great Year.” This long period wobble of the Earth on its axis causes the Spring Equinox to move backwards through the zodiacal signs marking the course of the Ages. Each Age is 2160 years or 1/12th the 25,920 year precession cycle. An astrological Age is sometime called a Platonic Month.

The current Piscean Age began in 108 BCE and  the Aquarian Age fully begins in 2052 with a transition period of well over 100 years. We are now transitioning into a New Age that is portended by many world events and in works of fiction such as Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. The cycle of the ages is one of many long cycles converging in this time. The current convergence of the Mayan calendar, the Millennium cycle and the 500 (504) year Renaissance cycle, means the Aquarian Renaissance has its inception some time between 2012 and 2016.

The 36-year cycle is an important key to western esoteric astrology. Each year of the 36-year cycle represents a decanate or ten degree part of the zodiac. Each year a new decanate (decan) begins and a new mythic story unfolds. This story is revealed by the year’s decan constellation and corresponding tarot card.

Zodiacal year 2011-12 is an Equus the Horse year and the 5 of Swords is the tarot key. Equus is a magic renaissance horse that appears in the Central American my The Little Horse of Seven Colors. Through this influence we have experienced a global awakening. The 2012 zodiacal year 3/21/2012 – 3/21/2013 is a Pegasus decan year with the 6 of Swords as tarot key. Pegasus is the great winged horse that is instrumental in the freeing of Andromeda. Pegasus carries the thunderbolts of Zeus and the hooves of Pegasus are said to cause earthquakes as well as opening the Fountain of the Muses. The year of the white horse Pegasus may also portend the coming of the widely prophesied White Horse Avatar.

In western astrology, an Astrological Age is 60 periods of 36 years or 2160 years. In eastern astrology an Age is 36 cycles of 60 years which is also 2160 years.  60 years is key in Chinese or Eastern Lunar Astrology where 12 animal signs and 5 elements occur in combination for a complete cycle of 60 years.

2012 is a Water Dragon year: “I am an unquenchable fire, the center of all energy, the stout heroic heart. I am truth and light, I hold glory in my sway. My presence disperses dark clouds. I have been chosen to tame the Fates. I am the Dragon. ” -Theodora Lau,

The Coming of the Avatars

The myths of all time are now coming to life. This is the end time, the quickening and the rapture. It is the end of the Piscean Age and beginning of the Aquarian when we follow the water bearer into the upper room. This is the time of “the war in heaven and earth.” War in heaven means conflict on the psychic or spiritual plane. As the war is won on the subtle planes war is ended throughout world. Alice Bailey calls the astral plane the battleground of the white magician. This is a magical war for which Star Wars, the many Harry Potter books and the Lord of the Rings books and movies have prepared us.

A spiritual teacher or Avatar appears every 500 years, the mythic lifespan of the Phoenix. The last of these world teachers was the Iroquois Messenger in 1500, before this Quetzalcoatl came as Kulkulcan in 1000, King Arthur & Mohammed lived in 500-600, Jesus was born circa 0-4 BCE, Buddha about 500 BCE (along with the mythic hero saviors Chiron and Dionysus), Krishna 1000 BCE, etc.

Many believe the current avataric descent will be a group avatarship appropriate to the Age of Aquarius. The Avatar of Synthesis (a.k.a. the White Horse Avatar) is said to come from far beyond this plane of creation, from outside our solar system, perhaps from the galactic core, the Mayans mythic god head Hunab Ku. According to the esoteric works of Alice A. Bailey, this transcendent being descends to the higher astral world and then focuses spiritual power through the triad of the Christ (our solar logos), Earth’s Manu and Ray 1 master Morya to awaken a myriad of avatars male and female throughout the world. The classic figure for awakening is 144,000, a number sufficient to trigger the 100th monkey effect and shift our planetary consciousness into a new state of being.

