Igniting the Flames of Hope & Action
Chapter 1: Aries Season
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." - Marianne Williamson
Disclaimer: This publication will include discussions of a period of suicidal ideation, which may be sensitive for some readers. It's important to know that you're not alone and support is available. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out a Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the US and Canada) or call 111 in the UK. Your well-being is important.
The "Aum" Awakening
The weight of it all was suffocating. Burnout had settled into my bones, I was so mentally clouded that I couldn't see what was right in front of me. A persistent, faint ache that hinted at emptiness. I was adrift, disconnected from any sense of purpose, any spark of joy. The city of San Francisco hummed around me, a constant, chaotic symphony, yet I felt utterly alone, a silent observer in my own life. Despite my outward cheerfulness and ability to maintain a smile, my inner turmoil remained hidden from those around me.
Then, a whisper, a vibration, a sound began to call to me. It was in the naturally lit studio of Urban Flow Yoga, amidst the warmth of a community I didn't yet know I needed, that the sound truly resonated. The notorious Rusty Wells and Stephanie Snyder, with their booming voices and infectious energy, opened each class in chanting "Aum." The sound wasn't just heard; it was felt, a physical vibration that seemed to shake loose the layers of disconnection I'd built around myself. Their gentle guidance grounded the experience, creating a safe space for my heart to crack open. Tears streamed down my face, not of sadness, but of release - not just once, but every damn day that I stepped into that studio and rolled out my mat. It was as if a room filled with 200 people bellowing "Aum" was reawakening something deep within me, a connection to a universal energy I'd long forgotten. They say that the wisdom of the world is already within us, we just have to remember it.
Aum, also known as Om, is a mystical syllable that has been a subject of extensive discussion and debate throughout history. First mentioned in the ancient Indian Upanishads, it is regarded as the primordial sound of the universe, announcing itself at the dawn of creation, and that all of creation exists within it. It symbolizes the conscious or waking state, the state of being fully present and aware. The practice of chanting Aum is believed to have transformative effects on the mind and body, including quieting the mind and accessing deeper states of consciousness.
I was beginning to understand what "In the beginning was the sound" truly meant. It wasn't just a philosophical concept; it was a visceral experience, a rebirth. This moment and place became a powerful catalyst, shaking me awake from my burnout and initiating my spiritual journey. It was a fiery spark igniting a new chapter. From the ashes of burnout, a phoenix was rising. My spiritual journey began, not with a grand epiphany, but with a single, resonant sound and a commitment to begin again.
Aries: The "A" of Action and Initiation
This initiation, this fiery spark of rebirth, mirrored the very essence of Aries season. As the Spring Equinox heralds the astrological new year, Aries bursts forth, a symbol of action, initiative, and the courageous leap into the unknown.
The Spring Equinox is a time of perfect balance, when day and night are of equal length. It marks the transition from the introspective energy of winter to the outward-focused energy of spring (from the perspective of the Northern Hemisphere). The Earth awakens from its slumber, buds burst forth, and the air is filled with a sense of vibrant renewal. This is a time of potent energy, a time to plant seeds, both literally and metaphorically.
Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is the "A" of action and initiation. It is the warrior, the pioneer, the leader, the fire-starter, all driven by an unwavering will and a vibrant energy that mirrors the first surge of spring. This cardinal sign embodies the raw potential of new beginnings, the unbridled enthusiasm to forge a path where none existed before. Just as Aum is said to be the primordial sound of creation, Aries marks the genesis of the astrological cycle. It is the spark that ignites the flame, the first step taken on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. This energy of initiation is not merely external; it resides within each of us, a latent potential waiting to be awakened.
Aries is a fire sign, ruled by the planet Mars. Fire is associated with passion, energy, enthusiasm, and creativity. It is the element of transformation, the spark that ignites change. This fiery energy drives Aries' bold and assertive nature, its desire to take action and make its mark on the world. Mars, the planet of action and drive, is often associated with the archetype of the Warrior. This archetype, however, presents two distinct facets. The wounded warrior, driven by unchecked ego and fear, acts impulsively, seeking dominance and validation through external conquests. This warrior's actions are often reactive and destructive, leaving a trail of harm in their wake.
