By Sarah Jane Grace | Source
Life carries an inevitable cacophony of ups and downs as the ebb and flow of the tides of time take us into unchartered terrain. Many of us have experienced challenge after challenge, feeling as though each time we come up for air, the currents take hold once again pulling us back beneath the waves. There are times when this can feel overwhelming and isolating, but there are also times when it makes us feel more alive as it reminds us of the preciousness of life.
Aliveness is perhaps an unusual word to encapsulate the essence of a month, but it’s extremely apt for September as this is a month to finally come up for air, to rest, reflect and breathe. Aliveness is more than keeping on keeping on or getting through each day. Aliveness is presence, it’s connection and it’s rekindling those dreams once again.
We so often put life on hold, waiting for a better moment or hoping for more clarity, but that better moment isn’t guaranteed or set in stone, as none of us can know what resides around the next corner. It’s easy to feel lost in the busy-ness of life, and this often takes over, taking us away from our hopes and dreams. It’s then often only when we encounter a significant milestone or challenge that we take a breath and feel galvanised into living more consciously.
It’s so important to live life as fully as possible as we cannot know when the clock may stop. Yet even this fact often isn’t enough to instil the courage to dive deeply, acknowledging our dreams, as well as the truth of how we feel. So many of us live life hovering on the periphery, having dreams, but lacking the self-belief to embrace them. So many of us long to be free, creative, and compassionate, but find ourselves on the treadmill of keeping on, keeping on.
When we turn towards aliveness, we realise that life isn’t about what we accumulate nor is it about how much power we have. Of course, many would disagree, but surely life is about living wholeheartedly in each and every moment? Life isn’t about standing still, waiting for a better moment, it’s about grabbing hold of life with both hands and taking a chance by stepping towards new terrain. Despite the clichés, we all know that life is rarely straightforward or clear-cut, it’s usually a glorious ramshackled mess of moments that collide and ricochet.
Life is precious; how we choose to live ultimately shapes and defines our paths ahead. We may not be able to guarantee a smooth path ahead, nor can we be sure the path will succour or nourish, but what we do have is now, and that is the only place where life truly exists. When we grasp the courage to be true to ourselves, something changes. It’s as though the volume on the world has been turned up and all of the colours, sounds, smells and thoughts are clearer, and more vibrant, than ever before.
When we stand in the truth of our essence, we can see life weaving and twisting, forging new pathways all around. It’s important to acknowledge that all of us form a vital and integral part of the bigger picture of the universe. We all matter. There are times when we may feel overlooked, alone or forgotten, but we all matter. Each of us shines a light that’s unique, and we all have our own beliefs and ideals, but collectively this all merges into something much bigger than we can ever fully comprehend. It’s so easy to notice the differences, the things we don’t have in common with others, but when we stop to notice the similarities and those aspects of humanness that undeniably unify rather than divide, we begin to shift.
Connection breeds compassion, division nourishes struggle and pain.
When we take a moment to pause, breathe and connect to the light within, our place in the world shifts a tiny bit. It’s as though this awareness nudges us into a slightly different way of being where we are free to embrace our gifts, our uniqueness and our dreams. Negativity creeps in like ivy over an old building, slowly bringing instability and collapse. Of course, there is beauty in the ivy, and there is always wisdom in negativity, but true wisdom comes from a willingness to see the bigger picture.
There is a need now for each of us to find our own light and to have the courage to let it shine brightly, feeling love and tenderness for ourselves (and each other). So, although the seas may be turbulent and tempestuous, and the skies dark with the gathering storm clouds, when we look within and connect to the light within, it has the power to guide us home. Home in this context isn’t where we live, it’s that place where we finally feel safe and have the freedom to be ourselves. Home is a state of being; we carry it wherever we go, so it’s important to make it a place of love, nurturance and joy as we navigate the rambunctiousness of life.
When we take the time to become fully present in life, we awaken our hearts and souls as we reconnect to the beauty, majesty and magic of life…
For now, and as always, I wish you all kinds of wonderful.
