Dream On: Out with Evil Emperor Zorg Minor

Speaking of fluffing up the dream pillow and getting down to brass tacks for a brighter future, I plan on starting BIG. For instance, it's time to give the presidency a major overhaul now that Congress has morphed into a new animal with a conscience. Let's get rid of Evil Emperor Zorg the Minor (translated from space alien-speak into English: George Bush Jr.) who is puppet to Evil Emperor Zorg the Major (pain in the butt) and his many minions of cyborg flesh-and-oil eating zombies. See him smile in his uniform.

Who is George Bush Jr., spiritually speaking anyway? I asked the cards. The cosmic gypsy winked and drew two cards, coyly fanning them out on the velvet table next to the big crystal ball which sees nothing, nor ever really has. Well, no big surprise. Bush is a CLOWN and an EXORCIST! Who didn't already know that? But really, the universe is backing us up here, if you had any doubts about the veracity of your perceptions.

BUSH THE CLOWN.
We've all seen Bush on TV making a fool of himself, clumsily tripping along, bumping into emergency vehicles as he surveyed the hurricane damage in Florida. Or heard his bumbling speeches sprinkled with famous "bushisms," now immortalized in little books guaranteed to make you laugh if you didn't simultaneously feel shame and guilt for being in a country that elected the big boob to start with.

Most of the world ridicules Americans for our stupid fascination with celebrity that compels us to award actors and clowns with the highest honor in the land. Other parts of the world, the ones we are vandalizing in the name of democracy, only wave uzis and drive car bombs in our face, hoping the stupid Americans will get the message and go home.

BUSH THE EXORCIST. Hmm.
Exorcists usually pull devils out of people, but in this case Bush and his bully-devil-cronies are exorcizing smaller countries of their power and riches, while robbing our own country's juju through a lame-duck congress too afraid to buck up against the too-too touted "Support the troops" defense.

Puh-lease! Most of our troops in Iraq are on their third tour of duty... don't tell me they want to stay longer.

While Bush's ratings are at an all-time low, it appears that many previously fooled Americans are getting savvy. Isn't it obvious now that the WMDs weren't there after all; that Bush and Cheney really did lie? American's are such gullible, soft, sometimes stupid (did I say that already?) people. Even Clinton, who got his dick stuck in his zipper, has resurrected himself. How will we regard Bush the Clown, Bust the Exorcist, Bush the Invader in years to come? Will we be able to look back with a sigh of relief, acknowledging that a sordid chapter in American history has finally passed, that the American people are learning not to hand over the keys to kingdom blindly? That they will not be so trusting of their leaders? That trust must be earned?

So besides the smaller dreams that propel me into future worlds of my making and unmaking, I cast my lot with the big Kahuna cosmic powers that (I pray) will smile upon us little people and bring sweet justice and long-awaited honesty to the biggest little democracy in the free world. While we're out fighting in the name of democracy everywhere abroad, I vote we bring it on home and dethrone the despot and his power-eating goons.

When the 60s revolution fizzled, I hoped instead that our brave ideas sprouted in salons of culture, university ivory towers, and on the lips of the homeless and disenfranchised on the mean streets, would fall on fertile ground. Hoping that maybe later the average jane and joe would wake up and realize there is a fox in the hen house and that to leave the driving to a company endorsed by an ex-footballer who murdered his wife and her friend would only land us ... where we are now! In the end, do as smart buddhists say: "Abandon all hope!" Which means, stay in the NOW.

Putting hope aside, my dream is that we continue to wake up and notice the Bush sleights-of-hand and other diversionary tricks that have kept us focused on Weapons of Mass Destruction (sounds like a video game) while Cheney and Bush grab up the oil interests in the Middle East. I say, let's usher Bush out with a round of "Impeach him!"

In my BIG dream for the future election in '08, I imagine Leonard Cohen running for office. Schwartzenegger's campaign lawyers find a foreigner loophole, and Cohen my man brings poetry, art, honesty, and rock and roll vision to the land. We'll be making love again and press conferences will be uttered in poetic ballads ...