“The reappearance of the Christ and coming of the Avatar of Synthesis is the one great event for which all people wait. The two are to be as one. This reappearance will include many thousands who lift their attention up to receive and channel the new light.” – Alice Bailey

“The struggle between Ahriman, Darkness, and Ormazd, Light, has been going on in the world continually since the beginning of time. When the worst arrives and Ahriman will seem to have conquered the world and corrupted all mankind, then will appear the Saviour, Sosiosh. He will come seated upon a White Horse followed by an army of good genii equally mounted on milk-white steeds. And this we find faithfully copied in the Revelation: “I saw heaven opened, and beheld a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called faithful and true – And the armies which were in heaven followed upon white horses” (Rev 19)” – H.P. Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled pp 236-37

“It is under the form of a white horse that Vishnu has to appear at the end of the Kali Yug. Now is it not easily seen how perfect is the identity of this doctrine with that of St. John as taught in the Apocalypse? … This White Horse upon which Sosiosh (the Mazdean saviour) rides, like Vishnu, is the Horse of the Sun, Shiloh is the Sun’s city, and Shiloh is the God-Messiah, or King coming from the Sun …Arabs represented Iauk (Iach*) by a Horse, the Horse of the Sun.” – Paul Davidson, The Book of Light and Life or the Essence of the Sohar page 53

Each year has a zeitgeist, a spirit and purpose and a recurring theme that shows up in various forms. The two new movies most likely to touch on the theme for 2012 are The Rising of the Dark and The Hobbit. Also for this Year of the Dragon we may want to replay the James Cameron movie Avatar and the children’s film Training Your Dragon. Both refer to the need to tame or train the beast within in order to express the purpose of our inner being or soul. As primal nature becomes aligned with the soul “thine eye becomes single and thy body is filled with light” as the avatar Jesus said. Primal nature includes the shadow wolf (Lupus) that the shaman Chiron brings to the altar of transformation. Then all are united (within and without) and the world joins as one. This wolf sacrifice, the transformation of collective shadow (a.ka. the dweller on the threshold) will be completed by the time of the 13 Nov 2012 Total Eclipse of the Sun. Then the world will become as one.

The nature of each year can be seen reflected in its number. 2012 is a 2+0+1+2 = 5 year resonant with the 5th Ray planet Venus (the goddess of love, beauty and higher truth) and Tarot Key 5 The Hierophant (the cosmic geometer who reveals the sacred objects or ‘hieros’). Venus and the Hierophant connect Heaven and Earth while the Hanged Man Key 12 brings Illumination.

2012 Sign of the Time – The Higgs Boson May Have ‘Five Faces’ – The Higgs Boson, popularly dubbed the God Particle, is a force carrying particle that fills a gap connecting the other 4 primary force carrying particles that are related to the 4 elementary forces and directions. Air/East is the W-particle that carries the weak atomic force. Fire/South is the photon carrying electrical energy. Water/West is the gluon that holds everything together (the gluon quark is charm!) and North/Earth is the graviton responsible for the force of gravity. The “Higgs Boson” is the 5th Element or Quintessence equated with Love in the movie The 5th Element. What comes out in this reseach is there isn’t just one Higgs boson but 5 different versions! 5 is the number of Venus and of 2012. This discovery may be yet another sign of the emergence of the new Avatars this year. Their emergence will become far more obvious to us following the appearance of Venus as morning star beginning about June 10th 2012.

“The most mysterious thing about the universe is that we can understand it.” – Albert Einstein

Winter Solstice 2011-12    12:31 am 12/22/2011 New York, NY

The order of the heavens at Winter Solstice determines what will become as the year unfolds. At this Winter Solstice leading into 2012 the great benefic planet Jupiter, the new king, has risen in opposition to the malefic old world king Saturn. At their midpoint is Venus in a dynamically symmetrical constellation of points. Venus is in square with both Jupiter and Saturn. Arwen/Venus is said to be weakened in the presence of Sauron/Saturn. This means all that denies love and all that resists the new creation is now highlighted as a dark spell – the dark tower – to be broken. Venus here represents the Woman of Revelation who is given the wings of an Eagle in order to escape the Dragon (Sauron), her tormenter. As a sure sign of the time Venus is conjunct with Altair the bright star of Aquila the Eagle. Aquila is the bird of Jove that wields the divine lightnings. Aquila appears in the heavens with lightning bolts streaming from its talons, these are used to destroy evil and to protect the Woman. This Eagle is the Native American Thunderbird that also carries lightnings and it is the Hawk of Egypt subject of the prophecy below that corroborates how Venus is our guiding planet in this time. This Winter Solstice seeds our transformation and the great emerging story of our time.

