Have you ever had such an amazing experience, unheard of transformation and so much healing that when you tried to express your bliss verbally it just didn’t do it justice?!

Can you think of a time where The People, The Place and The Entire Experience came together SO magically you knew you would never be the same again?

Do you want more of that euphoric feeling?

Transformation is at your fingertips

Life ain’t always beautiful {as country singer Gary Allan once reminded us} 😉

But, you know what? We learn to make the best of it! Or do we?

Life brings us twists and turns, unexpected events, losses, hardships and struggle. Life can break your heart & bring you to your knees.

There WILL be a point in your life where you trip and fall BUT as long as you’re alive you will have the chance to choose.

Do you need to humble yourself and crawl first?

Will you get back up and walk again?

OR

Will you just lay there and let life walk all over you, throw your hands in the air and scream,

“I GIVE UP! You got me! I can’t do this!”

Do you choose to be a victim of your circumstances or are you ready to

STAND UP AND TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR LIFE?

The choice is always yours.

YogaSTARology & ChakraSTARology 2013

When your life feels like it’s falling apart, it’s your chance to pick up the pieces and rebuild.

Often finding the tools is just a matter of reaching out and getting involved with the people around you who have learned how to use the tools available to them. Build your community. Be involved. There are so many opportunities for healing at your fingertips. Yoga is only one of them, but it’s a good one. From those of us who’ve experienced transformation through yoga it’s a very effective one!

However, healing modalities and practices are NOT all created equal AND, more importantly, what may be right for another might not be for you & vice versa.

The great thing is, Sedona Yoga Festival has so many various types of classes and instructors to choose from there is something for everyone and tons of new perspectives and unique practices you may not have even heard of yet!

You will find that euphoric feeling, maybe for the very first time, maybe not.

Either way, at SYF, You will be enouraged to

FIND THAT BLISSFUL FEELIN’ WITHIN!

And once you do, you’ll never wanna go back to looking for it anywhere else!

A life turned upside down is the same life

with a new perspective

BE CHANGED

Sedona Yoga Festival 2014!

With the list of talented teachers presenting and giving from their heart this year,

there’s no way you could attend this event without experiencing some sort of an internal shift for the better!

You will learn about yoga in so many unique and different ways. You may learn some things you had no idea were even a part of the practice.

You have the opportunity to:

~ Awaken your inner fire and tap into your creative energy

~Become aware of where your energy is blocked

~ Learn the Basics for Beginners

~Gentle Practices for bodies that need a little extra TLC

~Get familiar with your chakras{internal energy centers}

~Learn how to keep your body healthy {from an astrological point of view}

~Heal through the powerful vibration of sound and crystals, Discover & Move your energy to a higher vibration

~Conquer the limitations of the mind with Mantra

~ Lighten your spirit with some dance flow and sweet beats

Izzi Sunnes and I are presenting at Sedona Yoga Festival a workshop breakdown between Yoga and Astrology and how to use Yoga to support your health based on your Star Chart. We will lead you through a Basic Hatha Yoga Flow. Izzi will activate your chakras using the healing vibrations of the Gong in a specific way to help you balance your cosmic energy and re-connect to the heavens.

YogaSTARology & ChakraSTARology

SEDONA YOGA FESTIVAL 2014

Sedona Yoga Festival Tickets

Want an opportunity to WIN an ALL ACCESS pass to SYF?!?

Click HERE and scroll down to mid page for details.

Deadline is in 2 days, Jan 10th by 12pm!

SYF Schedule

We are SO excited to be invited back to the festival again this year!

For me, Sedona has a real calming effect and it’s an honor to be able to share what I love in this beautiful place, amongst so many creative and heart centered individuals and teachers.

Here are a few of the awesome teachers that will be presenting at SYF this year talking a little bit about what they’re sharing with you and why we’re excited to be a part of SYF!

