The Water Oracle's Monthly Messages From Spirit
This Month's Horoscope
January 2021
Becoming Clean & Clear
Change can knock on your door at any moment. Most of the time she’ll graciously and even gently announce her arrival ahead of time, maybe even sharing a detail or two of the need for her visit. Some eagerly await her arrival, while others pull the covers over their heads and pray she mistakenly passes them by. But change is a patient guest and she will certainly go about her affairs while she waits for you to welcome her in.
Change is a force we beckon to ourselves without even knowing. In our grief, in our unspoken sorrow, in our silent cries of frustration, we call to her to come to our aid. And so, she comes with the force required to turn the tide and unravel where and how we are bound. But she does not mend what is broken. She does not heal what wound has risen to the surface. She does not illuminate a path forward. Change simply comes to topple the first domino in which we were unable to on our own.
The coming year of 2021 will focus on how we’ve reacted to the dominos that were tipped and have fallen in our lives. Understanding how you work with change and how you can partner with this elemental force will be an integral part of understanding your own nature and the nature of the world around you. We do this work in the hopes of preparing for and aligning with our highest and greatest potential and the possibilities to achieve personal, long lasting fulfillment.
Here are some key focal points to consider this month:
- Consider what you are aware of now and the responsibility that is partnered with that.
- Focus on how you reacted to the changes you witnessed and are a part of now.
- How will you embrace the essence of change as a necessary component to your world.
- Home in on the ability to see the doors that have opened now that many have closed.
As we begin a new calendar year, I ask you to make clarity your #1 goal. Clarity, like change is not often a quick process. It is however a process. If you like resolutions and setting intentions for yourself think of these two words: CLEAN & CLEAR. To partner with change is going with the grain rather than against it. It requires you to get really honest and very clear headed about your life, your goals, your world, etc. You want your communication with others to be crystal clear and you need to ask for that in return. When someone isn’t being clear with you ask them to explain and clarify themselves, whether you are at work or at home. Demystify your world. If you don’t understand something, investigate and explore until you do. Work in such a way in this world where others will not have to guess what your intentions are or what you mean. You will set the tone and the example for the people around you by doing so. Those are the people we actually have influence over, the people we immediately impact in our world. If you want change, you really only have sway over yourself and then can hope that your actions will have an impact on those you come in contact with. That is literally the best you hope for and it is enough.
Get clarity in your vision for yourself and the life you are creating. Clean up your thoughts by policing them. What I mean by that is, we all have negative and fear-based thought patterns that run through our minds self-sabotaging our decision making and ability to make changes sometimes. This is normal. It’s our analytical brain’s attempt at self-preservation. Change is scary. Doing something differently is scary. It’s the unknown, ambiguous data components that our brain prefers to resist. So, it throws roadblocks up to prevent actions which have an unknown quotient or result. It uses emotional blackmail to do this. Drudging up previous pain, failure or fears as proof that moving forward is dangerous. This is you sabotaging yourself, protecting you from the unknown. Know this about yourself. Understand that there will always be a little initial resistance to things we don’t know that much about. Learn to override that voice. That voice is just scared. A method I like to use to “override” this reaction to change is to actually find other analytical data, more information for my brain to chew on. I weigh out the facts. I get CLEAR about the whos, whats, whys, etc. and then I write it all out and take a look at it. Gaining clarity is an intention to set in every facet of your life. This includes our physical and mental well-being as well. Rather than jump into another cycle of resolutions, establish your base parameters first. Get a physical, have some blood work done, see a therapist, have a professional calculate your health and health risks. Know where you stand before you leap into action or self-diagnose so that you can develop a set of clearly defined goals. Set necessary and realistic goals for yourself that are prioritized. You can’t achieve everything at once. Be strategic by setting one goal at a time. This is the way we achieve real results and create permanent change and shifts in our lives, by being very clear about what we are doing and why we are doing it. It starts with understanding where you are and how you got there. This awareness is helpful now, but it will play a role again and again as you learn to understand the patterns in your life and use them as tools that help you make better decisions.
