The beginning of January is the time when people look back at the past year, and create goals to have an even better year ahead. It is a time of self-reflection.

Depending on the Chinese lunar calendar, January is also when there is potentially the Chinese New Year. Not only is this a time to honor ancestors and deities, but it is also about welcoming luck and prosperity.

Overall, there is a feeling of self-reflection, endings, and beginnings that span across different cultures in January. These are feelings that can be explored with the assistance of a spirit animal.

Depending on where you are in your spiritual practice, you can try to connect with your assigned animal guide. However, if you are in need of a specific spirit animal that is also possible if you make your intentions known.

In this post, we will be exploring different spirit animals that best embody the energy of the month of January, and how you can navigate their energies.

1. Raven

Ravens are very resourceful and do not limit themselves when it comes to what they eat. As a spirit animal, it inspires you to do the same to let yourself explore the unknown, and to remove limitations.

The symbolism of the raven is protection, healing, resourcefulness, and wisdom. Since January is all about self-reflection, you can reflect on how you plan on taking on the new year. The raven can push to be the best version of yourself by creating inner inspiration and inner confidence.

The raven also symbolizes communication. Since January is all about self-reflection, why not journal on how the past year has gone for. Then ask for the raven spirit animal to widen your horizon for the new year.

The raven is also a motivational spiritual animal guide. If you are afraid of the next steps or you feel like you lack willpower then, ask for help from the raven.

2. Sea Lion

The sea lion is a very social mammal that is associated with comfort, safety, creativity, and the subconscious. If this particular spirit animal has piqued your interest then you may want to ask yourself, what have you always wanted to try, but you have put it on the back burner?

The sea lion is all about creativity and exploring opportunities. Those who have been blessed with this animal guide are hardworking and very self-aware. If this is a quality that you currently want, then ask for guidance from the sea lion.

The sea lion pushes you to be aware of the present moment. It also pushes you to create realistic plans that will help your future self. It does this by encouraging the exploration of the inner self.

Sea lion is one of the best spirit animals to connect to in the month of January. This is because the sea lion pushes you to explore ways to make your life more comfortable. Maybe this is a change in career, re-arranging your home, or to delve deeper into a creative passion.

3. Goldfish

The goldfish symbolizes wealth, abundance, luck, and prosperity. This spirit animal asks you, how can you have more fun in the year ahead? How can you prioritize your own happiness first? What can you add to your life to ensure there is enjoyment?

Bring happiness into your life with the goldfish. It encourages you to not work too hard, or carry from the past things that weigh you down. The goldfish provides medicine to help you move on from the things that no longer serve you.

January is usually described as a painfully long month, but that’s only because of the apprehension we have knowing how the rest of the year will turn out. Use the energy of the goldfish to plan how you would like to grow this year.

4. Dragonfly

In some Native American tribes, the dragonfly is associated with purity, swiftness, and spontaneity. Others see it as a symbol of expansion and regeneration. Both interpretations of this spirit animal are relevant to the month of January.

The dragonfly guides you to explore your desires. It also helps you expand your horizons, and it instills in you that you have the potential to go far. This aspect of the dragonfly seems fitting for this month which is all about self-reflection.

The dragonfly is an impressively fast insect. It can even fly 35 miles per hour. This explains its symbolization of swiftness and also expansion. As a spirit animal, the dragonfly pushes you to go after what you want and to live your life to the fullest

If you are going through a difficult time and need something to bring you joy. The dragonfly can help. This animal guide brings color into your life. Ask for guidance and regeneration from the dragonfly and watch it bring in light during dark times.

Conclusion

There is a sense of polarity in the month of January. Some people are ready to tackle the new year straightaway, whilst for others, it takes a bit more time to get used to the transition. However, the transition does have to be external.

With the assistance of animal guides, you can transform yourself both internally and externally. Spirit animals such as the raven, would be a great companion when going through an internal change because it pushes you to look inwards.

Whilst the sea lion, goldfish, and dragonfly help you make the necessary external changes. For example, the sea lion can help you make realistic choices, such as which way to remodel your home. Whilst the goldfish teaches you to be more lighthearted and to plan your next steps. The dragonfly gives you the energy to go after your desires.

Whether you want to connect with these spirit animals in January or another month isn’t as important as your intention. In this article, the animals mentioned are the ones that best match the energy of January. However, you can connect with them at your own time as long as you have good intentions.

