There is a very interesting pattern this week involving Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto.  What needs to come to the surface?  What do we feel strongly about?  This powerful combination seems to be the perfect energetic analogy for the "Shadow"  at work.

Carl Jung coined this term.  I will do my best to describe it.  The shadow is a part of us that we don't want to share with others.  A part of us we see as bad or may not even see in ourselves.  This can be expressed as  judgements we make about others.  We think we would never behave the way that person did.   When we say NOT ME!  Yes, that is your shadow.   

These behaviors can be about Sex, Relationships, Work Ethics, Appearance, Belief Systems, etc.  When we are defensive and get triggered by something being said to or about us.  This is Shadow material.  

The Shadow can also include positive traits.  No one in my family sings well; I could never do that.  When you admire someone who is doing what you would love to do but have million excuses for why you can't.  That is a repressed side of yourself.  

The book "The Shadow Effect" by Deepak Chopra, Debbie Ford, and Marianne Williamson was very helpful to me.  You can take training at http://www.debbieford.com  Therapists and coaches are recommended on her website.  Addictions can be a sign that you are running from your shadow.  Your life doesn't have to be completely out of control to need Shadow work.  You may just be feeling a little dissatisfied.  The mid life crisis is an expression of the Shadow breaking through.

If you felt accepted while growing up; if you were not severely wounded by criticism you may not have a large Shadow.  Growing up without some criticism is unusual since criticism is how adults teach what is acceptable and unacceptable.  If these behaviors were rejected before the age of 6 they may be completely subconscious.   You may have watched another child get punished for something and made the decision you didn't want the same thing to happen to you.  In that moment you reject that behavior.  That behavior may be inconvenient but not actually harmful.  Like being hyperactive or asking too many questions.  Most people experience their shadow as acceptable until it is no longer working for them.

Fear is always at the root of our Shadow.  If you distill any core emotion like anger, jealousy, or greed you will find fear.  Fear of lack, fear of shame, fear of being harmed, fear of being violated; the list is endless.  You can begin shadow work by looking at what you fear.  Examine all of your beliefs about yourself and others.  It's hard work and may last a lifetime.  I stumbled upon this concept when I found the book mentioned above back in the Fall. 

You may also find Teal Swan helpful; she has a number of Shadow Work videos. http://www.tealswan.com

 May we all continue to journey into greater self awareness and love.

                                                                                                Music
I pushed the button to the radio in my car and this song was playing.  Funny!  Perfect title for the Blog.  I promise to introduce new musical genres in the future, but this was a funny coincidence I couldn't ignore.

This is the beginning of a very different blog format.  The workshop I just completed has made such an impact on my thought process that I no longer believe it is necessary to do a daily analysis of the planetary alignments.  I am starting a life experiment of living without analysis.  I will share what I am learning.  These truths have been knocking on my door for a long time.  It is time to leave old ways of thinking behind.  I hope you will join me on this journey.  Astrology usually coincides with events, so it is not surprising that we are coming up on the last tight square between Uranus and Pluto.  Last chance to shift your perceptions is what I'm thinking.  It may mean something very different for you.  

Energy is in constant change.  We are in constant change.  From early childhood we are encouraged  to define ourselves; what food we like; what are we going to be when we grow up?   This process of definition prevents us from seeing things from a new perspective when we get older.  This keeps us from flowing with energetic change.

                                                                                   INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO
This week Joe Dispenza  "Your Immortal Brain", this was the first video I listened to that made perfect sense to me.
                                                                                                 MUSIC
This week I am sharing an old road trip song.  My daughter made a CD for me when Johnny Cash died.  It was a road trip favorite for many years.  It seemed appropriate for his birthday.  I love the way Willie is looking at an old image of his friend.  
                                                                                                   ART     
This is an old tree that caught my attention.  It seemed to fit the ghostly theme of the song.  Enjoy!

Johnny's Birthday on the 23rd

Sunday, we are still feeling sexy and romantic after Valentine's Day.  Monday may bring about strong feelings of passion and territory.   Tuesday brings opportunities to speak with clarity.  Wedsnday  is a feel good day for most of us.  
Thursday is a great day to plan for future action. Friday there might be hurt feelings that need to be tended.  Saturday we can express our feelings in a constructive manner with successful negotiations.

Mercury went direct  last week.  Are you experiencing a change in attitudes?  Are decisions being reviewed?  It is now time to take action.  We are moving towards a nice trine between Uranus and jupiter.  These are lucky times for people hooked into this trine; anyone with planets in 12 to 14 degrees fire signs.  Fire signs are Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius.  Air signs, Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini can benefit as well.  

This is a powerful time of change; the two planets that have been in square aspect for the past two years will be making the last exact square in a couple of weeks.  Uranus and Pluto are moving toward an exact square aspect and this will have an impact on the cardinal signs; Libra, Aries, Capricorn, and Cancer.  This can be a powerful time of new beginnings as well as endings.  That energy is already in place and we are motivated.

Check out my Facebook page for inspiration and information.  This week more Joe Dispenza!

                                                                                                          ART
The coast of Mendocino.  Kate Wolf territory; thus, the musical selection.

                                                                                                       MUSIC
This song is about unconditional love.  As I age I realize this is the only love worth giving.  This love rejoices in the presence of the loved one.  This is the kind of love that wants the other persons happiness and fulfillment.  It is a gift to feel it and a gift to express it.  After the romance of Valentine's Day; this song is a reminder of what is truly important.  

Sunday is all about feelings.  We may not express them but we need to process them.  Monday is jovial, nice way to begin this second week of February.  What did the groundhog do?  Tuesday; don't try to communicate much, Mercury is about to go direct.  Enjoy a little nostalgia and wait for the future to reveal itself.  Wednesday we might be feeling a little excessive.  Two bowls of ice cream may be two much!  Thursday; why are we feeling sad and blue?   Friday starts with Thursdays leftovers but ends with a good dose of fun!  Oh, the week ends with Valentine's Day!  Maybe you didn't get the right bouquet of flowers or make the right dinner reservation.  
Oops, well make the best of it.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Positive use of these energies would be using your emotional energy to let people know how much you love them.  It's a fairly easy week accept for minor irritations.  Enjoy the week. 

 Remember your own birth chart may have some very conflicting aspects during this same time period.   "This too shall pass."   

                                                                                                                 ART
Speaks for itself.  This tree is the Graffiti tree; this is a sampling for Valentines Day.   Here's to old Love.

                                                                                                               MUSIC
Noah and the Whale  "Do What You Do".  I love these kids!