"Sail on, sail on
o mighty Ship of State!
To the Shores of Need
past the Reefs of Greed
through the Squalls of Hate
Sail on, sail on
—Leonard Cohen, "Democracy"

Energy Forecast: Week of March 19

The cards are like roulette ... you never know what will show up. Let's face it, some weeks you can draw a royal flush and other weeks can be "ca-ca." But not this week, unless you are overdue for one of those karmic loop-de-loops that come out of nowhere and knock you on your butt. The energies this week are gangbuster! Looks like we're in for a warming trend!

As Spring moves forward, the energy is looking great for other kinds of springing forward. For instance, now's the time to focus on DREAMS. Dreams are unconscious feelings, ideas, poetic musings, and creative impulses upon which your soul feeds. Dreams keep sparkle in your eyes, a spring in your step, a positive outlook in your mind. The trick is exploring the subconscious and coaxing its juicy juju into the light of day where you can work it like a wet lump of clay. You have to spend time with the raw material and shape it just how you like it. When it's just right, practice the magic of materialization. That's where you use your passion and mind powers to shape goals and objectives, with time lines and flow charts, if that's how you like to work it. Or maybe, if you're more of the artistic type, you might like to make a "treasure map" of magazine cut-outs in a collage of your dream-come-true.

What dreams of yours have been languishing during the cold winter months? Time to check in and do a tune-up. After all, dreams are wannabe futures, and if they're given enough care, they can really blossom into fruitful realities. And they really do need frequent tune-ups. Since needs and desires change with time, so must your dreams.

Ask yourself these questions: Are your dreams in touch with your current desires? Have you given up on them and left them to die? Have you spent enough time visualizing what and how you want your life to be? Are they zany enough inspire, but grounded enough to be realistic? Time to take them out of the closet, shake them out, and dust them off. Maybe put a little iron to them too. This is the perfect time to shape newbie realities, so that by summer's end you might just have more than vegetables to harvest.

Going right along with the dream theme, expect a BREAKTHROUGH of one kind or another this week. Consider the expression: "Breakdown is an opportunity for breakthrough." Have you been experiencing any breakdowns recently? Breakdowns can mean car or appliance trouble, disruptions of plans or goals, friendships gone awry, emotional upsets ... you name it. Breakthroughs can occur on any level this week. For some people, it might mean simply, digging in the earth to get a start on the garden. In the words of my favorite poet and prophet Leonard Cohen, "there is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." Expect insights, inspiration, new surges of creative juice and ideas, the start of projects, and of course, possibly even new dreams. What could be better for spring?


Looks like the universe is serving up an extra helping of CREATIVITY this week to go along with dreams and breakthroughs. Don't you just love it? What could be more appropos? Creativity is another one of those subconscious jujus that bubbles up and sprinkles fairy dust on ideas and inklings. So what needs a little fairy dust in your life? Maybe you want to spice it up between the sheets, or try a new recipe for dinner, or surprise your children with a new activity you can all do together. Perhaps you can sprinkle a little magic at the job too. Put an anonymous spring flower on the desk of someone you don't particularly like. Practice random acts of kindness. Send someone you love a handmade card, just because. Write a poem, or begin a novel, instead of watching TV. Rearrange the furniture in your living room. See your life from a different angle. And give lots of thanks for what you already have (tip: major key to manifesting your heart's desire).

More good news: the HEALING trend from March 5 is still with us. That means the universe supports us in feeling better every which way to Sunday. This is not passive energy. You get to shape it and play with it to suit your needs. Does a friend or family member need healing? Is there some past "owie" that could use a little kiss to feel better? Does your house or car need some extra TLC? If I could see you face to face, I would be able to get into this in a more personal way, to discover what specifically is going on for you. But you can do it on your own by focusing. Ask yourself: Do my dreams need more creativity? What breakthrough could be healing for me right now? What dream would heal my life? How can my dreams break through into the light of day? Who needs a healing from me? What part of my life would benefit from a shot of creativity?

