GUNG HAY FAT CHOY

Hi again BB buddies,

Tuesday the 17th February was such a powerful day on many levels. As well as welcoming in the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse, we had a solar eclipse in Aquarius and it was also Mardi Gras,Shrove Tuesday and the start of Ramadan.

Chinese New Year was a last hurrah before Lent began. Many of us wore red for good luck and enjoyed Chinese cuisine. The following day, Ash Wednesday, was about restriction, as many of us began our Lenten journey for 40 days. The colour palette changed from red to purple. Purple is the colour traditionally worn during Lent. It symbolizes repentance, reflection, and the anticipation of Easter.

The current Chinese Year of the fire Horse occurs only every 60 years, so as we may not be around for the next one, lets enjoy this one!! I was curious to see what happened in our world 60, 120, and 180 years ago, to get some idea of what we may expect, or hope for.

1966
This was indeed a year of awakening. The Vietnam War was raging and protests were happening all over America to stop the war. Fierce fighting happened and lots of pain and suffering as a result of the war. Music-wise, the Beatles and Bob Dylan were kicking up a different and more pleasant kind of storm. Bob Dylan summed it up in his iconic song ‘The Times they are a changin’. Fashion was in full bloom with mini skirts kicking up another cultural uproar and ladies being more daring in their vibrant colour choices and style of clothing. Hippies were hopping and youth movements rebelling and challenging the old systems. Lots of fiery energy.

1906
This was an era of innovation with electricity becoming more common. Homes were gradually lighting up. In addition to electricity, aviation was occurring. People flying in the sky was another exhilitaring invention that would transform lives. Transforming minds were the likes of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. Also around this time, Women’s Suffrage. Liberation for Women was on the horizon. Finland was the first country in Europe to allow women to run in National Elections. Possibilities were endless…

1846
Global Migration was the big news around this time. It was caused mainly by famine, economic crisis, political upheaval and also new styles of transportation. The Irish Potato Famine caused many Irish people to flee Ireland and emigrate to America and Australia. Lots of people settling in different parts of the world. The gold rush movement to California and the Mormons settling in Utah. Millions of Europeans migrated, mostly Germans, Scandinavians, and Central Europeans.

The transportation industry was also transformed, with steamships replacing sailing and railroads were quickly expanding. Telegraph networks emerged. All of these inventions made long distance travel much easier for people. The world was moving at an exciting pace.

So what now?

2026

What I hope for…

Freedom for countries fighting oppression and barbaric regimes.

People taking charge of their lives in a positive and hopeful manner.

Greater freedom to think, be, and everyone striving to live their best lives.

Last, but not least PEACE & LOVE

On that very hopeful note, I wish you all a peaceful and blessed week ahead.

With Love,

Patricia and Coco xx