Conjuring Blessings for Yourself
and Asking Yourself Good Questions
In 2022, I wish you:
joyous eruptions of profound gratification and gratitude;
a constant flow of fluid insights and "ah-ha!" revelations that lead to cathartic integrations;
a coming together of several lucky trends, resulting in an exquisite healing;
captivating yet relaxing adventures that enable you to weave together diverse threads of your experience, inspiring you to feel at home in the world.
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EXPLORE THE BIG PICTURE OF YOUR LIFE
with my EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES for the Coming Year
What new influences and opportunities will be headed your way in 2022? What fresh resources will you be able to draw on? How can you conspire with life to create the best possible future for yourself?
Beginning this week, and for the next two weeks as well, I'm exploring the BIG PICTURE of your life in my Expanded Audio Horoscopes.
If you slip into a philosophical, visionary mood at the end of each year, you might appreciate my perspectives on your long-term outlook.
To listen to PART ONE of your BIG PICTURE horoscopes online, go to https://RealAstrology.com
Register and/or log in through the main page, and then click on the link "Long Term Prediction for 2022."
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The cost for the Expanded Audio Horoscopes is $6 per sign. (You can get discounts for multiple purchases.)
Each forecast is 7-9 minutes long.
P.S. You can still access last week's sneak-peek at 2022. In these expanded audio horoscopes, I describe some major themes I think you'll be working and playing with in 2021. After you register and/or log in, click on "Last Week (Dec. 21, 2021)."
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Art by Gerard Stricher
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I INVITE YOU
In 2020, I invite you to have:
an improbable quest playing at the edge of your imagination: a heroic task that provokes deep thoughts and noble passions even if it incites smoldering torment;
an extravagant dream that's only slightly farfetched;
a goal that stretches your possibilities and opens your mind;
a wild hope whose pursuit makes you smarter and stronger even if you never fully accomplish it.
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Things That Made the World a Better Place in 2021:
* The world agreed to tax its richest corporations.
* The Oscars Had Their Most Diverse Year Ever
* Over 9.7 million Americans are now following plant-based diets, up from only 290,000 in 2004.
* The United States rejoins the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization
* The Great Resignation Gave Workers Their Lives Back
* More Than 8.47 Billion Covid-19 Vaccinations Were Administered Globally
* United Flew the First Passenger Aircraft With 100-Percent Sustainable Fuel
* Mexico elects the country’s first transgender lawmakers.
* A Filipino is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in a first for her country.
* The U.S. survived its first major coup plot.
* QAnon is in hiding, and in decline.
* Sales of zero-emission vehicles surpass diesel sales in Europe.
* A Dutch museum permanently features women artists.
* An African woman leads the World Trade Organization.
* Black Lives Matter saw major wins in the U.S.
* Protections were restored for three national monuments in the US: Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah, and the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts off the coast of New England.
* News about abortion in the US was bad, but access to abortion increased elsewhere: in South Korea, Thailand, Argentina, New Zealand, Ecuador, Mexico, and Uruguay.
* Derek Chauvin found guilty on all 3 charges related to George Floyd's death; sentenced to 22.5 years in prison
* Electric Vehicles Outsold Diesel for the First Time in Europe
* The fossil fuel divestment movement grew.
* Monarch butterfly populations were bouncing back
*The legal victories for the environment this year were substantial.
* National Geographic cartographers recognize the world’s fifth ocean.
* Kamala Harris becomes the first female and black Vice-President of the United States
* Donald Trump Was Banned From Twitter
* China Eliminated Malaria
* Drones Helped Us Get a Handle on Plastic Pollution
* Dutch ‘Bee Hotels’ Helped Bee Populations Remain Stable
* Analysts Built Software That Revolutionized the Fight Against Child Sexual Abuse
* The Met Removed the Sackler Name From Its Galleries
* A Thought-to-Be-Extinct Orchid Was Found on a London Roof
* A Human Mind Was Wirelessly Connected to a Computer
* Scientists Revealed That Cheese Isn’t Bad for You
* Argentinian Capybaras Reclaimed Their Habitat
* Uber Drivers Were Granted Workers Rights in the UK
* The World’s First 3D-Printed School Opened Its 3D-Printed Doors
* Virtual Queues Revolutionized Waiting
* Renewable Energy Had a Record Year
Read more:
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COLLABORATING WITH THE RELENTLESS COSMIC IMPERATIVE TO CHANGE
What do we need to kill off in ourselves in order to tune in to the beauty that's hidden from us?