Clean. Clean your personal environment. Get rid of things that you don’t use. Donate clothing, shoes and blankets to the homeless. Join a social media group like “buy nothing” and offer up household items and belongings that you are willing to give to someone in your own community who needs them. A good deed that helps everyone. Clean your home, organize it and make it smell good. This in and of itself will help you feel better mentally and feel a little more focused and in control. Clean your diet. Purge one unhealthy thing at a time. Start with chemical additives and then move on from there. Get yourself clear of pollutants. Poor diet does more than create unhealthy bodies. It also affects the mind. Pay attention to what you eat this year. Your diet and your home are the two things you control every single day. Both have a huge effect on well being and how we feel and function. Diet and environment also have an immediate impact on our physical and spiritual energy. If we are working towards aligning to our highest good and potential this year we need to raise our vibration. The easiest ways to address your “vibe” is by taking a look at the things that alter the way you feel. Look at diet, exercise, sleep, stress management and personal environmental factors that make you feel bogged down, tired and foggy headed. Once you’ve laid the groundwork and established where you are starting from it’ll be easier to bring your attention to the actions you want to take next.
Horoscope continues below. Scroll down.
Illustration credit: Franz Eugen Kohler
Working Towards Clarity:
Try Rosemary
Rosemary is synonymous with the concept of clean and clear as it enhances both.
For those with a metaphysical or spiritual practice or who are in need of a symbolic tool to use for increasing Clarity, I recommend the use of the herb Rosemary. Rosemary is a perennial herb with evergreen like needles that is a fragrant member of the mint family. Like other members of its family, it has wonderful medicinal aspects and can aid in digestion and act as a circulatory stimulant that is good for everything from circulation to improved cognitive function. Rosemary can also be used as a tool to boost mood and improve memory related performance and function. Rosemary is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that also can be used against bacterial infections topically and immune support internally.
Here are a few practical ways to use Rosemary:
*Infuse white vinegar with fresh rosemary and orange peel for two weeks, strain then mix with equal parts water to create a natural and effective household cleanser.
*Add 10 drops of pure Rosemary essential oil to your unscented body lotion, hand cream or lip balm to heal chapped or dry skin. Enjoy the added bonus of the aromatherapy element to lift your spirits!
*Add rosemary to broths and teas in the afternoon to boost circulation and enhance mental focus.
*Include rosemary in your meal preparations when you roast vegetables or meats to aid in digestion.
*Burn rosemary bundles as a smudging herb to clear and protect your personal spaces.
Let’s return now to our list of key points to focus on in January:
2021 in numerology equates to the number 5. It is no surprise that five is the number of change. And so we sit with her presence still as we enter this new calendar year. She will remain in our lives for the entire year. Knowing that this is the dynamic of the energy present, it benefits us to explore how change has affected us and how we want to consciously choose to work with it going forward. Personal awareness is what sprang up over the last six months. To have awareness however comes at a cost. That cost is the call to action that comes with it. The task now is how we choose to partner a form of action with the awareness we were gifted. Taking the “action” is the responsibility aspect that I mention above. Having awareness is only half of the equation. Now is the time to review and digest how you’re reacting and processing what we have witnessed this past year. What have you learned? Now that you know (fill in the blank) do you need to take actions that are different from the way you have been? If you don’t like how you’ve reacted so far, there is time to change. If you’re still processing last year, lean in and use the key points above to dissect and navigate what has and is happening. Know that the universe is speaking to each and every one of us right now in a language they believe we will understand. It will come through events, encounters with others and the ways in which our attention can naturally be distracted. Spirit is waiting for you to put the pieces of this message together by drawing inferences and conclusions based on the information that is being sent and provided. Look back over this year and write down what stood out. Jot down how you felt and what you went through. Take note of what bothered you, what you noticed most and what continued to make you happy regardless of the circumstances. These are all clues towards something spirit is saying to you personally.
