-Start 2017 with Hope-

Right now is a perfect time to set the energetic tone for how you want to begin 2017. This is done with consciousness and intention, your purposefully deciding what kind of experience you want to have. Yes, there is a lot of very strange stuff happening out there in the world, but you can consciously choose your responses.

One example is hope. At the core of your being, you are hopeful and filled with light. This part of you can move through any challenge and remain confident that everything will be okay. This response of hope has a palpable energy. It lifts you up and gives you courage to prevail and persist. It helps you to succeed, and to see success even in so-called failure. When you connect with hope in a grounded spiritual way, it is like an elixir from the heavens.

In this article, I outline some ways to connect with your own reservoir of hope and become more resourced for what's next. As you read, invite your inner wisdom to show you what is relevant for your life. Ask for understanding and a knowing of divine timing in all things.

Background

Much of the outer world craziness and uncertainty of 2016 is continuing as we sit in the void of not knowing the next chapter. In fact, as you probably have noticed, that void has rather unusual energies now. We really haven't witnessed anything quite like it in our lifetimes. We have had wild cards before, but the sheer number of them occurring simultaneously is unprecedented.

January an Instrumental Month

Given that, the month of January will be instrumental in determining a number of new directions. This is happening out there in our world but also within ourselves. It's vital that we be awake to the process and be in the driver's seat of our own lives. No matter how uncertain or gloomy things seem, we must remain hopeful and take steps to forge new beginnings in our lives. 

New beginnings will be unfolding around us in the external world. There likely will be a heightened sense of anticipation, intensity, and concern within society as people respond to events.

Many things occurring will be outside of our individual control. What we do have control over, however, is our response. No matter how strange things get, the key for us is to find our balance and take the high road of spirit. As we do that, we connect with the energy of hope at our core.

Shedding Many Skins

Most likely, you feel like you have shed many skins this year. It has been a time of mega transformation, letting go, and experimenting with new approaches for living your best life. Some of your experiments may have had a lukewarm reception or outcome. Others may still be percolating, not yet ripe. Still others may be fully formed, but cannot yet be manifested because the timing isn't yet right.

What's in Store for January

Here are a few highlights of what's in store for January.

First, it's the start of a new year with the energy of new beginnings in the air. That likely will feel different this January because of the wild cards and tensions of not knowing how things will play out. Personal tips: pay attention to what's happening but pay more attention to managing your own energy and emotional responses. You may need more sleep or more frequent refueling to stabilize when so much stress is in the air. Do your best to avoid taking things personally by being a neutral observer. Come back to your center often to be reminded of what really matters to you, and to feel the hopefulness at your core.

Second, we are still in Mercury Retrograde through the first week of January. That means revisiting issues, review of plans, and sometimes re-dos when things didn't go right the first time. It's normal to want to be full speed ahead as the year starts, but with Mercury Retrograde, it sometimes may feel more like traveling in first gear or neutral.  Mercury tips: pace yourself and breathe often. Remember that you are a quantum being and that when you are operating in quantum, what needs to happen can get done in a flash of time. Don't let apparent delays irritate you. Trust in divine orchestration. 

Third, note in your calendar the January 12 Full Moon. This will be a powerful Cancer Full Moon, with the potential for challenging dynamics and intense emotions. Issues from behind the scenes could arise unexpectedly. The best way to work with these energies is to stay grounded and in your heart. Strive to be patient and allowing. If something comes to a boiling point energetically, consider a time out so you don't say or do something you may later regret. Other key energy dates: we have some tense planetary lineups and the Sun moving into Aquarius January 19, the day before the US Presidential Inauguration on January 20. The very next week, we have the January 27 Aquarius New Moon occurring the day before the January 28 start of Chinese Rooster Year. From an energy standpoint, it's going to be a month of intensity, catalysts for change, and challenges in relating to others. Do your best to stay in your center and regroup your energy often. Take time daily to listen to your inner guidance about actions and timing. 

Going into this potentially groundbreaking year, remember the big picture of why you are here. Remember your role as a divine changemaker. Remember that you are not an accidental tourist who just happens to be here as the world goes through its messy remake.

On a soul level, you have a destiny here during these times. The world needs your love, your consciousness, and your light. You as a human being need to have the completions and self-realizations available because of living now. In no other lifetime to date could you do and complete what is possible now. Treasure that for the opportunity it is. On a daily basis, invite a tangible connection with the energy of hope that exists at your core. Ask to be guided to live your best life.