New Year's Themes for Humanity

The Winter Solstice occurred on December 21, marking the beginning of the Winter Season, and a new year for Mother Earth. Deep in the still silence of winter, our soul's longing for new expression is born; following our natural rhythms, we create time for meditation so we can attune to the incoming New Year's themes. Although each one of us will have unique experiences in the coming year, there are also common themes relevant to all humanity, for instance, 2004 will be characterized by a new understanding of the meaning of “family”. Juxtaposed with the duties and responsibilities we have in our various roles in society, is the need for connection and nurturing within our family relationships, and this year, the balance between these must be found.

Mars challenges us to live our inner truth

In 2004, we may find ourselves feeling that life has no purpose, until we discover truly meaningful activities that bring joy and fulfillment. The drive to accomplish and accumulate that has been so prevalent in American and other cultures has met a generation of young people who cannot find any joy in this pursuit. The planet Mars challenges the sun at the Winter Solstice, bringing tension between what we feel we must do, and what we know, from our inner truth, is our real purpose in life. The “battles and wars” going on in various parts of the world mirror our own inner dissatisfaction, and will only cease when we find an inner harmony. Those who insist on living a life characterized by fear and separation will experience increasing pain and dissatisfaction, but those who are guided by love and higher principles will find that pathways simply open for them, seemingly without effort.

2004-A year of innovation and big leaps in consciousness

The coming year also promises to be one of creativity, innovation, and spiritual awareness. Big leaps in consciousness will take place as more and more people attune to the higher-vibration reality that clearly reflects our true soul nature. For those who are willing, Spirit will guide us through healing the places in our psyches that carry a residue of pain and misunderstanding from past lives, or earlier in this life. To return to a state of higher consciousness and Love, we need only to allow true self-forgiveness, and forgiveness of others. As the vibratory frequency of Planet Earth has been increased, it becomes easier and easier to let all that is unlike love fall away, and it also becomes easier to touch into the divine frequency of love and bliss that is our true nature.

Retrograde Mercury helps with completions

The planet symbolizing communication, Mercury, has been retrograde (apparent backwards motion) since December 17, and returns to forward motion in Sagittarius on January 6. Threaded through the new year will be this retrograde theme of looking backward over the past, so we can find completion with past relationships, communications, endeavors, beliefs, or anything that has completed its cycle and outlived its usefulness. The period between December 17 and January 6 is especially characterized by completions that come from reviewing the past, but once Mercury resumes direct motion, we will feel more like moving forward in our daily lives and creating new experiences.

Full Moon class for balance of male-female principles

On January 7, we have a full moon in Cancer, which will catalyze one of the main themes of the New Year, finding the balance between nurturing our home and family life and pursuing our personal desires and career goals. This balance comes from the deeper work of finding and maintaining equilibrium between our own inner masculine and feminine sides, as well as from establishing that equilibrium in our personal relationships, especially male-female relationships. The planet symbolizing “male” energy, Mars, creates tension at the full moon with the desire to just “do”, at any cost, perhaps ignoring the consequences of actions that are not rooted in the highest spiritual principles and integrity. Rather than allowing yourself to be caught in the pressure of the difficult planetary energies at the full moon, choose to meditate and become clear before making important choices.

Uranus in Pisces increases our intuitive abilities

On December 30, the giant planet Uranus changed signs from Aquarius to Pisces, where it will stay for the coming seven years. Known as the “awakener”, Uranus jolts us from our current reality and shows us a higher state of consciousness, where the laws of manifestation operate differently. Intuitive knowing and flashes of insight into other dimensions of reality characterize Uranus' domain. While Uranus is in Pisces, we will be awakened to the higher astral and causal planes of awareness, in which thought becomes manifest instantly, but before this opening can occur, our values and ethics must become impeccable. Some soul searching may be needed in the beginning of this year, to find and heal any places within our life that need to come into integrity so we can be ready to embody the coming higher frequencies of energy.