What worn-out shticks are blinding us to the blessings that life is conspiring to give us?
Which of our theories may have been useful and even brilliant in the past but are now keeping us from becoming aware of the ever-fresh creation that unfolds before us?
It's not enough to terminate our stale mental habits just once. The price of admission into pronoia is a commitment to continual dying. We have to ask ourselves rude questions and kick our own asses again and again.
Today's versions of beauty, truth, love, goodness, justice, and liberation will pass away.
To keep abreast of the latest developments— to cultivate tomorrow's versions of pronoia — we have to immerse ourselves regularly in the waters of chaos.
Our relationship with pronoia has to be a never-ending improvisation.
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CONJURING BLESSINGS FOR YOURSELF
One blessing I hope you can conjure up in 2022 is a growing skill in the right use of memory. What would that involve exactly?
On the one hand, it would mean you'd cultivate a strong grasp of historical patterns; you'd be a keen student of the twists and turns of your own life's journey.
On the other hand, you wouldn't force every new event to be evaluated solely in terms of what has happened in the past; you'd recognize that some experiences may be mostly fresh.
Other ideas?
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CULTIVATING OPTIMISM
Kate Rockwood writes:
Each night, try to think of three new things you’re happy about.
The word "new" is important. If you let yourself repeat items, you might default to some variation of “family, friends, and health” every day.
But if you have to come up with three novel, specific reasons to be happy or grateful, your brain will naturally start making mental notes of things you can include in your list throughout the day.
And all that scanning for silver linings and unexpected kindness and moments of joy? That’s basically the difference between a pessimist and an optimist.
In fact, when a research team asked a group of mild pessimists to try the habit for 21 days, then re-tested their outlooks with a battery of psychological tests, they found most people in the group tested as mild optimists.
And if you need still more reason to start flexing your gratitude, consider this: research shows that people with a more positive mindset are 40 percent more likely to get a promotion and report having more creativity and productive energy.
Most people think happiness follows success, when really investing in your happiness now might be what helps you get there.
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What's the Most Important Question for You to Ask in 2022?
Dear Gorgeous Genius: You possess exceptional capacities that are absolutely unique. You're a masterpiece unlike any other that has ever lived in the history of the world.
Furthermore, the precise instructions you need to ripen into your genius have always been with you, even from the time before you were born. In the words of psychologist James Hillman, you have a soul's code.
You might also call it the special mission you came to Earth to carry out; the divine blueprint that contains the open secret of how to be perfectly, unpredictably yourself; the master plan that is your heart's deepest desire.
Would you like help in deciphering it? The Divine Intelligence Formerly Known as God is always on call, ready to help. It's your birthright to ask Her a specific question every day about what you need to do next to express your soul's code; it's also your birthright to receive a response.
The divine revelation may not be as unambiguous as a little voice in your head. It might appear in the form of a TV commercial, an odd dream, or an encounter with a stranger. It could be demanding and difficult, delivering information you'd rather not have to deal with. Or it might show up as a clear and simple feeling of knowing exactly what to do, and it could be easy and fun.
What question will you ask the Divine Wow in 2022?
P.S. "There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. If you block it, it will never exist through any other medium. It will be lost. The world will not have it.
"It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open."
—Martha Graham
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PROMISES TO YOURSELF
Take some paper and write "I am doing everything in my power to attract all the help and resources I need as I accomplish the following goal."
Then compose a declaration that crisply describes exactly what satisfying, growth-inducing experiences you want most in 2022 — and are willing to work hard for and even change yourself to attract, if necessary.
Keep a copy of this magic formula under your pillow or in your wallet.
