My devoted yoga practice has taught me to flow organically through the different junctions of the spiral of life with grace and integrity. Throughout the years, I have also integrated my knowledge of numerology to guide me through the conundrum of the different stages of a nine years cycle. The process of growth is tuned to the natural cycles of the Moon, Sun, planets and stars as they related to the Earth. While the world may consciously or subconsciously adhere to the meaning that can be found in numbers, the metaphysics of it has a long history. Capable of revealing insightful things about our inner selves, numerology can tune us into the deeper vibrations of our personality and provide a glimpse into our future.Used as a way to gain insight and understanding into our true selves, numerology is capable of revealing things about our character and personality that might be hidden or otherwise misunderstood. As the study of numbers, numerology is related to the occult and associates certain numbers with particular properties, aptitudes and characteristics. Numerology connects each letter to a numeric value from which there is a related cosmic vibration. Because this can be intrinsically linked with a person’s inherent nature, numerology uses these numbers to determine the best time that a person can make certain changes in their life, like when to travel, invest, relocate or make an important decision. This symbiosis of yoga and numerology will help you navigate your life with confidence and adaptability.

As we imagine the natural process of growth of a seed to a fully blooming flower we recognize that the first stage of creation is planting. This usually happens when the individual sets on a new curve of his/her journey and ventures into the first cycle. This is the time of seeding, though it will feel as if t here is still something from the past that needs to be completed. Your opportunity is to identify new arenas for your energy and focus, and for planting seeds of new concepts and endeavors. Tests will arise to help you identify where you are reacting out of impulse or using a reasoned, self-disciplined approach to problem solving. You will learn a lot about yourself and how you deal with challenges. It is a time of character building, requiring courage, fortitude, determination, and willingness to listen to higher guidance. In the end, you have to make the decisions that affect your life, so make sure you are communing with the best advisors. As the pioneer, you begin your new adventure.

Once you’ve seeded – the second stage requires you to prepare for gestation. After the headlong rush, you are now ready to pause and reflect. You move out of impulse and into reasoning. This cycle requires patience, understanding the importance of timing, and the need to look beyond the surface for answers. If you try to logic things out, you may be confused. When you utilize the gifts of prayer and meditation, you will gain insight into the why’s and wherefores of your life. Nothing can be hurried, and yet there are moments where you engage in sudden connections or disconnections. Quality is a key ingredient…the caliber of your interactions with others, with your own thinking process, and with the foods you eat. Appearances can be misleading, so move into a feeling level and follow your hunches. The only way out is in, so allow the incubation process to take place. Like pregnancy, this stage requires waiting and nurturing so that the healthy flowering of your gifts may come to birth.

You’ve now ventured into the third cycle and nurtured the soil for sprouting. Sensitivity and emotions that cropped up in the previous cycle continue. Whereas before you had to reflect and let things unfold in time, now you are asked to express yourself more freely. Take some risks and allow for your creative spirit to be more center-stage. Be playful and find humor in absurdity. Being open to life’s possibilities does not mean abandoning those you love. However, it does mean knowing when to let go of other people’s drama and find the light that is searching for you. Life is a stage, and this is your time to shine. You can gain financially and romantically also, so find the elements that make life worth living and enjoy them!

In the fourth cycle it’s time for budding. Out of emotions and into practicality, this stage requires that you look at all the foundations within your life and psyche. Where are they constructed on strong principles, and where are they wobbly? It is time to define and determine your course of action, lay the groundwork, and start building. Results are required. Are you building for the future or undoing edifices that have outlived their usefulness? Whether you are in the midst of construction or deconstruction, forge your bond with truth, beauty, and goodness. As you set your own cornerstone, you become a grounding rod for others who look to you for sage advice.

Tides and time change. So do we – in our firth cycle of growth. This mid-point cycle asks you to open to expanding horizons. This may mean moving, changing direction, traveling, involving yourself in new ideas or widening your framework of knowledge. It is a period of activity, whether physical or mental. It may cause you to feel somewhat anxious at times, or restless with status quo. Be aware of the rights of others and the need to march to your own drumbeat as well. Meet the opportunities and challenges with open arms, for there is a lot to gain from this learning curve.

The sixth stage is the cycle of flowering. The focus is service, health and well-being. You are a caregiver, or the recipient of assistance. You are concerned with how you are perceived, how the world views your accomplishments, if you are doing enough, and if others are appreciating your efforts. Know that the task is to help others become capable in their own right, not foster dependence. Giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin, and it’s important to engage in both. Honor your commitments, but determine where it’s time to negotiate what doesn’t feel appropriate anymore. In all you do…love paves the way for peace of mind and contentment of spirit. It is achievable.

In the seventh stage things come to fruition as you connect deeper to life. There is more to living than acquisition, and as you find yourself wanting more time for retreat or space to do what is important to you, questions may be rising as to who you are, why you are here, and what the purpose of your life is. Pursue these. It’s now a time for reflection, and deepening your spiritual nature. Tests are presented that push you to uncover your true nature. Take time to smell the flowers and to get the rest you need. This stage is given to you to recharge your batteries and soul searching. As you do, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find!

It’s harvest time! You will reap what you have sown. In the eighth stage – prepare for an intense ride! This year calls you to pursue your goals with determination, and to direct your efforts with an eye to balance and integration. Life is a systems approach right now, and you are the grand programmer. It is important to know when to direct your efforts and when to let creative process take place. Too much is overwhelming. Too little is ineffective. The delicate art of balancing a life is called for now. When you feel stress and tension arise, it signals that you need to relax. Sound and movement can ease tension. The physical shape of 8 demonstrates what is called for; flow with the river – don’t fight upstream!

Time for composting lessons… During this cycle you have nine year’s worth of experience to digest and reconcile. It’s a time of looking backwards so that you can remove the obstacles that are in the way to movement forward. Release attachment to all things no longer pertinent. Let the past be the past so the present and future can unfold without dead weight holding you back. What have you outgrown? Who is no longer moving in the same direction? Where do you need to let go with love and release attitudes that restrict you? This stage calls you to maturity. It’s time to grow into your higher and best nature, not massage your limitations. When you feel gratitude for everything left in your life, you open a subtle energy force that draws more good to you. Recognize that there is a bigger plan unfolding. Find your way to the metaphorical mountaintop so you can see the whole view. It is an amazing journey and your contribution is important.