2017 - A Year of New Beginnings

In 2017, we enter a Universal 1 Year in numerology (2+0+1+7=1).  This marks the beginning of a new 9 year cycle.  While last year was all about endings, 2017 is all about new beginnings.

For a lot of us, 2016 was a tumultuous year.  Being a 9 year it represented endings, upheavals and changes.  A number of issues came to the fore in order for to healing to take place.  This was a karmic year and the shifts that occurred were necessary in order to clear out old energy to make way for the new.  Unfortunately, this was not without turmoil and many breathed a sigh of relief as 2016 ended.  This year, however, carries a completely different vibration. 

The number 1 from a spiritual perspective is the number of creation, the primal force from which all other numbers spring forth.  It represents new beginnings, creativity, individuality and independence.  The number 1 is the initiator and leader.  It brings with it a pioneering spirit, full of determination and motivation.  

In 2017 we can expect new ideas, concepts and innovations.  Because of the creative power behind the 1 energy, these ideas will manifest into reality and not simply be pipe dreams.  We need to adopt an open mind as some of these new ideas may seem eccentric.  However, this is typical of the 1 vibration and represents progress.  A lot of what happens now will determine the next 9 years.

As last year carried with it a sense of hopelessness, this year our sense of hope is renewed.  We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and be prepared to embrace change rather than resist it.

On a humanitarian level, the global changes and upheavals that took place last year allowed us to develop a higher level of compassion and awareness and this will carry us forward into the next cycle.

Keep in mind that the universal year applies to humanity as a whole.  In order to determine your full chart you need to consider your personal year number in conjunction with these influences.

Keywords for 2017: new beginnings, innovation, creativity and positivity

Tarot Card of the Month - Death

Ruled by Scorpio with its mystical number of 13, the Death card is one of the most feared in the Tarot deck.  Whenever this card is pulled, people literally tremble at the very sight of it.  This is a big card but there really is no need to be frightened.  For me, it's one of my favorites and I'll explain why.

Sitting on a white horse, we see Death represented by a skeleton wearing a suit of armour, indicating that he is invincible and unconquerable.  He holds a black and white flag with the symbol of a white rose representing purity.  On another level, the rose represents the transient nature of life - everything must eventually die.  At the foot of his horse, there is a child, woman and man.  Although the Bishop appears to be pleading for mercy, no one is exempt from death.  The sun in the background represents hope and new beginnings.  Despite our passing from this world to the next, the sun will continue to rise.  For me I also see this as a symbol of reincarnation but this is purely based on my own personal beliefs and can be interpreted in different ways.

The Death card literally means change, endings and transformation.  When this card is pulled, you can expect big changes happening in your life.  This can be anything from a house move, relationship endings, job changes etc.  It's a Major card which means that whatever the change,  it's going to be significant.

We are all creatures of habit and the very nature of change instills fear in all of us, yet it is a necessary part of life that allows us to move forward from one phase into another.  Despite our fear, change always brings new beginnings and opportunities.  As the saying goes, 'as one door closes, another opens'.  We are all spiritual beings having a physical experience (not the other way around) and we need to grow and learn while we are here on this earthly plane.  Therefore, the Death card should be welcomed and embraced, regardless of any temporary inconvenience it may bring.

Keywords:  Endings, beginnings, change, transformation, transition

Dealing with Anger

Anger is a basic human emotion that many of us experience at some point. When expressed in a healthy way, anger can help alleviate repressed emotions and assist with self expression.  However, problems occur when anger gets out of hand and turns destructive.  It can affect relationships with others and more importantly, it can have a negative effect on your physical and emotional well being. 

What is Anger?

Anger is a natural response to real or perceived external threats, ie our fight/flight response.  Our heart rate increases and physically we are prepared to fight or flee.  When our sense of security is threatened, anger can arise as form of self protection.

Essentially, anger is a primitive response and is seated in our base chakra (the Muladhara) which is the root chakra responsible for our sense of safety and security on this earthly journey.

