Year of the Horse - Giddy Up!

Yesterday, Thursday January 30th welcomed the SECOND new moon of the first month of the year. The first new moon was on New Years Day (January 1) and brought lots of fresh, positive energy and a chance for new beginnings on the first day of 2014. This second new moon is a chance for a second beginning. Many of my students and friends (myself included) have felt like 2014 didn't get off to the start they would have preferred. Now, the universe is giving us that second chance! Another fun fact about these two new moons of January is that they are both considered "Supermoons"

. . . a new or full moon which occurs with the moon at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth. By this definition, a new moon or full moon has to come within 361,863 kilometers (224,851 miles) of our planet, in order to be a supermoon.

This awesome occurence of TWO Supermoons in one calendar month won't happen again until January 2018. Wow.... just imagine how much will have changed and shifted in our lives by then!

This current New Moon is ruled by the air sign Aquarius. According to my favorite astrological reader, Rebekah Shaman....

The Aquarius moon gives us permission to dream a better world into being.  It is pragmatic, logical and objective enabling us to see things in a more truthful light. This is the moon to start thinking outside the box to change those things you are not happy with. Over this humanitarian moon, we become more aware of the bigger picture, rather than get caught up in our separate dramas and issues. We also naturally feel more sympathetic and compassionate, as this moon wakes us up out of our slumber and we see the injustices that are happening around us. This is a good moon to take some time out in Nature, or the wilderness. Remember to take your shoes and socks off, so you spend some time barefoot on the ground. Plant your feet firmly on the earth and feel the electro-magnetic pulse of Mother earth enter through the soles of your feet, and flow around your body.  Let its natural creativity inspire and stimulate you.

Today, Friday January 31 marks the first day of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year in which we welcome the Year of the Wooden Horse! 

punta de mita, mexico ~ photography by janalyn yanover of horizon light photography

In Chinese astrology, the Horse represents a surge of new energy - picture a horse charging out of its stable - expected a year that is very animated and extroverted with lots of forward propelled motion! Giddy Up!

According to Karen Abler Carrasco of the Western School of Feng Shui...

The Horse energy inspires powerful INTUITION and an indomitable surge towards freedom in every aspect of life. This is a year to follow your inner voice like never before, for it will have a universal cosmic ch’i within it.  Higher guidance is with us every step of the way.  Reach for the sky, call up your vision, fuel your plans with vision boards and creativity, find a fresh path and pace yourself well.  This yang Horse year has the potential to channel the powerful new upthrust of Wood’s Ch’i through the Horse’s Heart energy of Fire and into every project we start, every desire we reach for.  It will keep our eager plans from being dominated by too much “head” and not enough “heart.”

Step up and out of any old clutter, stored memories, should-have-dones or regrets.  The time to deal with that is over for now.  Untangle your thoughts quickly and get clear on what it is that you truly desire in this lifetime.  Your trusty steed is here, full of vibrant health and tremendous stamina.  It should be quite a fast ride, so grab a fistful of mane, hang on to the reins, cast your old cares to the wind and let out a whoop of delight – Yeeehaaw! Upward and onward we thrive!

january 2014 ~ playa pascuarito, sayulita, mexico

Yoga teacher and astrologer Diane Booth Gilliam of Yoga Journal magazine has some great insight on how to harness this year's Horse energy to benefit yourself and your yoga practice....

Horses are heroic because historical battles were won (or lost) based on the brawn and agility of these majestic creatures. Harness the energy of this Horse year by using yogic practices to stay strong, and you’ll be ready when opportunity knocks. Some suggestions:

High Lunge: With one foot back, and the opposite knee forward, this asana gives one the appearance of being ready to take off, out of the starting gate. That could be why some schools of yoga call this Horse Rider’s Pose. Use this pose to strengthen yourself for the wild ride of 2014.

Natarjasana (Lord of the Dance): The new moon’s transit through Aquarius highlights the ankles, while Capricorn correlates with the knees. This pose focuses on both these joints, which keep us steady and stable—important qualities to embody as we’re exploring exciting new things. Lift the back knee high, then reach back and grasp the ankle (instead of your calf or foot). Feel balanced, and trust your innate ability to make smart choices.

Camatkarasana (Wild Thing): You make my heart sing—and as your chest is expanding in this deep back-bending pose, remind yourself that freedom and power are yours for the choosing during Horse year.