pt_tangles | Pondering the Gregorian New Year

In the dawn of 2005, I find myself filled with a sense of hope and renewal that has been building since the solstice. I feel that the coming spring will be one to wash all of the misfortune and bitterness of 2004 from our memories. Even the tragedy in South East Asia cannot shake this feeling of optimism ... of prosperity to come.

The majority of last year held a feeling of depressed fate ... that it was far too late to change the course of events, and all I could do was sit back and watch it unfold. Which, I might add, was not as easy as it sounds. There were a great many rants, arguments, and avoiding of more conservative friends and relatives as I thrashed futilely against the inevitable.

2004 has taught me that no matter how much energy we put into wishing, spells, prayers and activism, we have very little chance of turning the tide at the last minute. The simple fact seemed to be that we had waited too long to put our energy into working against the Bush regime ... and I am sure that between now and 2008 many will suffer for it.

The good I see coming out of this is that I think a great many people (younger people especially) who were apathetic about politics, will (and have) begin to learn about the process and the difference they can make. I, myself, voted for the first time last year, and became a member of GreenPeace.

After a lull that lasted for far too many moons, my creative juices are flowing again, and I am bursting with ideas - as is my Aquarian nature. I now, find myself waking most mornings with a smile, and my ability to tolerate the soul-crushing consumerism that is my job has returned ... I can even giggle wickedly at the holiday gift-induced meltdowns I see everyday (rather than letting them suck me into their anger and frustration). I don't know if this is more to do with my practising shielding or with the promise of spring, but I will take it.

--Phae