Go to the winter woods: listen there, look, watch, and ‘the dead months’ will give you a subtler secret than any you have yet found in the forest. ~Fiona Macleod, Where the Forest Murmurs
There is a silence in winter more still than any other time of the year. Energies are withdrawn deep into vital parts for safe keeping. Cold or drought may encourage this. The stillness penetrates to our core. We become aware of our own vital nature. Our senses are suddenly attuned to the softest of sounds and movements of air, whilst our sense of smell is overwhelmed by wet leaves, earth, bark and stone. Our relation to Atman is all that we may discern.
Self is the moment that has no coming or going. It is the Heart, Atman, Emptiness. It shines to Itself, by Itself, in Itself.~Papaji (Sri H.W.L. Poonja)
February is a month for reflection. In the heart of winter, when the days are shorter and the blankets are pulled close around us, we have a natural inclination to rest within the protective layers of self. With two eyes peering out into the vast unknown, we sit with inquiring mind, “Who am I?” The question in the stillness, echoes into nothingness.
February is a good time to focus on what is still and ever-lasting—to notice when peace is the result of having no desire and of giving attention only to this moment. Awareness of the true self, Atman, simply means resting in that which we already are.
There is no effort required.~Bob Nickel www.bobnickelsatsang.com
Creativity oozes from a mind now free to express the passion of an expanded universe. You are called to share; lovingly, gently, courageously, with bravado—there is no time and nothing but, as you explore and emit sounds, images, feelings that caress one another and suddenly we all rise and fall in a symphony of peace. What does peace sound like, look like, feel like? If we envision this, we become this.
In February allow yourself to flow with what exists. Do not dress it up, build it up, analyze it or complicate it in any way. Listen, in the stillness, without thought and you will be guided without effort, worry or unnecessary drama to exactly where you most want to be.
The color for February is dove grey, the color of a winter dawn. It is soft, silent and expansive. We can paint whatever we wish upon this canvas.
Saturn is retrograde from February 7th until June 25th. As it begins this slowed motion in exact aspect to Venus, we can count on issues of desires/wants, self-worth, values and relationships to become a focus during these few months. From an evolutionary standpoint, we should consider how we communicate with one another and the far reaching implications of these actions and reactions. It takes focus and discipline and that is the gift of Saturn.
At first it may not seem easy but the results of a little attention on reassessing everything that has to do with relating, both to people and nature, have great benefit in an individual’s life and the greater community. Saturn will control tendencies to put the head in the sand, to check out and expect someone else to be responsible. Ultimately Saturn will perform the functions that allow Venus to feel comfortable and secure whilst releasing old patterns and emanating peace and love. We may come to appreciate Saturn for what it offers rather than fearing what it seems to suggest.
Three Cards for February
Ace of Wands/Rods: Creating with inspiration, wisdom and new perceptions of our capabilities and potential. Clarity and direction that have the power to bring into reality all that we can imagine.
Five of Wands: What must we overcome? Confusion, chaos and the sense of not knowing. Five is about change, and here, there can be a stubborn adherence to not recognizing the truth in this moment but as the next arrives it soon becomes clear that resisting or dancing in oblivion is an exhausting process while surrender initiates ease and grace.
Three of Coins/Pentacles: The card of practical creation; having the tools and resources and the know-how to accomplish in reality, what you have envisioned. This is the card that gets the job done and is a perfect compliment to the Ace of Rods—envisioning and implementing.
1+5+3=9 is the number of human evolution. This month ahead portents mighty acts of service and realization that even small acts of compassion have a great affect on the whole community.
Thank you for your light and wisdom and the desire to share that with all of us! Be kind to self and all furry and feathered creatures. And enjoy the extra day this month.