In contrast, the healed or balanced warrior, guided by inner wisdom and compassion, acts with intention and purpose. This warrior's strength lies in self-mastery, courage, and a deep commitment to serving a higher purpose. They wield their energy with discernment, protecting and defending what is sacred, both within themselves and in the world around them. It is this balanced warrior that Aries is called to embody, harnessing the fiery energy of Mars for positive transformation and the manifestation of a more harmonious world. And it is this very concept of purposeful action, the balanced warrior's intent, that bridges us to the balanced energy of the Spring Equinox.
The Spring Equinox is a powerful time for setting intentions. While many people set intentions with the Gregorian calendar new year, the astrological new year, marked by the Equinox, offers a deeper connection to the Earth's natural rhythms. It is a time when we are literally planting seeds in the ground, and we can also plant metaphorical seeds of intention for the future. By aligning our human experience with the Earth's natural cycles, we can tap into the potent energy of renewal and growth. These intentions, these seeds of our future, are deeply connected to our sense of self, to who we are and who we aspire to be.
I'm setting my own intentions for the year ahead. In a world swirling with fear and uncertainty, I'm choosing to ground myself and find my center. As a parent to a spirited three-year-old, I'm committed to navigating this vibrant phase of parenthood with a steady, regulated presence, embodying calm, so he can learn to regulate by example. I intend to prioritize my health: to find a doctor who resonates with my philosophy on wellness, to finally schedule that overdue physical, and to nourish my body through exercise and mindful eating. My garden calls to me, and I'm determined to cultivate a thriving corn harvest this year. I eagerly anticipate creating lasting memories with my family during our upcoming travels. I will prioritize quality time with family and friends, nurturing those precious connections. I'm also deeply invested in the growth of the company I'm so fortunate to work for, eager to expand our positive impact on the planet. Furthermore, I'm committed to focusing on ways to build resilience within our home and immediate neighborhood, fostering a sense of community and preparedness. And lastly, I'm calling in more joy, love, and passion within my marriage, recognizing the importance of nurturing that spark with conscious effort.
Intriguingly, the intentional and initiating energy of Aries is also echoed in other spiritual "A" concepts:
Ahimsa, the principle of non-violence, is the first Yama of Yoga, the foundation upon which spiritual practice is built.
Aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, signifies the origin of all things in Qabalah.
Alma, meaning "soul," reminds us that our very essence is connected to this universal spark of creation.
Atha Yoga Anushasanam: The "A" of Starting Anew
Like the initiatory spark of Aries, my journey into spirituality began with a series of jarring awakenings. In 2012, my body, once a reliable vessel, started sending unmistakable distress signals. Brain fog descended, focus became elusive, and a persistent unease settled into my bones. Convinced I had ADD, I sought medical intervention, only to discover Adderall was merely another fleeting attempt to self-medicate, a band-aid for a deeper, systemic imbalance. I was a high-functioning burnout case, working relentless 60-80 hour weeks, overcommitting to endless volunteer projects, and attempting to maintain an impossible social calendar.
My astute doctor, after witnessing my repeated cycles of diagnosis and denial, finally prescribed a radical remedy: a three-month medical leave, complete with daily cafe visits, journaling, reading for pleasure, grounding in nature, and, crucially, yoga. It was at Urban Flow Yoga, under the transformative guidance of Rusty Wells and Stephanie Snyder, that my understanding of yoga underwent a profound shift. Though I’d practiced asana since my teens, Rusty & Steph introduced me to the depth of yoga philosophy, the power of Sanskrit, and the healing resonance of chanting.
Rusty often emphasized the opening sutra of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, "Atha Yoga Anushasanam," which translates to "Now, the study of yoga begins." He instilled in us the understanding that each time we step onto the mat, we embrace the humility of a beginner, fostering curiosity and a sense of perpetual renewal. This daily practice became a lifeline, a cornerstone of my personal growth, a tangible reminder that every moment offers an opportunity for self-forgiveness and a fresh start.
The lessons of yoga began to peel back the layers of shame and guilt accumulated from past actions, words, and experiences. My mat became a sacred space for emotional release, a witness to countless tears. The potent combination of somatic emotional release, communal chanting, and the demanding physical practice was a catalyst for deep healing and awakening.
