Midwinter Transitions
Intuitive Reading from the I Ching or Book of Change – Midwinter Transition.
In this intuitive reading, Soul Resources offers guidance through the I Ching to support your midwinter transition in 2025.
Chinese Zodiac
There are 12 archetypal animal energies or zodiacal signs that govern each Chinese Lunar New Year. January 29th, 2025 marked the transition into the New Year of the Yin Wood Snake.
Finding Balance in Times of Transition ~
The Chinese usher in their New Year with over 15 days of carefully orchestrated celebrations. Our society doesn’t invest the same time or care in ceremony, however, I have found that it’s profoundly valuable to take a pause and acknowledge important rites of passage. Let’s take some time to respectfully acknowledge the transition of one archetypal energy to the other.
The Dragon’s energy is taking his leave and will be completely gone shortly after the Lunar New Year.
Just like this past year, the Dragon is quick to come and go. So, quickly take a moment to say goodbye and thank you. His intelligent and generous nature has helped us to rise above the many obstacles and dangers that bedeviled us in 2024. In addition, his endurance and ability to travel great distances in a short time motivated us to envision higher aspirations and exposed the folly of acting too quickly without forethought. If you ask respectfully, perhaps he will leave some final advice for this midwinter transition on his way out…
If the past year has exhausted you, Dragon recommends that you Exit Deteriorating Situations, then Reclaim and Ground in Your Power as quickly as possible.
Getting to Know the Energy of the Snake ~
Year of the Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037…
The positive qualities of Snake are: Energetic, Sociable, Graceful, Wise, Perceptive and Determined. However, the negative qualities that you can encounter are: Jealousy. Unapproachable. Suspicious. Sly and Inconsistent.
Complimentary Zodiac Signs are Ox and Rooster.
The Snake’s Secret Friend is Monkey and she is decidedly repelled by Boar/Pig.
Important Note: Two 12 year cycles ago, the Year of the Snake was 2001, a time of huge transformation in the U.S. and throughout the World.
If the past is any indication, 2025 promises similar levels of change, whether we like them or not. However, the Snake isn’t all bad news. She holds the energy for greater wisdom and perceptive determination to take good care of herself and the Earth. After all, she is a mother too. Under her cool and watchful gaze we have the opportunity to shed any lies that we may have been telling ourselves, both individually and collectively.
Snake is a great advocate for the truth, being cautious and dealing with things as they really are, which makes it a good year for letting go of rash behaviors and extreme ideas.
At first glance, Snake confirms that we’re going to need plenty of help Setting Clear Boundaries to keep our minds quiet.
Obviously, there’s plenty of trouble afoot. She recommends Developing Precognition or “intuitive hits” to help you stay out of danger as much as possible.
You may be confronted with extreme situations that you need to drop quickly and distance yourself from. Find out what’s going on and shed those old skins with Stuck in the Past.
As soon as you can, turn your attention to how you can improve your sense of stability and safety in your personal space using Creating Internal Safety.
Guidance from Kuan Yin and the I Ching
Kuan Yin has been helping us to transition into a New Paradigm based on common ground for the common good since 2009 and has some direct words to share with us:
“When the foundation of a building is collapsing, it’s natural for the people caught up in it to go into emergency and cling to something they think will save them. However, those who grab onto a part of the old paradigm structure that’s already falling apart are putting themselves in danger and actually working against their own best interests.
You may not be aware of how you’re clinging to your own past. It may seem, in your mind, that because things used to work in a certain way, they still do. You may even insist that what you understood to be real then is true now. When strong mental connections are challenged, strong emotions rise up. You may even grip harder and search for others who share your point of view. This is a classic survival response and completely understandable.
You may feel safer initially, because the group gives energy to the old deteriorating structure and that helps you feel more secure. However, the underlying framework is still unstable.
This midwinter transition provides an important opportunity to build a new structure in the present that could actually support you and others going into the future. Once you let go of the fear and other things that keep pulling you into the past, you can open to something much more hopeful.”
The I Ching
The original intent of the I Ching was based on an Eastern philosophy of observation and marking changes in natural and human events. Through many centuries and contributions from shamans and master teachers, including Lau Tzu and Confucius, the Book of Change was developed into a full philosophy for applying beneficial human conduct to varying circumstances. The Art of Feng Shui is part of that philosophy.Stay Calm and Steady Through MODERATION
The I Ching energy has been traveling in multiple highway patterns for some time and it’s likely to continue that way.