With love,
Sarah-Jane
Aries
♈
As you continue to reconnect to the fire that burns within your heart and soul, there is a sense that you are becoming even more aware of the ebb and flow of the currents of your life. There are moments when you feel as though you are taking one step forward but two steps back, and, at the same time, you are also taking two steps forward and one step back. Although this would suggest standing on the spot and never moving, intuitively you know this isn’t the case, as you can feel the shifts on all levels of your being. Of course, there is a layer of frustration that’s rising up within you as you want to charge ahead with your usual vim and vigour, however, when you step back to look at the bigger picture you can see that although you are sensing movement backwards and forwards, you have actually shifted exponentially. There really are no words to explain these unexplainable shenanigans, but in a way, this is better as there’s less time to think about it and get your brain tied up in knots. Intuitively you know that nothing much makes sense, but you are choosing to embrace life anyway and this takes courage and strength, wisdom and discernment.
It’s always easy to focus on the things you haven’t done, haven’t become or haven’t achieved, but this is a time to shift your focus away from lack and towards all that you are and all that you do. You often doubt yourself, feeling that you’re not enough, but it’s time to realise that you absolutely are enough in each and every way. September is a time to turn towards self-compassion as you contemplate your true priorities in life. As you begin an exciting new chapter, this is a perfect opportunity to reshape and redefine your life from the inside, out…
Taurus
♉
As you continue to create more room in your life, you are becoming increasingly aware that there is a part of you pulling against the other. On one side, you are full steam ahead, ready to charge forwards with things to do, places to go and things to achieve, but on the other side, there is a strong need for quiet, stillness and breathing space. They push and pull, tug and tangle, each one feeling at a tangent to the other, leaving you feeling as though you are being torn in two. Yet, when you pause, you realise that they are both facets of your being, and instead of wrestling each other, there are ways to bring them together into a more unified and balanced whole. Of course, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at times when life is on fast forward, particularly as your heart and soul are calling for stillness, yet when you are enjoying a tranquil moment, the pull to be busy is deafening. In many ways, this is the natural oscillation of your inner world, but it can be unquestionably discombobulating when you’re not quite sure which side of your nature you need to listen to or when.
Try to look beyond the discombobulation and look deeper within where the different facets of your essence come together as one. There is a sense that taking time out doesn’t come naturally to you as you feel that breathing space is a luxury, and this seems to drive a great deal of the confusion. However, not only is breathing space important, it’s essential as it’s your way of re-establishing balance and perspective. So, although you thrive when you’re busy, it’s time to find the strength and wisdom that resides within stillness. This isn’t doing nothing, it’s a conscious choice to breathe, be still and pause. It’s time to listen to your inner self more and to let your creativity, wisdom and innovation flow free…
Gemini
♊
As you continue to look deep within yourself, there is a sense that you are beginning to find joy amongst the shimmering layers of your soul. You have spent a great deal of your life trying to be the person you have felt you ought to be, the person that others wanted you to be, or the person you believed society would find most pleasing. As a result, over time, you have felt a sense of distance within your heart and soul as the person you know yourself to be, has struggled to be seen or heard. Trying to fit in and trying to belong have both taken centre stage, and whilst you are able to shapeshift in many ways and on many levels, there is a yearning deep within you to stop. Stop bending yourself out of shape. Stop trying to be someone you’re not. In many ways, this is far more challenging than it sounds because you have spent so long trying to be someone else that you have almost forgotten who you truly are. All is not lost, but you need to be willing to reconnect to your heart and soul, and to acknowledge that it is time to be yourself and to love yourself for it. Of course, you have never completely lost touch with the truth of all that you are, but it has almost been easier to ignore this instead of taking a chance and expressing your true essence.
