Journal of Becoming: Entry #7—Hold Your Horses
Why January is for rest, not reinvention
I have been forced to socialize more in the last two weeks than I have in the last two years.
I did not enter into this situation willingly. I would have much rather been left alone with my mountainous tbr, electric blanket, and emotional support candles. But such are the holidays.
Living in Japan has turned me into an isolated societal dropout—pasty from lack of sun, socially awkward from lack of human interaction. I used to love hosting, going out, gathering friends together for game nights and dinner parties. Now, I feel like Hans Klopek from The‘Burbs, lurking in the shadows, offering guests expired sardines and stale pretzels.
I have spent the last week recovering mentally and emotionally from the previous two. I have had little energy left for my usual creative pursuits, much less the drive to DIVE INTO/SMASH/KICKSTART any New Year’s goals. Against my will, this past year went out like a lion; I want the next one to enter softly like a lamb.
I have been seeing a lot of content on the interweb saying it’s ok to slow down, take it easy, not rush into the new year full speed ahead. My finely tuned algorithms across various social media platforms have been reassuring me I don’t have to go hard. And I’m inclined to heed this advice.
Astrologically speaking, 2025 was the year of the snake, and that doesn’t officially end until February 16th. We are still shedding. 2026 is the year of the horse, which is all about energy, vitality, and forward momentum. He’s in the stable chomping at the bit, but he’s just going to have to hold himself—we’re still sloughing off layers.
If you’re more drawn to earth-based rhythms, the Wheel of the Year tells a similar story. Imbolc, which begins February 1st, is the time to sow the initial seeds of your dreams. Ostara, the Spring Equinox (which begins March 20th in the Northern Hemisphere), is when those seeds begin to sprout. The light overcomes darkness and there’s an energetic shift towards action and growth.
Which is to say: if you’re not feeling ready to DIVE INTO/SMASH/or KICKSTART anything yet, you’re not behind. You’re right on time.
So, relax.
Rub some cream into your flaky, dead skin. Grab a book and an electric blanket. Light your emotional support candles and snuggle in and enjoy the calm before the storm.