This sutra, "Atha Yoga Anushasanam," remains a guiding principle, a constant reminder that we can always begin again. We can look into the mirror, acknowledge our imperfections, and commit to a renewed path.
During my three-month medical leave, my doctor had also cautioned me that I would likely experience the stages of grief: shock/denial, anger, depression/detachment, dialogue/bargaining, acceptance, and a return to a meaningful life. His prediction proved accurate. The first month was consumed by denial and anger, fueled by the narrative that my burnout was a harm done to me, that I was the victim.
The second month plunged me into a profound depression, deeper than any I had experienced since battling debilitating anxiety since the age of 16. This was a near-suicidal period, driven by financial concerns and the crushing weight of guilt and shame for my mismanagement of finances. The prospect of asking my parents for help, who held a strong work ethic and disapproved of my medical leave and my spending habits (lavish San Francisco dining, nightclubs, music festivals, and wine country getaways), felt unbearable. It was a harrowing confrontation with my own actions, a stark realization that no external force would rescue me; I had to save myself.
What I came to realize later is that this experience is often referred to as "The Dark Night of the Soul." (A period of intense spiritual crisis leading to transformation). I feel fortunate to have navigated this dark passage, to have ultimately chosen life. I acknowledge with empathy that this is not the case for everyone, and my heart goes out to anyone who has lost loved ones to depression and suicide.
In the midst of this darkness, I found the strength to make a U-turn on the grieving cycle. By month three, I was able to engage in beneficial inner dialogue and reach a place of acceptance. My perspective shifted dramatically: from viewing my work as the perpetrator of my burnout, to recognizing my own role in its creation. The question became: why? My dear friend, Kiki, posed a challenging question: "What was I trying to prove? And to whom?” The difficult truth was that I was trying to prove my worth to myself, driven by a deep-seated eagerness to succeed and climb the corporate ladder. The destruction caused by this pursuit became painfully clear. Was it worth it? In hindsight, I can confidently say no.
This experience, however, became a powerful lesson in the importance of setting intentions for positive change and a reminder that we can always hit the reset button.
Ahimsa: The "A" of Alignment
In the spring of 2014, as I committed to deepening my spiritual practice, I sat in my first Sadhana, a gathering for spiritual study, led by my esteemed teacher Stephanie Snyder. It was here that I was introduced to the profound wisdom of the Yamas, the Niyamas, and the Kleshas (which we will unpack in Scorpio Season).
Within the Sutras of Patanjali, the Yamas are the guiding principles of yoga, and Ahimsa, the first Yama, calls us to true strength through compassion, not aggression. This is particularly relevant for Aries, a sign often prone to impulsiveness and a "me-first" mentality.
My journey with Ahimsa is inextricably intertwined with Satya (the 2nd Yama), truthfulness. I once equated honesty with brutal frankness, believing that unfiltered expression justified any collateral damage.
Aries, with its inherent drive and assertive energy, must be tempered with the "A" of alignment. It’s not enough to act; we must act with intention and compassion, ensuring our actions resonate with our highest values and consideration of others. Inevitably, we all cause harm, consciously or unconsciously. It is then that we are called to tend to that harm, offering sincere and heartfelt apologies—a practice that humbles the ego and demands true vulnerability.
Around this same time, in 2014, I came to the difficult realization that it was time to leave my job. I had been with the company for seven years, a period of immense growth and opportunity. In hindsight, I can see how much my ego was tied to my career, making the prospect of leaving both scary and challenging. There was also lingering resentment from my burnout experience and sadness that leadership changes had inevitably led to shifts in company priorities, which I did not agree with. At that time, I lacked the experience to fully grasp these corporate dynamics.
This situation demanded that I embody the powerful combination of Ahimsa and Satya, not by unleashing my perspective on the company's changes, but by accepting the inevitability of change itself. My mantra for that final month became: transition with grace. It was a conscious effort to align my actions and words with my values, recognizing that my truth did not need to be delivered with negativity or blame. Once I created space from that experience, starting my new dream job, I was able to reflect on those seven years with immense gratitude for the projects, people, and experiences gained.