September looks set to be a month where you take some time to look within in order to get a new sense of direction and purpose in life. You are an intuitive, creative, and sensitive soul, and it’s time now to embrace these gifts in order to seek out a new way of living and being. Let your inner light shine brightly and take the time to open up to your true essence as this is your pathway home…
Cancer
♋
You have always been one to keep on keeping on in life, but there is a sense that you are beginning to look beyond the four walls of your everyday world as you unravel and unpeel the complexity of your life on many different levels. As a result, you are no longer finding contentment with keeping on keeping on, you want more. However, what more actually means to you is very unique to you and does need some careful and thoughtful consideration over the weeks and months ahead. You frequently give a great deal of yourself to others, often over-giving of yourself. Although it seems somewhat unnatural to over-give, intuitively you can sense the meaning, as you tend to keep on giving beyond your resources. This is much more than time or money; this is your energy and essence. It therefore seems clear that it’s time for you to think about your own needs more and to turn towards your hopes and dreams, acknowledging them with an open heart and an open mind. Of course, you are a generous and giving soul, but it is important to give to yourself as well. You already know this, but the time has come to finally put this into practice!
Over time, your tendency to give so much to others has become the way in which you measure your self-worth and sense of success in life. Yet your self-worth or value cannot be defined by what you do for others, as you need to value yourself for all that you are rather than just for what you do. You are a vibrant and creative soul, and it is time to believe this now. September looks set to open up a new chapter in your life, one where you are finding joy within your heart and soul, living more wholeheartedly and believing in yourself…
Leo
♌
Busy, busy, busy has perhaps been your most widely used motto over recent weeks and months as you have been constantly on the move with things to do, people to see and places to go. It’s so easy to get caught up in the cycle of life, going with the flow and keeping on, keeping on. However, there is a sense that deep within you is a yearning for less; less busyness, less to do, less, just less. Although you flourish and thrive when your life feels like a whirlwind, there is a part of you that finds more sustenance from the quieter moments, those times when you are in-between doing and rushing. Of course, this momentum has the power to knock you off your feet, and to leave you feeling in something of a spin. However, you also know that this momentum carries great opportunities for creative exploration and adventure. It is therefore important for you to find a balance here, to seek out ways to enjoy the adrenaline of the whirlwind, but to also find wisdom and sustenance from the spaces in between.
The act of rebalancing allows your dreams to resurface and your energy to replenish once again. What warms your heart and soul and what brings you joy? These are the kinds of questions you need to explore now as you contemplate your path ahead. Listen to those whispers within and let your inner voice be heard as you are a wise and intuitive soul; it is important to honour this and acknowledge your true needs. Rediscover the joy of being you and take the time to celebrate your gifts as they are abundant. It’s time now to create a new way of living and being, a new dynamic in all areas of your life that gives you the space for your soul to start dancing once again…
Virgo
♍
As you continue to reshape and redefine your sense of self, it seems that you are beginning to find ways to realign your colourful inner world. Over recent weeks and months, there is a sense that your inner landscape has felt anything but colourful, feeling greyer or even monotone, which is a reflection of where you find yourself in life. You have certainly had more than your fair share of challenges, but the grey landscape seems more connected to you feeling as though your hopes and dreams have been pushed aside simply because you’ve been so busy with the business of doing; there has been little time for being. This has inevitably left you feeling a bit rudderless, leading to a retreat from your creativity and intuition. This has reached deeply within and into your everyday life which has been hard for you to navigate at times. However, September looks set to see the tides turn as you begin to feel more energised once again, bringing colour back to your essence and instilling you with a sense of purpose. Try not to overthink this, instead go with the flow and see where it takes you.
At the same time, although a grey inner world feels a bit lacklustre and empty, you are wise enough to know that there are always lessons from such experiences and this is no exception. As a result, you are beginning to contemplate your true priorities in life, and this has gifted you a paintbrush and palette to add your own choice of colours. In essence, you are entering a chapter of new terrain to explore, but this is on your terms rather than defined by those around you. This feels incredibly empowering and life-affirming in so many ways. So, take a deep breath and let your hopes and dreams re-surface as you realise that nothing is set in stone, everything is fluid. It’s time to let your light shine brightly…
Libra
♎
September looks set to be a month for seeking out new ways to express your creativity and passion in life. You have been so busy lately, leaving you very little time to pause or reflect, and although you usually thrive with the adrenaline of your inner whirlwind, there is a clear inner yearning for some peace. Although you are used to juggling so much in your life, it’s almost as though you are suspended in mid-air and no matter how hard you try to regain your footing, you seem caught up by the needs, wishes and whims of those around you. Your mission to try to be everything to everyone around you is admirable, but there are times when it puts you so out of kilter with yourself that you spin in mid-air like an autumn leaf dancing around in the wind. Of course, the leaf dancing sounds quite romantic and idyllic which is not how you feel when you’re dangling, as it’s more like a free-fall white-knuckle ride.