Celestial Jumper Cables
The universe has literally aligned to help us with all this critical thinking we’re being asked to do. Two historic cosmic events are setting the stage for some serious energetic influence on mankind. The first event was the Grand Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius back on December 21. The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn at zero degrees Aquarius is auspicious. It’s influence is meant to draw our attention towards the big things in life and to address those things in a serious way, the “right” way with thought and care. If you know any Aquarians you know that there is a “right” way and a “wrong” way to do things. A highly principled energy meant to steer one away from trouble, sorrow or disaster. Aquarian energy is the element of Air and it is cerebral, wise, exacting and disciplined. It is weighing the facts and then judiciously taking action. It is think tank energy which is why it’s so easy to settle into January each year with a desire to make plans! Our next celestial event is the Aquarian Stellium on February 11. A stellium is a celestial alignment of three or more planets within a constellation. A six-planet stellium (Sun, Moon, Mercury Rx, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, along with asteroid Pallas will be aligning in Aquarius next month. Here within this stellium the universe is initiating another wave of energy that asks us to apply all this critical thought and care in very particular ways in our world and within ourselves. On a grand scale we’re hitting on social and cultural harmony and justice. Expect shifts in how you see yourself and your role in this world. Expect big leaps in intuitive ability and spiritual awareness this year too. You will feel challenged to express yourself and your ideas. This is why getting CLEAN AND CLEAR is an important exercise to work through. To step into the energy fully is to bring our awareness towards what it is trying to accomplish and then shifting our own energies to go with the flow. All the energy during this time from now until the Spring Equinox is in our favor to do this. The universe is stimulating critical, divine thought geared towards our highest and greatest good. This is big deal energy for big deal decisions. This energy is designed to align you spiritually with purpose. Anyone with even an inkling of awareness will feel the pull and nudge of spirit trying to help them get their house in order so this work can happen. Spirit is literally saying, “Clean your mess up and get ready, it’s go time my friends.” No more fooling around. There’s a lot of work to do this year. Tune into the celestial vibe and dig deeper into your life. We don’t get a cosmic course correction that often, use the opportunity that has been given to make a difference. That door is open but you have to do the work to propel yourself through it.
Speaking of doors. Focus in on what messages and lessons were illuminated last year, or even just recently. What door has opened? Sometimes it is hard to see that door is even there, especially if the closing of another was painful or disappointing. There is one door that has opened which has allowed you to, at the very least, have a change in perspective. Embracing that shift in perspective is what will enable you to see the other doors of potential and opportunity that will be coming this year. Potential and opportunity are words that are often misconstrued in our culture. We have a tendency to hyperinflate their meaning. Potential means that energy is building up towards a particular outcome. Opportunity means there is beneficial event on the horizon. These don’t necessarily mean miracles and million-dollar windfalls. I say this because many people get starry eyed when they hear these words and then are disappointed and crest fallen when their wishes don’t magically come true. Under the influence of Aquarius, we can see a pathway that is lined with many options. If we work towards finding clarity and aligning with our truest sense of self, we can steer our ship towards choosing the right options which are full of positive potential towards finding opportunities that fulfill our need for harmony and happiness. So, when I say that after February 11, the door is open for you to walk down that pathway towards the potential of living a happier more fulfilling life, you still need to see the door and walk down the path. That means you need to do the work I mentioned earlier and believe that it is possible.
When people talk about the age of Aquarius, a world of harmony and utopia, there is potential to build towards that. However, the reality is that we need more people to have a shift in consciousness and awaken their higher self to make this possible, to seize the opportunity. That is why so many people are “suddenly” finding their way back to spirit. To embrace the age of Aquarius is an evolutionary state. A moment suspended in time where humans are being tasked to recognize their spiritual nature outside of religious dogma. The age of Aquarius is very much like another door to walk through. Spirit, the great cosmic consciousness that we are all connected to continually working towards this very outcome. Every day, all the time, 24/7. And when you wake up on a soul level and find your bearings, you will find too that that is what you are continually working towards as well. Helping others, lifting others and lighting the path. That too is the responsibility that comes with awareness.
If you were dealt a blow or set back in 2020, the door that will open for you this year will be an important one. That blow is what you needed to be able to see what change is necessary in your life in order to move forward in this new world. Sometimes the change is the smallest shift. It can be a need for you to see or feel something in a different way. It could be a realization about a pattern you’ve been repeating. It could be an understanding of what has been motivating your actions. It could be coming to terms with the idea of limitations and natural order. These small shifts in perspective often have the largest impact. Nevertheless, if you are still focused on the blow that was dealt, you’ll come to that shift when you’re ready to. It’s not going anywhere. If that doorway is an opportunity, it will reappear if you miss it the first time. Heal first. Get some clarity first and it will come back around.