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MORE PRONOIA RESOURCES:
Self-Compassion Is Actually Good for Your Heart Health. https://tinyurl.com/2p8cck33
A Fairytale Ending for Three Little Pigs Stuck in a Pen That Was Always Flooded. https://tinyurl.com/2p8wfxej
See the Incredible Images in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Contest. https://tinyurl.com/4mmwpk6w
Pittsburgh Woman’s Food Rescue App Diverts 20 Million Pounds of Surplus into 17mil Meals For Those in Need. https://tinyurl.com/nh27u7s7
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For a lot more pronoiac resources and ideas, read my book Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings
Available at Bookshop.org: https://tinyurl.com/548hp8y8
Available at Powells: https://bit.ly/PowellsPronoia
Available at Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/PronoiaBN
Available at Amazon: https://bit.ly/Pronoia
A free preview of the book is available here: https://tinyurl.com/PronoiaPreview
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Please tell me your own nominations for PRONOIA RESOURCES: Truthrooster@gmail.com.
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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
Week beginning December 30
Copyright 2021 by Rob Brezsny
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Microbiologist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928. It was later described as "the single greatest victory ever achieved over disease"—an antidote to dangerous infections caused by bacteria. But there's more to the story. Fleming's strain of penicillin could only be produced in tiny amounts—not nearly enough to become a widespread medicine. It wasn't until 1943 that a different strain of penicillin was found—one that could be mass-produced. The genius who made this possible was Mary Hunt, a humble researcher without a college degree. By 1944, the new drug was saving thousands of lives. I mention Hunt because she's a good role model for you in 2022. I believe you'll have chances to improve on the work of others, generating excellent results. You may also improve on work you've done in the past.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Catherine Pugh wrote a series of children's books collectively known as Healthy Holly. Later, when she became mayor of the city of Baltimore, she carried out a scheme to sell 100,000 copies to hospitals and schools that did business with the city. Uh-oh. Corruption! She was forced to resign from her office and was arrested. I'd love for you to be aggressive and imaginative in promoting yourself in 2022, but only if you can find ethical ways to do so. I'd love for you to make money from doing what you do best, but always with high integrity and impeccability.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean Vaslav Nijinsky is regarded by many as the 20th century's most brilliant dancer. He had a robust relationship with beauty, and I want you to know about it. Hopefully, this will inspire you to enjoy prolonged periods of Beauty Worship in 2022. To do so will be good for your health. Memorize this passage from Nijinsky: "Beauty is God. God is beauty with feeling. Beauty is in feeling. I love beauty because I feel it and therefore understand it. I flaunt my beauty. I feel love for beauty."
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Historians disagree about the legacy of Jimmie Carter, who was President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Was he effective or not? Opinions differ. But there's no ambiguity about a project he pursued after his presidency. He led a global effort to eliminate a pernicious disease caused by the guinea worm parasite. When Carter began his work, 3.5 million people per year suffered from the parasite's debilitating effects. Today, there are close to zero victims. Will 2022 bring an equivalent boon to your life, Aries? The banishment of an old bugaboo? A monumental healing? I suspect so.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In 2022, I hope you will express more praise than ever before. I hope you'll be a beacon of support and inspiration for the people you care for. The astrological omens suggest this could be a record-breaking year for the blessings you bestow. Don't underestimate your power to heal and instigate beneficial transformations. Yes, of course, it's a kind and generous strategy for you to carry out. But it will also lead to unforeseen rewards that will support and inspire and heal you.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If you search Google, you'll be told that the longest biography ever written is the 24-volume set about British political leader Winston Churchill. But my research shows there's an even more extensive biography: about Japan's Emperor Hirohito, who lived from 1901 to 1989. His story consists of 61 volumes. In the spirit of these expansive tales, and in accordance with 2022's astrological aspects, I encourage you to create an abundance of noteworthy events that will deserve inclusion in your biography. Make this the year that warrants the longest and most interesting chapter in that masterpiece.
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EXPLORING YOUR LONG-RANGE FUTURE
Would you like some inspiration as you muse and wonder about your upcoming adventures in 2022?