Whenever that happens, instability is exaggerated. The best way for you to find your own balance is to find and follow the flow of Hexagram #15 MODERATION or “the Middle Road.” The original text offers explicit warnings and advice for keeping your balance during this Midwinter Transition.
“In social relationships, avoid extremes. People who are overly intelligent or overly ignorant tend to extremes in their behavior and attitudes…
Your inner development now requires a modest and sincere attitude. Do not indulge in extremes of any sort, and instead strive for MODERATION in all that you do… In this way you use the balancing tendency of the current forces to center yourself. This inner equilibrium aligns you with the tao, thus bringing you into harmony with forces that can work for you…”
CH’IEN, firmness in the upper trigram of cosmic ideals is full of its own strength while the mountainous KEN, stillness, is immovable in the lower trigram of human affairs. Each is an extreme, yet the existence of each moderates the other. Without changing lines, the hexagram MODERATION reflects a need for temperance in dealing with the object of your inquiry. Carefully measure your reactions by disengaging from opinionated attitudes. Only in this way can you begin to make progress.” ~ Hexagram #15 MODERATION, The I Ching Workbook, R.L. Wing, Random House, NYC, NY, 1979
Another prominent Energy Highway is described in Hexagram #23 DETERIORATION.
” There is an impressive display of DETERIORATION in nearly every aspect of the current affair. These lesser elements and those who represent them have gained complete control over the situation…
In political affairs and matters of power the time may be thought of as a rapid DETERIORATION or overthrow. There exists now an abundance of incompetent persons in positions of authority to help bring this about…
The text continues to warn against forging ahead at this time. Your best course is to wait out the difficult times and protect yourself by generously providing for those close to you.“
There exists a brief time where the flow of Hexagram #49 CHANGING is available.
If, at all possible, you see an avenue open for positive change, take advantage of the opportunity.
“The forces at work in the situation are in conflict, leaving the path open to change. Yet the work of bringing about such a change is as difficult as it is important. People fear change because of its unknowable effect upon the future; so when a real need for CHANGING makes itself felt, it is a serious matter indeed. Clarity, forethought, and great devotion are now required to achieve your purpose. If correctly handled, however, the results can lead to a progressive new era.”
To clarify, Kuan Yin teaches that each of the Hexagrams has a distinct flow that you can come into sync with and use to your benefit.
When you don’t see any benefit in following a particular highway, the flow for MODERATION is always available, it just takes effort and experience to stay in balance with it.
“Your inner development now requires a modest and sincere attitude. Do not indulge in extremes of any sort, and instead strive for MODERATION in all that you do… In this way you use the balancing tendency of the current forces to center yourself. This inner equilibrium aligns you with the tao, thus bringing you into harmony with forces that can work for you…” MODERATION, The I Ching Workbook, R.L. Wing, Random House, NYC, NY, 1979
Numerology and the Tarot
The Tarot Major Arcana Card for 2025 is #IX The Hermit (2+ 0 + 2 + 5 = 9)
The Hermit represents the ONE IDENTITY, or IAM. Whether it be the consciousness of a man or a woman, the Soul who has attained enlightenment stands upon the mountain peaks as a light bearer for those below on the path. He or she is solitary, alone. This symbolism contradicts the fact that in reality, the central Self of every one of us, which seems to us to be separate from every other Self, is that same ONE IDENTITY.
The number 9 is about completion – the completion of a cycle. The neutral color of his robes suggests the ability to neutralize the opposites of black and white. Therefore, the Hermit is a guide for when one needs inner clarity and to shine light on the furthering of one’s Soul or Soul’s purpose. However, following just any light in the darkness can be hazardous. False lights and bedazzlements obstruct inner development and enlightenment.
When our actions are illuminated by the Soul, rather than the status quo, important information about timing, reversals or polarity are available and will serve us going forward.
Assistance for Those Experiencing Extreme Stress ~
As you can see, a decidedly different combination of energies are taking form that will require us to cross over into new territory. Hopefully, a place where we can find new resources for courage, endurance and faith in ourselves.
Soul Oriented Solutions offers assistance through Self-care Formulas and Mind Exercises that have been designed to help those who are exhausted, still in shock, overwhelmed or emotionally drained due to extreme weather events and socio-political change.
If you or someone you know is experiencing extreme stress and needs quick assistance for overwhelm and other symptoms of PTSD, this resource can help…
Access Overwhelm Help Here
Please share if you know someone you think could benefit.