The practice of self-forgiveness, admitting errors, and making restitution is admittedly challenging; however, I have noticed that engaging in such actions has yielded substantial positive results, indeed, even prosperity. It remains an ongoing endeavor, one I have yet to master and which continues to demand daily effort. This alignment requires constant vigilance and self-reflection:
Are our actions driven by ego or compassion?
Do they serve our highest self and the collective good?
Are they aligned with the vibrational frequency of love and unity, represented by Aum?
By cultivating alignment, we can harness the raw energy of Aries for positive transformation, turning its inherent power into a force for good.
The Ego: The "A" of Awareness
This journey of alignment necessitates a deep dive into self-awareness, an honest confrontation with the very structure of our self-perception: the ego. While Aries rules the first house, the House of Self-Interest, which symbolizes our personality and how we present ourselves to the world, it also invites us to look beyond the surface. It is the "A" of Awareness. Aries, in its rawest form, can be driven by an unchecked ego, leading to impulsiveness and a disregard for consequences. However, it also offers the potential for profound self-discovery, the courage to confront these inner limitations.
During my three-month medical leave from burnout, my dear friend Kiki arrived with a bounty of books. Among these were gems that became staples in my journey toward healing and transformation, works I will reference throughout this book. One such gem was Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth." Though I had read it a few years prior, its message resonated with a newfound depth during this period. I've since re-read it twice, and each time, another layer of understanding unfolds.
Tolle writes…
"Humanity is now faced with a stark choice: Evolve or die. A new form of consciousness is evolving on the planet. It is not something far off in the future—it is arising right now. This is the good news. The bad news is that the old consciousness—the ego—is still running the show, especially in the collective arena. It is still running most of our political, economic, and social systems. The dysfunction of the ego, amplified by millions of human beings, is now creating immense suffering on a global scale... Unless human consciousness undergoes a radical shift, we will continue to create ever-greater suffering. The evolution of human consciousness is no longer a luxury or an option. It is a necessity… Science and technology, of course, will not solve this. They can only worsen the situation unless there is a shift in consciousness. The problems of the world—the ecological crisis, overpopulation, and so forth—are a reflection of the global inner state of humanity. Without a radical inner shift, no amount of external solutions will be sufficient. It will simply be a matter of shifting the problem from one form to another."
Tolle argues that technological advancements alone cannot solve humanity's problems because those problems stem from a deeper, internal state of consciousness, including the ego. I previously offered my personal experience as a sustainability consultant working with global Fortune 500 companies on their climate action strategy & implementation plans, noting that "we have the solutions; the problem lies within the human experience, both consciously and unconsciously."
Therefore, if the ego is at the root of our climate crisis, we must strive to better understand its nature. Tolle explains that the ego is not merely about grandiosity or narcissism; it's also the inner critic that creates limitations and that holds us back from our true potential. It's the collection of thoughts, beliefs, and identifications that construct a false sense of self, obscuring our connection to the present moment and our authentic being.
"A New Earth" illuminated for me the dual nature of the ego. It's not just the external mask of arrogance, but also the insidious internal dialogue that whispers doubts, fears, and limitations. I often visualize it as the "devil on my right shoulder," speaking words of discouragement that spiral into shame, guilt, and fear. In contrast, there's the "angel on my left shoulder," offering true guidance, encouragement, and the gentle nudges of intuition. Learning to discern between these voices became a crucial tool in my spiritual toolkit, a key to unlocking my own "A" of Awareness.
Just as leaving my first job in 2014 required confronting my ego, I returned to this karmic lesson nearly seven years later. Ironically, given the concept that every cell in our body has an approximate seven-year lifespan, making us, in essence, a different human every seven years, I've observed a cyclical pattern of revisiting major life lessons. So, in 2021, during my first pregnancy and the subsequent shift in my career, I once again faced the ego's shadow. Upon returning from maternity leave, I discovered my role as Chief Sustainability Officer, a position I had dreamed of, was significantly altered due to a company merger. This was a devastating blow, a moment where my ego, still tied to my professional identity, felt deeply threatened. This experience became another crucible, a powerful reminder that egoic attachments are impermanent and that true identity lies beyond external roles.