At this Solstice turn of the year Venus is conjunct Altair, the alpha star of Aquila while Mercury conjuncts the North Node, our soul’s north compass point, in the Aquila decan of Sagittarius. Aquila the Eagle is rising in the birth chart of the USA. It is the Eagle that comes to aid the Woman of Revelation and it is the Eagles that save the day in the final battle of Middle Earth. Aquila wields the thunderbolts of Zeus, the lightnings that break the power of the Dark Tower.

The year begins with Venus as Evening Star presiding over the death/rebirth and healing of the king. Following the Transit of Venus on 5 June 2012 Venus becomes the Morning Star, this is when our great ship comes in. Morning Star Venus is “the star of the ship of the Bennu-Ausar” (Osiris) referred to in this Egyptian invocation to the sacred Sun Bird:

I am the Bennu, the soul of Ra,

and the guide of the gods in the Tuat;

let it be so done unto me that

I may enter in like a hawk,

and that I may come forth like Bennu,

the Morning Star.

from “The Book of Doors: An Alchemical Oracle from Ancient Egypt” by Athon Veggi & Alison Davidson

The most powerful Morning Star Venus / Venus Bennu or Venus Quetzalcoatl appears in the cycle that follows a Venus Transit, a rare event that occurs in pairs about every 135 years. The first of this current pair was early June 2004 and the 2nd and most powerful is 5 June 2012. The last time the 2nd transit of the pair occurred was when the great volcano Krakatoa erupted in 1883. It is during the Venus Morning Star phase that follows this transit that the Feathered Serpent flies and the Bennu (also Venus) rises from its fiery nest. This will occur in late December 2012 when Venus rises before the Sun.

Also, at this Winter Solstice 12/22/11, the comet Lovejoy made a splendid return, a seeming miraculous event that is considered a great portent for our time, a sure sign that Arwen / Venus / Love will be triumphant. The surprise reappearance of this Sungrazing comet Lovejoy, a proverbial “horse of the Sun,” at this seminal time of the year is also a certain signal of the Coming of the Avatars in 2012.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Silmarilion were written in the early fifties for this time of transition between the era of Neptune ruled Pisces and the new Age of Aquarius ruled by Uranus. This transition is guided by certain constellations and stars that are active at this time. These include Orion (Menelmacar), Ursa Major (Tolkien’s Valacirca), Arcturus (Gandalf’s star) and Spica (more properly Arista), the bright star of Virgo identified with the Empress in Tarot and the Woman of Revelation with her crown of stars.

“[The Star Queen] Varda set the constellation, Menelmacar, with his shining belt, that forbodes the Last Battle that shall be at the end of days. The belt would be a sword belt warning that the Valar will join the struggle.” This brings us to one of the most important alignments of our time. During this Yule season and for months to come, the Aquarian planet Uranus closely aligns with Alnilam and Alnitak, two of the bright stars in Orion’s Belt. These stars (and their sister star Mintaka) stand out because of their brightness and their striking alignment with the celestial equator [Menelmacar rising]. They’re also special in that these are Super Stars each over 10,000 times the luminosity of our Sun. In the medieval Yuletide tradition these stars are the 3 Magi, the astrologer kings who announce the beginning of a New Age. There is a mystery here to be revealed in March 2012.

