Winter time is a time of quieting down, the signs forewarn us far before December 21st. I am sure you folks out there in countries and states that find snow embracing your environment already get the picture. Winter time helps to support what we have initiated in transformation and change. During this time when people of the earth followed the cycles of seasons and climatic change they were planning and prepping for what may lay ahead. Unfortunately we modern humans are so far removed from our earthen roots that we have not developed habits and a routine to flow with the times. Flowing with the times allow living creatures to develop instincts and premonitions as to what actions to take.

Even here in Hawaii most folks have no clue about the season. Actually it is quite a paradox here in Hawaii for us locals. Living in Hawaii you must go with the flow of nature and the elements. Actually I have to reiterate the elementals. Nature just is here. That is the attraction of the islands.
Elementals rule here. There are no predictions as to what mood an elemental may have here in Hawaii. That is why the common caption in Hawaii is 'Hang Loose', go with the flow. Most of the time nothing lasts long but you can't make anything happen here. You have to ask, petition, and be in good relationship with the moment for all to move well. If not then it is your initiation into learning how to behave.

We are so isolated and removed from the rest of the mainland's that most of the energy that is emitted from them dissipates before it reaches us and we are really like being in embryonic fluid here. We've developed our own way of moving about and being. That is the real beauty of being here in Hawaii.

I have grown accustomed to living on mountains and here in Hawaii is no exception at 4500 ft elevation at near Haulemaumau caldera. When living in the mountains with forest around you are inundated with the elementals and nature. The winds change when a new season approaches. The birds sound different. The rains shift pattern. You can anticipate the change even though it is apparently slight in comparison to the bustle of populated areas. The senses become more acute in quieter isolated places.

I bring attention to this type of awareness because that is the beauty of paying attention to seasonal change, and getting use to it helps to build a relationship with the earth.

Of all the times of the year the winter season will test or show you your level of maturity, and how you react to death and closure.

This is a very poignant time of my life as I write to you. Firstly I am a Cancerian, a summer child and Winter is my balancing season (the opposite). I am in so much joy to become one with the quiet and the journey of winter. Here is the time when journeying and vision questing is paramount in my life. As an astrologer I urge you to explore more the opposite time of year as to when you were born. That is the time of year we must come to embrace and learn to joyfully dance with.

In this newsletter I'd like to address the importance of eldership and elders, the significance of maturity especially spiritual and emotional during this time. Also what the Hawaiian goddess Pele has meant to me and what she has meant to others who have learned to live with her here on the Big Island of Hawaii.

I would like to look at the Chinese New year and its significance to us as well. The importance of the moon phase at birth, since most calendars were based on the moon and her cycles rather than our system that was created in the 1500s by Pope Gregorian. This year the moon's energy that has foreshadowed most of our western astrological consciousness in the sign of Aries has an influence and will throughout the year. Additionally the dark feminine essence is prominent during these times and she is also honored and addressed in this newsletter.

I am also in the process of change in my life and will not be able to send out another newsletter until Summer Solstice of this year. I have accepted an assignment that will cut me off of most contact. I am sure I may be able to check emails once in a while but it will not be as frequent and as accessible.

Additionally I'd like to inform and share about the Mandala work being done here in Hawaii, our prayer circle and retreats being offered this year and subsequent years. This tool has been a valued factor in my spiritual journey and heritage and I will share its significance here as well.

Hawaii has been the most incredible journey I've ever had in my entire life. I look upon her with bitter sweetness, gratitude and honor as I am ready to embark onto a new journey. It is hard to explain her unless you have had the incredible experience to know her but I will try.

Diveena