The Spiritual Energy of the 2004 Holiday Season
By Jennifer Shepherd
As we journey through another holiday season, many of us are caught up in the same challenging energies that we seem to face every year. While it can be wonderful reuniting with loved ones we might not see that often, it can be stressful, too. Mercury retrograde occurs from November 30th through December 20th this year, intensifying our emotions more than usual. And the approach of the winter solstice, which falls on December 22nd, is also stirring up some complex vibrations.
Mercury retrograde happens several times throughout the year, and it is a period in which Mercury appears to travel backwards in its orbit around the sun. This carries with it certain magnetic affects which are felt by us down here on the Earth. We can feel like we’re racing through quicksand, pushing hard to get somewhere but finding that it’s harder or more challenging than we anticipated. It’s not that we can’t succeed. It’s just that it may take more patience, creativity, and inventiveness to navigate smoothly through this time.
Mercury retrograde influences the energy flow between people and objects, and it’s notorious for creating funky malfunctions with machines. So technology like voice mail, cell phones, computers, and Internet connections might be a tad unpredictable for a couple of weeks. Give yourself extra time to complete phone calls or submit emails to people, in case you need to resend them. Also, use extra care when you are attempting to download documents or program upgrades off the Internet, because you’ll want to make certain that you’re not bringing any viruses onto your computer.
Travel and all forms of motion can also be a little wonky, so allow extra room in your schedule when you have to attend an important meeting. You might find that it takes a few drives around the block before you can find parking. You could end up taking the wrong train or bus by mistake and have to make adjustments. Or you may simply find that road traffic is jammed at the least opportune time. Don’t take any of this stuff personally, because it’s not a reflection that you’re doing anything wrong. This period is intense for everyone, so it’s not just you who may be experiencing the occasional setback or delay.
Mercury retrograde will be out of the way after December 20th, so any travel you may be doing after that should go relatively smoothly. But do keep in mind that the winter solstice is just around the corner on December 22nd. The winter solstice is one of eight special times of year when the spiritual energy of the Earth is intensified, and portals of light are more accessible. Your thoughts and desires can become magnified, so do try to consciously focus on creating balance and harmony. The winter solstice can be a bit of a solemn time, too, since it is the darkest day of the year (for those who live in the northern hemisphere.) It’s a powerful day for meditating on the events of the last twelve months and getting clear about your spiritual path.
The winter solstice is also a great period for “personal exorcism,” or banishing certain energies from your life. If a relationship, a business pursuit, or a piece of negative programming has worn out its welcome, consider releasing it from your life at this time. Give thanks for the lessons that this thing has brought you, but don’t be afraid to expel it from your energy field and make fresh starts. Invoke the help of your angels, spiritual guides, and Higher Self to assist you in clearing out your aura and work with them to open up pathways of happier, more nurturing, energy.
Some dramatic emotions and energy sensations can accompany both a Mercury retrograde and the winter solstice time. So the important thing is to go easy on yourself and others, remembering that there is an ebb and flow to everything, and that polarity is part of life’s journey. With a clear mind and an open heart, you can make the most of this exciting period and learn to access bold, definitive, and transformative energy.
You can carve out real happiness for yourself this season by deciding to release baggage that is no longer in alignment with your highest path and opening yourself to receiving a richer, more abundance flow of true peace.
Here’s to a bright and inspirational December leading into a magnificent 2005!
Jennifer Shepherd, aka the Lipstick Mystic, is a syndicated astrology columnist whose writing appears in newspapers and magazines. For astrology readings, cosmic articles, and mystical fun log on to: http://www.lipstickmystic.com