I emphasized ‘year’ intentionally. I am not referring to the calendar year most think of when they use or read that word.

Rather, I’m thinking of what I can best describe as a ‘spiritual year’. In my study of both the mystical teachings and practices of Kabbalah and Christian mysticism, there is a very common theme – that of the ‘spiritual year’. In Christian nomenclature, it is often called the “liturgical year”. For the Kabbalah, digging beyond the Jewish traditions that overlay it, it is astrology.

But what is most interesting is the fact that both religious traditions have their foundation in astrological themes.

Christianity – because of it’s patriarchal-need-to-control-everything history – has tried to mask the astrological connection with new words and labels. But once you dig beyond those – it is clear that the “liturgical year” is quite connected thematically to astrology.

Coming to this realization for me was quite eye opening. For as long as I can remember, I have always been able to see God quite clearly – in everything. (Yes – even all the EQ2 and Serpo drama!)

It is one reason I feel so spiritually grounded. But I am digressing from my original intent with this post. Today I received my “weekly tune-up” email from a Kabbalah resource I use occasionally and it is quite powerful. The emphasis is mine.

These next eight days (April 19 — 27)………….there’s a powerful opportunity to transform and change our life for one year and forever. It is not about remembering what happened in the past. It’s about remembering what’s happening now — and knowing how to tap into that energy.

We can remove ourselves from the chains of repetitive patterns of wrong relationships, fears, pains, uncontrollable thoughts that drive us crazy, laziness and lack of energy and enthusiasm.

{snip}

Where are your hot buttons? What are your insecurities? How do you doubt yourself? Pay attention.

When someone says something that ticks you off, don’t shoot the messenger. Explore why the comment provoked such a strong emotional reaction in the first place. Is there some grain of truth there? Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Ask yourself, “Why did that comment make me feel so mad (sad, defensive, hurt, judged, or attacked)?

These next seven days, expose your weak areas, your vulnerable “I don’t want to talk about it’ spots.

What can you do to make it different?

The gates are open this week. Leave behind all that’s ruling you. Put in the extra effort to look within. You just may get the key to opening those gates for the rest of the year.

Yes indeed. Candles are lit for my battalion of guardian angels to be on stand by, and my self-awareness antennae are all on high alert.