Tolkien’s writings hold clues for us now: “when first Menelmacar strode up the sky and the blue fire of Helluin [Sirius] flickered in the mists above the borders of the world, in that hour the Children of the Earth awoke….” The Silmarillion, pg 45; “As Menelmacar rose, the elves burst into song, lit a fire, and said it was time for speech and merriment. Then Melkor [the dark power] was shaken by the laughter of Tulkas and fled from the earth.” Silmarillion, The Coming of the Elves.

In Tolkien’s cosmology the bright stars of Ursa Major are the Valar, the 7 great creator gods. Manwe is the greatest of the Valar. “With Manwë dwells Varda, Lady of the Stars, who knows all the regions of Ea….. Of all the Great Ones who dwell in this world the Elves hold Varda most in reverence and love.” – The Silmarillion, Valaquenta, p 26 According to Tolkien, Varda created the stars, and placed them innumerable in the heavens. “And high in the North as a challenge to Melkor she set the crown of seven mighty stars to swing, Valacirca, the Sickle of the Valar and sign of doom [to the dark powers of the earth].” – The Silmarillion, p 48

It is the Valar Manwe who guides and powers the coming of the great wizard Gandalf or Mithrandir. Gandalf is identified with the “hermit star” Arcturus described as “a Lamp, translucent, set in Ilwe on the edge Middle-earth’s breathable air.” In Tarot, Arcturus is the Hermit standing alone on a high mount holding a lantern. Arcturus is located in the 20th Parallel North as this star casts its influence on Earth. The current eruption at this parallel of the two great volcanoes Popo in Mexico and Kilauea in Hawai’i represents an activation of this Hermit / wizard archetype. The ascendancy of the star Arcturus and the arrival of Gandalf  portends the coming of the Avatar or divine consciousness for the new era.

Ursa Major, the Great Bear, is one of the most mythically charged constellations in the heavens. In Alice A. Bailey’s esoteric astrology the 7 bright stars composing the ‘Big Dipper’ asterism of Ursa Major are the sources of the 7 rays of creation expressed through our solar system’s 7 ‘sacred planets’ and the 7 primary colors radiating from the Sun. One of these stars (Merak) is identified with the new Avatar while another (Dubhe) is thought to be a source of cosmic evil. This teaching parallels the starlore of J.R.R. Tolkien. In his mythic cosmology Ursa Major is called Valacirca, ‘Sickle of the Gods’ or ‘Sickle of the Valar’. “This is the mightiest of the works of Varda, Lady of the stars. It hung above the North as a threat to Melkor and an omen of his fall; the Judgment day.“- The Silmarillion

Events of Winter Solstice seed what will be unfolding in the coming year. Never complete within themselves, these events represent potentialities to be realized. Their realization depends on what we do individually, in dyad and in the many magical working groups that will be forming in this very special year.

Mythic Times Overview

Myths of all time are now coming to life. This is “the end time,” it is the end of the Piscean Age and beginning of the Aquarian, it is not the end of the world. Still it is the time of “the war in heaven and earth.” War in heaven means conflict on the psychic or spiritual plane. As this war is won on the subtle planes then war and violence will be ended in the world. This is the magical war for which the Harry Potter books and Lord of the Rings series have prepared us. And regardless of the many dire predictions, a positive outcome is assured.

A new world is emerging, how soon this new age of peace and plenty will begin depends on what we do.

Times of greatest challenge are times of greatest opportunity. As old patterns of belief and being are challenged, the way is opened to greater understanding and more enlightened living. As limiting reality structures are broken, new worlds emerge. The old zeitgeist based on Newtonian physics is now thankfully giving way to the New Physics and the new more magical order of Aquarius.