I GOTTA FEELIN’ YOU’RE GONNA LOVE IT HERE! 😉

Amy Frasard

Amy’s Classes at SYF

Mystical Sedona: A Crystal Yoga Journey ~A fusion of movement, sound healing, creative expression and Spiritual connection~ Come join us to discover what makes Sedona one of the top 10 most sacred spots in the world. The first part of the workshop we will discuss the qualities of Sedona that contribute to the powerful healing powers present in this sacred land. The second half will be dedicated to an all-level gentle practice to move energy and prepare for a unique crystal gong meditation designed to help you transcend to a higher vibration. The class will conclude with creative expression through the coloring of mandalas. The benefits are profound and will not only help with your unique connection to the magic of Sedona but to assist in strengthening you auric shield for love, life and healing.

I am excited to present again this year because I believe in the heart and soul that has gone into putting together this festival of consciousness for the second year in a row. Sedona is an incredible place to join together instructors and practitioners from all ove the world and I am honored and grateful to be a part of it

Amy’s Website: Purple Dragonfly Yoga, LLC

Mary Bruce

Mary’s Classes at SYF

I am so excited to be offering what speaks to my heart at The Sedona Yoga Festival. In the midst of Epic Red Rock Beauty I will teach in the vein of Tantra and the lineage of Para Yoga that I have been immersed in for the past 15 years. Tantric Hatha Yoga is a full spectrum practice which includes all limbs of yoga. I am teaching two vinyasa style practices rich with depth and imagery as well as a guided meditation on Sunday and a workshop on Mantra.

*Use my code GRACE and get your discount*

Mary’s Website: MaryBruce.com

Anton Mackey

Anton’s Classes at SYF

This 2014 I will be once again teaching at the Sedona Yoga Festival! Sedona is the perfect backdrop for yoga and energetic workshops. An energetic place that brings like minded individuals together to share ideas and good vibes. I am excited to teach, share, learn, and grow with all the amazing souls and their offerings.

I am bringing with me a workshop/class called “Hips, Twists, and Arm Balances”- this class is designed to detoxify the insides and awaken 1st, 2nd and 3rd Chakras with hip opening, deep twisting postures.

Flow through tricky transitions that take the body into several twists, while opening up the inner and outer hip, guiding you into high flying arm balances.

Come wring out the old and breathe in some new uplifting energy with me!

On Saturday night I am super excited to be leading a Dance Flow class DJ’d by Mental Physix. We will move to the groove, flow to the beats, and take our vinyasa practice into a dance party! A can’t miss good time.

On Sunday I will be teaching a workshop called “Mindful Sequencing”. Great for teachers and students who are looking to deepen their anatomical knowledge of yoga postures. Students/Teachers will gain a greater understanding of kinesiology and a heightened sense of body awareness. This workshop will focus on learning how to mindfully move through your yoga practice with intelligent sequences of postures that carefully open the energetic and physical body.

I can’t wait to see your soul in Sedona!

Anton’s Website: AntonYoga.com

Chris Spheeris

Chris’s Classes at SYF

“All You Have to Do is Listen”

This year, Chris will be presenting a two-hour workshop on the art of listening and the yoga of “presence”. This is a hands-on workshop that will include lecture, stretching, movement, stillness, writing, active listening, and a beautiful closing meditation. The point of this workshop is to explore receptivity as it inspires effortless expression.

Chris is a mentor in the field of creative expression and a living example of an open creative channel. He is a world-renowned recording artist, a writer, a performer, a photographer, a filmmaker, a graphic artist, and a workshop facilitator. Motivating all of his work is a deep sense of devotion and mysticism.

I am excited and honored to be part of the 2014 Sedona Yoga Festival because of the beautiful. expansive and loving Spirit that is generating this gathering. Last year was a stellar first offering and i can’t wait to experience the next generation.

Chris’s Website: ChrisSpheeris.com

Matthew Hunsaker

Matthew’s Classes at SYF

The team and I are excited to share our passion for prop assisted moving meditations because of the cognitive conditioning it provides. We feel that flow arts can strengthen community bonds as well as increasing awareness for the individual.

There is a fire prayer-formance, community fire spin jam with Mental Physix on the turntables, and a workshop covering many flow toys. We are several prop assisted moving meditation practitioners and in the spirit of community we are sharing fire and flow for individuals who live on and off the mat.

Here is a list of links to those making these nights possible:

http://www.burningpassion.com

http://www.thecircusfarm.com

http://www.drummingsounds.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/firelightfashions

http://www.firelight-entertainment.com

http://www.holisticlifeservices.com

http://www.mentalphysix.com

http://www.sedonasilks.com

http://www.westcoastjuggling.com

Our team is comprised of friends, yogis, conscious community members and mindful art therapists. We look forward to sharing our passion for prop assisted moving mediations with you.