The Passing of the Torch from Vulture to Wolf
Animalistic spiritual energy comes to us to teach and heal, which is why so many native cultures speak of it as medicine. It is soul medicine. The lessons they bring come at a time we are in need of learning or being reminded of traits, instincts and behaviors that need to be improved upon or developed. They are lessons necessary to our survival and well-being both physically and spiritually speaking. Animals were our first teachers as human beings on this Earth. They are our first teachers as spiritual beings as well. When we are open and ready to begin working with spirit, the Universe will find the paths of least resistance to do so. Knowing this, it is not a surprise that spiritual energy will come to us in a manner that seems approachable and less intimidating than say a spectral, ghostly figure. Animal spirit energy can be a powerful guiding force. It can teach, it can help you develop your spiritual awareness and gifts and much, much more. It is a beautiful way to connect to an embodiment of wisdom whose only goal is to help you. These spiritual teachers are available to all people who with gratitude are open to learning what they have to teach.
The spiritual world is often seeking channels to communicate to us humans. Animal spirits are no different. Often I see them lingering around friends or family who are struggling or in crisis. They come when I am doing energy work with clients and they send messages when their lessons are needing to be communicated during a reading. Last year at this time it was Vulture who came to me as I sat down to write the first horoscopes of the year. It was Vulture who stepped forward to carry a message that was filled with what felt like a terrible burden, a Pandora’s box. As is my nature, I tried to focus on the positive attributes of what was to come. I tried to focus on positive aspects of change and alternative lessons that Vulture brings like community and illumination. But, in my heart I knew that though ultimately the intent was positive, the process was going to be a painful one. Vulture for those of you who are familiar with Tarot cards is like receiving the Tower card. You know immediately that something unpleasant is about to go down. A series of necessary endings was being hand delivered by the universe that would force change. And so it began. A massive fire engulfed Australia killing millions of animals, a deadly pandemic erupted through the world, followed by riots, followed by more forest fires, famine and political unrest. Chaos, upheaval and change blew through the world on a scale that was unimaginable. Everything that has been ignored was exposed. No more veil. No more hiding. Our history, the history of humanity shows us that pain fast tracks progress like no other type of motivation. I wish it were not so, and hopefully some day it will not have to be.
Last year’s spiritual shepherd was the magnificent and courageous Vulture with whom I’ve spoke of throughout last year. She who was our herald of death and endings. Sadly, the year has passed with this sense of death both literally and figuratively. 2020 was earmarked for endings of all kinds. But endings like change itself, are inevitable parts of life. From endings there lies the potential for new beginnings. Beginnings that arise from awareness. Beginnings that arise from the hope for something better. Vulture energy came to champion the need to see the positive and necessary aspects of this part of life. To ensure that we understand the lesson here is not just to lament loss but to act upon it, to align with it. Often our inclination is to resist change as I pointed out earlier in this article. Vulture was here with us however, gently guiding us to lean into what was happening. Not to resist but to find within us the need to step out of our comfort zone and take action. If you are still finding the world rattling your cage, ask yourself what action you still not taking? How are you not embracing the changes around you? Have you taken action where you know in your heart that you should? How does spirit provoke change when we’re too afraid to initiate it ourselves? It makes our life so uncomfortable that we can no longer bare it. If you are still in this position Vulture will continue to sit with you and continue to encourage you. Be brave and prepare yourself to do and say what you believe is necessary in order to find peace and balance in the new year. This is a new world order and we are all part of setting that intention through the actions we take.
Vulture flew in on the winds of change and wolf energy has arrived to walk us through the forest of the unknown and teach us how to adapt and thrive in this new world. As we move forward into 2021 we are offered a new spiritual companion and guide, that of the wolf. Everyone always wants wolf energy, wolf animal totems, wolf spirit. In life they are beautiful and fierce. In Wolf we have been given a very powerful ally, the kings and queens of thriving through change through the power of adaptation.
Wolf likes to guide the newly initiated on paths into the unknown. They are the perfect companion and teacher for where we all find ourselves this year. The landscape of our world has certainly changed and continues to do so. Who better to guide the way then wolf energy, who understands and embraces his ever-changing world with agility and fearlessness. He processes what is happening. He adapts and finds ways to make these changes work for him. He learns from his past, gleaning and using that wisdom in the here and now. But we know that wolf is often not alone. Wolf represents both the singular and the collective nature of being. He is the individual in his will and deeds but he understands that he is part of the community as well and in turn has a responsibility to them. He is lone wolf and pack wolf. In this way wolf is reflective of who we are in this moment. We have been made aware that the changes that are present affect us personally. But we also know that our behavior affects our family, friends and the community at large. Examples of this are everywhere from wearing a mask in public to not using disposable plastics, voting, racism and understanding the impact of privilege. We’ve been asked to take a hard look at being a responsible member of our society this past year and to see the dire consequences of not doing so. We’ve been challenged to not turn a blind eye to the injustices and misfortunes of others. We are being shown that we have a responsibility to one another on this planet and to this planet. Everything is connected. Wolf energy will help guide us to understanding how best we can operate in this new world and to understand both our personal and communal role in it.