At the end of an Age all that has been hidden is revealed, all that humanity has swept under the rug comes to light to be transformed. These astral energies merge as a collective shadow, a psychic aggregate metaphorically called the Dragon of the Age. This “dragon” embodies all that humanity has been unable or unwilling to deal with during the past 2000 years. The reclamation of the psychic energy represented by the Dragon is spoken of in Revelation as the flesh of Leviathan becoming “as food for the righteous.” In psychological terms, this can simply mean bringing to consciousness an outmoded way of thinking or behaving. Once illuminated in this way, the old pattern can be broken and its psychic energy freed for new creative expression. So the flesh of the Leviathan becomes as food. This means undesirable psychic patterns, emotional attachments and addictions can actually be considered a psychic energy resource. As these old forms are broken, energy is freed that can be directed to power our dreams and create a new world. This process was called dragon slaying or dragon training in esoteric tradition. It can be as easy as focusing on the crown light above while breathing deeply to transform a shadow thought or emotion. The breath is the mechanism through which transformation occurs and right direction of attention is all else required. Seek first the kingdom and all else is added, hope for the world and all hopes and needs are realized.

We enter the Age of Aquarius through the Venus ruled Libra decan of Aquarius so Venus, the goddess of Love, is our guide into this New Age. It’s good to know too that Venus is more than those wonderful qualities of grace and love and beauty, she also brings power to train serpents and dragons and restore the natural order of the world. These are mythic times.

Bright Blessings!

Steve Nelson, Mythic Astrologer with The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.)

Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses Tarot, name analysis, and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and realize natural abilities. He can be reached at www.gaiaastrology.com

*****The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about them atwww.shiftyourlife.com

The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are  thrilled once again to have our good friend and guest blogger Steve Nelson return to share his wisdom. Steve is an astrologer who follows a Jungian mythological tradition. He was raised by a part Cherokee shaman Aunt Maude who learned much of her lore from Molly Runningwolf, the mother of Amanita Sequoyah, the last Cherokee medicine man officially recognized by the Eastern Tribe. Steve’s Indian name is Steven Red Wolf, his lineage is of the wolf clan, one of the 7 tribal groups of the Cherokee. Steve follows many of the Cherokee traditions especially as these relate to celebrations, the use of ritual fire and star lore. For more information about Steve Nelson see www.GaiaAstrology.com

January 2012

2012 begins with the great benefic planet Jupiter, the new king, rising in opposition to the malefic old world king Saturn. It’s no longer business as usual as Jupiter moves forward from the pivotal first degree of Taurus bringing a great turn of fortune to those allied with the newly emerging celestial forces. The kings of the old order and the new in mystic triangle with oceanic Neptune activate the realization of global prophecies. Uranus (the higher octave of Mercury) aligns with Jupiter adding an extraordinary magic to this cosmic mix: the wizard Gandalf comes to the aid of the newly emerging king. Magical Mercury’s foray through the underworld (Out of Bounds South) Jan 7-20 represents Gandalf the Gray’s battle with the Balrog dragon and fall into the abyss from which he emerges as Gandalf the White.

Our understanding of shadow forces is sharpened in preparation for the global transformation slated for the end of winter and beginning of spring. Jan 6, Epiphany, celebrates the birth of the new Aeon, child of the new year. A year begins on many levels, the 2012 zeitgeist is empowered emotionally when the Lunar New Year of the Dragon begins Jan 24. The waxing Moon that follows brings the new tide of creation.

Venus Evening Star/Hesperus conducts us into 2012. Hesperus refers to the Hesperides where the golden apple tree of Venus grows. Evening Star Venus is also called Venus Cerridwen to honor the original Queen of the Apple Isle. Cerridwen keeps a Cauldron of Inspiration, rebirth and healing that is the original Holy Grail. Inspirational Venus chi is gathered by raising left palm toward her light and holding right palm over the hara chi reservoir below the navel. Breathe deeply to absorb the subtle energies of Venus.

Uranus is the global revolutionary, Venus Hesperus shapes this revolution. Benefic Jupiter in harmonic relation with Uranus brings a favorable turn of fortune for the year. Jupiter is the king and order of things, Evening Venus transforms the king and brings forth the true king. Venus and Jupiter/Uranus together open new dimensions of creative expression and discovery.

The Mayans saw Evening Star Venus as the sundog Xolotl sitting in a caldron “pushing the Sun into healing darkness.” Long held secrets are revealed, heroes and kings are healed, leaders change or remove from the scene when Venus Xolotl is seen. So begins the prophetic year 2012.

