New beginnings
Dear Ones,
We have entered the new year of 2026 and passed through this portal to embrace something new. This year is, by all accounts, one of great change! Lots of transformation is on the horizon for all of us.
Astrologically, it has been said to be about change and growth! There are major planetary shifts in the fire and air signs, with a rare Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries, suggesting dynamic, high-energy change focused on new beginnings, self-realization, and merging dreams with reality!
In Chinese Astrology, as we close out the year of the Snake, shedding our skin and letting go of what no longer serves us, we transmute it as we begin to ready ourselves for the year of the Fire Horse, whose unstoppable energy officially begins on February 17th is a year of "passionate, dynamic, and unstoppable energy." This energy can be intense, and we must learn to ride the waves with great awareness, self-care, and focused intentions to support both our personal and collective change—a year of breakthroughs and innovations in our lives.
What this means for each of us will vary, as we are unique, each with our own blueprint, life circumstances, and sacred purpose we are living. Yet we will each be affected by these strong, intentional energies, which will act as a catalyst, supporting us as we move toward a higher octave on our own spiral path of growth. This is exciting! Daunting, maybe too.
We are in a period of accelerated growth. Something bigger is the driver here, guiding us in our next right steps toward this fast-paced evolution of a more heart-centered human. How we meet this energy surge is important. If we resist, we will struggle, and things will break down. If we jump into the fiery times without self-care, we will burn out.
Yet, this is a natural part of growth; we will find ourselves resisting, and maybe even jumping into the fire with abandon. However, it is important to be gentle with oneself when these feelings arise, make them conscious, breathe, rest, reset, reassure, reach out for support, connect with community, and give gratitude.
We need forgiveness and grace for ourselves and others as we confront these unconscious fears, hidden patterns, and conditionings, which will support the ease and delivery of this new birth.
We can learn to ride the wave of intense energy that change brings, bringing the breath, love, compassion, and intention to each moment of this process. Most importantly, we do not need to do this alone; we need each other. Together, our support becomes exponential, and the journey toward this new birth becomes a mutual celebration.
What is unfolding for you this year? What challenges are you facing? What new patterns do you want to develop as you shed and transmute old patterns? How can you take care of yourself? Where can you find community?
Interestingly, we are starting the year with our Cycles of Change, Shamanic Healing Initiatory Process, the first module of our SHIP cycles. This is the first time we have started SHIP in the new year, and it marks our fourteenth year of offering SHIP!
Wishing you all a remarkable, blessed, and transformative 2026.
Hope to see you soon!
Much Love,
Carley and John