January, 2014 - Your WINGS for a Brand New Year

January, 2014             http://www.owlsdaughter.com                        Volume 6, Number 1

I Cannot Thank You Enough... ... but I will try! Happy New Year! I want to first and foremost thank each and every one of the HUNDREDS of you who wrote and sent Reiki, prayers, and good vibes in response to my Thanksgiving issue of WINGS, where I shared my grief about the death of our sweet rescue cat, Sierra. (I tried to write each of you back personally, but if I missed anyone, please forgive me. I was a bit overwhelmed by your sweet tsunami of condolences). The beautiful well wishes, your own heartful stories you shared, and the kindness that filled every single note was balm for my spirit. I appreciated it more than you can ever know. I was already sure that you, my readers, would (maybe more than any other group on the planet!) totally empathize with the difficulty we'd been going through as she made her transition. But your wisdom and your willingness to open your hearts with such love and tenderness blew me away. Gratitude and thanks cannot encompass the vast appreciation I have for your outpouring of compassion.  And such a powerful love wave moves far beyond the life event of one small family. It proves to me that there is goodness and abiding love more vast, more deep, more willing to reach out, than we normally see in our everyday existence.  It was a huge reminder that I should take my own advice more often - we don't have to be the Lone Ranger, toughing it out all alone.  We are immersed in a huge ocean of kind, wise soul connections; all we have to do is open, and ask. Thank you for that soul-rocking lesson. Thank you for sharing your own tears, your memories of your furry babies, and so many gentle, good wishes. I am blessed beyond words. In gratitude,

Welcome New Subscribers!  I'd like to take a moment to send out a warm welcome to the 56 new subscribers that have joined us since the Thanksgiving issue went out. Thank you so much for signing up.  I hope you will be inspired to invite your friends, or please do forward a copy of WINGS to them, too!  The more, the merrier!  2014: The Year of the Chariot As you probably know from the articles I have published, or from being in my Birthday Club, the numerology of birthdays, or a particular year corresponds to the Tarot’s Major Arcana (the trumps). Using this system, we can learn about some of general traits and patterns that can be anticipated in a given year.  This year, by adding up 2+0+1+4=7, we see we are in the Year of The Chariot. Insight Into the Symbols The Chariot portrays a summation of the preceding Major Arcana cards. Look closely and you will see that the charioteer holds one of The Magician’s wands; the two sphinxes are reminiscent of the black and white pillars of The High Priestess; The Empress’s star crown appears as the canopy above the charioteer, and The Emperor is recalled by the stone-like cube of the chariot. The position of the sphinxes echoes the acolytes in The Hierophant, and lastly, the symbol of the wings, hovering over the joined lingam and yoni is a reference to the image of The Lovers. What Does The Chariot Hold in Store? As you can see, the driver is attempting to master two opposing forces or energies. So, difficulties may arise in a Chariot Year, but our conflicts need to be reigned in, if progress is to be made. Instead, self-discipline and self-control will be key factors for success. Tempers could be edgy, especially if there are setbacks. But as long as we stay on an even keel, those opposing forces can work in tandem, bringing the balance needed to move ahead. Chariot years are very goal-oriented. This is a time for learning mastery of skills, as well as coping with the changes set in motion by last year's Lovers Year choices. Many astrologers have predicted that the year 2014 will be an historic watershed moment. It promises to bear the fruit of the many powerful influences we have recently be undergoing. We have reached the climax of the profound, four-year long Uranus-Pluto square cycle, which Eric Francis and others have described as the defining aspect of our generation. There is also a Grand Cross that is now interacting with it, thanks to squaring aspects with Mars and Jupiter. Eric writes, “Every now and then during one of these eras, there is a planetary alignment grouped around the generational aspect that brings it to the forefront. Suddenly it’s really obvious what is happening. It’s like you wake up one day and figure out who you are, where you are, and what is happening around you… “…You have to make a decision; you figure out that it’s time for a change; you’re confronted with a