New Year Gate of Inspiration, Jan 1 (2:14 pm 12/31- 1:50 pm 1/1)

A Muse Gate opens every 40 days, 9 times each year. Whatever blocks energy flow comes before the Gate to be let go. (For more information on the Nine Gates of Inspiration see http://www.shiftyourlife.com/2010/the-nine-gates-of-inspiration-access-to-interdimensional-portals/ ) This is a time to dissolve body tensions that hold outmoded ways of thinking and feeling. Breathe deeply and move freely (yoga, tai chi, dance!) to shed the old and be present to the power and possibilities of the new. Happy New Year!

1st Quarter Moon, Jan 1-2 (exact 1:15 am 1/1) – Time to Choose

This Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky, it’s a time to cut free from the trappings of the past and affirm our purpose moving forward. Sacred to the Druids, this Moon is pivotal in the cycle of creation. Choices made are likely the right ones. Breathing deeply through the light of the crown frees energy flow up and down the spine to clear shadows and power our dreams.

Mercury Out of Shadow, Jan 2 (4 am) – Think and Create Anew

Mercury’s new 4-month cycle cooks up as our winged messenger speeds forward out of his retrograde shadow loop into totally new territory. This begins a fortunate new period for creative thinking, world changing discoveries, inspired social interchange and successful enterprise.

Epiphany Eve /12th Night / The Feast of Fools, Jan 5 – Time to Party!

Yuletide festivities culminate in the 12th Night “Feast of Fools” on Jan 5. This is an ideal night to party and the perfect time for exchanging gifts. 12th Night celebration was banned in the Middle Ages when this event became an occasion for lampooning the established order of church and state.

Epiphany / The 12th Day of Christmas, Jan 6 – Expect a Miracle!

The Christian Epiphany celebrates 3 events related to water: the birth of Jesus, baptism in the river Jordan and changing water to wine at the wedding feast of Cana. Epiphany also honors the Three Kings who bring gifts for the new born child. The old Egyptians celebrated the “Korion” or Festival of the Nile at this time when waters of the world are said to blessed with healing virtue. Now Kore (Persephone) gives birth to the “Aeon,” the child spirit or zeitgeist of the New Year. We are all born anew.

Sun in Capricorn Full Moon, Jan 8-11 – Revelation and Healing

Each Full Moon brings revelation and opportunities for healing body, mind, and soul. The Full Moon is like a pitcher that pours out a magic elixir we raise our cups to receive. Cosmic energies flow for 3 days following Full Moon (exact 2:30 am Jan 9). Revelations come in dreams, chance encounters and flashes of inspiration. Stay tuned!

Moon at the Equator, Jan 13 (2:21 am – 11:23 am) – Meditate

Lunar Zero Points are cosmic balance times ideal for creative imagination. 0 Point South is time to connect with the greater whole and scry our true place in the world.

3rd Quarter Moon, Jan 15-17 (exact 4:09 am 1/16) – Dreams in Action

This Moon cuts away all that distracts from realizing our deepest dreams. 3rd Quarter Moon integrates new ideas into creative expression; it’s time to follow our bliss and do what feels good in concert with the whole.

Going Out of the Signs Jan 18-26 – Out with the Old, Opening to the New

The best time to break addictions or eliminate attachments is when the Moon moves through signs down below vital organs from Sagittarius (thighs) to Pisces (feet). Now we can more easily let go of outmoded patterns of being.

Balsamic Moon, Jan 19-21 – Make a Wish!

Shadows that come before New Moon are cleared through deep breathing with attention to the light within. The Balsamic Moon is the Wishing Moon, the best time to put wishes on the air. Also called Witches Moon, it is a time to bring others to mind for healing. Feeling invokes healing; as we feel we heal. Needs felt now invoke magic from the new lunar cycle. See the wee waning Moon rising before the Sun.

