January is a month filled to the brim with magical offerings of endings and new beginnings. It has been said that the happiest and saddest phrase in the English language is, “This, too, shall pass.” When things are going the way we want, knowing an end is coming can be perceived with sadness or regret. Of course, if circumstances are painful or otherwise unwanted, knowing things will not remain the same forever is a welcome piece of truth. As part of the New Year we celebrate here in America, you may wish to take time to ponder what is passing away and what is coming to be in your life.
The name of the month of January comes from the name of Janus, the god of gates and doorways. In days long gone, Janus was honored on the first day of every month, as well as at times of other beginnings (births, marriages, planting, harvest). He is most often depicted as having two faces, one looking to the past and the other looking to the future. It is interesting to ponder how we might think differently if Janus had a third face that is focused fully in the present.
You may have the previously seen the following universal shape test from Angeless Arrien, author of The Fourfold Way. The great thing about your taking this test now is that it is designed to tell you about your current state. Awareness of what is true for us at any given moment is the greatest gift we can receive or give to ourselves or another. On a piece of paper, simply draw these five shapes: circle, square, triangle, equal-arm cross, spiral. Now number the shapes from 1-5, with number 1 being your most preferred shape and number 5 being your least preferred shape. Read through the instructions below allowing insight to filter into your being as easily as sunlight filters in through the window.
The Meanings of the Positions
Position # 1
- where you think you are
- the process that now has your attention
- the part of yourself of which you are most aware
- indicates your idea of the future
- indicates your current source of inspiration
- not the most accurate indicator of where you actually are
Position # 2
- exhibits an inherent strength predominant in you right now
- areas of your nature that are currently fluid, strong, and resourceful
- reveals innate talents you are using to assist the growth occurring in # 3
- most compliments you receive correspond to these qualities
Position # 3
- where you are
- most significant shape, shows your true current growth process
- often represents a process that is unconscious or overlooked
- indicates where your own gifts can be best used right now
- can be the source of unlimited creativity and healing
Position # 4
- points to past challenges, tests, and circumstances
- motivated your current process of change
- is motivating you into the core work to be done that is symbolized in # 3
- describes situations that you may have resolved or moved beyond
- can serve as a reminder of where you are in your current growth process
Position # 5
- represents old, unfinished business
- identifies a process you have outgrown, dislike, still resist, or are judging
- associated with unresolved issues you now wish to put aside
- not work to which you should attend in the present
The Meanings of the Five Shapes
Circle—Wholeness and the Experience of Unity
Position # 1—indicates your desire to be independent and self-sufficient
Position # 2—your strengths are self-reliance and resourcefulness
Position # 3—natural creativity will flow out of achieving individuation
POSITION # 4—you have become responsible and self-reliant
Position # 5—may be resisting or denying the process of individuation
Cross—Process of Relationship and Integration
Position # 1—process of relationship is most important in your life
Position # 2—the share journey is currently an effortless process for you
Position # 3—relationship process is occurring deep within your nature
Position # 4—a past shared journey inspired you to value partnership
Position # 5—may want to ignore or dismiss the importance of relatedness
Spiral—Growth and Change
Position # 1—process of growth most important to you right now
Position # 2—easy for you to handle change, whether you know it or not
Position # 3—profoundly engaged in the process of change
Position # 4—were challenged in the past to make significant changes
Position # 5—unlikely to show interest in the process of growth and change
Triangle—Goals, Dreams, and Visions
Position # 1—process of envisioning seems most important to you right now
Position # 2—you carry the gift of vision naturally; create and obtain goals
Position # 3—process of envisioning is essential to your current development
Position # 4—inspired by past goals and visions, motivated in the present
Position # 5—may be resisting honoring your dreams and establishing goals
Square—Stability, Solidity, and Security
Position # 1—stability and authenticity inspire you right now
Position # 2—inherent strengths are responsibility, authenticity, honesty
Position # 3—expressing your authenticity is essential to you right now
Position # 4—past issues of responsibility and accountability motivate you
Position # 5—may be denying the need to be consistent and congruent
Applying the Insights
Tension always exists between the tendencies symbolized in Positions 1 and 5. This tension is sometimes experienced as a conflict. One example: If you have the spiral in Position 1 and the square in Position 5, you may consciously yearn for change (the spiral), but the part of you that is attached to stability and security (the square) may feel unwilling or unable to change.
The first and last positions define an internal struggle. Resolving the struggle means finding a middle ground. Look to Position 3, which often contains the key to personal integration and increased well-being. Whichever shape you have placed in Position 3 is the place of integration where you can synthesize your experience.
The shape in Position 5 stands for tendencies you wish to avoid and represents your current idea of wrongdoing. The shape in Position 1 symbolizes the tendencies that appeal to you at this time and that is your current idea of right-doing. Position 3 represents the field where these opposing forces can be released. It is the place of integration where you can transcend your conflicts.
Step through the doorway into 2013 with more motivation, more optimism, and more enjoyment in all ways….