I eventually chose to leave that job. In the ten weeks between jobs, I actively created space to grieve the loss, to confront my attachment to the title and the perceived status it conferred. It was a process of humbling myself, of recognizing the self-imposed limitations I had placed on my own potential. This became another moment of stripping away the layers of ego to reveal a deeper, more authentic self. Each confrontation with the ego serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of this work and the importance of continued self-inquiry. While the initial confrontation can be gut-wrenching, I promise that with each encounter, it becomes easier to both recognize and face the ego. And with each confrontation, we align more deeply with our authenticity, step into greater integrity, and become that much more impactful, especially as agents of change.
The Fool: The "A" of Adventure
Overcoming the limitations of the ego opens us to boundless possibilities and endless opportunities for new adventure. This brings us to our next Aries archetype: The Fool, from the Tarot.
Before I delve into the symbolism of The Fool, it's worth sharing my introduction to Tarot. In 2014, around the same time I was emerging from burnout, completing my first yoga retreat, and participating in my first Sadhana, I also said yes to a Women's Empowerment retreat. This long weekend event, held in the alpine region of North Lake Tahoe, about three hours east of San Francisco, was called a "Butterfly Gathering." I attended solo, with no clear expectations. Having met the host/facilitator, Summer, at a recent event, I was instantly drawn to her magnetism and infectious energy. Taking a leap of faith, guided by a clear inner nudge to embrace this adventure, I dove into the vast unknown, with little understanding of what awaited me. It was my first experience with shamanic healers, Reiki masters, chakra meditations, and healing circles. The container created for this group of women to engage in deep shadow work was the safest environment I have ever encountered, and the amount of energy moved and inner wounds healed over that weekend was profound. It felt as though Tahoe's majestic mountains themselves were moved. This level of vulnerability was both terrifying and liberating. And it was there that I was first introduced to the magic of oracle and Tarot cards. While I didn't grasp the mechanics, I knew that each intentional card pull revealed messages I deeply needed to hear, a phenomenon mirrored by every other woman present.
Since then, my practice has evolved from exploring entry-level oracle decks to studying the history and evolution of the Tarot. I will reference certain Tarot cards and archetypes throughout this book, but as we've been exploring throughout the Aries chapter, we must start at the beginning.
The Fool is the first card in the Tarot deck, numbered zero, and symbolizes the leap of faith, the courageous step into the unknown. It represents embracing new beginnings with an open heart and a willingness to trust the journey—much like my decision to attend the Butterfly Gathering.
Traditionally, The Fool is depicted as a youthful figure poised at the edge of a cliff (symbolizing the precipice of change), carrying only a simple knapsack (representing minimalism and freedom from material burdens) and a white rose (signifying purity of intention). This imagery evokes shedding the excess baggage of fear and doubt and embracing the present moment with childlike wonder.
My own life has been punctuated by these adventurous moments. From my cross-country move to San Francisco in 2007, with no job and limited savings (a move I now recognize as a classic Fool's leap), to my career shifts and the profound transition to motherhood, I've learned that embracing the unknown is where true growth occurs. Each of those moments was profoundly scary, yet each time I'm presented with a Fool moment, I check in with my intuition, that "angel on my left shoulder," to affirm that it feels like the right move. Then, in true Fool fashion, I take a deep breath and courageously step forward into the uncharted territory.
This spirit of adventure was instilled in me from a young age through competitive gymnastics and springboard diving. My coaches taught me that fear is not something to be avoided, but a signal to be acknowledged. I’ll never forget the moment I was on the bars, twelve feet above the ground, learning a new release move that held the grave potential for injury if not executed properly. "If you were not afraid, you would not be safe," one coach wisely told me. This lesson has guided me to approach challenges with a blend of courage and caution, to take calculated risks while remaining grounded in awareness.
However, just as Aries can be prone to impulsiveness, The Fool, when reversed, serves as a reminder to balance spontaneity with prudence. It's about ensuring that our leaps of faith are not reckless, but rather guided by intuition and a deeper understanding of potential consequences, and that we are not heeding the "devil on our right shoulder," the voice that gives guidance not in our best interest.
This is the wisdom of Aries: to embrace the "A" of Adventure with courage and discernment, to step into the unknown with an open heart and a clear mind.