Symptoms of an over-active root chakra include anger, annoyance and aggression towards people and events in your life.  Greediness and controlling others may also be a problem.  Because of this, you may become dependent on security from other people or become very materialistic. 

Healing and Re-balancing the Muladhara

There are many ways to balance and heal the base chakra:

1. Relaxation Techniques 

A good place to start is to engage in some deep breathing exercises or meditation.  This will give you some insight into why you are angry.  Anger can be a subconscious response and is often misdirected or projected outwards onto others.  When you are able to look at a situation clearly and objectively, the real reasons behind the anger can be identified and acknowledged.

2. Expressing Anger Constructively

It's important to express angry feelings in a positive way.  If you feel you need to talk to someone or get counselling about your anger, then do so.  Art therapy or keeping a journal is another way to ‘get it all out’.  Examining our true feelings in an open and honest way enables us to process them constructively.

3. Affirmations

Affirmations are a positive way to reprogram negative ways of thinking.  Here are a few examples:

"I am safe in the world, I belong to this world.  I am at peace with my surroundings”
“I am safe and secure wherever I am”
“The earth supports me and meets my needs”
“I am grounded, stable and standing on my own two feet”

4. Reconnecting with Nature

The base chakra’s element is earth.  Reconnecting with mother nature by sitting on the grass or under a tree or will have a positive effect on this chakra.

5. Spiritual Healing

Receiving Reiki or some other form of spiritual healing is a great way of releasing emotional blocks and for clearing out any emotional debris.

6.  Aromatherapy

Healing occurs on many levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Essential oils can assist in healing, balancing and grounding.  Some oils include Sandalwood, Myrrh, Frankincense and Ylang Ylang.

It’s important to balance and ground the base chakra as it governs fear, our sense of security and well being.  If one of our energy centres is not functioning as it should, then the entire body will be out of balance.  Making sure our energy centres are balanced and working properly will lead to a more peaceful state of consciousness and ultimately a more positive and authentic way of life.

2016 - A Year of Completion and Transition

In numerology, the Universal Year for 2016 is nine (2+0+1+6=9).  Although the Universal Year number differs from our Personal Year number, we are still under the influence of this vibration to some degree. 

As everything in numerology goes in a nine year cycle, the number nine is an important and significant number.  While number one represents beginnings, nine represents endings – of all kinds.  This includes old ways of thinking, outdated relationships and any other circumstance that is no longer needed in your life.  In 2016, you are encouraged to let go of what no longer serves you.   

A nine year is all about change and completion so it can be a tough year for many people, particularly if you resist the process and hold on to outdated ways of thinking.  Therefore, it is important to let go and let flow.  The reason for this upheaval is to prepare us for the following year 2017.  As a one year, this will mark the beginning of a new cycle and with it will bring fresh perspectives, new ideas and of course, new beginnings.

As a nine year, 2016 is also karmic therefore a lot of old issues will come to the surface in order for healing to take place.  Often it can seem like an overwhelming accumulation of problems with no end.  The good news is that it won’t last.  Many will feel lighter when the influence of the one year takes its place the following year.

Nine is also the number of the humanitarian so expect a sense of compassion and generosity working alongside the changes taking place.

Keywords for 2016 are: Completion, Endings, Transition, Release

Tarot Card of the Month - The High Priestess

The High Priestess is one of the most spiritual cards in the Tarot deck and often the most loved by Tarot readers.  The value of this card is 2 and is associated with the moon.

Seated between two pillars, one representing light and the other dark, The High Priestess is the keeper of esoteric teachings and wisdom.  She holds the Tora in her lap representing knowledge.  Other sacred symbols are the crescent moon at her feet which suggests dominion over intuition.  The tapestry behind her is a symbol of Persephone and the pomegranates are a symbol of the underworld to which Persephone returns every year.  She wears the moon crown of Isis representing the Triple Goddess.  The solar cross on her breast is a symbol of balance between male and female.  

The High Priestess represents spiritual enlightenment and inner illumination, divine knowledge and wisdom. She has a deep, intuitive understanding of the Universe and uses this knowledge to teach rather than to try to control others. 