Wolf teaches us to stay present and work in the present moment. The best advice here is to deal with one thing at a time and start with what is right in front you. Try to understand and be watchful of the world around you and respond to calls of action based on their priority. Learn from wolf behavior and try not to take everything on by yourself. Learn how to partner and network. It doesn’t have to be you against the world. When someone offers help when you need it, accept it. When you need help, ask for it. Continue to look around and find those like-minded souls I’ve been preaching about for the last year. It’s never easy, and it’s a lot more complicated during a pandemic. However, it is possible still to make connections. Find the people you have common values and goals with and work with them to accomplish tasks you can’t do alone. Lean on family and friends when you are in crisis or overwhelmed. Being strong is not about suffering in silence or taking on the brunt of responsibilities or workload. Let’s allow ourselves the gift of finding a better way this year. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and honest. Allow limits to your time and to your patience. Rely on others to also be adults and expect emotional maturity and personal responsibility from those around you. Focus on carrying your share and when you feel mentally and emotionally capable of more, help someone else who needs it. This is what community is and what it is for. We are not here by ourselves. Wolf energy reminds of this again and again. You are not alone. The pandemic has kept us isolated from one another making us feel lonely and separate this is so we can feel the pain point and respond to the need of having connections. Take this time to heal and work on you and your life. But also take advantage of any opportunity to engage with others, whether that’s online social groups, or walks around the neighborhood. Wave at all the neighbors, especially the ones you don’t know. Say hello to strangers. Find ways to connect. Stepping out of our comfort zones is part of this whole new world we’re being ushered into. Don’t be surprised if your usual outlet for social engagement becomes less fulfilling this year. This is a sign to you that new people and new ways are necessary for what lies ahead.
The first lessons coming from wolf then are to stay in the moment and adapt to changes as they come and are necessary. Take action when warranted, learning from the past. Don’t keep repeating the same mistake. Second, find ways to connect and create community for yourself, leaning on others and asking for support when necessary. When you are capable, step out of your comfort zone and be that support or welcoming voice for someone else. As we move along this road together know that you can call on wolf energy when you are feeling lost and require guidance.
- Consider what you are aware of now and the responsibility that is partnered with that.
- Focus on how you reacted to the changes you witnessed and are a part of now.
- How will you embrace the essence of change as a necessary component to your world.
- Home in on the ability to see the doors that have opened now that many have closed.
2021 in numerology equates to the number 5. It is no surprise that five is the number of change. And so we sit with her presence still as we enter this new calendar year. She will remain in our lives for the entire year. Knowing that this is the dynamic of the energy present, it benefits us to explore how change has affected us and how we want to consciously choose to work with it going forward. Personal awareness is what sprang up over the last six months. To have awareness however comes at a cost. That cost is the call to action that comes with it. The task now is how we choose to partner a form of action with the awareness we were gifted. Taking the “action” is the responsibility aspect that I mention above. Having awareness is only half of the equation. Now is the time to review and digest how you’re reacting and processing what we have witnessed this past year. What have you learned? Now that you know (fill in the blank) do you need to take actions that are different from the way you have been? If you don’t like how you’ve reacted so far, there is time to change. If you’re still processing last year, lean in and use the key points above to dissect and navigate what has and is happening. Know that the universe is speaking to each and every one of us right now in a language they believe we will understand. It will come through events, encounters with others and the ways in which our attention can naturally be distracted. Spirit is waiting for you to put the pieces of this message together by drawing inferences and conclusions based on the information that is being sent and provided. Look back over this year and write down what stood out. Jot down how you felt and what you went through. Take note of what bothered you, what you noticed most and what continued to make you happy regardless of the circumstances. These are all clues towards something spirit is saying to you personally.
