As a clinician this year, I have witnessed a general consensus…collectively, we are all receiving signs to level up. We are all experiencing rebirths, transformations, and renewals. It is up to you whether you recognize it and seize the opportunity. What does it mean to level up? What do those signs look like? And once you recognize these signs, how do you go about shedding your past skin and stepping into a new skin? These questions and more will be answered in today’s article.
In astrology, each planet in our solar system represents certain aspects of ourselves and life. The planets move around the sun, and as they move, they fall into the 12 signs of Astrology (Leo, Virgo, Libra, etc.). In January 2024, Pluto underwent a huge transition, which occurs only about every 20 years. This is important because Pluto represents hidden issues, shadow work, transformation, and rebirth. This may be one of the reasons why we are experiencing collective transformations.
Pluto, because it is so far away, does not change its astrological sign very often. In fact, from 2008 through Jan 2024, Pluto was in the sign of Capricorn. Together, this pairing would have brought up, collectively and personally, issues around authority, finances, laws, rules, government, hidden truths, big corporations, and power imbalances. What happened from 2008 through 2023 in your life and our lives as a collective in which you see these issues coming up?
In January, Pluto transited out of Capricorn and into Aquarius, where it will remain until 2043. Aquarius is a sign that represents innovation, science, sustainable practices, humanity, collective rebellion, justice, and equality. So, how does this affect us? As we are pulled collectively towards more Aquarian ways, it is a good practice to step back and view how you respond to adversity, changes, and new ideas. When we are asked to level up, the signs may not be what you expect. They may be a loss of a job, a natural disaster, an illness, a fight, an accident… something that reroutes your path. How you choose to view these events will dictate your future. It is said that the universe will first throw pebbles at you, then rocks, then boulders until you listen. Today, we are cultivating listening skills.
First, how do you listen? It is the act of self-reflection. For example, after experiencing negative emotions or times when your boundaries are crossed, it is a great time to analyze and ask, “Why?”
- What triggered me here?
- What is the emotion behind this experience?
- When was the first time I experienced this emotion?
Taking a moment to journal about an experience and ask yourself these questions may result in some clarity. You may be responding to something from your past rather than the moment.
This is, in fact, the case with all of us. As we grow and experience life, our brains and bodies store good and bad experiences. Slowly, we create a network of what we know as safe and not safe. Though beneficial, it can also hold us back. For example, how do we release that embarrassing experience we had with public performance at age 10? Or those awkward social interactions we had in our teens? We are no longer those children, yet our brains keep us there by not expanding or leveling up past those experiences. We freeze whenever we think about public speaking or stand in the corner rather than talking at group socials.
If you are ready to let go of the past, here is an exercise for you: Write, Read, and Breath.
Here is an example which will walk you through the exercise:
Triggered response:
“I do not like public speaking. I freeze up just thinking about it, and my palms start sweating.”
Ask yourself, ‘What emotions come up with this?’
Fear. Embarrassment. Shame. Not being enough.
Then ask yourself, ‘When was the first time you felt this way?’
It was a piano recital when I was ten years old.
Now, write that memory down in complete sentences:
I was ten years old and froze during my piano recital. I forgot everything and played the first two lines over and over again the entire time. I was so embarrassed. I cried at the piano and in front of everyone.
Now, with someone you trust (partner, friend, therapist), read the memory out loud.
I was ten years old and froze during my piano recital. I forgot everything and played the first two lines over and over again the entire time. I was so embarrassed I cried at the piano and in front of everyone.
Next, read the memory aloud again, but only 70% slower.
I was ten years old and froze during my piano recital. I forgot everything and played the first two lines over and over again the entire time. I was so embarrassed I cried at the piano and in front of everyone.
Next, Read the memory for a third time. This time, add a deep belly breath at the end of every sentence.
(Breathe) I was ten years old and froze during my piano recital. (Breathe) I forgot everything and played the first two lines over and over again the entire time. (Breathe) I was so embarrassed I cried at the piano and in front of everyone. (Breathe)
Lastly, chat or journal about how you feel.
I feel compassion for myself as a little girl. I feel like the fear no longer has a hold of me.
If you are at a point in your life where you recognize the pebbles yet are unsure how to make the changes needed to move forward, this exercise is a great way to release and shed. Welcome to the transformative Aquarian Age; let us collectively grow together.
By Megan Fuhrman-Wheeler
Her goal is to spread herbal knowledge in rural America in a safe, constructive, and accessible manner.
Owner, MEGAN & CO. Herbal Apothecary + Teahouse
www.meganandco.com
Trained at the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism
Certified Clinical Herbalist
Certified Clinical Nutritionist
Certified Flower Essence Practitioner