Team members: Danielle Macias, Jessica Packard, Juanita Bosman, Katrina Messenger, Adrian Ealy, Brendon Hebert, Chase Archer, David Hirshman, Matthew Hunsaker, Nathan Machutta, Paul Dunkirk-Greenbaum and TJ Stutts Center holder of group intention for Fire Prayer-Formance is Katrina Messenger Center holder of intention for group workshop is Chase Archer

It is a pleasure to be collectively sharing the flow of a community that has become our family in Arizona.

Use the code AZFLOW to receive 10% your ticket to SYF

Sedona Healing Hut Website: SedonaHealingHut.com

Nick & Javier Montoya

Nick & Javier’s Classes at SYF

My good friends Nick Montoya and Javier Montoya will also be presenters as this year’s conference. They are the cousin team that have created and produced “The Ageless Program”. They are bringing this awesome program in a full day pre-conference setting to introduce yoga to beginners. My own Mom used the DVD version of their program and it works! We are all excited about this special pre-conference day because it makes the benefits of yoga available to everyone, no matter their age or physical ability or level of yoga experience.

Website: Ageless Program/Vayu Productions

Feelin’ fiery?! There is a tendency in the air to strike out rashly against others. There is an impulsiveness about.

Do you feel it??

There could be a sudden release of tension and impatience that you are feeling.

You could be feeling this energy as a time to free yourself from any restrictions and finally be able to break yourself free from them.

There are MANY significant energies/aspects going on in the Universe which I will spare the details of and skip to just explaining how this is affecting us right now {if we are open to and tuned into the energy}.

This is based on the current aspects between the Sun, Pluto, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Moon & Neptune during and from approximately the New Moon {Jan 1st} with some aspects lingering throughout January.

Your life could take on a radical new direction!

There is resistance coming from others around you.

If you suppress the need to release restrictions due to your own attachments and inhibit your ability to take full advantage of making a change you are susceptible to physical disturbances or accidents. Use your full awareness to notice when anger and frustration arise and communicate your needs effectively and make your choices consciously.

Things are intense right now. Our interactions have depth and intensity and we may not be comfortable with communications that are The Universe is asking that you get involved with what you are doing, really involved. You could have powerful results for such intense dedication and passion. The past couple of days could have had you feeling like you have been going through some inner transformation.

You are likely to be able to see the silver lining and bright side of any situation now. Avoid going overboard with your emotions or actions right now. You could be feeling courageous or like you need a sense of danger in your life. Use this energy constructively by doing things that bring you excitement but not at the expense of yourself or others.

Be careful pushing your limits Especially when it comes to the law or any legal matters. You may be feeling very driven to accomplish your goals and move forward/get ahead on your path. Try not to become too dogmatic or force your views and ideas onto those around you which will only increase the chance of getting into power struggles.

You may be feeling very sensitive to your surroundings. Keep around positive people because you are very susceptible to picking up the energy from the people around you right now. Your imagination is likely very stimulated. Poetry and art have a great pull on you because it is easier to express yourself this way instead of using words. You could EASILY misinterpret someone or be misinterpreted. Beware of self delusion.

You are being tested on whether or not you can handle your relationship with the system and ‘toe the line’. You are feeling ready to break out of any boxes you have been confined by. There is a need to see the world differently and gain a different perspective on life. You will want to be free of the narrowness you are seeing around you.

There are unexpected and surprising events all around that will shock you and test your to endure change and stick to the path you have chosen. Do you really BELIEVE in what you are doing? Is your heart into it? You may feel like there are many obstacles in your path. BUT, if you are doing what you should do and following your path you will be only tested but still able to hold on to your truth and stick to your path.

This is a time of rebuilding. Transforming your energy, life and releasing old and outworn ideas and structures are the focus.

There is sudden change and anything that is getting in the way of your growth needs to be removed. These changes are happening on a global scale as well. Use this opportunity to feel MORE ALIVE!