Maybe you've noticed that I've used a slightly different format this week. Instead of dividing the cards into physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual categories, I've allowed the cards to speak generally to any level of being that might happen for you. I think this simplifies the forecast. So keep me posted on your progress this week. As I consider how these energies impact my life, I'll share any insights I get with you too. All in all, I'd say that there is a fair wind blowing on your back this week, dear readers, so use it to your advantage!

But I LIKE being spiteful . . .

Since my last blog, there have definitely been changes. Including letting go of being spiteful toward a certain someone I've had some resentments toward. And let me tell you, letting that go ain't always easy. Uh uh. Ever notice how delicious resentments can feel, I mean, sometimes? You know, those delightful mental scenes where you are finally the victor, where you get to say the things you couldn't think of at the perfect moment, or where the tide of events turns in your direction and away from that other person? Yep, there definitely can be secondary gains to holding onto resentments.

So there's a certain person I've had to let go of since my last blog. I've relished my resentments and righteousness right up until that reading, when things started shaking loose. Until the discomfort overcame the resentment. I should explain. Maybe you can relate.

This person has been a friend for 14 years. The main bond was art and "running with the wolves." We both saw life as the hero's spiritual journey, in which troubles and setbacks were seen as "initiations" and challenges as "opportunities for growth." We looked for messages from the gods, visitations from the spirit world in the form of animal totems and other archetypal self manifestations. Our friendship was cemented in alchemical glue and a delicate dance of energy. In this friendship, I was the leader, because I had led the most unusual, adventurous, and dangerous life between us. I had been laughing into the wind of status-quoness already for 25 years before we met. I had lots of interesting battle scars to show for it. She looked to me for guidance and we delighted in ritual art to celebrate new passages. When I led tonal healing circles on the land, she was my ally. It was all good.

Then she met someone older, more experienced, and that was it. Until one day she didn't confide in me anymore. I felt loss, but we never spoke of it. Perhaps because from her perspective, she had lost nothing. Occasionally she'd show up, on the phone, or in real time, when she needed something, but little was given back. An incident finally broke the dam and created a real parting, acrimonious on my part. Still, we never much spoke of it, nor spoken of it since. Clearly, time to move on, but impossible while holding grudges and hurts like I was doing.

Then came the energy forecast of March 5. On the physical level, HEALING was called for. As I mulled over satisfactions gained from replaying scenes of "getting back," I knew I'd have to drop all that if I really wanted a healing. I guess I was ready because it was effortless as I stepped into the flow of letting go! As I did (and it's taken two weeks for me to get to this point), I got perspective and understanding.

I decided to consult the cards for further wisdom on the matter. After all, on the emotional level, the energies were calling for WISDOM. Why not get in line for a helping of that too, while I'm at it? I mean, if the universe is dishing out, I'm willing to take it on.

So I asked the universe to explain what archetypes my friend and I were playing out in our relationship. The cards revealed me as THE FATHER, which I took to mean the parent role. The older, wiser, more experienced person. That made sense. She, the cards told me, was playing THE ARTIST. Well, that made sense too. That's what drew us together. I've been an artist since before I was 12, and she wanted to be one. I taught her a few tricks, and we became art buddies, but I was still the teacher. Now, she's moving ahead to become an artist for real; while I am moving beyond being an artist. You can't stop being an artist, but it's not my main focus anymore. I'm a therapist now, and I use art and creativity for growth. So far, the cards made perfect sense.

Then I asked how we saw each other. In my eyes, I saw her as an ATHLETE. She's very disciplined with her physical routines and maintains a healthy body and diet. She sees me as a HEDONIST. Yep, I do love to eat and drink; and it shows. I've got some work to do on that score; and as soon as I get a new hip, you betcha I'll be right on it.

