Winter solstice brings reflection
As we celebrate the coming of the New Year, 2003, we are also most likely reviewing the last year for glimpses of meaning, lessons learned, and experiences to be remembered. The New Year truly begins as the sun enters Capricorn at the Winter Solstice on December 21, which marks a “still point” in time, and the shortest day of the year. For those of us who are willing to grow and change, the Solstice brings reflection, taking us on an inward journey to the heart and depths of our soul to discover our inner truth.

Lessons and realizations take root within us
We begin this New Year following the energy of two very powerful eclipses last November 19 and December 3. Eclipses bring significant changes which sometimes take months to integrate into our daily lives. The deep reflection possible at the beginning of this Winter season gives us an opportunity to allow the lessons and realizations brought by the eclipses to take root within us. As the sun travels through the cardinal, earth sign of Capricorn, we potentially “climb the highest mountain”, whether that be in worldly ambition, or spiritual aspirations.

Retrograde Mercury stimulates “re-vision”
Use the Solstice energy as a time for reaching clarity about your highest purpose and goals in life. On New Year’s Day, the planet of communication, Mercury, appears to stand still and begins retrograde (apparent backwards) motion in Capricorn. Although the retrograde Mercury can create some delays or “re-vision” of our plans, it supports us to do the inner reflection necessary to find our clarity and highest guidance over the next three weeks.

New moon surfaces relationship issues
On January 2, we have a new moon in Capricorn, aligned with the tiny planet, Chiron, whose symbol is that of the “wounded healer”. This trilogy of celestial forces with the sun, moon, and Chiron releases and ignites the transformative potential of Mars and Venus in Scorpio, bringing relationship issues to the surface for change and healing. The possibility for spiritual realization hinges on the inner alchemy of blending internal male and female energies so they work in synergy.

Inner alchemy brings enlightened relationships
In the first week of January, the Venus-Mars conjunction receives a challenge from the giant planet of revolution and change, Uranus. Having the role of the awakener to higher levels of consciousness, Uranus breaks up old, crystallized forms of male-female dynamics, exposes the wounded heart for healing, and challenges us to transcend the desire-driven impulses that keep our personal relationships in a constant state of turmoil. Enlightened relationships result from an inner alchemy with the divine male and female aspects within each of us.

Full Moon lights path to higher consciousness
A full moon in Cancer on January 18 lights the path for us to see how far we have progressed on the road to higher consciousness. As the Light Field around our planet increases in strength, we move through our healing changes much more quickly, and many of us are prepared to handle the higher vibrations that allow us to manifest a self-created reality.

Sun in Aquarius expands future possibilities
On January 20, the sun completes it’s sojourn through Capricorn, entering the sign of brotherhood-sisterhood, Aquarius. The sun, together with the planet of spiritual awakening, Neptune, brings our awareness to the expanding possibilities for enhancing our material abundance and spiritual growth. Completing its retrograde path on January 22, Mercury returns to direct motion in Capricorn, and we are once again able to fully engage with future plans, having hopefully integrated the inspirations brought to us in the first three weeks of January.

Era of love dawns on planet Earth
Late January brings an extraordinary time of breakthrough realizations as the planet of love and relationship, Venus travels in Sagittarius, burning through old patterns of possessive love and teaching us to express love freely from our hearts as a way of moving through life on earth. As the old consciousness of fear-based possessiveness gives way to the new paradigm being birthed by light workers everywhere, an era of love is dawning on our planet.

Sun Signs for January 2003

	It is career review time for you as you have the opportunity to examine and restructure your life purpose and direction. Free your self by breaking through and transforming old patterns of possessiveness with money and in love.
	A significant shift in long range plans and expectations is on the horizon this month as you readjust your ideals and roles in your personal relationships and partnerships. Long-awaited spiritual awakening is possible now.
	You are challenged to reexamine the creative or destructive effect your communication has on the people around you. In every interaction, you are learning about the creative potential and power of your thoughts and words.
	Your love life is undergoing readjustment and healing as you experience an inner shift in how you relate to your own sexuality and creativity. Continue to pursue financial expansion; your efforts will eventually be rewarded.
	Forgotten skills and talents are being re-awakened this month as you make adjustments in your health and daily routines. Partners or lovers may find their feathers ruffled as you transform your home environment to accommodate new routines.
	Any controls you have concerning how much fun you allow yourself are going to be challenged this month. You have the opportunity to express yourself in ways you had not even considered appropriate. It is time to get a life!
	The structure of your home and family life undergoes change as financial realities stimulate re-evaluation of your future goals and plans. Transcend your usual thinking to open new pathways and possibilities.
	The power of your thoughts and words becomes crystal clear this month as you see the immediate manifested effects appearing in your life. Financial expansion continues, and your home life undergoes more change.
	Financial arrangements are likely to come up for review this month as you begin to realize that you can organize it all better than before. Deep dreams and visions of yourself playing unusual roles may strain your relationships.
	Your identity and the roles you play in life are likely to come up for some deep self-examination this month. You may find yourself playing a new and different role in your community as your values transform.
	Deep revelations and insights into your unconscious trends are emerging for you now, as the mirror of personal relationship reflects your patterns ever so clearly. Healing is possible on a very profound level, and your life changes direction.
	New horizons open before you as you awaken to new goals and life direction. Philosophical differences with loved ones seem less important as you find common ground with those you love, with no loss of personal dignity.

We invite you to share your experiences, opinions and questions on this article. Please visit the PLW Community and leave your comments.

© 2002 Carolina Eastwood-Parkyn

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carolina Eastwood-Parkyn is a professional astrological consultant, counselor, and teacher with over 22 years experience providing insight and guidance for clients throughout the world. Carolina has appeared on national TV, hosted radio shows, spoken at national conventions, and presented classes and workshops to numerous audiences

Your astrological chart is your "blueprint" for this lifetime. A personal session with Carolina is a journey deep into the heart of your being, a look at your entire lifetime, and a remembrance of your spiritual purpose.

For more information, or to schedule a session with Carolina, call Earth Star Consulting Services 1 858 - 259-1590, or email to estar@cts.com. You can also visit Carolina's website at www.earthstarconsulting.