For the first time ever this year, I was guided to perform a Wheel of the Year reading using six different oracle card decks. It was a truly awesome and magical experience, one I look forward to repeating next year!

We begin the year with a message from Archangel Raphael telling us that the New Year is a great time to begin new habits. He cautions that even though he wants you to take a look at your dietary habits right now, he doesn't want you to fall claim to the false hopes and hollow promises of the diet industry. Instead of focusing on weight and the common, and harmful, act of dieting, he would like us to focus on health and taking better care of ourselves through by choosing to ADD more healthy food rather than restricting foods we already enjoy.

As we move into February, we are counseled by Archangel Michael to journal to help sort through and deal with any difficult emotions we may be experiencing right now. Sometimes, just the act of getting everything out on paper will help relieve the pressure and eliminate any confusion or pain you are experiencing. If you experience difficult emotions concerning a specific person, you may even consider writing them a letter telling them all the things you are feeling and how their actions have affected you. You don't ever have to send this letter - it can be for you alone.
In March, we are given the strong message that we are completely safe and protected by the angels. If you are feeling stress, simply ask for help and it will be given instantly!
As Spring progresses, we are joined by The Merlin, who lets us know that now is the time to proceed with steps we are taking toward fulfilling our Divine life purpose. This is a time of great growth and learning, of gaining confidence and of learning to trust our own inner knowing to guide us in the right way. It is also a time to make time for yourself to be alone where you can meditate, pray and ask for the answers you are seeking.
In May, Merlin's messages about following your passion are echoed by the Celtic goddess Oonagh, who reminds us that in order to reach our goals we must be willing to invest the time it takes to see a project to completion. She cautions against taking on too many projects, which will leave you feeling lost and overwhelmed. Instead, decide what is REALLY important to you and focus your time and attention on what matters to you. When you have seen one project through to completion, you can always focus your time and attention on something new.

As Summer begins, the angels join us and advise us to get out in nature and to spend time with animals if we can. They say to look around you and find ways you can work to nurture Mother Earth and her children. This could mean adopting more "green" habits in your daily life, volunteering at an animal shelter or finding other ways to become involved in the natural world around you. If you find yourself viewing a situation and saying, "Someone should do something about that!" you are being reminded that YOU are someone and YOU have the power to do something!

In July, Archangel Raphael returns with his message of self care through better nutrition. If you have been struggling with your New Year's commitment to take better care of yourself, this is a gentle reminder to get back on the path. You may want to consult with a professional nutritionist or begin to study nutrition on your own to better decide what nutritional choices are right for you and your health. Remember, even small steps add up to great gains over time. Don't feel like you have to become an organic, raw foods vegan overnight - if ever! What is important is finding the right path FOR YOU!

As Summer begins to draw to a close, the Angel's message regarding self care continues. This time, we are being advised to look into physical exercises such as Yoga, which blend mind, body and spirit through their practice. The idea is to quiet the mind and focus on caring for your body, especially if you have been struggling with low self-esteem and issues of body hatred. If you can, try to find a yoga instructor that maintains a "Fat Talk Free" or "Body Positive" environment that is comfortable for all people, regardless of fitness level or body size.

This Fall, we are being given the strong message by Archangel Michael that we need to consciously work on shielding ourselves from harsh, negative energies. There is so much fear and speculation swirling around regarding the 2012 shift, and so many fearmongers and doomsday prophets out there spewing their message of terror, that it is easy to get sucked down into all this negativity. Even worse, the more fearful and negative we become as a group, the more lower energies are drawn to us to feed off that energy and keep us from embracing the light. If you do not already, now is the time to develop a daily practice of grounding, shielding, and clearing away negative energies in order to maintain your high, positive vibration levels. Whatever you do, stay positive and don't give in to negative energies!

The message to remain optimistic in our thoughts, words and actions continues into October. Continue with your daily grounding, shielding and clearing exercises and find ways to focus on staying as positive as possible! You may want to begin practicing daily affirmations, visualizations and meditation designed to release negative emotions and focus only on the positive. The angels also advise going on a "Complaint Diet" where you make the choice not to complain - about anything! At first you may only be able to do this for a few moments at a time, but eventually you will be able to go whole days or even weeks without complaining. This is a powerful tool for banishing negative lower energies and keeping the flow of abundance in your life as open as possible.

