Happy Chinese New Year!

The Chinese lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, began Monday and was celebrated in Asian communities around the world. So what does "Year of the Dragon" mean?

In Chinese astrology, the dragon is the most powerful and auspicious of the 12 signs of the zodiac, one associated with high energy, prosperity and change. This year is considered especially lucky because it is the year of the water dragon, something that only happens once every 60 years.

In general, Chinese astrologists like what they see.

A Taoist priest said, "The dragon year is a year of luck, growth and prosperity. The dragon represents the sky and moving up, just like this flame."

In a dragon year, he said, business will be good and money will come easily. And given our economy, that wouldn't be a bad thing. Fortunes as well as disaster will come in massive waves. This could be a year typically marked with a lot of surprises and violent acts of nature.

Tempers will flare the world over, and political change is always expected.

The Taoist priest said 2012 will definitely have its challenges, but fear not -- it's a water dragon year. The difference? The water will help cool and at least temper things down. :)

Ah yes. Amidst all the change and tumult that exists in all our lives it is sometimes difficult to remain centered and calm. We are continually guided to "be still", to "listen to our hearts"; but this can be very challenging when it seems as if every minute of our day is spoken for and we are constantly being bombarded with information from every imaginable source.

I received this "Life Tip" in my email earlier this month from Rev. Angela Peregoff. I pass it on to you because I have used it and found it to be a very helpful tool in assisting me to remember who I am and how I am connected. I hope it serves you as well:

It has been said that the longest journey is often the few inches from our head to our heart. In our society we value the intellect. For example, our educational system is based on developing the masculine qualities of reason and logic. Undervalued is the heart, the center of our soul, and the feminine qualities of goodwill, compassion and tenderness. We neglect the heart centered qualities. Headaches, worry, anxiety, insomnia, cancer and heart disease are only some of the consequences of ignoring the heart. Toxic relationships, crime and violence are others. When we cut ourselves off from our connection to our soul and inner guidance, we lose our way to our God Source. We must all eventually make the journey from our head to our heart in order to evolve. Why not make it now? It takes time and commitment to release the issues that keep us disconnected from our hearts. For temporary help try the following:

                Place the palm of one hand on the forehead over the
                3rd eye.                                  
                Affirm 3 times, "I am clear."
               Take a deep breath in and let it out with a sigh.
                Now move your hand and place it over your heart.
                Affirm 3 times, "I am here."
               Take another deep breath and let it out.