About the Author
Rheanni Lightwater CHT, CKT lives and practices in Santa Fe, New Mexico and has 26+ years experience in the art and science of mind body healing. Contact her for a private session if you still feel like you need support.
Ms. Lightwater’s mission is to assist people in creating healthy balance and harmony in their lives through Reiki, Energy Medicine, Hypnotherapy, Feng Shui and Shamanic forms of clearing. Sessions are available online or when you visit Santa Fe. Contact her at 505-271-4612 MST or email: [email protected].
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Disclaimer:
Intuitive Learning Circles should not be considered as an exclusive method of treatment. The appropriate medical or psychotherapeutic authorities should be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment if there is any medical or psychological condition. The information and practices described on this website are best considered as an adjunct to orthodox medical or psychological treatments.
Protected: Reform Your Relationship with Your Environment
Protected: Intentions and Feng Shui
Protected: Transition to the New Paradigm
Protected: Transforming Your Life – Chinese Zodiac
Heartfelt Communication Using Your Intuition
Intuition is Learning to Listen with Your Heart
The goal of this exercise is to empower more confident, cooperative and heartfelt communication in the New Paradigm.
Heartfelt communication is something many people say they would like and wonder why it’s so difficult to achieve. In the best of times it happens naturally by opening your heart and listening to its promptings.
Unfortunately, when life takes a difficult turn or tragedy happens, as it has for many of us, the heart and throat centers can shut down, leading us to feel cut off and at a loss for words. Repeated trauma and other violations of the spirit take their toll. Perhaps it’s the shock of disappointment or the panic one feels when the world gets turned upside down.
Opening up again may take time and some extra encouragement, especially for introverted, shy or highly sensitive people. Yet, with a little help, your heart can heal and your throat can relax again.
By practicing heartfelt communication with yourself first, you strengthen your intuition, which is like having an inner guidance system. When you go one step further and act on your intuition, you can:
- Re-examine your relationship with yourself and the world
- Reclaim an inner peace that helps you remain objective
- Recalibrate your ability to express your truth
- Renew the connection between your throat and your heart.
- Resource new ways to nurture cooperation and appreciation
*If you often go blank or feel like you’re out of your body during conversations you may be dealing with unresolved shock or anxiety. If that happens during this exercise, or at any other time, you can go through Self-care Formula #1 Healing Emotional Shock to get grounded.
** If you’re having difficulty with boundaries, you may need to go through Mind Exercise #8 Developing Healthy Boundaries in conjunction with this exercise.
In the New Paradigm there are new channels of protection and communication that we can learn to utilize for our benefit.
The transition out of the Water based Piscean Age into the lighter, quicker energy of the Aquarian Age (Air) has contributed to quite a few challenges. Most people are experiencing including breakdowns in communication and a general atmosphere of instability.
As you go through the exercise, utilize the Divine Protection Chart to access the generative energy flow of the New Paradigm. Let it help you organize your communication and give it the lift and lightness needed to be successful.
By contemplating the symbol, you’ll be able to intentionally close down harmful channels and open up to the generative life force (chi) that is available through the Element of Air. Gaze softly at the symbol with these positive affirmations:
“Any stagnant, heavy or destructive energy flows from the past are closing down now – in my mind, my body and my communications.”
Integrating with this new channel will help us connect with each other in far more generative and life affirming ways.
“I am open to receiving generative life force through the Element of Air.”
“I pull together new lines of communication using the lighter, quicker energy of Air.”
Heartfelt Communication: A Mind Exercise using Animal Totems from the Intuitive Learning Circle method.
Many cultures claim that messages from the animal world inform and offer us guidance – a very special kind of “medicine.” The Intuitive Learning Circles use messages from animals and nature to facilitate your learning and access inner peace.
For example, Monkey Medicine is about calming angry or critical thoughts that are causing trouble in your communications and life. In today’s world, many conversations have no intention of creating any kind of common ground and are merely an opportunity to criticize or pick a fight. Monkey can warn you if you’re about to engage in a hostile or manipulative communication.
Gaze softly at Monkey’s Circle, and ask:
“Is there any real opportunity to make progress with this person or group?”
If the answer is “no,” you may need to go through this exercise just so you can say “no” effectively and still be as kind as possible.
If your answer is “yes, I can make progress here,” ask yourself honestly:
“Am I open to changing my perspective around this particular communication?”
If your answer is still “yes,” get out some paper and something to write with to make notes as you go through this exercise.
*For best results, place both feet on the ground and gaze gently at each Circle to receive your own message.