In November we are joined by the Hindu goddess Sarasvati, who advises us to use music and creative projects to life our spirits and release negativity. She reminds me that the very word Music has spiritual origins, coming from the nine Greek Muses who inspire writers, actors, dancers, poets and artists and tells me that music is a powerful clearer of negative energy. Simply listen to any music that makes you feel any positive emotion - calming, uplifting, inspiring, energetic - whatever music you like will do so long as it carries a positive message and intent!

As the year draws to a close and the 2012 fervor reaches its peak, we are joined by The Spider, the great creator. She reminds us all that we are not victims of our live or passengers simply along for the ride. We are co-creators with the Universe in designing our life circumstances. If we allow ourselves to fall prey to negative, lack-based thinking, we will find ourselves in a correspondingly negative world where we are constantly scrambling to try and have our needs met. On the other hand, if we choose to hold on to positive thoughts and believe in a world filled with joy and abundance, we will live in a correspondingly joyful, abundant, beautiful world! The shift is coming! The direction your life takes is up to you!!
~ Lady Wolfdreams
~*~*~
January ~ Diet is Important Here
Archangel Raphael says that food is medicine and he brings you this card as a reminder of its curative properties. Instead of looking at a balanced diet as REMOVING something enjoyable, why not reframe it so that you view nutritious foods as ADDING to your life's enjoyment? It feels good to eat healthfully, knowing that you're supporting your body's energy through sound choices.
You drew this card to validate what your angels have already been telling you intuitively: "It's time to make positive dietary changes." You can do this gradually if you prefer, as even small concessions in the direction toward improved food choices can make a difference. By saying the prayer below, Archangel Raphael will help you reduce or eliminate unhealthy cravings.
Possible Specific Meanings:
* Listen to your intuition about dietary changes
* Your body is very sensitive to the foods you eat and the beverages you drink
* Change your eating habits and you'll change your life for the better
Dear Archangel Raphael, thank you for guiding me to make positive eating and drinking choices, and for redicing or eliminating my cravings for unhealthful substances.
February ~ Write About Your Thoughts and Feelings
This card indicates that you're confused by conflicted feelings and are unsure of which direction to go in. Archangel Michael will help you delve into your emotions, peeling away the layers in order to reach your inner core of truth. He guides you to write down everything you're thinking and feeling - without editing or censoring your words. Keeping a private journal will enable you to gain insights into the nature of what you genuinely desire. This clarity will illuminate the steps you need to take next!
Possible Specific Meanings:
* Pursue creative writing as a hobby or career
* Take a writing course
* Writing is part of your Divine life purpose
* Learn a new language
* Join a writers' group
* Submit your writing to a publisher or magazine
"Thank you for helping me tap into my God-given creativity and wisdom so I clearly express myself and glean insight, blessing and healing."
March ~ Protection
"Your loved ones and your possessions are safe and protected by Heaven!"
Your prayers, which ask for safety and protection, have been heard and answered. Any attacks or threats are now a thing of the past, washed away with the tide of heavenly love. This love is clearing away your insecurities so that you can feel totally secure.
When you ask Heaven to watch over you, your loved ones, your home and your possessions, your prayers are instantly answered. There's no hesitation or delay on Heaven's part - it's done as soon as you ask!
Your energies can now be directed in meaningful and creative ways with your mind clear of worries. Enjoy your day!
April ~ The Merlin ~ alchemy, justice, balance
The Merlin is the messenger of initiations and alchemy and is both the Magician and the High Priest. He is the masculine keeper of magic and has the ability to turn iron into gold. The Merlin says, "You have all you need to move forward. Rejoice that all the elements you require for success are, indeed, present!"
You are given notice that when it comes to your life and its purpose, the magical aspects of the Merlin can be summoned to help you find an answer that is within you. When the Merlin appears, he tells you that justice will be done in all matters of your query, but not by any forceful action. Instead, ask yourself what you need to do to bring balalnce into your life. Are you working too hard, perhaps overthinking things? Do you have enough downtime?