REMINDER

New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.
New Moon at 11° of Capricorn

Wednesday, January 1, 2014, 3:14 a.m. PST
Wednesday, January 1, 2014, 7:14 a.m. EST
Wednesday, January 1, 2014, 11:14 a.m. GMT
In the Pacific Time Zone, the New Moon will occur at 3:14 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1. This New Moon finds the Moon and Sun in conjunction (0°) at 11° of Capricorn. To further clarify how this New Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 11° of Capricorn in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with that house are going to be most influenced by this New Moon’s presence.

SPECIAL NOTE: As we would say in an email, tweet, or post . . . OMG! I’m not sure I’ll have enough superlatives to describe this powerful New Moon in Capricorn, but I will try to do it justice. Please know that if you are going through rough times right now, you are not alone! I hope this post will (a) explain why you might be experiencing some major challenges and (b) what you can do to successfully navigate this time period. Always remember that, “This, too, shall pass”!

All New Moons are times when we can have a new emotional start and reset our intentions and goals. But this New Moon in Capricorn is incredibly important for several reasons, including the fact that it is happening on Wednesday, January 1 . . . the day recognized as the beginning of a new year according to the Western or Gregorian calendar system. Having the New Moon fall on New Year’s Day only happens about every 28-29 years, and this greatly magnifies the potency of any resolutions you set for 2014. Be careful what you ask for now because you may just get it!

However, it’s not just the fact that the New Moon falls on New Year’s Day. This New Moon in Capricorn is part of the cardinal grand cross that we discussed in the last Moon Update. The grand cross magnifies the power of the New Moon and vice versa. It is a powerhouse! Before reading further, I would strongly recommend reviewing the information about the cardinal grand cross that was presented in my last Moon Update. (To find the section on the grand cross, scroll down to the paragraph beginning with “The second major astrological event . . .”.) This will help you understand what a grand cross is and why it is often so challenging.

The same 4 planets are still involved (i.e., Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Pluto). However, now Pluto is joined by the Moon, the Sun, and Mercury, all of which are closely conjoining (0°) Pluto in Capricorn. This makes the already existing cardinal grand cross MUCH more powerful. The original grand cross contained 4 squares (90°) and 2 oppositions (180°). The present grand cross contains a total of 10 squares (90°) and 5 oppositions (180°). That means a lot of turning points (i.e., squares) and a greater than usual need for balance (i.e., oppositions). Although the energy will gradually diminish through Sunday, January 12, the impact will be felt very intensely by many around Wednesday, January 1. Its influence can show up in our lives in small or large ways; and it can affect us personally, within our families, within our societies, or even the world as a whole.

And all 7 of the planets involved in the grand cross are in what are called cardinal signs (i.e., Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn). Cardinal energy is intense. It is all about new beginnings, initiating activities, and passionate energy. The strength of the cardinal energy is motivation, it’s weakness is its haste. It is a restless energy that wants us to move forward toward something. It wants to release stagnation so we can grow and improve. With all this cardinal energy, we are being given a cosmic push from the Universe. Major breakthroughs are possible now, and this emphasis on cardinal signs will last throughout the month of January!

If you remember in last month’s Full Moon in Gemini, I explained that the Uranus energy in the cardinal grand cross means that we can either choose to “change or be changed.” With the addition to the grand cross of three more planets (all in responsible Capricorn), it’s now time to “move or be moved.” This energy is insisting that we move. If we move willingly, we can actually do this harmoniously. The trick is to engage with the cardinal energy rather than resist it. If we can cooperate with it, release stagnation, and actively make a choice to move our lives forward, then we can (and very likely will) go to the next level. As astrologer Kathy Rose says about the cardinal energy, “Don’t let it happen to you, let it move through you.” That’s the best way to use this cardinal energy.

Capricorn is the dominant sign right now, and its focus is on physical manifestation and accomplishment. It is all about discipline, responsibility, dedication, and maturity. So we want to use our resources for the highest good, not just personal gain. Due to the planets involved in this cardinal grand cross, we are being asked to think about big issues now: Where am I stagnant in my life? What is my life purpose and/or my destiny? What am I ready to leave behind? What do I want to manifest now? It’s very important now to take stock of our direction in life and ask ourselves where we need to improve.