Then I asked the universe what we each needed from the relationship now. She needed STANDSTILL, PURIFICATION, and COMMUNITY. The cards are open to interpretation, so after I scratched my head a bit, and decided that she wants me the way I was, wishing I'd get my shit together, lose weight, look better, and live up to her standards. Perhaps now she sees me as part of her community of friends rather than a best friend. The cards show that I want CYCLES, CELEBRATION, and DREAMS. "Cycles" means friendships that can swing with the changes, without judgment. Cycles also tells me it's time for change. I enjoy friendships that can be silly and full of laughs, and ours has stopped doing that. "Dreams" speaks to the unconscious, the dreamtime, the archetypal energies at play, and bringing them into consciousness. It speaks to one's relationship to Self. My desire for a one-on-one friendship is opposed to her desire for a community of friends.

So there it is, spelled out. After I finished the card ritual, a sense of relief and (don't you hate this overused word) "closure" swept over me, along with understanding and maybe even a bit of WISDOM. Friendships go through cycles, and this one was a nebula that had burned up its last fuel. It was good to admit it was over. I could let go of those spiteful mental scenes, knowing we want different things, and that's OK. There are new friends out there waiting to be made.

So how did it go for you out there in virtual land? Did the cards help you zero in on a changing landscape in your life? Do tell.

Energy Forecast: Week of March 5

Soulmapping took a break for a couple weeks for travel time, but now we're back with a new forecast. We are gradually inching up on spring. Carnivalle and Lent have come and gone and we are in the countdown to when we celebrate another year of rebirth. The buds of flowering trees and new green shoots of growth can be seen everywhere in temperate places, but in others there are still storms and snows to come. Wherever you are, you might be feeling the sap rising in your spirit and your body's longing for more light reaching a crescendo.

On the PHYSICAL LEVEL, expect some HEALING to take place. This would be an excellent time to initiate a cleansing program of light foods, fresh air and exercise, to take advantage of the healing energies that are adrift this week. Healing can occur on any level, so don't limit your sights on the body; you might experience emotional and mental changes as well. Consider letting go of old hurts and resentments, finding in your heart forgiveness for past grievances and trespasses, releasing old patterns of thinking or behavior, and outdated relationships that don't serve your new commitment to Self. Pre-spring tune-ups are guaranteed to free up your spirits to push you through the last of the winter doldrums.

On the EMOTIONAL LEVEL, a well-earned dose of WISDOM is available to you now. Past experiences, no matter how painful or awkward, bring their own rewards in time, so sit back with a cup of tea, relax, and review the last few months. Winter energies driven underground have been subtly working magic under the guise of storms, snow, rain, and cold. Beneath the freeze a new energy is stirring, born of past troubles and hard lessons. Knowledge gives way to understanding; acknowledgment of what underlies the lessons—the hard kernel of truth—offers the gold of Wisdom. Yes, lessons learned translate into wisdom; knowing your self, your limitations, your challenges, and your strengths. Understanding allows you to move forward in a positive way while Wisdom releases us from the wheel of karma. When we pay attention to the lessons and make whatever restitutions are due, we are free. Savor the gold; you have put in your time and the rewards are yours.

On the MENTAL LEVEL, the keynote is GLOBAL FAMILY. What does this word mean to you? Images of planet Earth from space cuddled in a bird's nest conjure thoughts of the Family of Man. "No man is an island," could never be more true than now. How do you contribute to the Global Family? Consider doing charitable works, recycle with a vengeance, ride a bike to work one day, or read a book about alternative fuel economies and talk about it with friends. Watch Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth." Again. At the end of the movie, there are a number of suggestions to follow. Do one thing this week for the Global Family. If everyone did one thing a week, or a day, what a difference that would make!

On a SPIRITUAL LEVEL, you might have to come up with some COURAGE this week. Bravery isn't something we are or aren't born with. Courage is the reward for acting in spite of fear. Is there someone you've been afraid to stand up to? Perhaps some words need saying? Some action you've been too afraid to take? This week, make a concerted effort to stand tall and speak and act on your truth. Ask for support from friends, family, and guardian angels. Be ready to accept en"courage"ment from unexpected places—a song on the radio, bits of overheard conversations, a snippet from a book that has special meaning for you. The universe supports those who support themselves; so if you take a Warrior's stance this week, you will not be alone. Keep your fears close and talk to them as you would a small frightened child. After all, they are just a frightened part of yourself, hoping for an adult voice to soothe and comfort them. Once this is done, your fears will not be as loud or prevalent, and heroic action will be so much easier.