Celestial Jumper Cables
The universe has literally aligned to help us with all this critical thinking we’re being asked to do. Two historic cosmic events are setting the stage for some serious energetic influence on mankind. The first event was the Grand Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius back on December 21. The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn at zero degrees Aquarius is auspicious. It’s influence is meant to draw our attention towards the big things in life and to address those things in a serious way, the “right” way with thought and care. If you know any Aquarians you know that there is a “right” way and a “wrong” way to do things. A highly principled energy meant to steer one away from trouble, sorrow or disaster. Aquarian energy is the element of Air and it is cerebral, wise, exacting and disciplined. It is weighing the facts and then judiciously taking action. It is think tank energy which is why it’s so easy to settle into January each year with a desire to make plans! Our next celestial event is the Aquarian Stellium on February 11. A stellium is a celestial alignment of three or more planets within a constellation. A six-planet stellium (Sun, Moon, Mercury Rx, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, along with asteroid Pallas will be aligning in Aquarius next month. Here within this stellium the universe is initiating another wave of energy that asks us to apply all this critical thought and care in very particular ways in our world and within ourselves. On a grand scale we’re hitting on social and cultural harmony and justice. Expect shifts in how you see yourself and your role in this world. Expect big leaps in intuitive ability and spiritual awareness this year too. You will feel challenged to express yourself and your ideas. This is why getting CLEAN AND CLEAR is an important exercise to work through. To step into the energy fully is to bring our awareness towards what it is trying to accomplish and then shifting our own energies to go with the flow. All the energy during this time from now until the Spring Equinox is in our favor to do this. The universe is stimulating critical, divine thought geared towards our highest and greatest good. This is big deal energy for big deal decisions. This energy is designed to align you spiritually with purpose. Anyone with even an inkling of awareness will feel the pull and nudge of spirit trying to help them get their house in order so this work can happen. Spirit is literally saying, “Clean your mess up and get ready, it’s go time my friends.” No more fooling around. There’s a lot of work to do this year. Tune into the celestial vibe and dig deeper into your life. We don’t get a cosmic course correction that often, use the opportunity that has been given to make a difference. That door is open but you have to do the work to propel yourself through it.
Speaking of doors. Focus in on what messages and lessons were illuminated last year, or even just recently. What door has opened? Sometimes it is hard to see that door is even there, especially if the closing of another was painful or disappointing. There is one door that has opened which has allowed you to, at the very least, have a change in perspective. Embracing that shift in perspective is what will enable you to see the other doors of potential and opportunity that will be coming this year. Potential and opportunity are words that are often misconstrued in our culture. We have a tendency to hyperinflate their meaning. Potential means that energy is building up towards a particular outcome. Opportunity means there is beneficial event on the horizon. These don’t necessarily mean miracles and million-dollar windfalls. I say this because many people get starry eyed when they hear these words and then are disappointed and crest fallen when their wishes don’t magically come true. Under the influence of Aquarius, we can see a pathway that is lined with many options. If we work towards finding clarity and aligning with our truest sense of self, we can steer our ship towards choosing the right options which are full of positive potential towards finding opportunities that fulfill our need for harmony and happiness. So, when I say that after February 11, the door is open for you to walk down that pathway towards the potential of living a happier more fulfilling life, you still need to see the door and walk down the path. That means you need to do the work I mentioned earlier and believe that it is possible.
When people talk about the age of Aquarius, a world of harmony and utopia, there is potential to build towards that. However, the reality is that we need more people to have a shift in consciousness and awaken their higher self to make this possible, to seize the opportunity. That is why so many people are “suddenly” finding their way back to spirit. To embrace the age of Aquarius is an evolutionary state. A moment suspended in time where humans are being tasked to recognize their spiritual nature outside of religious dogma. The age of Aquarius is very much like another door to walk through. Spirit, the great cosmic consciousness that we are all connected to continually working towards this very outcome. Every day, all the time, 24/7. And when you wake up on a soul level and find your bearings, you will find too that that is what you are continually working towards as well. Helping others, lifting others and lighting the path. That too is the responsibility that comes with awareness.
If you were dealt a blow or set back in 2020, the door that will open for you this year will be an important one. That blow is what you needed to be able to see what change is necessary in your life in order to move forward in this new world. Sometimes the change is the smallest shift. It can be a need for you to see or feel something in a different way. It could be a realization about a pattern you’ve been repeating. It could be an understanding of what has been motivating your actions. It could be coming to terms with the idea of limitations and natural order. These small shifts in perspective often have the largest impact. Nevertheless, if you are still focused on the blow that was dealt, you’ll come to that shift when you’re ready to. It’s not going anywhere. If that doorway is an opportunity, it will reappear if you miss it the first time. Heal first. Get some clarity first and it will come back around.