situation; your own restlessness catches up with you…” Whether we like it or not, hitting the “snooze bar” of our lives is not going to cut it anymore... (Click here for more guidance ...) The Grand Re-Opening Welcome Back to the Tarot Boutique After the hiatus I discussed in my last newsletter, I am happy to announce the return of the intimate magical workshops at my home that I call the Tarot Boutique. Join us one afternoon a month as we explore a variety of specialty Tarot topics for the more advanced Tarot practitioner. Seats are nearly gone for the January and February offerings, but the March workshop is wide open (at the moment). The line-up through July is also posted, with reservations starting soon. So save the dates, and add new sparkle and depth to your personal or professional practice. Details are here. Green Living Beware of "Greenwashing" From the January, 2014 Newsletter Aloha Bay Global Village Goods All of us are getting bombarded with thousands of messages every day that are doctored and spun by media experts. Greenwashing, like "whitewash" and "green sheen", are all forms of marketing spin in which positive language or claims are deceptively used to promote the perception that an organization's products, aims and/or policies are environmentally friendly. Evidence that an organization is greenwashing often comes from pointing out the spending differences: significantly more money or time is spent advertising being "green" (that is, operating with consideration for the environment), than is actually spent on environmentally sound practices. Greenwashing efforts range from changing the name or label of a product to evoke the natural environment on a product that contains harmful chemicals to multimillion dollar advertising campaigns portraying highly polluting energy companies as eco-friendly. The rise of green and sustainable business practices has sent a ripple, maybe even a storm -- heck more like a tsunami! -- through the natural food industry. While many organizations have made an earnest attempt to become greener, it's also no surprise that many others have attempted to use marketing to disguise feeble efforts and mislead consumers about what they're actually doing. While greenwashing is not new, its use has increased over recent years to meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly goods and services. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides voluntary guidelines for environmental marketing claims. However, the green guidelines were not created to be used as an enforceable guideline but instead were intended to be followed voluntarily... So please do your homework, and know the track record of manufacturers who claim to be green-friendly. Your purchases matter. Remember - Every little bit makes a world of difference. Let’s stay in touch! I specialize in helping visionaries, healers, artists, and  innovators thrive while integrating career, creativity and spirituality. If you seek inspiration as well as practical wisdom, I will show you how to predict your future by creating it. I am so happy to once again be able to welcome you in person at my magical cottage in the woods of Northern Durham County. I also visit twice a month at Dancing Moon Books in Raleigh. And I am available worldwide, by phone. Pick Your Ideal Appointment Time To find out when I am available for a phone appointment, drop by here and then "lock in" with your PayPal payment. Or if you wish to meet at my home, in person, you can see my availability here. My bookstore reading dates are in another section of this newsletter. Of course you can also visit my website or phone me at (919) 620-7525.  As we navigate these tumultuous, exhilarating times, I am honored to be of service to you, and help you find your own WINGS. Live in balance. Focus your creativity. Manifest your vision.  Published by Beth Owl's Daughter © 2014 Tarot and Intuitive Guidance since 1972 Durham, NC 27712-9101 Email: beth@owlsdaughter.com Website:  http://www.owlsdaughter.com         My Upcoming Schedule Tarot Readings at Dancing Moon Books, 1840 N. Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh Saturday, Jan. 18 Friday, Feb. 7 Saturday, Feb. 15 Bring your smart phone or other recording device so you can save our conversation for later review, and let's strategize ways for this to be your best year yet! Hour or half-hour appointments begin at 11:30 am, ending by 6:30pm. Walk-ins are welcome but why risk disappointment? Call (919) 833-8081(Tuesdays-Sundays) to schedule your visit!  You can even reserve your time months in advance! Learn to Read the Tarot With the Triangle Area's Most Experienced, Trusted Tarot Teacher and Reader True Confession: I am on a mission for EVERYONE to be as comfy with their Tarot Soul Card as their astrological Sun sign.  