Hello dear First name / one,
 

We have put the literal darkest day of the year behind us in the northern hemisphere, and yet we know that it will only get colder before it gets warmer. If we allow ourselves to accept this duality of the natural rhythm, why can't we be more forgiving with our own internal rhythms and cycles? Sometimes holidays are bittersweet. The end of a long and challenging year can feel both exciting and uncertain. Let's ditch the rhetoric that something can only be ONE way, and embrace the complexity of nature and of ourselves.

Yes, that's my hill and I'm willing to die on it.

If you have not been gentle with yourself these last couple of weeks, I invite you to take the time now. Today, the moon will be full at 7:28pm PST in the sign of Cancer. Our watery mother sign will have us finding security in the home and family (chosen or otherwise). Tend to your emotional world as you would to a child. Engage in parenting activities such as cooking for yourself, building a pillow fort, or watching your favorite movies.

There is a focus on need vs want, and the “shoulds” get very loud during these next few weeks—to the point where they dominate the conversations into the New Year. Be mindful to put the “shoulds” in their place (preferably the trash.) They only serve to create guilt or stress, and frankly they aren't serving you. Allow yourself some time to think about how your needs may have changed over this year.
They are allowed to do that, you know. 

This moon also makes a harmonious aspect to Uranus, the bearer of changes. Think fortuitous encounters, the motivation to shake up your routine, and a freedom to express your uniqueness.

While most of us will welcome January 1st this year, I’d like to propose an alternative to the pop-cultural idea of the New Year. How many of us have set new year resolutions only to crash and burn by the end of January? In a non-COVID year, gyms are notably at their busiest in January and then drop off in February. The first day of Spring does not dictate warm blue skies and fields immediately popping with fresh daisies, so it seems a bit absurd to hang our expectations for immediate change on a new date. 

In Human Design, the sun moves through each gate every six or so days, and the beginning of the Human Design year is Gate 41, the gate of the initiating root pressure of desire that drives us toward new experiences. This year, the sun will move into Gate 41 around January 22. Until then, we have several gates of tension, ambition, inner truth and (finally) completion to transit through. 

What if instead, we considered it the New Year Season… during which time we can take stock of where we are at, make plans for where we’d like to go, clear out what is no longer serving us, respond to the changes as they happen, and close out the energetic year fully prepared for the new experiences of 2021? 

If you’d like to experiment with me, I’m taking this week (December 30-January 5th) with several grains of salt. While the sun will be in Gate 38—the gate of the fighter—for New Year's Eve and Day, I’m going to remember that this energy is all about finding purpose for life, not just fighting to relieve tension. How can I channel this energy in a healthy way for myself and others around me? Read more about the energy of the Human Design new year here.

If there was ever a time to take your time (I'm looking at those of you with Emotional Authority*), let now be it. Check out some helpful links below and know that I'm always here to chat.

*Not sure if you have Emotional Authority? Book your INITIATION for a comprehensive reading as well as embodiment coaching to begin living with less resistance and more satisfaction, in alignment with your human design.

I'm always happy to connect, and I hope that this resonated with you. If it did and you want to share the Moonsletter with others, feel free to pass it along! And if you're reading this and you haven't signed up, join here!

alexandra@honoredbody.com