This first New Moon of 2004 ushers in the Year of the Monkey, according to Chinese Astrology. Using this model to predict what kind of year lies ahead, we would expect to see the characteristics of the monkey at play. On the world stage as well as within we might see more agility, intelligence, guile, risk-taking, inventiveness, humor, exchange of ideas, bluffing, unexpected turns, unpredictable changes and transformations. In the USA this seems a good fit with an election year!

Are we governed by these energies, and are our lives determined by the influences of astrology? For that matter, if we get a reading from a psychic, a guru or through this site, does that mean that we are destined to live out those words? And what of the powerful words that formed us through our childhood, that might be still ringing unacknowledged in our ears? Are we still acting out those scripts unknowingly?

One of the most beautiful aspects of being human and being alive on this planet is that we have free will and choice available at every moment. We are sitting in the driving seat and can steer ourselves in whatever direction we choose. We can use the information we are given, rather than have it rule us. If we have given any of our power away for any reason, we can reclaim it. We can choose to get conscious, we can choose to reclaim our power, and we can choose to have each day to be one of pure delight. This is our birthright, whatever circumstances we might find ourselves in, whatever we have been told.

If I have choice, does that mean that everything is available to me right now? Can I be a millionaire tomorrow? Can my wrinkles be gone when I wake up? Can I go to the moon? Can I heal all my wounds? Does the Year of the Monkey have no meaning for me? Can I have radiant health? Can I forget everything my mother told me?

For each of these questions, there is probably someone alive who truthfully can say, ?Yes?. For every reason why not, there is a reason why. Yes we have choice. We also have circumstances which include the effects of past choices. We have influences upon us, including astrology and the landscape. I believe that the more present we can be, the more power that we reclaim, the more love we allow to flow through us, then the more effective our choices become.

Our sincere wishes for us all, especially those reading these words today, are that 2004 is a year in which we become more conscious, make excellent choices, heal ourselves of the past, reclaim our power, have overflowing abundance and bliss, become capable of more love than we can imagine, follow our soul?s purpose, enjoy excellent health, connect more deeply with each other, reach new levels of integrity and respect, become more attuned to the divine, more deeply appreciate all that we have been given, treasure our environment, find the peace that passes understanding and have amazing fun doing it all. Feel free to add your own wishes for us all to share in. Thank you.