Where did it all go!? It’s December and in a few short weeks, we’ll be closing the door on one chapter of our lives and opening the door to unexplored territory and new experiences.

Did the year work out the way you’d hoped or planned? Did you grow and progress in all the ways you’d foreseen on January 1^st of this year? Did you enjoy the passage or was it a slog through what seemed to be very dense matter?

As you take a look back at yourself and your 2013 journey, how will you take what you’ve experienced and learned and use it to help make the coming year, 2014, your best year ever?

Your message this month comes in the form of a quote or affirmation that is a key to how to use your 2013 experience to energize yourself and your hopes, wishes and dreams in the coming new year. Also, use the empowering questions below to guide you in your review of 2013 and your preview of 2014:

 * Is there a message for me in this experience?
* What’s the gift in this situation?
* What can I learn from this?
* What’s the most loving thing I could do now?
* What’s the most important thing for me to focus on now?
* What would I do if I knew I could not fail?
* What would I do if there were nothing to fear?

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20)  “There is always another choice. You alone steer the course you choose in the direction of where you want to be today, tomorrow or in any distant time to come. No one can ever take that away from you. You can decide what you want and go after it.”  The Daily Guru

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20)  “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” Maya Angelou and “Sing your song, children.” Ray Charles

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20)  “At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done. Then they begin to hope it can be done. Then they see it can be done. Then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.”  Frances Hodgson Burnett

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20)  “Analyze your life in terms of your environment. Are the things around you helping you toward your success or are they holding you back? Your world today is a living expression of how you are using and have used your mind. It’s something that you can change at any time.” The Daily Guru

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22)  “Procrastination is another word for self-denial.  By avoiding or resisting beginning (or in some cases, completing) the steps to finish a project, you deny yourself the knowledge, experience and proof that you’re a winner; that you can make your dreams come true.” Sheilaa Hite

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22)  “We do not truly serve the world if we give to others but neglect our own truth and our own needs. It’s only when our own needs are fully met that we can generously and whole-heartedly give of ourselves. It’s not selfish to look after ourselves– it’s essential! Pearl S. Buck and “To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart.”  The Daily Guru

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” Zig Ziglar and “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.” “Auntie Mame” Dennis

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21)  “Intuition is your greatest, most powerful ally in any endeavor.  An intuitive insight is a direct message to you from “the Front Office”– God, Higher Power, Divine Spirit.” Sheilaa Hite

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) “The character of greatness must be measured in two ways, else the measurement is flawed. First, and by far most popular of all, is by one’s ability to succeed in times of trial where others may fail. But of no less importance, and perhaps foundational to any form of greatness, is one’s willingness to start over in spite of failure, when success seems farthest away.” The Daily Guru

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19)  “Good Luck is another term for ‘The Alignment.’ It’s energetic mirroring. When you align your intuition, your heart, your energy and your focus with your goal, the Universe will always align itself with you and your vision.” Sheilaa Hite

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19)  “To dream anything you want to dream– that is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want to do– that is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits– that is the courage to succeed.”  B. Edwards

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20)  “What is this self inside us, this silent observer, severe and speechless critic, who can terrorize us, and urge us on to futile activity, and in the end, judge us still more severely, for the errors into which his own reproaches drove us?” T. S. Eliot and “Self-acceptance is my refusal to be in an adversarial relationship to myself.” Nathaniel Branden

We’re nearly at the finish line of this year. ‘Tis the season to review and sum up the experiences of 2013. As we do so, ‘tis also the season to get clear on our goals for next year. One of the themes of 2014 is discovering your own personal truth and the value of that truth as it guides you on a mandatory journey of ‘Knowing Thyself.’ Take the next few weeks to soulfully consider what it’ll take to make your life a sweeter, more satisfying experience.  