Be well, fellow travelers, and enjoy your journey this week.

Energy Forecast: Week of February 11

Welcome to another week of soulmapping. I am curious if anyone is checking in to the blog, and if so, how do the forecasts work for you? Your comments are welcome. If interested, just click on "comment" at the end of this entry. On the next screen, you will see a comment box on the right. Type in your comment, then at the bottom, if you don't have a google account, click on "anonymous", and hopefully you will leave your name with your comment. Those with google accounts can type in the name of the account. I'm new to blogging and find blog world to be, well, a little bloggy (confusing).

On the PHYSICAL level, the card for WORLDLY DOMINION appears. It symbolizes the person who is on top of his/her game in the material world. This card might herald a weekly stint of ambitions, aspirations, and visions that finally blossom into physical reality. The result might appear a little like empire building or pioneering. You are a mover and shaker, initiating and doing. You possess the physical stamina and strength to achieve your goals and the leadership skills to pull them off. Watch out for ego storms and gales of competitiveness in your striving for riches, fame, or progress. You can make your mark on the world without mowing others down in the process.

On the MENTAL level, the card we have drawn is PRESERVATION. The queen symbolizes the law of preservation because it is the feminine principle in all people that watches over and protects the children, the land, and heritage. This week it is our responsibility to maintain and safe-guard the kernels of life that we have carefully been brooding in the nest. This is a mother-earth energy that has the ability to create, resurrect, and recreate life. Look around your life and see what needs mothering. This week your special powers as a nurturer, provider, and giver of life are called on. Your unconditional love, compassion, and healing strengths will champion an aspect of yourself, family, creative projects. Since this refers specifically to the mental level, especially pay attention to ideas and goals that might need an extra boost of Mom energy to get them to the next level of growth. But remember, be gentle with seedlings. Pulling on them to force premature growth will only uproot their delicate natures.

EMOTIONALLY, we can expect a BREAKTHROUGH. Well, I for one, look forward to this prospect. Maybe the breakthrough will happen physically, mentally, and spiritually as well. Whatever way it manifests, it will relieve the building pressure you've been feeling for some time. "Better out than in" I've been told, and there's wisdom in that saying. What does the image say to YOU? A volcano erupts with spewing hot lava; fire pushes through earth with incredible force, moving obstructions out of the way of its creative wake. Fire is creative and impulsive, while earth is stable, solid, unmoveable by itself. Some creative impetus is moving upward, has been for some time, but now it will unleash great power and strength so that what has been stalled before will now open up and move. The pressure is off, and the energy is released. You feel relief, and then an upsurge of new, creative energy moves within your psyche, filling you with inspiration, strength, and motivation to get things done. Enjoy!

SPIRITUALLY, the forecast calls for increased CLARITY. Like a diamond, your mind twinkles with many facets. You see into situations and people with unprecedented focus; you see what you haven't been able to see before. A situation or person who might have been annoying before, now you find at least tolerable. Your previous negative judgments are put in abeyance as you realize there is more than had met the eye before. You see more deeply, more clearly, and are amazed and dazzled by the brilliance of new insight and vision where once there had been none. This realization allows you to accept what has been unaccepted. You suspend judgment and negative scales fall from your eyes. Instead, you see what "IS" and this is enough, for now.

Overall, there is plenty of good juju to go around this week for changes on all levels. Spring is in the air. Rebirth, renewal, and LIFE itself are pushing up through the sap as trees get ready to burst into blossom or leaf. It is a heady time of year, and all our unconscious energies are playing right into our mortal hands. Use them well!

