Alert:  Mars goes Retrograde the day after.

The year of the Yang Water Dragon, brings many possibilities for good fortune.  We as human beings share this beautiful water planet with many other life forms.  Our bodies are water vessels and we are comprised of 70% water.   Water has been defined as a conduit so we can make this a powerful year of change and new vision if we choose individually and come together collectively. 2012 is the Year of unity and oneness as Grandmother Spider awakens us from the sleeping slumber we have been under to heal the Web.  This begins by first healing ourselves and then weaving a new dream.   Water symbolizes the blood of our earth mother so ceremony done around water and with water will be very powerful to heal the song and spirit lines that are woven into the cosmic web.

In the Chinese element theory, water produces wood, which signifies growth and is the natural element of the dragon.  This is a five year which is all about expansion, growth and movement forward.  A Water Dragon year occurs every 60 years, the last being in 1952.   The water dragon year begins with the New Moon January 23, 2012. The dragon is the 5th sign of the Chinese zodiac and it is regarded as an auspicious symbol which stands for power, good luck, success, and happiness.

On this powerful new moon, I always do a special ceremony incorporating the color red on my altar as red is the color of power, good luck and good fortune.  For me it also symbolizes manifesting into our physical experience that which begins with focused intention and dreams.  On the altar place a red candle, red roses and I like to add three cinnamon sticks tied with a red ribbon.  Add a bowl of water and place red rose petals in the water.  Use cinnamon incense to honor the air spirits who will carry your dreams to the unseen world where all is created.  I share with you ideas that work for me, but always follow what feels right in your heart.  There are wonderful Feng Shui envelopes of red and gold where I will write my intentions on a clean and special piece of paper, parchment or linen paper is best but plain white will certainly work. You can also use a red envelope.  If you can’t find any of the above, take a regular envelope and tie a red ribbon around it.  I always write my intention with the words… I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR….. Part of preparing for the new Moon is making sure you are clear about your intentions.   At the end write the words So Be It and So It Is. Fold the paper towards you symbolizing receiving all that you are setting the intentions for.  Place in the envelope, seal it and place under the red candle.  (Fire safety always place a plate on top of the envelope and then the candle).  New Moons are a blank page on which to speak your dreams out loud.  Light the incense to honor the air spirits, the candle to honor the fire spirits, the bowl of water and rose petals, honors the water and earth spirits.   Let the candle burn completely. At the end of your ceremony offer the water back to the earth and dispose of the candle.  Keep the envelope on your altar or in a safe place for the entire year.  At the turning of the cosmic wheel at the time of the galactic alignment on 12:21:12, the Winter Solstice you will burn the envelope in a Gratitude ceremony.  Every New Moon you have an opportunity to refocus and recharge your intentions.  The new moon phase is an optimal time for planning and seeding your intentions. Seedlings need a period of gestation before they break through the soil and reach for the sunlight. This is also true for our ideas and our desires. The dark side of the moon, with its mysterious unseen forces, offers a nurturing environment where our intentions can establish roots before their miraculous manifestations begin to sprout and reach out to the stars.     If you would like to learn more about the moon cycles and following the old ways of magick click here.

On the day of the new moon, wear Red for good luck and to embrace the dragon year. If red is not your color, incorporate red as an accessory or wear red under garments.

The very next day after the New Moon we will feel the influence of Mars going Retrograde.  Mars influence is relevant to cycles, the natural rhythms of life and death. On the one hand we have the driving force of new beginnings from this new moon and immediately following we enter a period of thoughtful retreat and a symbolic death to the things which no longer serve.  Mars in retrograde will require us to be honest with ourselves and to confront our deepest, darkest secrets.  Mars will resurrect certain themes in our lives, and working with this planet will allow us to understand who we are in the context of our shadow natures. As we work with Mars influence, we will burn through our remaining illusions and self doubts.

Before Mars goes retrograde, start the projects you have been delaying but understand clearly that once Mars does go retrograde on the 24th, we will feel the brakes being stepped on and the inner reflection will begin.  This will create an excellent time for one to journey inward.  For those who may be interested in moving through the illusions and uncertainties I will be conducting a series of shamanic journeys in the sanctuary of Mount Shasta,  sharing tools of transformation  and working with the violet flame of Saint Germaine.  It is here in the magnificent sanctuary of the mountain that we will perform ceremony to activate again the song and spirit lines on the Crow Full Moon and the Spring Equinox prior to Mars going to direct.

Mars in retrograde will provide opportunities for you to gain your confidence, inspiration and insight but you will be required to face your inner demons. While Mars is retrograde, you will be reviewing the way you handle anger, self-motivation and sexual relationships. Feelings of resentment and unresolved anger will come forward so it is imperative you find the proper channel to release this and do not go into denial or blame.  Remember it is a time to look inward.

Things don’t go as fast as we want them to during Mars retrograde. Delays and detours may turn out to be valuable, as you discover something of worth along the way. This is an excellent time to review recent developments in your life with the aim of reviewing your goals and methods— significant adjustments made now can improve your chances in the future. This is the time to germinate seeds that you plant with the New Moon on January 23rd.   Mars represents strength— and this is time to gather your strength by nurturing the physical body.   Great change will occur when Mars goes direct mid April for those who work fully with the gifts these planetary influences have on our life.

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