 Mercury, the planet of communication, is still retrograde, but on November 10^th—it goes direct again and we can all start putting things back in order.  This is a powerful one so getting centered and staying grounded is very important. Do try to avoid getting overly emotional or all worked up over little and big things. As with all Mercury Retrogrades, plans and communications screw-ups can take you on a wild and confusing ride. Since Mercury rules communication, transportation and contracts, when it’s retrograde, all manner of mistakes and misunderstandings can occur. If you can, hold off on buying (or leasing) any big ticket items. It’s also a good idea to triple check any and all plans you make. This is an excellent time for research, as those things that are usually hidden from view, show themselves more easily during a Mercury Retrograde period.  Wait until Mercury goes direct before making any big decisions.

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20)  You and THE WORLD are engaged in a potentially adversarial ‘dance’ right now. If you can accept that neither of you is right or wrong, you’ll be able to combine your forces with unlikely allies and mine this experience for all of the positive ‘gold’ it can yield to you. Your greatest tool is tolerance.

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20)  Although there appears to be some ‘push back’ from the world around you, you’re learning a very valuable lesson—resistance is futile—and very often a time and energy waster. Do put one foot in front of the other and move co-operatively with your environment. There is no better time than now to adopt new, progressive habits.

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20)  Your past associations are stepping up to assist you in your latest endeavors. Please let them give you a much needed hand. Though you have laid a strong foundation, you’ll need other’s insights to help you build your dreams and manifest a satisfying outcome

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20)  Luck and its friend Mystery are knocking on your door. Please let them in! You are at a point of decision and the Universe would like to help you win in a big way. It will mean you’ll have to compromise and surrender to a greater force than yourself, but it’ll be worth it.  

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22)  No matter how dramatic the situation gets, please pass the ‘drama crown’ to someone else. You’ll really benefit from remaining centered and grounded. Let others re-act. That way, the circumstances and others will be your supporting players as your stability commands the lead in your endeavors.

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22)  Your message is similar to THE LOVERS. Remember that a Higher Authority is still in control. Be grateful and discerning as you ask for what you want and then—allow it to come to you in an effortless manner.

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22)  This is a great time to choose new energy power-brokers—vote indecision and self-doubt out of office.  Ignore the vacuous opinions of those who aren’t on your path and pay attention to your own strong inner guidance.  Heed it, and your professional, personal and social fortunes will be enhanced.

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21)  The planet Saturn is in your sign now. It insists that you go within and shine the light of consciousness on your previously hidden (from yourself) history. There is undiscovered treasure waiting for you there. You’ll be immensely helped in your quest if you consult with a good counselor or therapist during this awakening phase of your life.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) The choices you make now will lay the ground work for the events of the next few months.  How do you want to show up in your life? Why and how you choose are as important as what you choose. Examine your belief systems and relinquish your connection to old, outdated beliefs that no longer reflect your current position in life.

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19)  Your message is similar to THE EMPEROR. He is your somewhat thorny ‘side-kick’ on this leg of your journey. Remember— If you can accept that neither of you is right or wrong, you’ll be able to combine your forces with unlikely allies and mine this experience for all of the positive ‘gold’ it can yield to you. Your greatest tool is tolerance.

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19)  Contrary to your usual way of operating, methodical patience and perseverance are your strongest allies at this time. You’re going through an important processing phase and this phase has its own time schedule for completion. What you might normally call delays are actually aids to your process, so just settle in and go with the flow. You’ll love the outcome.

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20)  As your ruling planet, Neptune, swirls its hazy miasma around you like the dance of the seven veils, please remember that faith and hope are you guiding lights now. As mystifying as it all seems, what is happening now is happening for good reasons. They will be revealed in due time, but for now—hang in there and ‘keep the faith.’

