There are many sacred times in the year when ritual becomes more important than usual. One such time is this weekend- 12th Night January 5th. This is the time when the Three Wise men, (the Magi or Kings) came bringing gifts to the new born baby Jesus. These wise men were astrologers/astronomers who were following the star.

Astrologers calculate that this 'star' was the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, two planets that are visible with the naked eye which joined in the sign of Pisces in 0007BC.

Since Christianity uses the two fishes as its symbol they postulate that Jesus was born in that year. There are several birth charts for Jesus in existence, none are Dec 25th!

Twelve is the number for this year (1+1+2008= 12) and is the number that relates to The Hanged Man in the tarot, a card of surrender. It is associated with Neptune, the planet which represents Spiritual Oneness that is bliss, the energy that connects us all to Heaven, to the Source.

In this tarot card from 'The Tarot of Dreams' by Lee Bursten, (Artist: Ciro Marchetti) the Hanged Man is not suspended but is sliding down two shafts of light which come from machinery above him. His naked body is covered with tattoos of stars and suns and moons. The interpretation of this card indicates breaking free of the mould, being prepared to give in order that others receive.

This is the energy of Neptune and its sign Pisces. It's the true message of unconditional love that Jesus preached.

Clearing and letting go
This is a good process to be going through as we approach the New Moon on January 8th and the year when the astrology tells us that we need to get real, to bring our vision down to earth, to take action.

It's also a time to go within. Epiphany is defined as "a realization or comprehension of the essence or meaning of something or someone. An inspired understanding arising from connecting with profound insight, awareness, or enlightened truth."

Chuck Spezzano says that twelve is the number of a new self which is in relationship with -and receiving the guidance of - Heaven, the Universe.

He writes: "The number twelve signifies a new stance or exploration – as symbolized by the number one – and a new level of relationship, which is indicated by the number two. This brings about a whole new level of cosmic expression and spiritual communication, and a higher level of giftedness. We receive guidance or inspiration, and so can express our self at a whole new level." The problem here is that we need to give up control - which comes from fear- so that we may hear the inner guidance.

Astrologically age 12 connects us to the energy of Jupiter in our birth chart as Jupiter has a twelve year orbit, so will be in the same sign as it was at our birth. Jupiter represents our purpose in the world. It's no coincidence that age 12 is the time of many religious rituals such as Confirmation or Bar Mitzvah. Its also the age of puberty for many children.

The twelfth house- ruled by Neptune but traditionally by Jupiter - is the area that is most spiritual, where we renounce our ego and merge with the Divine. Its also the house in our chart which indicates career. This innovative concept (pioneered by Maurice Fernadez)is the subject of my talk in Hove on February 28th. If you cant attend then I can also help you personally with a consultation focusing on your 12th house and your career.

12th Night Workshop 'Return to Innocence' Jan 5th/6th in Hammersmith, West London
On this workshop this 12th Night weekend we will be working with the healing principle of letting go. This is not the easiest thing to do as our ego has great resistance to surrendering, to letting go of control, to trust and allow in the next step in our lives.

From December 20th 2007 until January 8th 2008 Mercury is exchanging signs with Saturn. This connection is one of the themes of the year. Mercury is the the communicator that rules the throat chakra. In Capricorn (Saturn's sign) it asks that we commit, that we declare our intentions verbally and be witnessed.

Our throat chakra is our second power centre. For many of us, this is time to speak up with conviction and be heard. This takes courage as Saturn can restrict and inhibit us. Saturn is connected to the base chakra, so this is a year to commit to being here- on this planet- and be grounded on the earth. To show up and commit to why we incarnated, to our purpose.

The power of sound and the voice is immense. It sets up a vibration which goes out into the world, just like radio waves. That is why mantras are so important as a way of changing your energy.

Last year was a difficult year. However, on a personal note I healed a huge amount of guilt (relating to my mother) that had been buried so deeply I was unaware of it - it was in my unconscious. This, I believe, would not have been possible without the work of Psychology of Vision which is deeply transformative and I urge you to consider attending a workshop. In a small group a place of safety and support is created where you can become aware of the parts of your mind that would otherwise remain hidden.

To book go to www.healingyourstory.com/pages/workshop_london_jan2008.html

My next workshop will be on February 9th/10th and is titled 'Your Soul Purpose - Remember Your Sacred Promise'. See www.healingyourstory.com

Main News -Pluto in Capricorn
Astrologers are all focusing on Pluto changing sign into Capricorn this month. This is major news as Pluto spends roughly 13 years in a sign. It's a very slow moving planet so don't expect to see the effects for at least a year. Plus Pluto's influence is balanced by the favourable planet Jupiter which is also travelling through Capricorn this year.

To understand what this means we first have to understand the nature of Capricorn as a sign, then Pluto as a planetary energy.