Energy Forecast: Week of February 4

On the PHYSICAL level, we can expect a breath of fresh air. The Freedom card offers a whiff of exhilaration for heights ascended and conquered, or depths descended and successfully plumbed. There is freedom when a task is completed; boundaries and restraints removed; old skins shed. Freedom asks you to look at ways in which you have been shackled (or felt that you were). What persona (ego mask) feels too tight and restrictive? What shadow part is loosening up and ready for release. This is the week to try something new, explore a different avenue, rejoice in overcoming some trial that has rewarded you with new skills. If you are reckless in your pursuit of freedom, there is the possibility of becoming irresponsible. If something in your psyche is shaking loose, be aware of the your shadow part. The elusive shadow is best seen as we project it onto others. We see in those around us what are unwilling to see in ourselves. All those nasty habits and personality traits that, thank god, we don't suffer from! When you find yourself being critical of others, ask yourself, Has a shadow aspect unleashed itself? Be thankful for the opportunity to see yourself more clearly and do a little housecleaning. If you are straining under old ways others see you, then allow yourself the freedom to expand, Expand, EXPAND. This week will support you in this endeavor.

MENTALLY, expect Growth in all areas. New ideas have been percolating; give them permission to grow. Old memories and dreams may come through with crystal clear clarity. Situations and people that have been perplexing may now shed light on their inner workings and you will know what is expected, and how to behave to get the results you want. Most of all, you may be granted the gift of understanding with a troubling problem. Especially look to those abandoned projects that are wilted from lack of attention. This is the week to put your mind to getting things done. Mental acuity is working in your favor to give birth to and hatch plans, projects, and ideas.


EMOTIONALLY, you can look forward to having some rewarding down-time this week. Child's Play is all about release from stress and schedules if you take time off to renew your creative juices. Playtime is a sure-fire way to get rid of stress, so make sure you do something fun in the fresh outdoors. If that's not your cup of tea, consider getting together with good friends to recharge your batteries. Laughing is the best medicine. See a comedy show, tell jokes (have you ever thought of a joke party?), and poke fun at yourself. Remember, angels fly because they take themselves lightly. You too can fly this week, or feel like it, when you let go of your burdens even for an afternoon or evening with some good old-fashioned fun.

SPIRITUALLY, the Artist in you is alive and well. Let it out and give it free reign. Artistic expression is our birthright. No excuses, please. We can all be artistic, whether it is home decorating, food preparation, fashion, creative child-rearing, you name it. This is the week to take a good look at your Artist self and see what you can do to nudge it more into the open. It might be shy, or even angry from being overlooked— other people always seem oh so much more creative. Look no further, you are the Artist for whom you seek. Look for classes, projects, or creative ideas that interest you. Your spirit is hungering for self-expression and feeding the soul is important business. Neglecting it will stunt your ability to be a fully expressive human being.

To recap, this week looks promising on all energy fronts. Freedom, Growth, Child's Play, and Artist are working together synergistically to make this a powerful week for self-expression and fun. It's a time to dust off old projects and instill them with new blood. Be open to new ideas, creative input, and increased sharpness of focus. Be well, readers. Go forward and prosper!

New Year for Angelina

Angelina, you liked the reading I did for Lin, and since you didn't make specific requests, I'm going to follow the same format.

Looking at the PAST, year 2006, the major archetypal influence was the Hedonist. This is a card of celebration, pleasure, and feasting. It is the enjoyment of good food and drink, tasting the good life. Last year brought many important changes for you and your family, and the Hedonist mercifully helped you deal with the stress of those changes. It is only natural when life is upside down and out of our control, to use food and drink as a simple reward system. Unfortunately, the Hedonist can lead to excess. Beer and home-cooked comfort food has wreaked havoc with your good intentions to eat well and lose weight, so it is time to put the Hedonist on hold as you settle into a new life with new healthy routines.

NOW, going into your annual cycle, the Guide archetype is prominent. Consider all the ways in which you hold the lantern for others to see the light, to follow your footsteps because you are trustworthy, knowledgeable, and willing to put yourself out there.