Mercury, the planet of communication, will go retrograde on October 21^st. Introspection and self-examination are requirements of this Mercury retrograde in the sign of Scorpio. Do use this opportunity to consciously clear up and re-direct your thoughts and energies to what your soul and heart really want you to be and do. As with all Mercury Retrogrades, plans and communications will take you on an Alice in Wonderland journey. This being a very passionate, emotional one, please remember to remain centered and grounded, no matter what. Since Mercury rules communication, transportation and contracts, when it’s retrograde, all manner of mistakes and misunderstandings can occur. If you can, hold off on buying (or leasing) any big ticket items. It’s also a good idea to triple check any and all plans you make. This is an excellent time for research, as those things that are usually hidden from view, show themselves more easily during a Mercury Retrograde period.  Wait until Mercury goes direct before making any big decisions.

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20)  Do slow your pace—you’ll make more progress if you’ll just focus on the task at hand.  You’re doing all you can do to make a success of yourself and your projects, so keep your eyes on the prize, and trust God to guide your pace and your footsteps.  By your birthday, you’ll be the recipient of a blessing from an unexpected source. 

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20)  This is a very prolific time for you. The steps you take on this part of your journey lead to a very productive phase in your life.  You’re clearing away the rubble of the past and opening a wide path that leads you straight to the fulfillment of your hopes, wishes and dreams.  During this journey, it’s important to pay attention to the wisdom of the elders of your ‘tribe’ because their insights are blessed with Divine Assistance.  You will receive important information—use it wisely.

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20)  The adage, “Know Thyself,” has timeless value. From this simply worded fountain of wisdom, all other forms of wealth and possibility spring. As you more deeply know and appreciate who you are and what makes you tick, you’ll also allow yourself to embrace what works and to effortlessly release what doesn’t. 

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20)  Notice what’s going on around you. Are others comfortable with the trauma-drama swirling around them? Now ask yourself, “Am I in some way a reflection of them as they dance to potentially self-destructive tunes?” If your answer is yes, be the hero of your own life, put your Chariot in motion and take a different route—you’ll be a winner if you do!

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22)  If you feel like sliding into complacent stagnation—DON’T! Despite how things may appear, this is the time to take decisive action that will shift the position you hold in life. Do re-assess yourself and your goals on every level. Then, do what is required to manifest your new vision. Find a Life Coach who will help guide you through this life altering time.

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22)  Mercury is your ruling planet and with it going retrograde, this is a good time to sort through your belief system in order to discover what is yours and what was given to you by others because it was what they had come to believe about life. By so doing, you’ll clearly see and be able to create based on your own personal truth.

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22)  The opportunities to advance yourself in your world have never been stronger.  Observe what’s going on around you and evaluate the information by asking yourself, “What is my ‘gut’ feeling about this person, project or situation?”  Let your intuition answer and listen to it!  Trust and go with your feelings—you’ll be happy with the results! 

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21)  It’s time to stop and reflect.  Re-examine with your heart and mind, your goals, your efforts to bring them to fruition, what’s worked and what hasn’t so far and where you’ve been honest (as well as dishonest!) with yourself.  What you’ll discover will clear the energetic debris and enable you to powerfully focus your energy and achieve the success that is your natural birthright.   

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) You’ve heard the old saying, “You can’t have your cake and eat it, too.” There are only two responses to that—“Get real, why bother to get the cake if I can’t eat it!?” and “Who do you think you are to talk to me that way?” Remember, you worked for it, it’s your cake—enjoy it! 

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19)  Sit back and reflect on what you’ve just experienced and triumphed over. Enjoy the rest as you acknowledge and congratulate yourself for coming through an intense time and for being true to your inner vision. Continue believing in yourself and following your inner guidance—you’re discovering and claiming rich, new personal territory.            

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19)  Analyzing your situation, weighing your options and living in theory will no longer serve you. You’re between a rock and a hard place now and you can’t go back to the past or divert your energy and attention with distractions—you must take action and move on!  The only obstacles are the limitations you impose on yourself. 

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20)  Behind each current challenge is the opportunity to consciously experience that you are not powerless and undeserving of living from your birthright of rich spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health and wealth. You must ignore the nay-sayers and allow yourself to continue on your path. By next Spring, you’ll have something wonderful to cheer about!