Sun in Aquarius brings humanitarian principles

On January 20, the sun enters Aquarius, the sign of the humanitarian, and the following day we have a new moon in Aquarius, which sets the theme for the coming four weeks. Aquarian principles embrace the good of the entire human family, seeing our planet as one big home supporting all life forms, ideally in harmony and abundance. In the latter part of January, Venus, the planet of love and relationship moves into harmonious aspect with Saturn, helping us to bring our personal relationships into balance. Mars in Aries aligns with powerful Pluto in Sagittarius, transforming the nature of our work, or the way we conduct our business in the world, and Jupiter in analytical Virgo continues to be pressured by Pluto, assisting us to refine the details of our lives, so higher principles are more than a concept, but a reality lived moment-to-moment. 2004 will be a year of making the sublime practical, taking spiritual principles into the marketplace, and demonstrating a new way of living on planet Earth.

Sun Signs for January 2004

	Mars in your sign can produce frustrations if you are attempting to just “forge ahead” without doing your inner reflection. Career challenges exist as a wake-up call to follow your higher, intuitive guidance and trust in Spirit. Financial challenges will be resolved this year.
	Spiritual opening and attunement to higher principles is your theme for this month. Do not allow impatience to pull you off-course in life; instead, trust your inner truth. Creative projects are stalled for course-correction, which can happen easily this year as you let Spirit guide you.
	Long term goals are temporarily constrained by current financial realities. Family members and partners are enormously helpful, and your situation will transform this year if you allow yourself to awaken to your higher spiritual Self, and put out consistent effort. Home and family life is tranquil and supportive.
	Career challenges bring transformation of your sense of life-purpose, and may lead to a change of direction this year. Work on strengthening your sense of self, and finding balance in your intimate relationships and partnerships, and you will begin to get the bigger picture for your life this year.
	Financial good fortune increases your sense of well-being, and creative projects are infused with much energy. Be very watchful of your health, as your tendency to over-do it can add much stress. Trusting that Spirit is assisting you, and knowing that you do not have to do it alone can help you find a healthier pace.
	Jupiter in your sign has brought much expansion in your life, but also exaggerated any existing problems. Re-structuring of long range goals is needed this month, and there may not be easy agreement with partners, but hold to your truth. It is possible for you to experience much spiritual renewal this month, if you will allow yourself the time.
	Difficulties and disagreements with partners are likely this month, but can be the catalyst for breakthroughs in communication necessary to bring healthy changes. Healing of old patterns of domination and control is possible, and opens the doorway to a new way of living, inspired by your Higher Self.
	Deep transformation of your values and finances has led to a renaissance of future possibilities, but too many options can make it difficult to choose a consistent path. Being very clear in your inner motivations will assist you to choose wisely. Follow your inner wisdom and higher guidance in all transactions and communications; friends, relatives and partners will give much support.
	Your knowledge and wisdom is only of value as it is applied to your daily life choices. Pluto in your sign for many years has brought much transformation, helping you to see the bigger picture for your life and successfully expand your possibilities into new arenas. This year, apply your new awareness to partnership decisions and financial matters.
	Home and family challenges prompt you to find the balance between your action-driven nature, and your more nurturing and sustaining qualities. Allow the wisdom of your Higher Self to guide you as you learn to become more receptive and caring with loved ones, and your reward will be a very satisfying inner richness.
	Leaving past hurts and grudges behind will free you to enjoy your friends and family members, and also open your channels to receiving all that your loved ones wish to give you. Transformation of your life-direction comes from letting go of the past, forgiving self and others, and becoming spiritually receptive to an abundant universe.
	Uranus entering your sign means your life is up for radical changes that bring new, higher awareness. Your long-term goals are changing to fit your new awareness, and this will temporarily create the need to make financial adjustments. New career goals and a whole new sense of life-purpose emerge, and refreshing changes are on your horizon.

© Carolina Eastwood-Parkyn, 2004

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@greencafe.com.
You can also visit Carolina's website at www.earthstarconsulting.