The FUTURE presents you with Warrior energy. The Warrior is willing to meet the Hedonist head-on and do battle with those extra pounds. Through discernment, you can see which habits must go. Through discipline, you apply new behaviors that guarantee change. It is the Warrior that will eat and drink in moderation, take the time to exercise, and find new means of self-gratification. The Warrior is a strong, uncompromising picture of health, vitality, strength, disclipline, and skillful means. You have been a Warrior in the past; all you need to do now to activate this presence is to meditate on how she has worked for you in the past, and visualize her stepping into your flesh and bones right now.

RELATIONSHIP WITH MAX gets the Teacher/Mentor archetype. You are less a playmate now and more Teacher for Max. As a Mentor, you do more than teach. You pass on wisdom and refine Max's character. What kinds of activities would you enjoy teaching Max? Finding new mutually fun educational projects to explore with him will have you looking forward to spending quality time with Max. Forget the cars and legos, and get on board with something new. Your challenge this year is to develop a new relationship with Max where he will see you as his life teacher. Quality time can focus on rocks & minerals, insects, birds, etc. Can you devise science projects around these and other interests?

RELATIONSHIP WITH PHILIP is the Companion archetype. Now who would've guessed? You both continue to be helpmates as partners to yourselves, for Max, and for the business. Loyalty, tenacity, emotional support, and unselfishness are Companion qualities.

MONEY & RESOURCES this year has drawn the Lover card. Naturally, you would LOVE to have more money coming into the business. The Lover energy refers to more than romance. In this case, it is about passion and devotion. You are a Lover of arts and crafts, of edgy home decor, gardening, cooking, and writing. Do what you are passionate about, and the money will follow. Write more, craft more. Keep your passion alive. Money will come.


DUSTPAN ALLEY draws the Fool Child. The store is your new child, and your relationship to it is one of unbridled faith and innocence. Never having done this before, you come into it with enthusiasm and joy. It is a bright, shining opportunity to be creative, to provide unique services, and be in community. The upbeat, bright, lively face of Dustpan Alley invites others to feel these qualities within themselves, to bring them home with them. As a Fool, this child has no awareness of failure, budgets, limitations, or constraints. Yet for the Fool to be protected by the cruelties of life, it needs a protectress to keep it safe. Caution: keep financial realities in focus and a healthy reign on expenditures.

Your role in the COMMUNITY is the Beginner. You are starting out boldly in the commercial community with a new business. You learn from others. You ask questions about their mistakes and successes. You pray for beginner's luck. In Zen Buddhism, Beginner's Mind is worth cultivating—it is the state of a fresh, new outlook; it is objective, and detached. Keep an open mind and absorb like a sponge.

WRITING is a world unto itself. In this world, you are Ruler supreme. You decide what to say, how to say it, and when to stop. You take immense delight in controlling words; moving them around, choosing them, stringing them together. Word play is your gift. A Ruler exercises power on a large, world scale. So too with your writing, you can influence large groups of people, allow them to see the world through your unique eyes.


Your PERSONA for this year, the face you show the world, is the Scientist archetype. In the magical arts, this would be the Transformer, but in the workaday world, the Scientist is engaged in many of the same pursuits, using the same talents for transmuting energies. This year you are examining, exploring, controlling the possibilities of a great experiment: Dustpan Alley. You apply all your skills to making this venture a success; that is, changing an empty store into a magical world of your creative imagination. In it, you fashion a queendom of practical fun, elevating the home arts into a manageable realm that other homebodies want for themselves. Martha Stewart you are not, thank god.

Your SHADOW is the Servant. You make yourself available to others for the benefit and enhancement of their lives. This can be done in a healthy way as long as you continue to serve your highest needs at the same time. Be careful; don't be consumed by the needs of others so that you lose the value of your own life. Ask yourself often, does this choice serve my highest potential?

Your greatest CHALLENGE this year is represented by the Knight archetype. The challenge involves maintaining loyalty and self-sacrifice toward an honorable cause. This might refer to Dustpan Alley or your writing. Similar to the Servant and Warrior, the Knight is a champion of service and devotion. All these archetypes are available and present for you this year as you battle the dark forces and demon of Negative Thought. Slay them with your cognitive therapy tools; journal and meet them on your terms; listen to what they say and throw away what you don't need; and most of all, keep coming back.