The Passing of the Torch from Vulture to Wolf
Animalistic spiritual energy comes to us to teach and heal, which is why so many native cultures speak of it as medicine. It is soul medicine. The lessons they bring come at a time we are in need of learning or being reminded of traits, instincts and behaviors that need to be improved upon or developed. They are lessons necessary to our survival and well-being both physically and spiritually speaking. Animals were our first teachers as human beings on this Earth. They are our first teachers as spiritual beings as well. When we are open and ready to begin working with spirit, the Universe will find the paths of least resistance to do so. Knowing this, it is not a surprise that spiritual energy will come to us in a manner that seems approachable and less intimidating than say a spectral, ghostly figure. Animal spirit energy can be a powerful guiding force. It can teach, it can help you develop your spiritual awareness and gifts and much, much more. It is a beautiful way to connect to an embodiment of wisdom whose only goal is to help you. These spiritual teachers are available to all people who with gratitude are open to learning what they have to teach.
The spiritual world is often seeking channels to communicate to us humans. Animal spirits are no different. Often I see them lingering around friends or family who are struggling or in crisis. They come when I am doing energy work with clients and they send messages when their lessons are needing to be communicated during a reading. Last year at this time it was Vulture who came to me as I sat down to write the first horoscopes of the year. It was Vulture who stepped forward to carry a message that was filled with what felt like a terrible burden, a Pandora’s box. As is my nature, I tried to focus on the positive attributes of what was to come. I tried to focus on positive aspects of change and alternative lessons that Vulture brings like community and illumination. But, in my heart I knew that though ultimately the intent was positive, the process was going to be a painful one. Vulture for those of you who are familiar with Tarot cards is like receiving the Tower card. You know immediately that something unpleasant is about to go down. A series of necessary endings was being hand delivered by the universe that would force change. And so it began. A massive fire engulfed Australia killing millions of animals, a deadly pandemic erupted through the world, followed by riots, followed by more forest fires, famine and political unrest. Chaos, upheaval and change blew through the world on a scale that was unimaginable. Everything that has been ignored was exposed. No more veil. No more hiding. Our history, the history of humanity shows us that pain fast tracks progress like no other type of motivation. I wish it were not so, and hopefully some day it will not have to be.
Last year’s spiritual shepherd was the magnificent and courageous Vulture with whom I’ve spoke of throughout last year. She who was our herald of death and endings. Sadly, the year has passed with this sense of death both literally and figuratively. 2020 was earmarked for endings of all kinds. But endings like change itself, are inevitable parts of life. From endings there lies the potential for new beginnings. Beginnings that arise from awareness. Beginnings that arise from the hope for something better. Vulture energy came to champion the need to see the positive and necessary aspects of this part of life. To ensure that we understand the lesson here is not just to lament loss but to act upon it, to align with it. Often our inclination is to resist change as I pointed out earlier in this article. Vulture was here with us however, gently guiding us to lean into what was happening. Not to resist but to find within us the need to step out of our comfort zone and take action. If you are still finding the world rattling your cage, ask yourself what action you still not taking? How are you not embracing the changes around you? Have you taken action where you know in your heart that you should? How does spirit provoke change when we’re too afraid to initiate it ourselves? It makes our life so uncomfortable that we can no longer bare it. If you are still in this position Vulture will continue to sit with you and continue to encourage you. Be brave and prepare yourself to do and say what you believe is necessary in order to find peace and balance in the new year. This is a new world order and we are all part of setting that intention through the actions we take.
Vulture flew in on the winds of change and wolf energy has arrived to walk us through the forest of the unknown and teach us how to adapt and thrive in this new world. As we move forward into 2021 we are offered a new spiritual companion and guide, that of the wolf. Everyone always wants wolf energy, wolf animal totems, wolf spirit. In life they are beautiful and fierce. In Wolf we have been given a very powerful ally, the kings and queens of thriving through change through the power of adaptation.
