There feels to be an exceptional shift happening. I have written about it before, and I may well do so again, as it seems to be endlessly fascinating to me. I have heard it said by some that it is because this is the year of the Fire Horse, a powerful year full of potential change which only comes around once every 60 years. Technically the year of the Horse begins, this year, on February 17th at the Chinese New Year, but there is a shifting in energy towards this happening already. We are leaving behind the year of the wood snake which was all about the shedding of one’s old skin; of moving away from the familiar towards finding our own truth, clarity and wisdom and in being brave enough to let go of that which no longer serves us.

In contrast, it is said that in the year of the fire horse, we have more energy to move boldly towards what feels important and aligned for us, if we have released old, encumbering patterns in the year that is now passing, it will provide greater clarity for us. Often with this powerful energy surrounding us all, cultural shifts may occur – war, natural disasters, rebellion and progress. Looking back at previous fire horse years, there are plenty of notable global uprisings or wars that have occurred, including for us in the UK, the massive shift of the Norman invasion of 1066. Here we are almost 1000 years later and there is certainly enough unrest within the population for there to be potential of another seismic shift to happen, but how this happens depends on the choices we each make, because of this, we must choose wisely where we place our energy.

It is a time where this focus could either shift towards a positive, progressive change, or a destructive, dark-filled one. It is a time for passions to become ignited, so we must all decide what matters most to us and channel our energy into that during this momentous year. We are supported and capable of achieving a lot of change, but discernment is key, and taking rest to counterbalance the energetic output is also important to prevent burnout. I must take note of that. I have been feeling more frazzled than I would have liked since mid December and it seems that there is no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Rest then, is key.

If we wish to see a positive shift happening in the world, we must first do the work on ourselves. The year of the wooden snake has been a time of honest reflection and looking into ourselves to what no longer serves us. To then choose freedom over familiarity, as the fire horse comes towards us, we can jump aboard and ride towards a place more aligned with our inner truths and values. The fire horse will speed up this journey and give us courage in this destination, as fire can always be found in the centre – both in ourselves and in the outer world. If we take time to find alignment in ourselves, then we can do amazing work. In contrast, if we still contain inner conflict then this too will be mirrored in the world around us and we will be met with conflict externally. When there is division and separation it shows us that we are not yet aligned with our inner truth.

This is a year of profound inner change and a time for clarity in how those inner and outside worlds are mirrored. To honour and be in alignment with our own inner fire, while at the same time honouring the inner fire of others, so that we can fit, like puzzle pieces, into the beautiful picture that is the whole of creation. Let us use the power of the fire horse this year to melt away any divisions, allowing us to be reforged as one whole again, each with an important, short, part to play in the dance upon the earth. Knowing that this is the most potent time of change on earth in this lifetime. Let us choose wisely how to channel our energy and our focus, and then we must rest.