“For anyone wishing to explore more deeply the effect of animals in our life, Lucy Harmer’s book Shamanic Astrology is a wonderful guide.”
–Ted Andrews, author of the international best-selling titles Animal Speak, Animal-Wise and Nature-Speak
Welcome to Lucy Harmer’s Shamanic Astrology monthly forecast for the Northern Hemisphere! Each month Lucy shares inspiration and ideas for the coming weeks from her book Shamanic Astrology: Understanding Your Spirit Animal Sign.
Shamanic Astrology is based on the study of the movement of the sun and the moon during the different seasons of the year. There are twelve astrological ”signs” which are represented by twelve different spirit animals. To find out your own personal spirit animal sign (the sign you were born under), please check the table of spirit animals at the end of this article. Shamanic Astrology teaches us that inner power derives from knowing the properties, characteristics, and qualities of each spirit animal (known as their “medicine”), and applying this in our own lives.
Each month I will focus on the spirit animal for that month, and describe the “energy” of the month itself and also the influence of the moon. I will also indicate which other spirit animal signs will find this month to be particularly beneficial, and why.
January 20 – February 18: OTTER
Month of purification
Spirit Animal Sign of the Month:
Otter is the spirit animal which corresponds to January 20 — February 18 (in the northern hemisphere). If you were born at this time, your spirit animal sign is Otter and you share Otter’s strengths of being creative, playful, sociable, perceptive, honest, inventive and independent. You may also share some of Otter’s weaknesses and can have a tendency to be rebellious, anarchic, detached, unpredictable and uncompromising.
Medicine: Otter’s medicine is the ability to listen to your inner child, and to enjoy life with passion and freedom.
Element: Air
Stone: Turquoise
Color: Silver
Plant: Fern
Energy of the season:
Otter’s month is the time of purification. On the surface, nature seems static. However, deep underground dormant energy is awakening. During this month, the sun gains in strength, rising in the sky; darkness will soon give way to light. By the end of this period, the sun will start to melt the snow, announcing the arrival of spring. In the same way that the earth is being purified and prepared for its new cycle, this month is a time for purification and finding a new way of approaching life. It is a time to reflect on how we can make the world a better place. All that is undertaken during this month will be influenced by the themes of progress, justice, and benevolence.
Energy of the moon:
Otter’s new moon started on January 15th and the full moon is on January 30th. The period from January 20th until January 30th is an ideal time for reconnecting with old friends and having some fun! It is a time for renewing inspiration and vitality — an excellent time to plant seeds for the future and the year to come. Following the full moon, the period of January 31st to February 13th is a time for reflection. It is a time to consider the effect of our actions on the world around us and on those we love. This is also a time for adjustment; of matching our goals to what we want to see in the world — particularly in the areas of justice and benevolence. February 14th brings the new moon in Wolf, promising an incredibly emotional Valentines Day! The sensitivity of Wolf’s new moon also brings with it hope of making the right connections with people; this is a good time for giving the best start to new relationships. It is also an excellent time for developing intuitive skills.
This month is particularly favorable for the following signs:
Otter:
If your sign is Otter the energy of this month is very favorable because it corresponds to the month and the moon of your birth. A new cycle is about to start in your life and this is the best time to start planting seeds. Use the sun’s energy to take stock and head off in a new direction.
Deer/Raven:
If your sign is Deer or Raven this is a very lucky month for you, with lots of harmony because you are in your own air element. A multitude of opportunities will open up for you in this period and this is the best time to give destiny a helping hand!
Falcon/Owl:
For Falcon and Owl people, this is a very dynamic month, full of energy which favors the conception and birth of new projects. You will feel new motivation and a renewal of your energy at this time.
Table of Spirit Animal Signs:
To find your spirit animal sign, just locate your birthday from the dates below, according to your place of birth. If you were born north of the equator (e.g., USA, Canada, Europe), then look for your date of birth in the column headed “Northern Hemisphere.” If you were born south of the equator (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa), then look for your date of birth in the column headed “Southern Hemisphere.”
© Copyright 2009 Lucy Harmer
Shamanic Astrology is available for purchase directly through NorthAtlanticBooks.com, as well as major book stores and online retailers.
CLICK HERE to learn more about courses, seminars and workshops offered by Lucy Harmer.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Shamanic Astrology.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Discovering Your Spirit Animal.
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