One thing seems clear, and that’s a need to take a breath and re-centre. Being busy might keep you occupied but it leaves little time for you to cultivate your creativity as you are left navigating a nauseating spin where you end up lurching from one day to the next. Breathe! You are at the helm of the ship of your life, so you have the ability to set down your anchor or to change direction. It takes courage and wisdom, but you have both in abundance, you just need to believe it. It’s time to become one with the dancing leaf and instead of feeling as though you’re in free-fall, connect to the majesty of the moment and find the stillness and nourishment it offers. This isn’t just about yearning for breathing space; it’s time to create it on every level of your life. Embrace your true essence and feel your energy soar…
Scorpio
♏
As you continue to navigate the shifting sands of change on almost every level of your life, there is a sense that you are beginning to find peace amongst the chaos. Your world has been rambunctious and turbulent over recent months (even years) and this has inevitably worn you down as there have been times when you’ve found it hard to breathe deeply and reset. Although you are more than used to the ups and downs of your everyday life, this seems more intense and more persistent than usual, and it has left you wondering where your hopes and dreams fit into the puzzle. Whilst you can see the kaleidoscope of zig-zagging energies weaving in and out, each one representing a person, experience, thought or moment, their power has penetrated your consciousness and left you feeling uneasy with a sense of doubt. This doubt is hard to articulate as it’s more of a feeling and state of being, but it has reached deeply into the nooks and crannies of your inner world, leaving you wondering how to relight the fire within your heart and soul.
Of course, intuitively you already know that the fire within is still burning, but it’s shrouded in mist and hidden from view, and this can feel overwhelming at times, as it can appear as though your inner world has become more like a storm building than the open seas you’re used to. September looks set to bring you the opportunity to find new ways to cultivate your creativity once again as you find peace with the rumblings within and realise that, even when the skies seem dark, you still have your inner light to guide you. Your perspective is vast and indefinable, your essence is beyond comprehension, but these are your gifts and they will help you navigate the ups and downs with wisdom and strength. It’s time to find peace within your heart and soul…
Sagittarius
♐
The pace of change in your life has always been something that ebbs and flows, and you have grown used to the constancy and movement, thriving on the uncertainty and spontaneity. In short, you love adventure and you find nourishment in the most unexpected of places. Yet, deep within the core of your being resides a slightly dusty, but beautifully preserved, piece of starlight. This starlight is your essence that twinkles brightly and illuminates your path. This starlight is your true self, the part of you that is constant, as it transcends time and space, making the impossible possible and bringing your dreams to life. Although this starlight twinkles, it’s become dusty because you rarely find the time to wholeheartedly connect to your inner world. Although you are an intuitive soul, you often get caught up with your ‘to do’ list in life, and whilst this does see you achieving goals, it lacks connection to your deeper self, and this can leave you feeling a bit hollow and empty. It’s almost as though your days become mechanical and pedestrian, but inwardly you yearn for adventure and discovery as you know this is where you truly feel alive.
