Welcome to 2010-I don’t know about, you but I can feel the optimism pulsating into every area of my life, even the problems and difficulties that accompany daily life don’t seem to drag me down for too long……….something that I am truly grateful for!

The very powerful New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Capricorn, Friday 15th January, (an emotional time for many and has perhaps, caused us to take stock and focus upon what is important in our lives) has initiated a new round of changes that thrusts us further in to the dynamic energies of 2010.  Phew!

Onwards we are ushered (and not always smoothly!) and on Wednesday, the movement of the Sun guides us in to the somewhat unpredictable, fiercely independent and always creative, “Aquarius”   which brings even more change! Oh Boy!  Are we in for a cosmic ride!

According to Alison Rae www.starpriestess.com ….”Massive changes will be initiated in 2010 and integrated in the years ahead. In short, 2010 will be a defining time in humanity's evolution. Galactic energies will force us to change. We will reach a crossroads in 2010, and the choices we make will set the stage for eons to come...”

So in the words of the well known song, “transformation is all around”…………  or is it “love?” ……. creating new realities that are more in alignment with our “Soul” or “Higher Selves” is  not only possible, and plausible, but quite clearly…dare I say … inevitable!

The first Goddess Card for this year is Goddess Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, beauty and passionate sexuality.  She ardently offers us help in releasing any blocks that are standing in the way of creating a beautiful new love relationship, and will lovingly assist us with revitalizing a long standing one. 

Her name means “water born” or “foam Born” because legend has it that she sprang from her father’s (the Sky God Uranus) castrated genitals which were cast into the ocean. 

When Cronus was castrated by Uranus and his part was thrown into the sea, Aphrodite was created and arose on a large shell, which was then carried to land, thus her name being translated "foam-risen". The sea nymphs dressed her and adorned her with flowers and gold.

 She now represents Erotic Love as a form of Divine influence, and encourages us to allow our inner feminine wisdom (in both sexes, regardless of our physical bodies) to rise to the surface.  We can then experience more passion in our relationships and become more balanced with our inner feminine and masculine natures.

Aphrodite’s unabashed sexuality resulted in many men falling in love with her and her affairs were numerous and diverse.  Her most notable lovers were the gods Ares, Dionysius, Hermes, Poseidon, and the mortal, Adonis. She’s known as both Aphrodite Urania, representing soul mate love with commitment and spirituality; and Aphrodite Pandemos, representing pure physical lust. 

 Various Meanings of This Card: Balance your male energy with more female energy: Take steps to heal your sexuality: Enjoy being feminine: Dance more often: Be receptive: In relationships allow your softer side to come forward: Don’t hide your femininity (dress in a more feminine way, for example.) 

Aphrodite reminds us to “allow our inner feminine wisdom and dynamic beauty to rise to the surface and cherish its power and meaningfulness!”  

So, whether it is a physical experience full of lust and sensuality that we desire, or a deeply spiritual “soul-mate” connection, Aphrodite is here to help.  And regardless of gender, we can all develop our inner femininity that nurtures and guides us with its womanly intuition, become intimately aware of these magnificent parts of ourselves and celebrate our awakening!

 I wish you all abundant love, romance, passion and sensuality………….. And remember to celebrate your MAGNIFICENCE!

Love Helen