Snow has been a hot topic in my neighborhood lately (pun intended). The Washington, DC area received two record snows in the last week totaling over three feet bringing the seasonal total to 55 inches. Yesterday’s blizzard was reminiscent of white-outs from my childhood in Minnesota.
I wish I could share that my reaction was “enlightened,” but after the beauty of the first snow settled, I began to wrestle with the circumstances like a roped stallion.
Only after nearly a week of cabin fever have I finally begun to look deeper at the situation to find the presence of Spirit in these snowy matters. Further I realize that, although my predicament may not seem important to those who are experiencing sunny days or Spring in the southern hemisphere, it can be seen as metaphor for anytime we feel limited by outer circumstances.
The record snows of 2010 taught me that…
External limitations are an opportunity to deepen and go within.
Some of my stress was related to feeling a lack of control when I could not run out for errands. Activities I planned got canceled, rescheduled and canceled again.
When I relaxed into the reality of the moment and slowed down, I found moments for inner reflection that produced new insights. Ever notice how quiet it gets outside when it is snowing? That quiet can be found within as well.
More resources are available than you may think.
Grocery stores were scavenged in advance by a swarm of worried people leaving shelves as empty as a Russian store after the fall of the Soviet Union. Many homes in the area were without electricity and heat.
Yet, unlike stories of Washington’s army at Valley Forge in 1778, we were warm and dry with plenty of food to create special meals. The Internet and the phone also ensured I could still work with clients despite being confined. In person appointments merely turned into phone consultations.
A shared experience enhances enjoyment.
Cabin fever is a term that makes me think of Alaskan settlers snowed in for months without seeing another soul, isolated from the outside world. There were moments when I felt the frustration of isolation.
Still, my husband and I had each other and we live in a high-rise condominium with many other people. A couple of social “Angels” put together potluck dinners, game nights and Super Bowl party in the community room over several days. Spontaneously, a “Beach Party” dance theme brought together dozens of my neighbors with only a few hours notice.
Joy is found in the present by accepting whatever the moment presents.
When I was feeling unhappy, clearly it was because I wanted things to be different than they were. When I start arguing with reality about what it contains, it is a prescription for suffering.
After relaxing my critique of the moment, I found enjoyment meeting new neighbors, interacting with my husband, and getting caught up on chores.
As we move deeper into 2010 with the potential changes ahead – when we find ourselves challenged, feeling restricted and unhappy with circumstances – it will be beneficial to remember the truths learned from the February blizzards for finding joy when circumstances rage around us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Quote of Note
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
~ John Woodon
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Audio Download Now Available
If you missed my talk, you can now download an audio recording. Become aware of powerful planetary influences and possible outcomes for 2010. Learn how to minimize challenges and maximize opportunities to succeed. Prepare for Mercury retrograde, eclipses and other cosmic events.
Download HERE for $12
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, March 20, 2010, 10 am-Noon (link)
Introduction to Astrology
Beyond what you read in Sun sign columns, Astrology is an ancient tool for self-understanding and spiritual guidance using archetypal symbols drawn from planetary observation. In this class you will learn 1) what astrology is, 2) how it works (natal chart: signs, planets, houses, elements and modes), and 3) discover the best way to use it to your advantage.
Location: Foxfire Consulting, 9 N. Third St, Suite 205, Warrenton, VA
Fee: $35
To register: Info@FoxfireConsulting.com or (540) 222-0196
Friday, April 30, 2010, 10:45 am-Noon (link)
Breakthrough Barriers to Joy and Fulfillment
When life around us is chaotic and changes are happening faster than we like, our comfort and security are at risk. The next several years promise to be surprisingly transformational, but will we know how to make the best of it? Now is the time to learn strategies that will help you maintain your inner calm in the midst of outer turmoil.
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 10:45 am-Noon (link)
Time to Let Go and Listen: Transiting Aspects between Saturn and Neptune
At times when Saturn and Neptune interact, we may be given an opportunity to listen to the “angels of our better nature.” Present reality structures (Saturn) dissolve (Neptune) and a window opens up for inner awareness to reshape our external life. We will discuss the dance between Saturn and Neptune and how to make the best of this opportunity.
Midwest Astrology Conference – Independence, OH
To register: (330) 540-2268 or (303) 641-6838
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Astrological Events
NOTE: These days contain strong energies that influence everyone to a greater or lesser degree. For more personal information, consult me or another astrologer.
Sat Feb 13, 9:51 PM ET – NEW MOON at 26 Aquarius, Mercury in Aquarius opposes Mars retrograde in Leo
As the Chinese New Year of the Tiger begins – symbolic of strength, courage, and passion – a contentious Mercury/Mars opposition could result in anger, frustration and polarization with others. The sensitivity and compassion from Neptune and Chiron offer the antidote. Allow the play of brilliant new ideas shared from different perspectives
If you wish upon the New Moon (within 3 days before or after), you have the possibility of fulfillment by the time of the Full Moon. Aquarius New Moon wishes relate to: inventive solutions, seeing the future, humanitarian attitudes, revelations, humor, friends, and avoiding excessive detachment.
Sun Feb 14 – Sun conjoins Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius
On Valentine’s Day your dreams could come true and healing is possible. Neptune inspires dreams and creative imagination as well as delusion and deception. Chiron suggests forgiveness for emotional pain from the past. Save your serious decisions for another day.
Tue Feb 16 – Venus conjoins Jupiter in Pisces
Love and romance gets a boost as charming Venus connects with extravagant Jupiter. Generosity of spirit overrides boundaries and walls, but love many not pay the bills that arrive in few days.
Sat Feb 27 – Mercury conjoins Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius
Allow the day to have a slow start. Ethereal Neptune could be clouding your thoughts or perhaps offering inspiration. Either way, it would be better to dream than do strategic planning.
Sun Feb 28, 11:38 AM ET – FULL MOON at 10 Virgo/Pisces, Sun conjoins Jupiter in Pisces
The theme here is how big a gap exists between your dreams and reality. Gushing about possibilities rather than imagining what needs to happen will not make them come true.
Wed Mar 3 – Venus conjoins Uranus in Pisces
Relationships may have a spontaneous or perhaps unexpected quality to them. With “wild card” Uranus involved you might try something new. Even finances could be a bit chaotic. Careful taking risks.
Tues Mar 9 – Venus in Aries opposes Saturn in Libra
Saturn’s sobering effect on relationships emphasis the work involved with our relationships. Setting limits around our commitments to others can facilitate developing deeper feeling in the long run.
Wed Mar 10 – Mars stations direct at 0 Leo
At last, after several weeks of feeling unproductive and blocked, Mar moving forward could release pent-up self-directed energy. You don’t have to accomplish everything today. Better to take a few days before you push forward with new projects.
Thu Mar 11 – Venus in Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn
Financial matters and emotional desires get a closer look. Are there changes you need to make to bring your values in alignment with your actions?