In this week's EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES, I offer you a long-term, in-depth exploration of your destiny in the coming months. This is Part One of a three-part series.
Part Two and Part Three will be available in the next two weeks.
Access them at https://RealAstrology.com.
Register and/or log in through the main page, and then click on the link "Long Term Prediction for 2022."
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You can also still access my sneak-peek forecasts for 2022 from a week ago. To hear these, click on "Last Week (Dec 21, 2021)."
The cost is $6 per sign. Discounts are available for bulk purchases.
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CANCER (June 21-July 22): One of the 20th century's most famous works of art was Fountain. It was scandalous when it appeared in 1917, since it consisted entirely of a white porcelain urinal. Marcel Duchamp, the artist who presented it, was a critic of the art market and loved mocking conventional thought. Years later, however, evidence emerged suggesting that Fountain may not have been Duchamp's idea—that in fact he "borrowed" it from Cancerian artist and poet Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven. There's still disagreement among art scholars about what the facts are. But if definitive proof ever arrives that von Freytag-Loringhoven was the originator, it will be in 2022. This will be the year many Cancerians finally get the credit they deserve.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Carson McCullers wrote the novel The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. Early in the story, the character named Mick Kelly has a crisis of yearning. McCullers describes it: "The feeling was a whole lot worse than being hungry for any dinner, yet it was like that. I want—I want—I want—was all that she could think about—but just what this real want was she did not know." If you have ever had experiences resembling Mick's, Leo, 2022 will be your year to fix that glitch in your passion. You will receive substantial assistance from life whenever you work on the intention to clarify and define the specific longings that are most essential to you.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): After careful research, I have concluded that one of your important missions in 2022 will be to embody a perspective articulated by poet Rand Howells: "If I could have but one wish granted, it would be to live in a universe like this one at a time like the present with friends like the ones I have now and be myself." In other words, Virgo, I'm encouraging you to do whatever's necessary to love your life exactly as it is—without comparing it unfavorably to anyone else's life or to some imaginary life you don't actually have.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If your quest for spiritual enlightenment doesn't enhance your ability to witness and heal the suffering of others, then it's fake enlightenment. If your quest for enlightenment encourages you to imagine that expressing personal freedom exempts you from caring for the well-being of your fellow humans, it's fake. If your quest for enlightenment allows you to ignore racism, bigotry, plutocracy, misogyny, and LGBTQIA-phobia, it's fake. Everything I just said about enlightenment is equally true about your quest for personal success. If it doesn't involve serving others, it's meaningless. In this spirit, Libra, and in accordance with the astrological omens, I invite you to make 2022 the year you take your compassion and empathy to the highest level ever.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Two mating rabbits could theoretically engender 11 million relatives within a year's time. Although I suspect that in 2022 you will be as metaphorically fertile as those two hypothetical rabbits, I'm hoping you'll aim more for quality than quantity. To get started, identify two projects you could pursue in the coming months that will elicit your most liberated creativity. Write a vow in which you state your intention to be intensely focused as you express your fecundity.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A blogger named Soracities writes, "The more I read, the more I feel that a good mark of an intelligent book is simply that the author is having fun with it." Sagittarian author George Saunders adds that at its best, "Literature is a form of fondness-for-life. It is love for life taking a verbal form." I will expand these analyses to evaluate everything that humans make and do. In my opinion, the supreme sign of intelligence and value is whether the creators had fun and felt love in doing it. My proposal to you, Sagittarius, is to evaluate your experiences in that spirit. If you are doing things with meager amounts of fun and love, what can you do in 2022 to raise the fun and love quotient?
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Homework: Name your greatest hope for the person you love best. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com
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Submissions sent to Rob Brezsny's Astrology Newsletter or in response to "homework assignments" may be published in a variety of formats at Rob Brezsny's discretion, including but not limited to newsletters, books, the Free Will Astrology column, and Free Will Astrology website. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, style, and content.
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Contents of the Free Will Astrology Newsletter are Copyright 2021 Rob Brezsny
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