An exciting year ahead, I can feel it in every single cell of my being. Strangely I feel different! It's funny how the years go by and on those momentous occasions like birthdays and New Year one can sail right through without feeling a change. Not this year! The shift is energetic. It's like a magnetic forcefield is pulling my energy in one direction and away from another. Mostly, it's now focused in my heart and less in my head. Strangely this shift makes me want to write more!! The polar universe that is. In my astro-verse I refer to this an ORF - oppositional reciprocity factor where everything has its flipside. The mirror is shining bright and wouldn't you know it I've lost my sunglasses again!! Lucky the clouds have kicked in (again) in Sydney's attempt at Summer.

So we are coming to the end of a 12 year cycle with the close of the year of the Pig. This time 12 years ago I moved to Sydney from Melbourne. This time 12 years ago Jupiter was in Capricorn marking my own Jupiter return. What it is to to experience this - refreshed opportunity; the outcomes of excess; sitting in the natal 5th house a creative explosion; a serious yet detached insight into all that has been, is now and could be in the future. Jupiter with Saturn - expansion and contraction. Possibilities and limitations. Contained excitement.

In this month's hoop newsletter I wrote - "Now is an important time to consider all that has been in the Year of the Pig - intensity, indulgence and interesting times. Consider these three elements with regard to your hooping practice - how were you most intense last year? What did you indulge yourself in? What most provoked your interest?" To answer my own questions it goes something like this. I was way too intense emotionally last year and that definitely includes my hoop world which I guess is pretty much most of my life these days. But something that I am becoming more aware of is that too often we confuse emotions with attached thoughts. I feel that I was too "in my head" and not enough in my heart. Too busy constructing realities without fully BEing in reality, whatever that may be. I was too intense with men and my masculine side - driving the hoop mobile hard and fast without taking enough time out to be in my feminine and with my female friends... to be in my practice and have compassion for myself and all others. It was definitely a Yang year, time for a little Yin - possible with the Rat on Rat?

What I indulged myself in... hmmm! Goes without saying really and needs not be said. Let's just say that the lid is firmly sealed right NOW and will be for some time. In many areas of life, 2007 feels like that last year of indulgence for me. I am ready for the middle path and the many processes of cleansing to reach a point of equanimity.

What most interested me were all the new tricks out there and the growth of so many hoopers, particularly here in Australia. We are so inspired here by the art of hoopdance and The Hoopaholics have really been taking on the challenge of feral hooping! The days of strict circus hula in this country are clearly over :) YAY! We are mixing it up and drawing as much inspiration from as many influences as possible.

I dedicate this year to my own practice of hooping and yoga. Also a time to cleanse my body, mind and soul. This year I would like to reach maximum health and fitness. Strong business practices are also on the agenda. Balance, focus and strength are called upon as I aim to fulfill many goals. The creative urge must be channeled with as much clarity as possible.