We enter a New Moon phase this week. The surface that faces Earth will be veiled in total darkness and any light the moon emits is actually a reflection of sunlight on the side that faces the Sun.
If you’re ever tough on yourself for not being perfect one-hundred percent of the time, remember that even the moon doesn’t shine all year long. Like most phases in life, as it is with the moon, there are times we will wane and times we will wax (not that kind). These changes can be terrifying!
In those times we face temporary darkness, also remember that we can always look to the sunlight of the people we love and trust to reflect their light back upon us. They offer their glowing support and illuminate us in positive ways.
To say that the last few years have challenged our personal glow would be a severe understatement. It seems like a lot of the people I’ve talked to lately are either about to embark on a new venture–personally or professionally–or have already started their journey into something new.
Most of us are dwelling on the dark side of the moon…just for a little while longer.
For 2023, people are ready to shed what doesn’t serve them anymore. Rightfully so!
While we tread into the unknown, it helps to get a bit of…encouragement. In the spirit of February’s New Moon, we thought it would be fun to pull some cards from Christine’s collection of Oracle decks to see what messages the Universe is trying to send us.
First up, the Carnelian card
Ok, Universe. You sure know how to start with a bang.
The Carnelian card tells us to get over the fearful thoughts that are holding us back from exploring the exciting new opportunities. Perhaps it’s a new business you’ve been thinking about starting, or even a romantic relationship you’re entertaining. Whatever the new path, the Carnelian card is your friendly reminder to face that fear, because what follows will be worth the effort.
It doesn’t stop there. This card also suggests we…collaborate with our fear? Whaaaat?
In “Why Are Healthy Habits Easy to Break, but not Easy to Make?”, we talked about how acknowledging our fears or our resistance to action is the first step in realizing that we just might be where we’re supposed to be.
Aren’t you tired of being afraid? When you find yourself freezing up, it's helpful to envision the life you could have versus the one you find yourself in now.
You could keep doing what hasn’t worked for you so far. Or, you could give yourself a chance at something better by facing your fear.
Energetic Clearing - Move over, Fear & Attachments
If the Carnelian card is giving us the green light to start exploring the paths before us, then the Energetic Clearing card is like the insurance we need before putting the keys in the ignition to drive off into the future.
Whatever the Universe has in store for us, this card suggests we must be open to accepting it. She’s giving us her blessing and cleansing the path so that we may move on with clarity by first shrugging off the obstacles of negative thoughts and feelings.
She also tells us that the attachments we hold may have served us at one point, but in this new phase, we need to detach from them. As creatures of habit, we certainly love predictability and may default to self-sabotaging by talking ourselves out of pursuing that which we fear. Doing so gives us the illusion of control, but never the promise of contentment. This card reminds us that those attachments are anchors we need to reel in so that our ship can sail.
Athena says, “You Know What to Do”
Ever heard of Imposter Syndrome? Of course you have. I’ve come to the realization that the only imposter here is the negative voice in our heads that doesn’t belong there. This is different from the rational one that tells you to proceed, but proceed with caution.
The imposter voice says, “You’re not good enough” and “What’s the point anyway? What if I fail?” Athena reminds us to quiet that voice and push through by deferring to our inner wisdom. Deep down, your instincts tell you what you need to do. Whatever it is, trust yourself and trust that things will be fine.
If they don’t? You can always try again. The accomplishments in your life didn’t start with complacency. They started by listening to your instincts and trusting that you know what is right for you.
Finally, The Snapdragon Card: Release All Anger
Our final card reminds us to speak from our “higher self, and make our communications peaceful and loving.” Speak to yourself as you would to your friend. Give yourself words of encouragement, grace, and love without judgment or criticism. Feel no ill will towards others, but especially towards yourself.
Once you’ve given yourself the love you deserve, turn it outward and speak your goals to the Universe. Create a mood board. Write in your journal. Jot your dreams on a whiteboard in your room. Speak from your higher self and you invite into reality that which you imagined.
All of these cards ultimately suggest that the best place to start something new on the path to change is with yourself. These meditations are your reminder that whatever the next phase of your life, find the courage that dwells within you to face your fears. I promise, it will be worth it.
"Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything—anger, anxiety, or possessions—we cannot be free." -Thich Nhat Hanh