Dark of Moon/New Moon, Jan 22-24 – Time to Go Within

The day before New Moon until Sunset a day after is ideal for inner work to seed the new cycle, outer activity is favored after the crescent appears. The New Moon (2:40 am 1/23) is a cosmic spring that flows freely as we slow down. Nostradamus calls this “the day of Diana, a time for silent rest.” The New Moon is a psychic black hole like Alice’s rabbit hole. Great wonders await our going within. Here we can know what is and realize how to shape what’s to be.

Crescent New Moon / Lunar New Year Jan 24-28 – Time to Sow

It’s time to bring forward what we wish to be realized. Farmers plant seeds when the crescent appears, seeds are fertile on every level. This Crescent Moon / Lunar Year of the Dragon time all new beginnings. Moon magic is strongest Sunset to Moonset when the Moon is in the 7th House. Meditation now opens doorways, wishes take wing and prayers bring blessings for this Moon and the New Year.

Moon at the Equator, Jan 26 4:27 am – 2:34 pm – Imagine!

Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times ideal for creative imagination. Moon at the Equator going north is a time to envision and initiate what we wish to become. Uranus also at the Equator now adds its magic to this special time for recreating our world.

Bright Blessings in January 2012!

Steve Nelson, Mythic Astrologer with The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.)

Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses Tarot, name analysis, and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and realize natural abilities. He can be reached at www.gaiaastrology.com

*****The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about them at www.shiftyourlife.com

We have all set New Year’s Resolutions before…. and… let’s face it… more often than not we have usually given up on them within 2 weeks to 90 days into the new year. And we are left feeling empty, guilty and powerless when we have failed to shed the pounds, give up the bad habit, complete the goal or project, or begin the new exercise regimen we had ordered for our self. We essentially self-sabotaged from the beginning because more times than not we failed to get into our heart when we started the process. Then we beat our self up when we fail.

You’ve got to want it: An effective intention cannot be half-hearted.  It needs to be a want, not a should. Get in touch with your deepest self, and discover what it is that you want with all your heart. Then, affirm that or set that intention. What really matters is that you really desire it. The problem with so many traditional New Year’s resolutions is that they tend to be “shoulds” or “oughts” rather than true desires. They are often what we believe others such as spouses, parents, therapists, physicians or friends would want us to do such as diet, exercise, working harder, etc. New Year’s resolutions begin to be seen from a sense of duty, lacking and futility which makes following through with them have diminishing energy and sense of drudgery.

Suspend disbelief:  When using New Year’s intentions or affirmations, you don’t have to believe that your affirmation is true right now – but you do have to believe in the possibility of getting what you want.  If you allow that nay-saying voice in your head to negate the intention as soon as you say it, it won’t work.

Keep it short, to the point, and positive:  The statement should be brief and in your own words, so that you can remember it easily when you need to focus.  An affirmation or intention should also be expressed positively such as “I am the perfectly healthy being that I am meant to be” or “I am energized, fit and organized” or “I am happy” RATHER THAN: “I don’t want to have high blood sugar or be sick all the time” or “I will no longer be overweight, tired and I want to de-clutter” or”I’m not upset all the time”.  If you think in the negative, then you place your emphasis on lack rather than on possibility, and the latter approach is the likelier to lead to success.

Write it and repeat it:  Jot down your statement or intention and post it in a place where you can see it and energize it every day – on your mirror, your computer monitor, your refrigerator, or the dash of your car. You can just think it in your head, but nothing is more powerful than voicing it. Saying you intention out loud sends the vibration of your heartfelt desire out into the ethers for manifestation and implies a commitment that makes it more likely you’ll take actions to reach your goal. There is no magic number of times to invoke your phrase, but repetition helps to solidify it and bring it into reality.

Happy New Year!! Create your self anew – become aware of the beautiful universes within you as well as around you.  The possibilities are endless for you are limited by no one and nothing except for your self.

