Happy New Year!
By Tan Sze Yin
Admit it; we human beings are such worry-warts. We never truly live in the present (I am saying this with a tinge of regret). Before the year formally ends, most of us are itching to find out what lies ahead through almanacs, tea leaves and telescopes. Here are what some practices foresee that 2009 brings:
From the Chinese Astrologer, it is the year of the Ox and a pure Earth year. Typically, it represents a year of hard work, productivity, and steady progress to come. This is not supposed to be a glamorous or stimulating year. Rather, it's “nose to the grindstone” time. Frivolous spending is not favoured and being frugal is a virtue (although economists will beg to differ). A sense of duty and responsibility should permeate what we do.
From the Numerologist, 2009 is a number 11 year (2+9!). The Number 11 is regarded as a “Master number of high vibrations” with intense nervous energy and humanitarian efforts. According to some numerologists, the number 11 in the position of 2009 means that humanity will be forced to learn about the true meaning of what it is to be human and part of a universal collective of people. It is time to live together in harmony and fight for the common good in solidarity. It is also a good time for examining your value systems, spiritual beliefs and personal philosophy as these are what will carry you through uncertain times and serve to balance the extremes in your personality.
From the Star-gazers, it is a year when Aquarius’s ruler Uranus will be the lead planet. Uranus rules surprises and the unexpected. The year 2009 is profoundly hopeful with Chiron (healing), Jupiter (tolerance and bounty), and Neptune (spirituality and compassion) in humanitarian Aquarius. Time for the true dawning of the Age of Aquarius, some will say. Thus, it is important to think larger than life and use one’s community orientated imagination. How can I think less for myself and benefit society?
In the Age of Aquarius, spaceships, aliens, alternative medicine, astrology, vegetarianism (yes!) and other subjects previously considered bizarre and uncanny will grow in popularity. People will learn to look within to seek answers, instead of outwards to money, material possessions and other people.
For me, in 2009, I can gaze at the stars and I can count my numbers. I can investigate the lines on my hand or consult my I-Ching. And I can worry and depress myself if the outlook looks bad for me. But no matter how the stars shine or how the numbers of the universe vibrate, we make our own music of our lives. I believe that I can go through 2009 in peace and plenty if I make the conscious efforts to be frugal, to work hard, to think less of myself and more for others and to search within for answers.
I'm sure 2009 will be great for you too. Many blessings and a Happy New Year!