Of course, even though you are busy with the busy-ness of life, your hopes and dreams are still intact, they just need your focus to give them shape and form once again. There will always be things to do but it’s up to you as to whether or not this takes your time and energy, or if you choose to prioritise the things that really illuminate the starlight within your heart and soul. The journey of your life inevitably includes ticking off daily chores, paying the bills and other life administration, but this doesn’t have to be the force that shapes your life as you have the power to let your passion, creativity and innovation lead the way…
Capricorn
♑
There have been a great many ups and downs in your life recently and there have been times when it’s felt as though you are experiencing every single emotion in a single moment, which is both overwhelming and confusing, but invigorating as well. You are a practical and pragmatic soul, so you often go with the flow of the lives of those around you, but when the waves come crashing in, it can be hard for you to find yourself as you’re not quite sure where you end and where others begin. Of course, you are wise enough to know that the edges are never clearly defined, but when you feel scattered in different directions, there is a part of you that yearns to pull up the drawbridge and retreat for a while. Whilst this may feel like an impossibility when there is so much going on, it’s probably more important than ever that you take some time out for yourself to rest, reflect and refocus. Although you can easily handle the chaotic energies of those around you, the time has come to ask yourself if that continues to be the best way to live. Only you can know the answer to this, but intuitively you know that your heart and soul are calling for you to listen more intently, to pause and to breathe life into your essence once again.
September looks set to bring you the opportunity to look at the bigger picture of your life in order to contemplate what you truly want, what inspires you, what lights up your soul and what depletes you. The latter is just as important as it’s time to learn the art of creating boundaries! This isn’t a judgement, just an observation that it’s time to honour your own needs more, as well as creating the space to explore your essence and follow your dreams. You are a vibrant, gifted and amazing soul…
Aquarius
♒
September looks set to be a month for regaining some centre ground in your life when it comes to creating both balance and momentum. On the surface, balance and momentum don’t necessarily appear to go together well, but intuitively you know that they need each other in your life in order for you to flourish and thrive. You have given so much of yourself to others in an attempt to be the person you’ve felt you needed to be, yet trying to be someone you’re not jars your heart and soul, leaving you feeling disconnected and discombobulated. It’s not that you want to be awkward or difficult, as you clearly try hard to fit in, but you know that fitting in isn’t really honouring yourself as you are a free spirit at heart. This has created something of a complex conundrum for you as you struggle with the idea that you might somehow be letting others down if you stop trying to be the person you feel you ought to be.
However, a life guided by ‘ought’ isn’t a life that brings you fulfilment, and you seem ready now to use your phenomenal intuition and creativity to carve out a new way of living and being that brings you joy. This isn’t to say that you will start ignoring others, it’s more of a sign that you are beginning to think of your own needs as well. This is quite a complex dynamic as it’s inherent within you to bend yourself out of shape for others, so when your intuition is opening up new pathways of self-discovery, this can feel like everything is clashing and colliding, rather than ordered and well-defined, as you are in new territory. This is exciting, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to re-shape and re-define the course of your life as you think about your true priorities and give your essence the space and freedom to flourish and shine…
Pisces
♓
With the winds of change continuing to gather momentum, there is a sense that you are on the brink of a new chapter of your life. This is a chapter that feels long awaited, and yet, it still feels quite nebulous and undefined. You have been hovering on the crossroads of change for quite some time, and although you are excited, you are still uncertain as to where you’re heading or why; it’s as though you have spent so long waiting for change that you’ve forgotten to check in with your heart and soul to gain clarity as to the shape of what this change means for you. Of course, there is always an element of uncertainty as that’s a given in life, but how can you move forwards unless you have at least a vague idea of destination?
Whilst you have mostly gone with the flow of life, drifting along by the seat of your pants, intuitively you know this is no longer enough for you. It’s often been easier to believe that you drift with the currents even though you know you create the currents, because it’s made for a quieter life, but it’s time for you to stand in your truth and re-connect to your hopes and dreams. You only drift because you choose to, and it’s still absolutely your right to continue to do so, but it seems clear that you yearn to be riding on the crests of the waves of life as you connect wholeheartedly to where you’re heading and why. Own it! Stop doubting your gifts and stop believing that you drift because you don’t, instead grab hold of your power and reclaim your truth. As you cross this important threshold, try to bring shape and form to your dreams as this is a chapter that feels life-affirming and life-enhancing in so many ways. It’s time to be you and to love yourself for it.