This year represents the archetypal energy of the snake and brings energy of great change...
For of all the animals of the Chinese zodiac, the snake is the only one that sheds its skin. Shedding of the skin symbolizes casting off old ways of thinking, acting and being.
Unlike taking off a jacket, a snake sheds its skin laboriously over time. It is an inevitable process with its lifecycle. Shedding of your old skin or identities can feel very vulnerable as the new skin is sensitive and the old has not completely been cast off. Any change that happens quickly always looks like and feels like drama and chaos! Radical change can cause the psyche to resist with irritation, anger or panic. This is true whether these are changes in your personal life that you have longed for or they are changes in the world around you that make you fearful. All can be observed with neutrality, for life in the world around you are always in a state of constant flux.
In December, when I was in India visiting an ashram for a number of weeks, all the old and familiar were stripped away and replaced with culture shock, and although there was rejuvenation and tranquility in the change, it was intriguing to watch the feelings of irritation and resistance pop up some days. Gone were all the everyday comforts and routines that I have, replaced with rigorous new routines and very simplistic, although often beautiful surroundings. Part of me wanted to leave immediately and the other part of my being reminded to savor every moment, every drop of wisdom, insight and friendship.
Given that this is the energy this year brings, it is especially good to be very clear about what sort of changes you would like to bring about in your life that you can facilitate. And to focus on these systematically throughout the year. And with the moments of panic and frustration, step back and try to mindfully observe your monkey mind and its reaction to change.
Namaste,
Christine