Spirit Animal Guides

All Spirit Animal Guides

By Zodiac Sign

Aries / Taurus / Gemini / Cancer / Leo / Virgo / Libra / Scorpio / Sagittarius / Capricorn / Aquarius / Pisces

By Month

January / February / March / April / May / June / July / August / September / October / November / December

The post January Spirit Animals: What Are They? What Do They Mean? appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

January Star Signs

January is the first month of the year in both Julian & Gregorian Calendars. For being the first month of a new year, January is associated with new beginnings and a fresh start. People born in this month are intelligent and possess a wide range of abilities. It was in this month, celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, Kate Middleton, Jim Carrey, Jeff Bezos, and others were born.

In terms of astrology, January babies are born under these star signs:-

• Capricorn (December 22 to January 19) ♑ – The Sea-Goat
• Aquarius (January 20 to February 18) ♒ – The Water Bearer
• Capricorn-Aquarius Cusp (January 17 to 23) ♑♒– The Cusp of Mystery

In the sections that follow, we’ll take a look at the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of these star signs. Keep reading.

1. Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) ♑ – The Sea-Goat

The first star sign in January is Capricorn. Capricorn is the star sign for people born between December 22 and January 19. For it rules close to 2/3 of January (19 days, from January 1 to January 19), Capricorn is the Major January Sign.

Sandwiched between Sagittarius and Aquarius, Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac. Its symbol is the Sea-goat. The Sea-goat represents unwavering determination and the ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

Capricorn is the cardinal earth sign. It is ruled by planet Saturn which governs over tradition, stability, karma, discipline, and ambition.

Capricornians have the uncanny ability to achieve great things in life. They always strive for the highest goal and are successful in achieving it against all odds. Isaac Newton, Rowan Atkinson, Muhammad Ali, and Dolly Parton are just a handful of famous Capricorn figures.

Characteristics

As mentioned earlier, Capricorn is ruled by Saturn. So people born under this sign are more likely to be rational, realistic, and skeptical of fantasy. Capricorns are practical people who strategically plan their daily routine and other activities. Due to Saturn’s influence, they also have a fair amount of experience with the pessimistic side of life. This may cause problems from time to time.

Consistent, persistent, introverted, and patient, are some of the attributes of the earth sign. Capricorn is a feminine zodiac sign in astrology, and its characteristics include being highly receptive, influential, passive, and kind. Individuals with a feminine nature are also more likely to evaluate themselves without bias before making major life decisions. Note that this doesn’t discount male Capricorns’s masculinity, instead it adds an extra dimension to their abilities.

Strengths

True to being an earth sign, Capricorns are determined and hardworking people. They have a great sense of humor. Most of them are blessed with creativity and great imagination. Capricorn folks who spent time developing their artistic talents will often pay off. Patience, wisdom, and maturity are the most prominent characteristics of those born under this sign. They prefer to be self-sufficient and independent. Capricorn folks are also known for being passionate lovers, provided that they fall in love with someone who matches their wavelength.

Weaknesses

Saturn’s blessings can be a double-edged sword for Capricorn in certain circumstances.

Capricorn folks might become pessimistic and isolate themselves from the outside world. This is a result of their clairvoyant ability to see things through without any sugar coating.

At times, it can be difficult for Capricorn to process criticism and discouragement.

Read more about Capricorn

Birth Flowers | Career | Gift Ideas | Signs They’re In Love

2. Aquarius (January 20 to February 18) ♒ – The Water Bearer

Aquarius is the second star sign in January. If you’re born towards the end of January, you might be an Aquarius. More specifically, Aquarians are born between January 20 and February 18. Since Aquarius occupies about 1/3 of January (Jan 20 – Jan 31), Aquarius is considered the Minor January Sign.

In the wheel of zodiac, Aquarius is the twelfth sign. It is preceded by Capricorn, another January sign, and succeeded by Pisces. Aquarius is represented by the Water Bearer. This link can be traced back to Babylonian civilization. The Water Bearer symbolism is believed to be associated with “Ea,” who is often depicted as holding an overflowing vase. Ea was revered as the god of water and intelligence—among others.

Fun fact: Ea has had different names in different cultures and had been depicted in various ways. Among the things that he was depicted as was a Sea Goat —which is the symbol for Capricorn.

For being the sign of the Water Bearer, it’s surprising that Aquarius is not a water sign. Instead, it is a fixed air sign. This perhaps foreshadows Aquarius’s rebellious personality in some way. Aquarius folks are always full of surprises.

Aquarius folks have a big heart and are always willing to lend a helping hand. Their ambition is to improve the world for everyone. They are gregarious, upbeat, and true visionaries. Some famous Aquarius figures are Harry Styles, Shakira, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia De Rossi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Characteristics

Uranus is Aquarius’s ruling planet. In part due to the influence of Uranus, Aquarius individuals are unique, bold, and regal. Aquarius wields the power of authority naturally no matter which fields they are into. Their intellect and ability to mingle with everyone make them very appealing and attractive in the peer group. Yes, they’re most likely extroverts.

