This time of the year contains one of the most powerful energies of the year and also some of the most powerful distractions.

The powerful energy is the energy of Rebirth. People often think of this as a Christian word, but the roots of it run deeper and are older. They come from the Winter Solstice - the precise moment in the cyclical movement of the seasons when the day is shortest and night longest in the Northern hemisphere. In the Northern hemisphere, therefore (if we are far enough North) all is cold and grey, the trees are bare, and snow covers the ground, and seeds and animals lie in deep sleep. On the Winter Solstice life begins to stir again in them, although it will be months before it is visible to us.

In the Southern hemisphere, the day is longest and the night is shortest. This is the Summer Solstice. This powerful juxtaposition of opposite Solstices on opposite sides of the Earth shows us more clearly than any philosophy that balance is everywhere in the Earth School, and that physical death and physical life are parts of it.

Not accidently, religious holidays occur close to this energy and reflect it - Christmas (the birth of Jesus) and Hanukkah (the Festival of Light). Overlaying them are the commercial Christmas and the sentimental Christmas, often indistinguishable. They beckon us to sleep and dream the shared denial of violence within us. They envelop us in visions of "Home for Christmas," "Oh, Baby Its Cold Outside," and "Silent Night". Through all of this we create strongly - either unconsciously in fear or - if if we develop the skill and choose wisely - consciously in love. In all cases, we are responsible for what we create.

Throughout this time of mixed energy and messages you are a powerful and creative, compassionate and loving spirit creating with love or fear and bearing responsibility continually for what you create. The Universal Law of Karma does not get lost in sentimentality or religiosity, even if you do. Then comes the time of making new resolutions for a new year - a relatively recent calendar-ordained event that shows us annually how feeble is the commitment behind most of them.

Use your commitment to stay awake and aware during this confusing time of alluring and conflicting messages. When you are not aware, you create destructive and painful consequences. When you are aware, you can create consciously and, if you choose, wisely. Independently of religious, commercial, and sentimental messages, what is your message? What is your message to the world to yourself and to those around you? Is it fuzzy, warm, and unconscious or clear, multisensory, and wise?

Happy Conscious Holi (holy) days!

Love,