Seeds of Time - 2020

Seeds of a New Cycle of Time

New beginnings and rebirth of time as the cycle of 12 starts with the architype of the Rat. In Chinese Astrology, the Rat is noted as the first animal based on a legend that whatever animal arrived first to meet the Jade Emperor would be awarded a place in the zodiac calendar.  The first to set out were best friends, the rat and the cat. Both were scared they would drown in the fast-flowing river if they tried to cross it. They appealed to the ox to let them ride on his back to cross the river. During the crossing, the rat was concerned the cat would outrun him to the finish line and in a devious act pushed the cat off the back of the ox into the water.  As the ox reached the other side, the rat sat atop its head and leaped off the top to the finish line and arrived first. Even though the ox had done all the work, the Buddha admired the rat for his craftiness and awarded him first place on the calendar.

The rat is known in the East for being resourceful, skillful and open-minded and one of nature's greatest survivors in times of danger and scarcity. The rat represents creativity, passion and dynamic energy. The element of water associated with the rat adds a layer of courage, purity, generosity and forgiveness.  These combined qualities create a strong and purposeful year. As you lay down your seeds of intentions, know 2020 is a time for regeneration and renewal, the perfect time to lay foundations and launch new projects.  This new cycle of time  will create significant growth for years to come and more specifically, for the next 60 years to come.

The metal element combines with the water rat in 2020 suggesting strong framework or structure to base your plans to build upon. Think big as this year is the foundation that you will build upon. In the process of thinking big, you want to lay a good base for your finances. Since the elements of metal and water are inward (representing autumn and winter months), the stock market will slow down, pull inward and stagnate. In previous rat years we have seen the market do exactly that. It's not to say you can't enjoy yourself this year, it simply means to strike a balance between spending and saving.

How will the Yang Metal Rat year (2020) impact you personally? I offer professional astrology reports for my clients. If you are interested in a report email me for more information.

Water permeates the shapes of everything it touches. It carves mountains into sand and swells seeds to fruition. It fuels the planet, our cells and all living things. Every time we encounter this basic element, we have the opportunity to gain insight about its divine essence and our own. Water is a source of creativity and love. It teaches us to be flexible, tenacious and humble. It can heal and nurture all that is in "dis-ease."

This year as the watery energy of the rat moves in, keep these meditation statements in mind:
~ I can be shallow or deep, calm or rough, but most of all I am a resource for man and animal alike.
~ I am like a chameleon - always changing my appearance.
~ I am the elixir of life.
~ I erode what is overwhelming and feed the depleted.
~ I ebb and flow like the tides of life.
~ I cleanse the body and the spirit and make all things new.

For more Nature meditations see my third book: Mother Nature A Bridge to Conscious Living.

Svadisthana

The sacral, or second chakra, is just seated below the navel in the lower abdomen. It is associated with the element of water, creativity and creation/birth. This chakra is naturally activated in the year of the Rat - 2020. As previously mentioned, this is a year where you will be inspired to create and emote your ideas. It's advantageous to keep this chakra aligned and active so you can feel supported from within your energy body. Below are some ideas of how you can activate this energy center.

Yoga Poses:
Wide - angle seated forward bend: (upavistha konasana)
Cow-Face: (Gomukasana)
Bound Angle: (Baddha Konasana)

Sound Mantra:
The mantra sound that aligns to the sacral chakra is the sound VAM. By chanting VAM,the vibrations will open and align this chakra.

Color:
The color for the sacral chakra is orange. Visualizing a blossoming orange flower over the lower abdomen - just beneath the navel, is an excellent way to balance this energy center.

Om!
Mary Jane Kasliner
Feng Shui Master
Yoga Instructor
www.fengshuiyoganj.com