The answers you seek are not found in obvious places. It's time to go within, through meditation and prayer, and ask the Spirit world of the Merlin's magical influence to send you signs and omens to help you chart your course. The Merlin says that he will lend you his wisdom on magic on this leg of your journey, until you can claim it as your own.
His message is always: "Be in the world, but not of it, and wear it only as a loose cloak about your shoulders." You will never have to look outside yourself for answers when the Merlin appears. Remember, all signs and omens sent by the Merlin are but reflections of that which is within you already.
May ~ Oonagh ~ Easy Does It
"There is no need to hurry or force things to happen. Everything is occurring in perfect timing."
"Nurturing a cause or relationship is a long-term commitment, and one that can't be rushed. This level of devotion comes from a place of deep loving and concern. I care what happens to my planet and to my loved ones so much that I'm willing to stick with them through thick and thin. This isn't always easy, but to me it's the only way to ensure that matters are resolved and healed. I listen to the passionate stirrings of my heart. I reach out and take action to let my loved ones know that I deeply care about them. I take action to spur on my pet causes. Never mind what other people think; YOU will benefit by carrying through with your priorities. You'll feel so good about yourself if you make time for the relationships and projects that truly count in your heart. Do what's important to you and do it with absolute devotion! But remember that there's no competition for your true life's purpose, so there's no need to worry, hurry or feel that you have to force things to happen."
Various Meanings of This Card:
* Don't worry about your purpose or your goals
* Make no sudden moves
* Slow, steady progress is best right now
* Ease into your new life instead of rushing into it
* Do your new work as a part-time venture to begin with, while slowly exiting your old career
About Oonagh (pronounced OO-nuh):
The Celtic goddess Oonagh is married to Fionnbharr, the leader of the Irish Tuatha De Danaans. Oonagh and her clan were some of the original inhabitants of Ireland. When the Gaels invaded their land, the Tuathas didn't run or fight back. Instead they transformed themselves into leprechauns. Their ingenious solution allowed them to stay in Ireland in peace. Call upon Oonagh for help with your own transitions and she'll guide you in creative and magical ways.
June ~ Environmentalist
"You're an Earth Angel who was born to protect, nurture and teach about nature and the animals."
Your passion for the environment stems from your soul's purpose. Prior to your incarnation, you pledged to commit your lifetime to helping the planet. You can feel this purpose each time you get upset about pollution, and through extreme love you feel towards animals, flowers and trees. In fact, you often feel more connected to animals than to people. The reason why is that your soul resonates with the honesty and beauty of nature.
This card comes to you as inspiration and motivation to take action on behalf of the environment. This begins with adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle for yourself, such as recycling or using "green" cleaning supplies. Your environmentally related career can involve animals (dog sitting / walking, animal communication, activism and so on), plants (botany, gardening, landscaping and the like), crystals, bodies of water, air quality, alternative energy and so forth.
Notice your natural passions and interests as guideposts directing you toward actions you can take within your community to protect animals and nature. Anytime you feel upset about an issue, this is a sign regarding your prupose. Whenever you think, "Someone should do something about this!" know that this "someone" is you!
July ~ Consult a Nutritionist
You drew this card because diet is a foundation of the situation you're inquiring about. Improvement in food and beverage choices can therefore improve health. A licensed or registered nutritionist can assess your lifestyle and dietary needs and create satisfying meal strategies. If you're asking about the health of a person who normally eats poorly, there's a strong possibility that a nutritionist will be able to present scientific logic that will motivate the individual to choose healthier foods.
Possible Specific Meanings:
* Study nutrition and it's influence on health
* Eat more healthfully
* Listen to your intuitive feelings about making positive dietary changes
* Honor your body by feeding it wholesome, nutritious foods
Dear Archangel Raphael, I turn my eating over to you and ask you to guide me to foods and beverages that taste good, are fulfilling and support my ideal health.
August ~ Yoga
"Your life is enhanced by yoga, stretching and exercising."
To get the clear answers and guidance you seek, turn to yoga. You drew this card beacuse this peaceful activity increases your confidence and intuition, two factors that help you with your life purpose. You're encouraged to enroll in a yoga class and attend frequently as in-person sessions offer you motivation, instruction and camraderie.