Let’s start by introducing you to the very first Intuitive Learning Circle from Gifts from the Rainforest.
Animal Spirits Medicine
- Animals are our partners in creating an abundant and peaceful life on our planet. By observing their behavior and the role they play in their environment, we can adapt to and make the most of the circumstances in our lives. This Intuitive Learning Circle helps us take ownership of how we use our energy to communicate. It also helps us to set things right by listening to the wisdom of our hearts.
Relax and breathe as you would in a state of meditation. Bring to mind the person or group you would like to improve your communications with. When you gaze gently at the Circle, you can tune in and receive your own answers to the question:
“What do I really want to communicate to this person or group?”
Take your time and write down what comes to you initially.
2. Because of the alarming amount of confusion and manipulative communications happening around us, we need to address the possibility that various aspects of your subtle energy system may be damaged by toxic attachments or karmic entanglements that would interfere with clear communication.
Use this Key to relax and meditate on for as long as you like. Like a healing balm, imagine that a loving coat of peace and comfort is pouring down over you.
“My energy system can effectively neutralize interfering energies and detach from them.”
“I easily let go of toxic attachments.”
3. In our current environment, it’s not uncommon for the chakras and/or meridians to start running in reverse or shut down entirely. Relax and let this symbol help you make corrections to problems including reversals, deformations and misdirections.
“I repair any glitches, holes or blockages in my energy system.”
Continue breathing until you begin to sense the calming energy of your Soul coming through.
Butterfly Medicine
4. It’s always helpful if you can tap into positive energy that will assist you. If you continue to relax with the medicine of Butterfly, you may be able to utilize beneficial energies from your environment to nourish a more successful and reciprocal outcome.
After all, what you put out comes back, so it’s worth it to take a few extra minutes to clarify what you really want to put out!
Once you’ve lightened up a bit, gently bring your attention back to who you’re communicating with, what you want to communicate and how you might do that more effectively.
Electric Eel Medicine
5. The message of Electric Eel is about being coherent and grounded in the way we’re communicating. Use this medicine to scan your body and energy. Pay attention to any areas that feel muddled, blank or void when it comes to communicating with this person or group. Once you feel the inconsistency, Electric Eel will help you clear up the confusion and fill in the blank with positive energy and purpose.
It can also help you change the polarity of your throat and heart chakras so that they can realign with each other.
Note: This would be a good time to scroll back to the symbol at the beginning for Divine Protection to close down old energy channels and integrate that new energy channel before you continue.
River Medicine
6. Now that you’ve done all that, River Medicine can help you settle into a clearer perception of what you can say honestly and without exaggeration. Use the Circle to bring your senses into balance like the volume control on a radio.
Not too high, not too low – just right!
Bringing them into balance will support clear intuition by helping you to remain calm and perceive your situation the way it really is.
Now you can be more objective. Adjust the volume on your proposed communication. Take time to consider what’s really needed.
Does the volume need to be turn up or down? Does it need repetition? Something else?
Of course, there’s what you’d like and what’s actually possible.
Create a positive affirmation to guide you:
“In this situation, my communications are _________ and __________.”
Divine Connection
7. The next step is to empower your ability to express your needs and create a clear intention that you can follow through on.
“I exist and am empowered through my heart and Soul.”
“I am empowered to take good care of myself and develop heartfelt communications that are life affirming, truthful and cooperative.”
“I am empowered to release harmful intentions or interference.”
“I’m able to express myself clearly and keep healthy boundaries.”
Continue by making your own affirmations that apply to your intention:
“I am empowered to _____________.”
Jaguar Medicine
8. An important part of this exercise is to improve your confidence. Bring in Jaguar Medicine to surround yourself with a sphere of protection made of Light, strength and determination.
Once you’ve visualized that both crossed and uncrossed, can you remember a time when you successfully communicated something similar, either through your words or your actions?
It was probably something you felt very confident about.
Take your time and remember what was important about it.
Is your current communication challenge also important to you? Do you care?
Why do you care? Why do you care about the person or group you’re communicating with now?
What is motivating you?
Is there something you’d like to change about that or add?
Hummingbird Medicine
9. Another reason to cultivate heartfelt communication is to increase your experience of joy, connection and positive service. Hummingbird is our guide for accessing harmony and joy. Use this medicine to help you remember more about your successful experience. What did you enjoy about it?
What was the most positive aspect?
Did you enjoy getting a positive response?
Would you enjoy getting a similar response with this communication?