They love to analyze problems and to arrive at unique but practical solutions. Aquarians are generally very observant and good judges of people. They tend to maintain excellent character and are not afraid to take risks when it comes to professional life. The Aquarius people often love to stand out from the crowd.

Strengths

Since Aquarius has an air element, the individuals will excel in balancing both personal and professional lives. Aquarians are loyal friends, protective siblings, and great lovers. They spread joy and radiance wherever they go. People love to be around Aquarians because of their charisma and joyful nature. Science is the favorite subject of many Aquarius people as they love to explore.

Weaknesses

Aquarius is highly intelligent but that can sometimes backfire. Their over-analytical nature can sometimes make them look unempathetic and cold. That façade is sometimes true, as they do find it a bit difficult to understand deep human emotions. For the analytical Aquarius, emotions confuse them sometimes.

Another glaring weakness of this January sign is that they tend to be fixated on the mistake of others and find it hard to move past them. Worse, sometimes they’re fixated on their own mistakes and beat themselves over them.

Read more about Aquarius

Birth Flowers | Career | Gift Ideas | Signs They’re In Love

3. Capricorn-Aquarius Cusp (January 17 to 23) ♑♒ – The Cusp of Mystery

The Capricorn-Aquarius Cusp refers to the transitional period between Capricorn and Aquarius. This period is generally accepted as between January 17 and 23. The cusp is also referred to as the Cusp of Mystery. Since it’s the only cusp in January, it is sometimes called the January Cusp.

People born during this time still have distinct star sign: Capricorn OR Aquarius. However, these cuspers are unique in that they have the qualities and characteristics of both January signs.

Their birth chart is ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, making these cuspers well-organized, romantic, and outgoing. The majority of people who are born on the cusp are imaginative, intelligent, and hardworking.

People born on the cusp of Capricorn and Aquarius are creative and innovative. For them, life will always be exciting and appealing. Similar concepts apply to the strengths and weaknesses of these rare fellows. The cuspers typically have a combination of traits from both signs in varying degrees, which makes people born on the cusp unique. The conjunction of Saturn and Uranus makes people more practical while also being radical.

Individuals born on the cusp value their freedom above all else. As a result, they may find it difficult to stick to commitments. They seem to do well on their own but struggle when performing as part of a group. These people may require some time to settle in and become acquainted with the group.

Characteristics

Both the elements of air and earth have an impact on the Capricorn-Aquarius cuspers. The multi-elemental influence results in individuals who are stable and determined but have a natural desire for variety in their lives. The January cuspers can find passion and determination to carry out their ultimate life goals if their inner voices are heard.

One of the signature traits of Capricorn-Aquarius cuspers is their mastery of the flow of creative energy and the power of imagination. There will never be a dull moment in their lives. They have the potential to become experts at transforming sadness into motivation. Another thing to take note of is that people who are born on the cusp expect constant validation from those close to them.

Strengths

People born on the January cusp are always aware of current events and will be the first to initiate a group discussion. The cuspers have a natural leadership talent. Courage and honor are highly valued by these mysterious folks.

Weaknesses

To the observers, the cuspers can sometimes feel detached from reality due to their unrivaled ability to imagine and create. A lot of that action happens within their mind which can’t be observed by the bystanders.

Because of their active mind, they may appear to be uninterested sometimes. Similarly, although these cuspers are fascinating to converse with, their high intelligence can make them intimidating at times. In some cases, they may even come across as condescending in the way they present the facts.

Conclusion

Capricorn and Aquarius are two of January’s zodiac signs. Their distinct characteristics set them apart from the crowd. The Capricorn-Aquarius cusp is not a separate sign, as it refers to the transition period between the signs. However, because it has so much in common with the two signs, it becomes a unique phenomenon on its own which makes it worth studying.

Zodiac Signs by Month

January / February / March / April / May / June / July / August / September / October / November / December

Articles about January

All January Articles / Birth Flowers / Birthstones / Zodiac Signs

The post January Zodiac Signs: 2 Star Signs and a Cusp in the Month of January appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Poem Source: Natal Stones: Sentiments and Superstitions Associated with Precious Stones 

The human being’s fascination with gemstones is as old as the human race itself. It has been worn by people from different cultures across all epochs for a plethora of reasons. There are a lot of precious and semi-precious stones that are not only beautiful but also beneficial to their wearer. The introduction of the birthstone concept made it easier for people to select a gem that perfectly fits them. Titus Flavius Josephus, a Jewish Roman historian introduced the idea of selecting the precious stones that would represent the person born in the associated month. Here are the birthstones for January.