This card generally appears in a Tarot reading when you need to listen to and trust your inner voice.  You are urged to pay attention to your inner self, dreams and intuition rather than rely on the conscious mind or intellect.  It also suggests that there is something in the querent’s life that has yet to come to light; all is not yet revealed.  In this instance, there should be a period of wait before taking any action.

Keywords for The High Priestess - intuition, higher powers, mystery, subconscious mind

Herbal Lore - Marjoram

Marjoram is another versatile herb that can be easily grown in any garden.

When we think of herb gardens, we picture a designated area in the backyard that is dedicated solely to herbs.  Of course, that is a perfectly valid way to grow herbs.  Another idea is to just plant them in your garden along with everything else.  

This is my 'herb' garden (pictured).  Believe it or not, I planted all of this four years ago and since then everything has thrived including the herbs.  Admittedly, it is a lovely time of the year with all the flowers in bloom but it a good example of how plants and herbs can co-exist.  There are a few advantages of having herbs grow in your garden with other plants:

• There is less maintenance.  Weeds find it more difficult to grow when there is something else taking up the space.  Besides, herbs tend to grow quite large when given the space to do so.
• The other plants provide a symbiotic relationship, for example they provide shade which means the garden won't dry out as much.
• Fragrance and colour.  There is nothing better than walking past your garden filled with the scent of flowers and other herbs.

A lot of people are afraid of growing herbs thinking that they require special treatment.  The reality is herbs are very low maintenance and in good soil will grow well in any garden - just like any other plant.

Marjoram

Gender – Masculine

Planet – Mercury

Element – Air

History

In the Middle Ages, marjoram was used as a sign of everlasting love and honor.  Bridal couples wore wreaths of marjoram.  It was added to food to nurture love. Ladies carried it in their posies and sweet bags. It was strewn around houses as a deodorant. In England, it was used in snuff, and then added to beer for both preservation and taste.  If you anointed yourself with marjoram before retiring, you would dream of your future spouse. It was believed that if marjoram grew on your grave, then you had found eternal happiness. People often planted marjoram on a relative's grave to ensure their eternal peace.

Culinary Uses

Marjoram goes well with beef, fish, lamb, roasted poultry, and veal. It complements green vegetables, cauliflower, eggplant parsnips potatoes, squash and carrots. It works well in stews, marinades, dressings and herbed butters. It complements bay, garlic, onion, thyme and is used in poultry stuffing.

Herbal Lore

It has anti-oxidant and anti-fungal properties and can be used for bronchial and chest complaints, asthma, anxiety and indigestion.  As a poultice, it can used to relieve arthritis and rheumatism pain.  Gargles and teas can be made to ease sinus congestion and relieve hay fever.

Magical Uses

Used for protection, love and  healing.   Add to all love charms, place a piece in rooms for protection. Give to a grieving person to bring them happiness.

2014 - A year of Reflection and Spiritual Growth

In numerology, the Universal Number for 2014 is number 7 (2+0+1+4=7).  Although the Universal Year is different from our Personal Year, we are still influenced to some degree by the energy of this number. 

The number 7 is one of the most spiritual and mystical numbers.  It represents inner changes, wisdom, reflection, and spiritual learning.   

Universally, this is a year of inner growth.  It is a time of retreat and reflection to gain wisdom or to become ‘spiritually awakened’.   Many may hear the call to search for deeper awareness or knowledge and may find themselves joining spiritual or religious groups.  Keep in mind that there are many paths up the mountain and what might be right for some may not suit others.  As always, it’s best to keep an open mind and to find the path that best suits you.  With the focus on spirituality, issues to do with the church and/or religious organisations may come to the fore.  There will be an emphasis on truth, so any secrets or anything hidden may come to the surface.  Important scientific breakthroughs could also feature this year.

With a strong sense of mysticism in the air, this is not the best year for finances or business matters in general.  On the other hand, it’s a good time to plan and analyse ready to put these plans into action next year.

The key phrase for 2014 is ‘rest your soul, grow within, learn, reflect and make plans for the future’.