Self-acceptance is our choice of action. The transformative power of self-acceptance is not considered enough, not confronted enough, not demanded enough. After going through so much inner healing, the last and hardest lesson I have learned isn’t so much self-love as much as self-acceptance. I don’t think the difference is recognized too often but I do believe there is a difference between self-love and self-acceptance. In reality, alchemists as well as esoteric and spiritual practitioners from traditions all over the world agree, in their many ways and forms that there is a quality of moving forward after the realization of life takes place. Self-love in a time of healing can be a bit of a stagnant contraction of sorts. It’s a kind of holding pattern where the healing process takes place and mends. The fire inside us is tended to, watched over as the embers turn hot, and stillness meets reflection and closeness. In alchemy, there is an absolute vital final step that continues and completes the process of transformation and that is the act of reunification for wholeness in new form. The separation and transformation must find new breath and new life in the coming back together again. We can lick our wounds from trauma and tragedy but we must come back to the world with choice and action. The moment the healing and transformation is felt inside us is not enough. Action forward is the actual moment that life is not only recognized but proclaimed. It is the moment that movement upon the waters and light within the dark space happens. It is the moment of BEING.

The year of the horse begins February 17th, 2026. It is believed, in Chinese tradition, to be a year of energetic, goal-oriented action done with tenacity and driven focus. The fire horse does not hold back nor slow down and it can only see where it intends to go up ahead. Old patterns are broken through and stagnation is not optional. Fire in this year is a powerful symbol of change and movement, burning off all that holds back. Let go and believe!