Our 1st Clarion Call: Individual Participation to Drive Collective Impact
From Within, To Without: The Alchemy of Action
The path of self-discovery is not linear, but a spiraling ascent, like the unfurling of a fern frond.
I vividly recall a pivotal moment during my burnout, when my friend Kiki gifted me that stack of books, among them included Dr. Andrew Weil's 'Spontaneous Happiness.' For over fifteen years, I had relied on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication, feeling like I was merely existing in a semi-stable state. That book sparked an inner realization that these medications were bandaids masking deeper wounds. It ignited a courageous decision to, with medical guidance, slowly wean off them and actively seek the root causes of my anxiety and depression through therapy and diverse healing modalities. This journey, much like peeling back layers of an onion, continues to this day, a testament to the cyclical nature of healing. Years later, finding Dr. Nicole LePera's 'How to Do the Work' provided even more language for these deeply felt experiences, underscoring the profound impact of childhood trauma. It's this continuous inner work that fuels our capacity for lasting transformation in the world.
We inevitably revisit challenges, yet with each cycle, we gain deeper understanding and an enhanced capacity for growth. The essence of this journey resides in the continuous unfolding—a dynamic process of actualizing our inherent potential. It is paramount that we learn to face these familiar lessons, transforming cerebral understanding into embodied wisdom. This potential, like a seed yearning for sunlight, is what the world so desperately needs at this pivotal juncture.
The cyclical nature of personal transformation mirrors the Earth's rhythms, akin to the changing seasons or the waxing and waning of the moon. Just as nature experiences periods of dormancy and vibrant renewal, so too do we in our personal odysseys. Setbacks and perceived failures are not terminal points. Rather, they are vital moments for introspection and profound learning, springboards propelling us toward further growth.
The world today confronts a constellation of complex challenges—social, economic, environmental—that demand innovative solutions and bold leadership. These solutions and this leadership will not emerge from a passive populace, but from individuals willing to step beyond their comfort zones and challenge the prevailing status quo. The vast, largely untapped potential within each of us is a hidden reservoir of creativity, compassion, innovation, and leadership. By welcoming life's lessons, we can unlock this reservoir and direct its power toward the world around us.
Aries season, marked by its pioneering spirit, serves as the catalyst for inspired action. All manifestation begins with the spark of an idea, requiring initiative to bring it to life. These initial actions involve embracing uncertainty and taking calculated risks with mindful aim. They involve stepping into the illuminating radiance of our authentic selves.
In order to step into our radiance and highest potential, we must get to know our shadows—the inner critic, egoic voices, and self-limiting beliefs—which act as internal barriers and hinder our progress. These obstacles, manifesting as fear, doubt, insecurity, or resistance to change, prevent us from realizing our potential and taking meaningful, impactful action. Through spiritual practice, we can courageously and compassionately address these inner constraints, transmuting them into opportunities for profound personal growth.
These internal metamorphoses are not indulgences; they are crucial to effectively address the pressing urgency of the climate crisis. For it is a paradox: how can we expect to alter the world's destructive path if we refuse to transform ourselves? Only through personal transformation can we operate in alignment with the Earth's natural rhythms and planetary boundaries.
We find ourselves at a critical juncture in humanity's unfolding story. The immense burden of environmental degradation is upon us, inextricably linked to social injustice. The looming threat of systemic failures can easily engender feelings of despair, apathy, and a pervasive sense of powerlessness. The sheer magnitude and complexity of these interconnected challenges can lead to a debilitating sense of hopelessness. It may even tempt us to question whether meaningful change is possible.
However, it is precisely within these moments of profound darkness that we are called to summon the spirit of Aries. It is imperative that we cultivate bravery to nurture hope. We must hold onto the belief that evolution is not only possible but, in fact, inevitable, even when the surrounding reality appears bleak and unyielding. Even when confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we must steadfastly refuse to succumb to the seductive allure of despair. Instead, it is necessary that we ignite the unwavering spark of hope within and take decisive steps toward forging a brighter, more sustainable future.
The essence of Aries, the inaugural sign of the zodiac, with its fiery passion, is the very embodiment of hope translated into action. It is the spark that ignites the transformative flame of change, the radiant beacon that guides us through the darkest of nights. It is the belief that we possess the collective capacity to overcome any barrier. The belief that we can translate a dream into reality. It is the understanding that manifesting a truly regenerative and socially just future demands that we move beyond paralyzing inaction and activate our deepest aspirations.
