Transcending in the New Year: 2018

January 07, 2018

As we step off the rollercoaster that was 2017 and regain our footing in the New Year, I thought no time would be better to have a peek back at our last lap around the sun to see if we can find some signs indicating what may lie ahead. As you'd expect, with the universe being as chatty as it is to those open to its voice, the clues were everywhere and in abundance. A few though were glowing and humming like a giant neon sign against a desert night sky so let's take a deeper look at those.

In numerology 2017 breaks down into a 1 Universal Year (2+0+1+7=10, 1+0=1), which brings with it major changes, increased energy, large economic and political shifts, and significant technological breakthroughs. All of which we most certainly saw. While these adjustments may have seemed intense and at times even overwhelming, breathe deeply and calmly, knowing that they set the tone for a remarkable rise in global awareness, and planted the seeds for spiritual transformation on a collective level, seeds that will begin to bloom in the weeks and months to come.

For those out there that need assurances that go beyond numbers to them I say, “follow the stars”. 2017 was the stage for a number of major astrological events, none more important than The Great American Eclipse back in August. I was fortunate enough to witness this rare lunar passing alongside a few thousand other wild spirits up in Big Summit Prairie, Oregon during a week-long celebration filled with magic, music, and manifestation. Each morning began under the sprawling multi-colored canopies of The Yoga Shala with a soothing yoga and meditation session that provided our bodies with the much-needed love and attention they required. To every yogi’s delight, there was an assortment of outstanding instructors on hand to offer a variety of styles and techniques to suit everyone from starters to the most advanced among us. And whether the flow was vinyasa, hatha, or simply an hour-long breathing exercise, I left each class feeling rejuvenated and refocused. Day after day, fully immersed in my yoga glow, I made my way away from the crowd towards my little home-away-from-home, and was reminded of the unbelievable things our bodies can do when we give ourselves the time and space to breathe.

In all, the OE Gathering was a true celebration of unity and life I won’t soon forget. Thousands of people from around the world, drawn together to experience in awe this super-natural phenomenon, ‘The Great American Eclipse’. And as the mystical moment arrived 40,000 souls focused their gaze to the skies and stood in stunned silence as the moon made its way across the sun’s brilliant face. As the air cooled the shadow rolled over me like a wave and in that instant I felt the vast power and limitless wonder of the entire universe around us. It was beautiful. It was breathtaking. And most of all, it was humbling. I am so grateful to have been the journey to be there.

So what is the significance of this astrological wonder, and what does it mean for us in 2018?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the path of the moon crosses directly in front of the sun, completely blocking its light from certain viewpoints around the world. In ancient history, a solar eclipse was believed to be an amplified moment of spiritual awakening. The sun, consumed by darkness so that it may undergo its own transformation, only to return burning brighter and stronger as the shadows passed. During that same brief window, we are given the opportunity to cleanse our souls of burden, bad vibes, all else that prevents it from shining to the utmost.

The celestial occurrence of August 21st has particular significance for those of us living in the U.S., as we were exposed to its other-worldly powers for the longest duration as it slowly glided over the entire country from coast to coast. Meaning much lunar love and even bigger changes are in the works compared to those living elsewhere. These changes may not be visible immediately, but the beauty of a total solar eclipse is that it has a veil-effect that shields us from seeing the full story at once. Consider also that it occurred during Mercury’s retrograde so hold onto your pom-pom knit hats!

Mercury retrograde helps us to dig deep into what we can do better, and the solar eclipse can act as a catapult towards a new way of being in the world. While this period may normally throw you a bit out of whack, the imminent eclipse and the change it will activate can positively interact with the effects of Mercury retrograde.So if you are feeling clear about a direction, then definitely use this time to channel your energy into what feels right for you.

Now it is up to us to make the most of this transformative period in time. We’ve witnessed the totality of the sun, recognizing it’s shadow side as the reason we have light in the first place. In our personal lives, we must acknowledge and send love and appreciation to our dark side. The sun represents light, but it also represents ego. We see our ego under the light of the sun, but our inner, deeper, hidden self is illuminated under the light of the moon.
The unique alignment is completed by the fact that the eclipse occurred within the sign of Leo, meaning that we can expect fire, heat, and amplified energy as we embark on this new journey. Needless to say, there is no better time than in 2018 to shine, shine, SHINE! So get out there! Expand your comfort zone, reach out to the people in your community, live as much as you can and love even more! This is our time and every individual moment and small act of kindness counts.

The beautiful thing about astrology and time is that nothing is definite. We are infinitely evolving. So, while current events may make some of us feel lost in the dark, it is important to remember that light can’t shine without darkness. You simply can’t have one without the other, the eclipse proved just that simple point on the grandest of scales.

Finally, this year we should all commit to trying to connect more strongly with our internal guidance systems. We have energetic meridians that flow through our chakra centers sending us signals when things are out of place. When we are misaligned in our life’s purpose, our body feels it. It communicates with us through sickness, fatigue, mood swings, confusion… these are all signs that something isn’t quite right. You can use your internal guidance system to identify where the issues are and how to resolve them. In order to help and heal each other, we must first be balanced ourselves, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I encourage you to push your boundaries and dig deep over the next 12 months.

2018 is an 11 universal year (2+0+1+8), which represents the portal of ascension, amplifying transformation and manifestation. In fact, the number 11 is a Master Number – ‘Master’ meaning it is of intense/high vibrational frequency and works within the aetherial, magical and transcendental realms of creation. Master numbers possess great potential for learning and growth, and can bring major transformations in your life.

The number 11 is also the most intuitive number and is a clear channel to the subconscious. It is the number of leadership, personal power, and spiritual truths. The number 1 by itself represents leadership, initiative and new beginnings (2017 was a Universal ‘1’ Year in Numerology)… thus two number 1’s together opens a gateway of potential far greater than the sum of its parts. It's like taking the Universal Year ‘1’ energy of 2017 and amping it up to the max in 2018 as a double ‘1’ = 11 energy. WOW!

There you have it. The stars are all aligned and the numbers are all adding up to make this year one in which intentions become realized and dreams become reality. So dream big. Work hard. Love harder. And never stop believing because we’ll never stop believing in you!

xo Katie (aka @bosskatie)