Wonder and Gratitude

Are you into the hustle and bustle of the season yet? If not, there’s still time to get uptight and stressed out. Even with Mars going direct on December 9, your ease of action won’t be fully restored until the New Year so energies haven’t been very free flowing. With the Sun moving into Sagittarius in advance of the holiday each year, the possibility for lots of activity, a long to-do list, and more goals to achieve than there is time in a day is always possible.

Also, it’s normally the optimistic time of the year. We may spend too much, eat or drink too much and find that by December 21 (the Winter Solstice, when the Sun moves into Capricorn) we are worn out before the holidays even begin. To top it off, this year we have lots of celestial stress with a Grand Cross and two cranky lunations.

What if I told you there is an antidote for the stress and burnout of this holiday season? It has two ingredients, wonder and gratitude.

I think of wonder as a quality that is most often found in children. Imagine a child’s delight at awakening Christmas morning to gifts under the tree, it is with wonder that they tear through their packages.

Perhaps we can use the attitude of wonder, to enliven what might seem like old obligations and annual routines. Naturally, I will attend the same family gathering on Christmas day that has happened for many years, but if I bring wonder into the experience, I might be surprised what a special and new experience that gathering can hold. I can help create a “wonder-full” family gathering.

The twin strategy for a great holiday season is gratitude. Although we’ve just passed the time of year when gratitude is emphasized (Thanksgiving), it is only a reminder of what should be a daily experience.

What a difference you’ll feel when you open up to gratitude for everything around you. Be thankful that your have loving relationships that cause you to run around trying to find a perfect gift to please. Be thankful that you have so many friends that the parties stack up and you regret not being able to be in two places at one time. Be grateful for the love that you receive during the holidays (regardless of the gifts).

Dear clients and friends, I am very grateful that I can share my thoughts and insights with you. 2005 has been a magnificent year and you’ve all played a part in that!  I continue to bring wonder to my practice of astrology as it is life-long study for me. It is my constant hope that I can help you find wonder in who you are and how your life unfolds through my consultations.

With a consciousness of wonder and gratitude, may you have a most delightful holiday!