The year of the horse has begun, the year of the snake just ended. The last year was one of shedding old beliefs like the molting of skin, making way for our new skin, our new way of being. 

A horse is free, graceful, and loyal. A favorite memory of my youth is riding my father’s horse after we had finished moving the cattle to another field; I would sit in my dad’s too big western saddle, my feet not reaching the stirrups, holding on to the pommel and Apache’s main, and simply let this big horse gallop.  Apache knew when to stop, I had complete trust for this animal that carried me on his back.  I have never felt more free and alive than I did when at a full gallop across a field of clover.

The year of the horse symbolizes this new freedom, the feeling of being alive and free in our new skin; our true selves.  Happy New Year.