For a few people, this card will signify that your actual life purpose is a career involving yoga. For example, you may be guided to teach this discipline for a specialized group such as children, pregnant women or the elderly. Perhaps your life purpose is to open a yoga studio or design yoga-inspired clothing.
Regardless of whether yoga is central or peripheral to your purpose, you're clearly guided to practice this affirming form of exercise and stretching. Ask your angels to guide you to the teacher who will best enhance and support your practice. The angels will give you signs and intuitive feelings to point you in the direction of your life purpose.
September ~ Shield Yourself
This card indicates that you're especially sensitive to energies and emotions right now. Archangel Michael is sheilding you from harsh energy, but it's also important for you to take action steps to help with this endeavor. For example, avoid situations where anger and/or competition are expressed. Also, stay away from bars, pubs or other places where chemicals are abused, which can attract lower energies. Follow your natural inclinations, such as keeping to yourself or spendint time with soft-spoken, gentle people.
Possible Specific Meanings:
* Wear or carry a protective crystal, such as black obsidian
* Make sure that you're physically protected, including having up-to-date health insurance, an automobile in good working order, and so forth
* Use caution in dealing with this situation or relationship
"Archangel Michael, I ask you to protect me, my loved ones, my vehicle and my home with your powerful shield. Surround us in your purple light, which allows only pure love to penetrate. Please stay with me day and night and keep my loved ones safe [name specific people or situations]."
October ~ Stay Optimistic
"Your dreams are coming true. Don't quit right before the miracle occurs."
This is it - your time has come! You're about to collect your rewards and your prayers will be answered. However, a bit more patience and guided effort are definately worth it. You're just about there, and this card asks you to keep your faith about miracles and heavenly magic.
Use your imagination to visualize that your dreams have already come true. Your heart will swell with gratitude and joy, and these emotions will speed up your directed manifestations. Before long, you'll be enjoying the tangible results!
November ~ Sarasvati ~ The Arts
"Express yourself through creative activities."
"You're a limitless being. If it seems that you have time, money or other restrictions, it's simply because your mind is focused upon the material world. You can unlimit yourself by lifting the cloak of the material world from your focus. Music is essential for the expression of nonmaterial ideals and energies. Music colors our surroundings with emanations from the highest vibrational fields. It allows us to escape all limitations in our thinking and very existence. Surround yourself in music and allow it to stimulate your own creative thinking and to spark new ideas. Flow with the music and give yourself permission to investigate and experiment with putting your creative ideas into action. Enjoy being limitless!"
Various Meanings of This Card:
* Play music, sing, dance, draw, paint, write or do something creative
* Study or change to a career that gives you creative freedom
* Take a creative class
* Invest in an artistic hobby
* Keep a journal of your creative ideas
* Join a writing club or other artistic support system
About Sarasvati (pronounced Sair-rah-SVAH-tee):
The Hindu goddess of the arts, Sarasvati helps us with all creative expressions, such as music, writing, dancing and eloquent speaking. The whife of Brahma, Sarasvati prizes knowledge and creative expression above material possessions. Her symbols include a white swan, the vina musical instrument and a book of knowledge. She helps us focus our minds on our creative projects and not get distracted or procastinate.
December ~ The Spider ~ creative projects
The Spider reminds you that you have within you the gift to create meaningful, purposeful work. Within you is an artist waiting to be expressed. Think about this: Do you write in a journal each day? Do you draw, paint, cook or play music? Do you realize that everything you do on a daily basis is an act of co-creation with the Divine?
The Spider signals that it's time to be aware of your repsonsibility for the creations in your life. Maybe you need to rethink an issue and apply your inner artist to find a solution. If you're unhappy with anything, ask yourself, "How can I create a better, more productive and loving experience for myself and others?"
Whether you see yourself as an artist or not, you're always co-creating with the Divine. You are the architect of your own happiness and fulfillment. What life are you building?
Don't just sit there - this is your time to create!