Refine the jewel of truth with experience.
Arthurian Tarot: Eight of Cups, Temperance
Mayan Oracle: Etznab, Complex Stability
Aleister Crowley: Adjustment, Universe, Queen of Swords
Medicine Cards: Turkey, Frog
Osho Zen Tarot: Understanding, Change, Integration
Healing Earth Tarot: Woman of Feathers, Eight of Shields
Ancient Egyptian Tarot: Princess of Wands, Two of Disks
Words of Truth: Freedom, World, Density
As the darkness of winter settles our thoughts, it forces us to get brutally honest with the choices we have made over the past year. January brings the recognition and acceptance that we have made a wrong turn in the quest for fulfillment on a deep, personal level and on a global power level. As January begins, we will see many transformational shifts.
We learn that things are not always what they seem, and we are forced to concede that we wanted to believe in our illusions and be the shining hero. But now, there is a change of plans —the old path is abandoned and we now take the initiative to redirect and move on.
Moving on does not mean accepting defeat in the process. We have all been through the refining fire of consciousness many times, and this will not be the last. Take a deep breath and let go. Do not get drawn into the constant morass of problems believing that the situation will change. We are what needs to change.
In truth, our past actions were based on wanting to prove that we were correct. Denying the negative situation only perpetuates pain and suffering. It creates the feeling of constant attack from external sources, and stops us from moving forward with reworked priorities.
January brings the realization that we have been unable to resolve a clash of ideas and beliefs. The clash has created great tension, hostility, and difficulty in working with others.
The way through is to find ways to combine forces and energies. Integrating the subconscious and allowing its genius of inspiration opens new possibilities. We also need to integrate moderation, compatibility, and diplomacy in all new endeavors.
Think of your life and the world situation as the “Silly Putty” of childhood. If you tried to pull and stretch it quickly, it didn’t budge or it broke in two. But if you pulled slowly and consistently, understanding the nature of its density, then the putty slowly stretched. Life is the same way. In demanding and pushing what we want on others, we hit resistance, and the situation is in peril of breaking. Then no one wins.
We all want what we want in life, but in reality change is often slow and fraught with effort.
Clearing out stagnant energies and beliefs allows us to find a more integrated path through this situation.
Everyone wants freedom to be unrestricted in opinion, choice or action. The problem is that freedom means different things to different people, depending on their experiences and situations. As each of us moves toward our meaning and understanding of freedom, we grow and experience lessons that expand it to ever deeper significance. What I saw as my freedom when I was 18 is not what I now see as freedom. Yet, I was not incorrect the first time. That moment was a stepping-stone along the continuous pathway to understand others and myself.
Just when we think we have something figured out, the universe puts a mirror in front of us and suddenly we see the distorted image of our creation, allowing us to refine it more. We constantly distill the truth to purer aspects until we hold a jewel in our hand. That is the moment to celebrate.
We are not there yet, but we are on the path of discovery. Having the courage to begin again takes honesty and humility. We can do it. January’s energy gives us the strength to try.
Have a wonderful 2007.
Suzanne Wagner (suzannewagner.com) is the author of numerous books and CDs on the tarot. She lives in Salt Lake City.