Fallout From the Planetary Parade of 2006

"The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper."

-- Eden Phillpotts

As 2006 winds down I am drawn to look back over the year to see it from a new perspective. I've been considering the life-altering effects of the planetary cycles of the past year on the lives of so many, particularly those of us with planets in the fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.

The fixed signs have been hosting some of the outer planets (Saturn in Leo, Jupiter in Scorpio and asteroid/planetoid Chiron in Aquarius) as they traveled, throughout much of 2006, in and out of a series of dynamic patterns stirring up a wild combination of inclinations, indecision, tension, overextension and general chaos in areas of our lives we'd come to count on as solid, stable and grounded. I have all four signs well represented in my natal astrology chart and can say from personal experience my life will never be the same as it was when the year dawned.

Personal relationships have changed dramatically this year as the planets danced, dos-y-do style, first opposing then backing off to release the mounting tension before once again coming face to face. In my case, some of the people I thought I'd always know and be close to have left my life. Some have passed away, some moved away and others are growing in directions that are right for them but not on my path. And then there are those dear old friends and family members with whom I had long ago lost contact who've recently come back into my life; evidence that nothing that really belongs to us or with us is ever truly lost.

Since the year began I have found myself questioning my assumptions about almost everything. The things that once supported me beautifully no longer appeal to me. I have swung wildly between clearly knowing my truth and my heart, and feeling lost and alone. The push-pull pulse of the birth process is in full swing. Part of me wants nothing more than to dash into the future and another just to be safe, warm and dry right where I am; maybe forever...

Though I am no longer where I was I find I'm still in transit to a place where I can dwell comfortably for a while. I used to believe I would eventually arrive. No more. Now I see the value of the journey and know myself well enough to know that if I'm not moving I'm not growing. I'm here to experience it all--all of that which calls to me, at least.

Settling down means something different to me now than it did when I was younger. I used to think it meant giving up the excitement of living life uncommitted and on the edge, with a little reckless abandon thrown in for good measure. Now settling down means that I can abandon my recklessness, (which sounded like more fun than it actually proved to be) relax and let go of all the things I used to believe defined me and just live more and more from my wholeness. Now I can take the time to know my holiness and recognize it in those around me.

All the shaking and quaking of the past year put me through a new level of releasing more that simply is not me. There is nothing I have lost that was appropriate for me in my life today and as I remember that I can 'bless all the little earthquakes' as my dear teacher/mentor/friend, Ananda, who passed earlier this year, used to say.

In all the changes in my life in 2006 I have become increasingly aware of how blessed I am. Magic and miracles really are everywhere we bother to look for them.

When you look back on 2006 what do you notice has shifted and altered your life for the better?