It's a time of completion
The key phrase for Capricorn is "I achieve" Each planet has a particular sign that it rules. Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn. The Sun passes through the sign of Capricorn in the northern hemisphere in winter. It's also the ending of the year and the welcoming of the new. It's represented by Old Father Time, dark, sombre and bleak. We might expect to see Capricorns in business suits, in colours such as black or navy. A uniform also can be a sign of authority, of someone in charge. Capricorn is represented by the mountain goat, the animal that is very nimble and gets to the top. Mountains are places that appeal to Capricorns.

Capricorn is a sign of initiation, a cardinal sign like the other 3 signs that signify the seasons and the turning points in the year- Aries Cancer and Libra.

Pluto changes sign into Capricorn
Pluto is the God of the Underworld and it rules the unconscious, emotional trauma, death and rebirth, regeneration, power, taboos and transformation. In other words - deep stuff!

A Pluto transit - if it affects a personal planet in our chart - will bring us to the depths of our being. It's as if we have journeyed into the Underworld. There we'll go though a rite of passage- which could be a 'dark night of the soul' - in order that we may be reborn into a far greater, richer and more conscious life.

Over the last 13 years (since 1995) all Sagittarians have experienced this transit. In the world it has been seen in the rise of fundamentalism. Sagittarius represents religion and we've witnessed the shadow - the 'God's on our side' righteousness.

Sagittarius is the process of teaching, of putting ideas out to a wider audience. Capricorn represents the results of that teaching - the knowledge or ideas are changed into visible results.

Capricorn is all about achievement.  An earth sign it governs the 10th house, which is at the top, the zenith of the birth chart. This is what we do in the world and shows our status.

Saturn is the planet that governs Capricorn, so this recognition has been earned and achieved through diligent effort over a period of time. Any time we succeed and pass an exam we have worked with the energies of Saturn. It shows our leadership - not the glamour of Leo's kingly rule - but that of a Prime Minister elected by the people and recognised by the group.

If it's your birthday this month you will have the powerful energy of Jupiter allied with Pluto available to you for the whole year. Order a Solar Return Report to find out more>

This month's most important events:-

Jan 2nd: Mars opposite Pluto. Mars is the planet of war and at the New Year midnight was along with Saturn one of the two planets visible above the horizon in the UK.

Mars will be significant when it stations on Jan 30th at 24 degrees Gemini. Any planet at that degree in your chart will be activated. Because it's in Gemini we can be caught in a dilemma, a split of which direction to take this year. Gemini is the constellation that is close to Monoceros, the Unicorn. This is a sacred mythological beast, one with spiritual powers of purification.

The New Moon in Capricorn on January 8th begins the New Year.

BEST DATES FOR HEALING: 11th January Venus makes a positive aspect to Chiron. 16th Mercury joins Chiron in Aquarius.

FOR PURPOSE AND BUSINESS: 21st January Jupiter trines Saturn.

Purpose
Jupiter is the planet of purpose - of how we take our personal gifts - our uniqueness as shown by the Sun in our birth chart -out into the world. The angel card right illustrates this perfectly. Jupiter in Capricorn says we need to take this seriously and be aware of how much time we have. This isn't 'never never land' but 'be here now'. This is a time when people come together and make a commitment, a contract that is binding and long lasting. This is a time of initiation and initiative. This is a building time and the foundations need to be secure.

Earth Signs
Jupiter is in Capricorn, Saturn in Virgo, so both are in earth signs. Earth is practical and grounded so this combination is excellent for all businesses and projects involving the health industry, finances, property and organisations that teach healing. The details have to be sorted out and there must be a solid foundation. A decent business plan is a good idea -or at least some idea of the future of the business, its aims and aspirations. This is not the time for 'get quick merchants' but thoughtfully worked out plans with good structure that will have long lasting success.

Build on your successes in 2007
So often we fail to appreciate how far we've come on our journey. It's a good time to reflect on your year and celebrate all that you've achieved in 2007. Think of the main areas of your life - relationships, spirituality and work and ask yourself:-

What have you accomplished?
What are you proud of?
What have you healed? What new friendships have you formed?
What are you grateful for?

On a personal note I have been clearing my flat, redecorating my office and in the process throwing out old notebooks and memories of past failures and mistakes. This is in preparation to acquiring a webcam, so soon you'll be able to see me as I talk to you! The office that was mauve, a colour that was rather depressing is now painted yellow, a colour that fills me with joy.

I've also let go of writing my astrology column for Wave magazine where I was restricted to a mere 35 words per sign. It no longer feels true to write these monthly Stars.

Instead I am focusing on delivering a newsletter which has deeper content,

may you have an uplifting, enlightening and deeply restoring month, Pam x