The process of manifestation demands a skillful dance between spontaneous inspiration and mindful prudence. Before moving forward, we are called to cultivate the fertile ground of intention, a process requiring dedicated time and attention. Our heroic leaps of faith are strongest when guided by both wisdom gleaned from the past and our intuition. We are encouraged to pause, setting firm goals while also remaining open-minded and adaptable to divine unfolding. It is in the quiet of the present moment that spirit's whispers often emerge, guiding us in unexpected ways.
One of my spiritual teachers, Isis Indriya, would wisely say that the urge to rush the process often signals the ego's attempt to seize control. True guidance, however, flows when we remain present, attuned to the symphony of our senses. I can attest to the profound outcomes that arise from remaining open as a conduit for spirit, with a focus on not rushing the process. Thus, we must learn to discern between the clear resonance of the voice within verses the seductive siren call of the "devil on our right shoulder," the insidious voice that seeks to lead us astray. Only then, with this clarity, can we attune our agency with unwavering truth to serve the highest good of the planet.
Aries’ Clarion Call:
Therefore, let us come together and embody the vitality of Aries: courageous, hopeful, and action-oriented. Yet, before we embark on outward progress, the cultivation of strong intentions is fundamental. I encourage you to spend time with these prompts, journaling your responses to ensure your seeds of intention are clearly planted:
What new direction do you yearn to chart in this coming solar cycle?
In what areas of your personal life could you cultivate deeper alignment with the principles of sustainability?
How will you consciously allocate your time, energy, attention, and resources to bring your vision to fruition?
Are you ready to commit to the profound journey of self-discovery, the bedrock of lasting transformation? What currently impedes this commitment?
Are you ready to embrace individual responsibility? What arises within you when considering self-accountability?
Do you feel adequately supported (e.g., by community, therapy, personal development resources, coaching) to navigate the terrain of inner work? If not, what resources will you seek to prepare for this journey?
By consciously aligning our purpose with our actions, we can collaboratively build a regenerative future, step by intentional step. It is imperative that we cultivate the humility to begin again, the unwavering grit to persevere, and the steadfast belief in our collective capacity for positive change. These invaluable qualities empower us to move forward with purpose and grace, co-creating the more beautiful world our hearts instinctively know is possible. The journey of self-discovery is not merely personal; it is a profound social responsibility. By actualizing our inherent potential, we not only weave a richer tapestry for our own lives but contribute to the flourishing of society.
Throughout this chapter, and continuing throughout this book, I'll offer resources to support your exploration of these transformative concepts, empowering you to "choose your own adventure.” Deep resonance with any of my personal stories is an invitation for you to explore the spiritual concepts further. These books, authors, guides, and teachers have catalyzed profound transformation in my life, a process of patient unveiling—one resource at a time. The point is simply to begin, anywhere, with an open heart and a curious mind. Trust in the inherent wisdom of the unfolding, allowing it to gracefully reveal itself over time. Cultivate deep listening to your body's intuitive guidance; its resounding "yes" affirms alignment with your truth, while its gentle "no" signals dissonance. Skillfully discern if that subtle "no" is the ego's resistance—the inner critic that seeks to keep you playing small or engage in unconscious self-sabotage. Embrace boldness and the courage to forge a new path, guided by your heart's compass.
For we begin with a commitment to healing ourselves first, in order to heal the planet. As Erica Chenowirth’s 3.5% rule suggests, a multitude of change-makers must rise to the challenge. In other words, be the shift you wish to see in the world, inspiring others to follow suit.
To be Continued...
Join me next season as we journey into Taurus, unpacking its rich archetypes and exploring the earthly wisdom this season imparts regarding our collective responsibility in addressing the climate crisis.
This is a powerful reflection on your journey. Thank you for sharing such vulnerability -- allowing the world to learn valuable lessons from your lived experiences.
Thank you for sharing this very personal story. There’s lots to reflect on in here! I love the parts about ahimsa and satya and that you got to a place of “accepting the inevitability of change itself.”