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A true story about the healing power of love: After a rough birth, twin babies were placed in separate incubators. One was not expected to live. A hospital nurse fought against policy and put them together. The healthier twin threw her arm over her sister in a rescuing embrace. Her heart rate stabilized and temperature rose to normal. The healing energies of the Sacred Feminine are accessible to all of us right now, just in time to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Venus-the Love Goddess-descends into the Underworld on Dec. 24 for a six-week sojourn. She is extra potent because she travels with Chiron, the wounded healer, reawakening old memories and deepening ties. Nostalgia prevails-the bittersweet awareness of what we have lost, as well as the preciousness of what remains. Venus and Chiron are in Aquarius, sign of brotherly (or sisterly) love. We feel tenderness in our hearts for all living beings, ourselves included. It's time to search for lost treasure within, find ways to heal what ails us. Return to people or practices that once held deep meaning and reassess them, or handle unfinished business. Heal former friendships and community ties, or revive old dreams. Find the balance between the right and left brain by slowing down and trusting our instincts. Allow the creative process to flow, even if it takes us in unexpected directions. To celebrate the Solstice on the 21st, I hiked to the Oasis, a nearby stream among lush trees and boulders. There, a comrade and I set our intentions for the New Year (Winter Solstice, the rebirth of the Sun from its place of maximum darkness, is the true New Year). I'd been feeling disconnected from Isis, my personal Goddess, for weeks. At this place of beauty and flow, I beseeched Her to revisit me, to bring healing for my body and new direction for my work and personal life. Then that night, I joined with friends in joyful singing. And with the magical "click" that comes at the change of seasons, I am, as the occultists would say, onto my sacred contacts once more. Chiron in Aquarius (2005-2011) represents the return of Isis to the planet. This is a time of deep healing and union for the masculine and feminine within, as well as between men and women. This theme will be intensified between now and mid March, when Venus and Chiron finish their journey together. While she's in the Underworld, like the maiden Persephone mating with her dark lover, Venus encourages us to tap into our deepest reservoirs of power and pleasure. New Year's Eve is a good time to invoke her blessings: Watch the night sky for an extra-bright Venus conjunct the sliver of a New Moon - a portent of feminine power that will impact the year ahead. Mars and Mercury are moving forward now, bringing new momentum, yet it's wise to approach creative projects, relationships and financial decisions carefully during Venus retrograde. Test things out before taking a giant leap, unless you're picking up where you left off before. This is especially true for those with Libra or Taurus Sun or Ascendant, who are ruled by Venus, and also for Aquarians. Save the new haircut, big party or remodeling project until after the planet of social and artistic functions goes direct on Feb. 3. Auspiciously, there is a New Moon in Aquarius on Jan. 29 at the time of the ancient Isis festival of late Jan./early Feb. And, Venus stands still, holding her ground as she prepares to turn forward. This is a powerful time of new beginnings in matters pertaining to love, money, beauty, creativity or self-esteem. Say a prayer of gratitude to Venus for the treasure She has unveiled, and prepare to reap the benefits of your Underworld journey! © 2006 Simone Butler If you'd like to receive an email notification when each month's new essay is posted, join my mailing list!
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