In fact, I honestly believe that you should be able to consult your Tarot cards as easily, and knowledgeably, as you consult with Google! (And no expensive equipment or connection needed!) That’s why this year, I am making it easier than ever for you to learn to read the Tarot!   Click here for dates and details! This Just In - Please join me Feb. 13 at 1pm on Attune  Magazine (Blogtalk) Radio My friend and one of our area's very finest Tarot readers, Maggie Lukowski, will be featuring me on her Blogtalk Radio show. Cohosted with the divine Ms. Jean Maurie Puhlman, we'll be focusing on the Tarot, naturally. But considering the range and depth (and sense of humor!) of this brilliant pair of women, I can guarantee that the sky's the limit. This is not a phone-in readings kind of show, so kick back, tune in, and enjoy! Raleigh-Durham Triangle Tarot and Friends Our Tarot Journey Continues! As we start the new year, we are taking a brief breather from the long-term study programs that have stretched out for many months, even a year or two. We are making time for more spontaneous programs, as well as practice exercises and team readings. All levels are welcome. In February, as we begin our 11th year together, we will be sharing our thoughts about Archetypes, specifically as that term applies in the Tarot. Our group is very friendly and there is no charge to join, but space is LIMITED and RSVPs are strictly observed! For time and location details, please become a member by going here. We're some of the most talented, enthusiastic Tarot people on the planet. Whether you are local or not, please join us for laughter, learning, and insight. Astrological Tidbits  An Overview of 2014: A Year of Extremes Typically a relatively calm voice in the astrology world, Lance Ferguson is one of my favorite forecasters. But he is making some startling declarations for this coming year, especially considering he's been an astrologer for almost 40 years. So I am reprinting verbatim an excerpt from his Skywatch Astrology overview of 2014 since I thought you, too, might appreciate being advised of these uncharacteristically dramatic statements. I would suggest you check around with your own favorite astrologers and you'll see his conclusions are not unique, but are echoed, at least to some degree, almost universally. Buckle your seat belt. The times continue to intensify. * * * * * * * Welcome to 2014: Extremes. That’s the word that describes the Skywatch in 2014. We begin the year with Venus Retrograde [goes direct on Jan. 31] followed by Mercury Rx [Feb.7-March 1] followed by Mars Rx [March 2-May 9] followed by Mercury Rx [June 7-July 1] -- one after another, delaying progress and adding another level of stress/complications to our plans and efforts. So you need to be prepared for an extremely slow pace for the first half of 2014. The Rx wagon train finally ends on July 1. But it won’t be a sleepy period as a giant Cardinal Grand Cross—the most powerful formation I have ever seen—appears in the heavens in April.  It is an extremely dangerous formation and not a good time for anything difficult… Extremely good aspects are also in the Skywatch in 2014. Lucky Jupiter trines realistic Saturn in late May. Even better, Jupiter trines Uranus in September setting the stage for positive changes that can bring success and progress in your life. Yes, yes, yes. Put these dates in your calendar, too. Bottom line: 2014 has the most powerful set of aspects and planetary formations I have ever seen. All components in astrology have positive energy as well as negative. Use the power of the planets well by following your bliss in the months ahead. Pluto asks you to let go of that which you’ve outgrown and don’t need. Uranus directs you to stay in the light of the truth and to tap your own genius for answers. This is a year to ignore disruptions and delays and to keep your attention focused on the big picture.  We can all make tremendous strides towards our number one goal and priority in 2014. The power is available but needs direction, determination and patience to harness... More on his site... * * * * * * * Patience and the urgent need to harness opposing energies is certainly typical in a Chariot Tarot year. I love how astrology and the Tarot can be such powerful companions on our journeys to understanding. Until next time.... May the stars shine brightly for you! Thank you again, for making me a part of your day, and for keeping WINGS on your email welcome list.  I am looking forward to resuming our journey together on a more regular basis! Brightest blessings to you and yours,