After upheaval comes quiet, at least for a while. It’s a time of taking stock, of seeing what’s in the larder, and then moving ahead again into new territory. By month’s end, many of you will have unearthed a direction or secret resolve that you intend to move forward upon into the future.

The stabilizing energy is a direction to head toward. There will likely be a number of ups and downs along the way — realizations and discoveries — but on the whole, the energy of January speaks to an overall stabilizing effect so that further deepening and movement can be possible in the future.

Effects on a personal level

What does this mean to you personally? For starters, it’s about bringing things to the surface. Not so much in the dramatic ways of the past few months, but more lovingly, tenderly, almost as if you are greeting inner parts of you for the first time, giving birth to the most precious deep elements to the creation that is you. So you can expect feelings of surprise, wonder, childlike yearnings, and innocence to be crossing your path this month.

Another effect of January’s energy on a personal level is a sense of greater connection. This may occur for you on a family level, between neighbors, in a community, or on a virtual basis, but awareness of the greater whole that is all of humanity will be becoming more evident this month. Deepen this for yourself by reaching out in tangible ways to those around you — volunteer, give charitably, or simply host a gathering.

Begin a personal practice

This is a wonderful month to begin a personal practice that can take you through the year. Things that might appeal to you (choose any or all):

1. Walks in nature.

2. Meditation.

3. Creating art of any kind.

4. Journaling.

5. Regular connection with others.

6. Long baths.

7. Saying “yes.”

8. Breathing.

9. Mindful eating.

10. Being vulnerable.

Global effects in January

On a wider level, change is occurring as well. Weather continues to be an issue for many, with an increase in dramatic variations from the norm. Expect colder than usual (Northern hemisphere) or warmer than usual (Southern hemisphere) weather in many parts of the world, especially on a regional basis. Snowfall may seem unusually high this year in many areas, and in general weather seems wilder and more unpredictable, which will continue to be the general trend for some time to come.

Politically, things are happening behind closed doors this month that will help set the stage for more dramatic change to come. Expect difficulties coming to open agreements, and also expect a higher level of overall dissatisfaction with the status quo. This sense of dissatisfaction will continue to build through the coming months.

In fact, overall we would say that there will be a sense of energy building this month on many levels, deep under the surface, to bubble up at some future point.

The most helpful thing you can do right now — for yourself and for those around you — is to be open to the possibility that surrounds you. Trust that you have inner guidance and that it will show you the direction to face by month’s end.