Hummingbird also helps us distinguish the difference between cooperation and compromising one’s integrity. For example, people who enjoy being “nice” have problems with communications because that attitude often puts them in impossible positions. Another problem is trying to be everything to everyone.
Use the Circle to unwind yourself from agreements, attitudes or assumptions that cause problems in how you communicate.
Use these affirmations to help:
“I untangle myself from extremes, codependence and no win situations.”
“I am free to enjoy simple and cooperative communications.”
Soul Color
10. Whenever you’re very happy or have successfully manifested a goal, you’re naturally using your Soul’s unique vibration or color. Use this Soul Color chart to see if a particular color comes to mind for your successful communication. Relax for a minute or so to find it and strengthen your resonance with it.
“I recognize my Soul’s unique color vibration and strengthen it to enhance my confidence and communication.”
When you’re ready, ask what kind of message your Soul would like to give and receive in this case.
What would be your Soul’s purpose in having this communication?
Would you be happy with that message?
Take your time and sift through the pros and cons of your proposed communication. Continue to make notes.
Dissolving Destructive Blueprints
11. You’ve probably gathered up a lot of old mental, emotional or spiritual patterns that contributed to misguided, confusing or ineffective communication in the past. This would be a good time to let them go.
Use this symbol to help you find and Dissolve Destructive Blueprints. See them like dark clouds, dissipating into the pure light of the Sun.
“I dissolve destructive patterns for harmful communication
and any connection I have ever had to them.”
“I release any grief, loneliness, frustration, anxiety or __________
that would interfere with heartfelt communication.”
Please note: Never send destructive energies into the Earth, she already has too much to handle now. Use the Earth for planting seeds of happiness and life – not death!
Piranha Medicine
12. Piranha is about spiritual direction and protection. Use the Circle to close the doors to all the myriad pathways in your mind that would lead you back into dangerous, confusing or ineffective communications.
“I close the doors to any harmful, misleading or manipulative communications.”
“I follow the direction of my Soul’s protection.”
Heart Chakra Key
Now it’s time to integrate your communication with the Heart Chakra Key. Bring your attention to your heart center and allow the energy there to gently connect and balance throughout your body. It might help to place your right hand on your heart center and your left hand on your throat center.
Soon, the energy of your heart will naturally shift and start radiating out, like a star!
Can you imagine incorporating kindness, compassion, caring, self-respect and respect for others into the essence of your communication? If so, you’re ready to refine your message.
If not, what do you think you need?
Make a note of what comes up so that you don’t forget.
Starlight Medicine
Starlight aligns our individual consciousness with Universal Truth to achieve clarity and order. This medicine integrates conscious awareness, compassionate action and alignment with “true north” – the direction of your spirit.
It also helps you get more present in your body. Imagine that you can bring your Soul’s energy into the center area of your heart and solar plexus.
Once you feel more present in your heart center, contemplate what you originally wrote down.
Is this really what you want to communicate?
Are you clear who you want to communicate this message to?
Do you think that this message, as it is, will evoke the response you’re really looking for?
Is there a more effective message to send?
Sky Medicine
Finish now with Sky Medicine and allow it to help confirm a joyful message that is heartfelt and you really want to communicate.
That way, your words are bound to have a more desirable impact.
“What I really want to say to ________ is ____________________________.”
Once you’ve got the main message, see if you can refine the details about who, what, how, when, where and why.
Congratulations!
You have taken the time to consider the true impact of your words and re-frame any confusion or negativity into more heartfelt communication. Be sure to take some time to relax. Take a walk and integrate what you’ve come up with.
About the Author
Rheanni Lightwater CHT, CKT has 25+ years experience in the art and science of mind body healing. Contact her for a private session if you would like more help.
Ms. Lightwater’s mission is to assist people in creating healthy balance and harmony in their lives through energy medicine, hypnotherapy and feng shui clearing. Sessions are available online or when you visit Santa Fe. Contact her at 505-271-4612 MST or email: [email protected].
Find out about Intuition Training for Personal Growth with us!
Disclaimer:
The use of these self-care formulas and mind exercises are not intended take the place of appropriate medical and/or psychiatric care. Soul Resources LLC and Rheanni Lightwater are not licensed to practice medicine. If you are having prolonged or increasing bouts of anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts, seek immediate medical help. The appropriate medical or psychotherapeutic authorities should be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical or psychological condition. The information and practices described on this website are best considered educational and complementary to orthodox medical or psychological treatments.