May you have Bright Blessings this year

Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D. (The Shift Doctors)

**The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about them at www.shiftyourlife.com .

“Inner Christmas” 12 Holy Nights Dec 25 – Jan 6

Inner Christmas, a practice of inner renewal and development, begins on December 25 and unfolds nightly through January 6, the day of Epiphany. These are the 12 Holy Nights, a yearly time when our souls experience a unique connection with spiritual forces, the veils between heaven and earth lift and powerful inner insight and growth are possible.”  ~ Lynn Jericho Inner Christmas

This is the perfect time of year (in the Yuletide prior to Epiphany on January 6th) to create sacred space to connect with that ‘inner still small voice’.

What is ‘Sacred Space’?

Sacred space can be as small as a deep cleansing breath you take in to clear your self or to prepare for meditation; or it can be a small physical space such as a window sill, an altar, or a larger space in a room in a home; or it may be larger still such as a garden or a cathedral or an ancient megalithic site. The primary importance is the intention of setting the space for sacred use or sacred connection to Nature, the ‘Divine’ or “All that is” in order to experience “I Am that I Am”.

How to Create Your Space?

It helps to choose a space that will not be likely to get cluttered or mixed with other energies. It may be a personal space for your own private use, or may be a space you choose to share with your children, family, or friends. It may be indoors or outdoors.

Once you have settled on the area where you desire to set sacred intention, you may wish to choose items or symbols that have special meaning to you or that open your heart for connection to that which is sacred to you. For some that may be pictures of spiritual or religious figures, or it may be pictures of loved ones, or it may be personal items you cherish that have special meaning for you in your spiritual journey (feathers, rocks, shells, crystals, totems, crosses, plants to attract different energies, divination tools, etc.). You may choose to have candles which raise the vibration of the area when lit or incense. You may create your sacred space in a small corner of a room where you place a small altar, or if space is limited transform a small windowsill into a miniature altar. Or you may consider creating an outdoor altar. Use your intuition to determine where and what your sacred space will consist of. Trust your intuition as your True Essence ‘knows’ what you need to be centered and guided daily in your path.

You might even consider creating a Medicine Wheel as a sacred space in your yard if you are drawn to nature or American Indian traditions. A Medicine Wheel can be as small as a foot in diameter or as large as 30+ feet in diameter and can be used for mediation, connecting with Earth energy, or for healing space for self or others.

You are limited only by your intention and your imagination as to how you decide to create your sacred space.

Once you have created your space, you will want to energize it, raise the vibration of the area, or honor it in some ritual that resonates with your spiritual beliefs.

Use of Sacred Ritual in Sacred Space

Sacred ritual can be used to consecrate a sacred space, clear a space, celebrate a personal event or anniversary, to clarify a life decision or transition, or to be more present and conscious in your life or life purpose. Sacred ritual may also be used seasonally to celebrate changes in seasons, solstices, astronomical events, new beginnings, sacred holidays or anniversaries.

Ritual in the form of music, toning or chanting (such as ‘Om’, “The Divine Name” or ‘The 12 Permutations of the Sacred Name of God’) can raise the vibration or energy of a sacred space. Ritual in the form of sacred prayer (such as the Kodoish prayer, ‘Our Father’ prayer, or the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram) or sacred dance (Druidic, Celtic or Whirling Dervish dancing) can also elevate the energy of a sacred space.

Lighting candles, burning incense, use of essences or sacred oils can also raise vibration of a specific space. Once the space has been lifted to a higher vibration through any of the above-mentioned sacred rituals, you can palpably feel the difference and most people find a shift in the depth, quality and ease of sacred, meditative or prayerful experiences in the area.

Begin your New Year by embarking on your own spiritual journey – or by taking your spiritual path to a deeper and more meaningful level. Your True Essence, Spiritual Essence, or ‘Soul’ is longing to connect and communicate with you on a daily basis.

Sending you all Loads of Love & Light in your journey and into the New Year! Bright Blessings

The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.)

*Check out The Shift Doctors’ books at the Amazon link by clicking here and the Meditation CDs at the digstation link by clicking here  **The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about them at www.shiftyourlife.com .