Given the planets involved, other important questions will need to be addressed:

Are you moving your body? Mars is asking us to take action, and that includes moving our bodies. It may be exercising, but it can also be taking physical action to start manifesting your goals. Sitting still during this time period will (a) lead to great frustration and (b) be a waste of very valuable energy!
Are you on track with your finances and your career? With Venus in retrograde all during January, we are being asked to review our relationships, appearance, and what we value. However, given this is happening in Capricorn, special emphasis is being placed on revisiting our financial and career situations to make sure we are making responsible choices in these areas.
Are you speaking your truth? With Mercury in Capricorn, we are being asked to be responsible for our spoken and written words. This includes the need to speak with authority, integrity, and confidence.
Where are you experiencing breakdowns? With this New Moon in opposition (180°) to Jupiter and squaring (90°) both Mars and Uranus, many of us may be feeling unusually judgmental and resistant to rules and authority. The Sun’s square (90°) to Mars can make us feel impatient or even competitive, and we may push ourselves too far. All of this can lead to breakdowns that set the stage for discoveries that expose untapped assets and free us from outmoded ambitions and expectations. Standing still is not an option now. And with the presence of Pluto in the grand cross, we can trust that whatever is coming up is coming up to be healed so we can move toward our future success.
What do you need to let go of in order to create space for something new? Even though we are setting goals for 2014, with Pluto in Capricorn tightly conjoining (0°) the Sun and Moon, we are being propelled toward eliminating or transforming any outgrown structures in our lives so we can heal. This may be simple things (e.g., cleaning out a closet) or more complex things (e.g., letting go of certain beliefs). Something(s) has outlived its evolutionary purpose in your life. If you are struggling to cut the final cords, then seek outside help from those who can give you tools, guidance, and support. With Pluto involved, this would be an excellent time to start or deepen work with a counselor, spiritual coach, etc.
What do you need to face? Pluto and Mercury are very closely conjoined (0°) at this time. Mercury urges us to use our mental skills to connect the dots. And Pluto is all about bringing whatever is lurking in the shadows into the light so we can deal with the “real” issues. We may experience pivotal disclosures and revelations. It will be hard now to deceive ourselves individually or collectively.
On Tuesday, January 7, a socially skillful and gracious conjunction (0°) between Mercury and Venus in practical Capricorn will be excellent for using reason and gentle persuasion to iron out personal differences and calmly state our desires.

However, the very next day (Wednesday, January 8), a square (90°) between Mars and Jupiter may cause us to go too far, do too much, or allow anger to get out of hand. This will often occur when we are trying to find a balance between finding a way to please others (Mars in Libra) and our need to pursue our own plans, beliefs, and truth (Jupiter in Cancer). Rather than being adventurous, it may be helpful now to maintain old habits or go with familiar comforts. But when used effectively, this aspect can also energize us to reach out to people or make a public announcement about plans that are meant to satisfy our innermost aspirations.

Then, on Friday, January 10, a sweet sextile (60°) between Venus and Saturn will help bring reason and responsibility to finances and relationships. And later that same day, Venus will conjoin (0°) the Sun, which usually supports increased self-acceptance. Given this is all happening in Capricorn (see description of cardinal signs above), it may be difficult to sit too long on your laurels. But these little astrological gifts from the Universe will allow us to value ourselves and our accomplishments as a positive starting point to reaching for more.

And on that same day (Friday, January 10), Mercury leaves Capricorn and moves into the air sign Aquarius. The lower expression of Mercury in Aquarius is to be flighty, ungrounded, and entrenched or rigid in our beliefs. However, the higher expression is fantastic! You may find that you are hungry for knowledge and open to new and original ideas. Inventive thinking is at its peak now, and our communication and thought patterns can be spontaneous and liberal. We are open to new ideas and willing to think outside the box.

Astrology on the year 2014

The two major astrological events in 2014 are (1) the ongoing series of squares (90°) between Uranus and Pluto and (2) the two cardinal grand crosses.