Wolf likes to guide the newly initiated on paths into the unknown. They are the perfect companion and teacher for where we all find ourselves this year. The landscape of our world has certainly changed and continues to do so. Who better to guide the way then wolf energy, who understands and embraces his ever-changing world with agility and fearlessness. He processes what is happening. He adapts and finds ways to make these changes work for him. He learns from his past, gleaning and using that wisdom in the here and now. But we know that wolf is often not alone. Wolf represents both the singular and the collective nature of being. He is the individual in his will and deeds but he understands that he is part of the community as well and in turn has a responsibility to them. He is lone wolf and pack wolf. In this way wolf is reflective of who we are in this moment. We have been made aware that the changes that are present affect us personally. But we also know that our behavior affects our family, friends and the community at large. Examples of this are everywhere from wearing a mask in public to not using disposable plastics, voting, racism and understanding the impact of privilege. We’ve been asked to take a hard look at being a responsible member of our society this past year and to see the dire consequences of not doing so. We’ve been challenged to not turn a blind eye to the injustices and misfortunes of others. We are being shown that we have a responsibility to one another on this planet and to this planet. Everything is connected. Wolf energy will help guide us to understanding how best we can operate in this new world and to understand both our personal and communal role in it.
Wolf teaches us to stay present and work in the present moment. The best advice here is to deal with one thing at a time and start with what is right in front you. Try to understand and be watchful of the world around you and respond to calls of action based on their priority. Learn from wolf behavior and try not to take everything on by yourself. Learn how to partner and network. It doesn’t have to be you against the world. When someone offers help when you need it, accept it. When you need help, ask for it. Continue to look around and find those like-minded souls I’ve been preaching about for the last year. It’s never easy, and it’s a lot more complicated during a pandemic. However, it is possible still to make connections. Find the people you have common values and goals with and work with them to accomplish tasks you can’t do alone. Lean on family and friends when you are in crisis or overwhelmed. Being strong is not about suffering in silence or taking on the brunt of responsibilities or workload. Let’s allow ourselves the gift of finding a better way this year. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and honest. Allow limits to your time and to your patience. Rely on others to also be adults and expect emotional maturity and personal responsibility from those around you. Focus on carrying your share and when you feel mentally and emotionally capable of more, help someone else who needs it. This is what community is and what it is for. We are not here by ourselves. Wolf energy reminds of this again and again. You are not alone. The pandemic has kept us isolated from one another making us feel lonely and separate this is so we can feel the pain point and respond to the need of having connections. Take this time to heal and work on you and your life. But also take advantage of any opportunity to engage with others, whether that’s online social groups, or walks around the neighborhood. Wave at all the neighbors, especially the ones you don’t know. Say hello to strangers. Find ways to connect. Stepping out of our comfort zones is part of this whole new world we’re being ushered into. Don’t be surprised if your usual outlet for social engagement becomes less fulfilling this year. This is a sign to you that new people and new ways are necessary for what lies ahead.
The first lessons coming from wolf then are to stay in the moment and adapt to changes as they come and are necessary. Take action when warranted, learning from the past. Don’t keep repeating the same mistake. Second, find ways to connect and create community for yourself, leaning on others and asking for support when necessary. When you are capable, step out of your comfort zone and be that support or welcoming voice for someone else. As we move along this road together know that you can call on wolf energy when you are feeling lost and require guidance.
Photo credit: Doug Kramer, U.S. National Fish & Wild Life Services
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Connecting to Wolf Energy This Month:
Wolf energy carries much wisdom and I will continue to feature their messages each month. Wolf energy is deeply related to family issues, ancestral wisdom, societal hierarchy, career development, communication, following ones’ passion and romantic relationships. I’ll talk more about the teachings of wolf throughout the year. |
I’ll talk more about the teachings of wolf throughout the year as I continue to release my monthly horoscopes and messages from spirit. For now, dig deep into that heady Aquarius energy and prepare for some critical thinking as we begin the year. Remember our focus for now is to process and find clarity. We’re looking to begin February and then enter spring clean and clear and ready to go.
Happy New Year!
Stacey
Want a private reading in-person or over the phone? Contact her by email at thewateroracle@gmail.com
Copyright © 2021 by Stacey Held, The Water Oracle All Rights Reserved
I’ll talk more about the teachings of wolf throughout the year as I continue to release my monthly horoscopes and messages from spirit. For now, dig deep into that heady Aquarius energy and prepare for some critical thinking as we begin the year. Remember our focus for now is to process and find clarity. We’re looking to begin February and then enter spring clean and clear and ready to go.
Happy New Year!
Stacey
Want a private reading in-person or over the phone? Contact her by email at thewateroracle@gmail.com
Copyright © 2021 by Stacey Held, The Water Oracle All Rights Reserved
