NEW MOON/CHINESE NEW YEAR

It seems that since Jupiter, planet of expansion and joy has been in Gemini (June 2012), things are happening in twos. Gemini is the sign of the twins and Gemini people are usually able to do more than one thing at a time. 

That said, Sunday, February 10th, there are two cosmic events, i.e. the New Moon in Aquarius and the Chinese New Year happening on the same day. 

NEW MOON IN AQUARIUS

This is a good time to reset intentions and goals for the future and to consider how we are all related.  If we realized that the only separation we have from one another is in our minds, that we all breathe the same air, drink the same water and live on the same earth, then we will understand that what happens to the least of us, actually happens to all of us.  We separate based on religion, class or ideology, however when a big storm comes our way we "get it" that what happens to me can happen to you, or vice a versa.  Why does there have to be a great tragedy or catastrophe to make us be kinder to our fellow humans?  Whatever happened to our compassion or empathy for others when we see them going through hard times?  Why is it easier to sit back and condemn and gossip about someone than to extend a helping hand?  What we'll finally realize is that it's better to say something kind, than to say something mean spirited.  Words have power and what we say about someone else will eventually come back to us.  I've lived long enough, counseled enough people and have seen the Law of Karma work in many people's lives.  I just witnessed someone going through a hard time with one of their children.  This same person had been so judgmental when the same thing was happening in their own family.  I often wonder when this karmic boomerang happens if the person realizes what's going on from a spiritual perspective.  What you do to others will eventually be done to you.  All the scriptures speak on it "do unto others as you would have them do unto you".  "As you sow, so shall ye reap".  It seems the message is clear "judge not".  Or at least get the full story before you go off spouting your opinion.  The spiritual message for the New Moon in Aquarius is WE ARE ONE.  On the 10th go out and do little random acts of kindness for others.  It will make you feel good and will make the recipient of your deeds feel good too.  Then write down you goals and intentions for the future and do it with a happy face, believing that what you vision for yourself is a possibility. 

GUNG HAY FAT CHOY

That means have a properous and happy new year.  The Chinese New Year starts on Sunday (the 10th), and even if you're not Chinese you can tie into the celebrations that are taking place all over the world.  It's the Chinese Year of the Black Water Snake.  Before coming in contact with the Chinese Zodiac, I had a strong dislike and maybe even fear of snakes.  But then I realized that our Eastern sisters and brothers don't see things the way we do.  To them the snake is a symbol of wisdom and prosperity.  It is wise and cunning and knows how to survive.  When I took up hiking in the mountains I learned that a snake won't bother you, if you don't bother it.  Often we would walk through a patch and our guide would tell us after we passed that certain snakes were living there.  Yikes!  We were also taught to be quiet while in the woods and to pass through with the thought in mind "we come in peace".  So this year of the Black Water Snake is a good year to walk in peace, to fear no evil and to do no harm.  It's also a good year to be wise about finances, to start a savings and to shop for bargains, as opposed to spending impulsively.  Natalie Ledwell of the Mind Movies group always ends her programs with this slogan: "live large, choose wisely and love without limits".  I think this is a good affirmation to take us through the Chinese Year of the Black Water Snake.  Gung Hay Fat Choy!