As we have been discussing, we are in middle of the series of seven squares (90°) between Uranus and Pluto, the impact of which began in 2012 and will continue for about another 17 months (through May 2015). The 4thand middle square occurred toward the end of 2013. The 5th and 6th squares out of seven will are often times when we are clarifying and/or implementing the changes that were identified during the first four squares. However, if any issues were ignored or denied, these additional squares become chances to face the truth. Overall, this is a time of evolutionary breakthroughs, on a personal and societal level. Significant reform is possible; however, if change is resisted, then revolution may be the result. The focus of the Uranus-Pluto squares is freedom versus control, and we may see sudden changes in power. This dance between revolutionary Uranus and transformational Pluto is wonderfully summed up in the quote by Jimi Hendrix: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
As explained above, the impact of the square (90°) between Uranus and Pluto is being significantly magnified during the current cardinal grand cross. This is starting the year off with a bang! However, the energy will only ease up a bit before another, even more powerful cardinal grand cross will form between April 7-May 14. Always remember that no astrological aspect or configuration is inherently harmful, and even the most problematic ones can be worked with to produce positive outcomes. However, grand crosses do signal a very challenging time period for most people. During both grand crosses, we will all have plenty of energy and chances to make changes. How we choose to use this energy is up to us. And luckily, the month of May will provide a “breather” for many of us, with a productive grand trine between Jupiter, Saturn, and Chiron (all in emotional water signs). We all will likely feel a greater sense of stability, balance, and cooperation, especially during the second half of the month. It will be a healing time!
Numerology on the year 2014

For those interested in numerology, I thought I’d mention that 2014 is a 7 Universal Year (i.e., 2014 = 2 + 0 + 1 + 4 = 7). Everyone on the planet is influenced by the energy of the Universal Year number, so it is a subtle, collective experience.

7 Universal Years are known for being focused on personal development and introspection that leads to changes in perspective. So although this year will start off with all this cardinal energy (see above), everyone will still need time during 2014 to “go within.” Rather than expanding our social circles, many will feel drawn to turn inward in order to expand our minds and explore spiritual realms. This may involve having contact with others, but we will need to take what we have learned externally and turn inward for discerning what is true for each of us.

7 Universal Years can also be a time when individually and on a societal level we will experience revelations. Anything that has been hidden from us or located in the shadows of our own subconscious minds will come to light. We will be questioning things at a deeper level to discern what is true and what is not. This could lead to an individual or mass awakening.

7 is the most spiritual of the numbers and is often referred to as “The Christ Consciousness Number.” It is a very important Universal Year for the areas of religion, spirituality, and metaphysics. The number 7 is considered to be the bridge between Heaven and Earth, and the doorway between the two worlds will be wide open this year. We can experience a deeper connection with God/Source/Spirit, including angels, guides, and deceased loved ones. Pay attention to your dreams, synchronicities, intuition, inner wisdom, and your connection to the Divine. This is also an excellent year to spend time in nature, practice meditation, learn yoga, or take classes in “all things metaphysical.”

Overall, the best way to use the 7 Universal Year’s energy is to focus on planning and balance. Take time regularly to be alone and to deepen your ability to trust yourself, because next year (2015) is an energetic 8 Universal Year when we will all likely be focused on progress, accomplishment, abundance, and prosperity.

Summary

This New Moon in Capricorn occurs on January 1 (New Years Day) and is part of the current cardinal grand cross. This means that our New Year’s resolutions will be tremendously enhanced. It’s a good time to set our goals for 2014 (and beyond) because we are all primed for major growth and progress. Be sure to use this powerful cardinal energy during January to begin to explore how to manifest those goals. The first 4 months of 2014 will involve a lot of challenging energy due to the presence of the cardinal grand cross at the beginning of the year and an even more powerful cardinal grand cross starting in April. But this energy is meant to motivate us to make the changes necessary to move forward on our evolutionary paths.

Overall, January is not going to be a month when we can sit back and observe what is going on around us. With all this cardinal energy, we must take action. Yes, many changes will happen this year . . . good changes! But change can be difficult if you fight against it or it takes you by surprise. Let go of whatever is not needed, and then focus on flowing and moving with this cardinal energy. As stated by Louise L. Hay, “Today I close the door on the past, open the door to the future, take a deep breath, step through and start a new chapter in my life.”

THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY

Anne Reith, Ph.D. (www.AnneReith.com)
INFORMATION TAKEN FROM

The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
Various online sources (e.g., http://www.cafeastrology.com)