1. Garnet

Photo Credit: Amila Tennakoon from the Gems of Sri Lanka album.

Garnet is both the traditional and modern birthstone for January. It is a calming gemstone used to promote mental health. Garnet symbolizes faith, cheer, and constancy. True to its symbolism, constancy, garnet had been constantly regarded as the birthstone for January since the 15th century. All but the official primary birthstones January has changed over the years.

It is believed that garnet can constantly balance the wearer’s yin and yang energy. Most people opt to wear their corresponding birthstone for protection and to attract good fortune. The January birthstone offers more than that because it can also help increase productivity and promote good health–both mental and physical.

The history of garnet goes as far back as 3800 BC. Ancient Egyptians wore the gemstone around their heads for it was believed to bring good health.

The precious stone is also symbolic of lasting friendship and is believed to attract good karma. Although deep red is the common color of garnet, there are also other varieties and hybrids that come in different interesting colors including green, orange, red, and pink.

Garnet rose to popularity during the Victorian era. It is not an expensive gemstone but it offers a plethora of benefits to its wearer. When worn, the precious stone is believed to enhance your strength, regulate your heart rate, and even improve skin conditions.

The garnet is a common jewelry gemstone. It can be found in charms, necklaces, rings, and earrings.

Read also: January Birth Flowers

2. Red Zircon

Above: a collection of zircons in various colors. Red zircon is in the middle. Credit: Robert M. Lavinsky

Red Zircon is a good alternative January gemstone. It is believed that wearing red zircon brings prosperity and wisdom. The gemstone is also worn to improve sleep and can also help in warding off bad dreams. It can help improve your concentration and it has strong healing energy. Furthermore, it is also a great gem choice for couples because it can bring harmony and love that leads to a happy marital life. So start hunting for matching red zircon jewelry if you’re both born in January because they’ll improve your relationship tremendously and they looking amazing.

Zircon is the oldest rock fragment that was ever discovered. The Jack Hills zircon found in Australia was dated to be 4.375 billion years old. It is as old as the earth itself and has survived the worst catastrophes and conditions the planet ever encountered. Zircons are sometimes mistaken as cheap replicas of the diamond but they deserve better attention than that. It is a very durable stone that you can wear on a daily basis without worries–knowing its indestructible nature. Zircons are a worthy addition to anyone’s jewelry collection for it is a stone that has survived the test of time and it can also enhance its wearer’s passion for life.

Similar to the garnet, red zircon is also a popular red gemstone used in jewelry making.

3. Black Onyx

Above: a black onyx necklace pendant. Credit: User topzhang from Flickr.

An unorthodox gemstone for January babies is the black onyx. As discussed earlier, the garnet has been the January birthstone for centuries. Black onyx’s deep black color is a stark contrast to garnet’s signature red color. If the garnet is to align with January folks’ energies, the black onyx is to complement them with a different but still positive spiritual force.

The black onyx is a powerful semi-precious stone that is commonly used as a talisman or amulet because it is believed to grant its wearer magical powers. Wearing a black onyx can help you in terms of decision-making for it grants instinctive feeling and self-control. The stone can also take away your negative energy and has been used to relieve stress and fatigue. One of the best things about onyx is that it can make an excellent personalized gift. You can have it carved with any figure that you please.

January is the first month of the entire year and it is when we can start our life anew. This makes the black onyx a fitting birthstone for this heraldic month for it is regarded as an ultimate stone of protection that can guide you spiritually and physically as you begin the new year. It is further believed that this stone preserves the memory of its wearer which makes it an excellent choice of stone for daily use.

Wrapping Up

In addition to the garnet which is commonly accepted as the January gem, we have also suggested two additional birthstones that are believed to be spiritually and psychologically beneficial to folks born in January. These two alternative gems are red zircon and black onyx.

Birthstones by Month

January Birthstones | February Birthstones | March Birthstones | April Birthstones | May Birthstones | June Birthstones | July Birthstones | August Birthstones | September Birthstones | October Birthstones|  November Birthstones | December Birthstones

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

Aries Stones | Taurus Stones | Gemini Stones | Cancer Stones | Leo Stones | Virgo Stones | Libra Stones | Scorpio Stones | Sagittarius Stones | Capricorn Stones | Aquarius Stones | Pisces Stones

The post January Birthstones appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.