Have you experienced a time of reflection in recent months? Have old issues and fears cropped up, forcing you to face those fears and deal with them … finally? Astrologically speaking, all of this deep thought may be due the planet Mars transiting the sign of Scorpio. Today marks the end of its cycle as Mars re-enters the sign of Sagittarius in the Leo New Moon, giving us an opportunity to “let go of things that no longer serve us.”
This is an optimal time to set intentions for the next 28-day lunar cycle. Leo is a fire sign, radiating an atmosphere of courage and confidence. – Belinda Dunn
For more on the subject of planetary changes in 2016 please view: http://www.lynnkoiner.com/astrology-articles/mars-in-scorpio-2014 and http://www.kelleyrosano.com/kelley-rosano/2016-astrological-events/.
The Power of Setting Intentions
An intention is a directed impulse of consciousness that
contains the seed form of that which you aim to create. – Deepak Chopra
The first step when releasing your heart’s desire into the cosmos is to free
your mind of ego and outcomes. Meditate first. Set intentions second. Don’t determine the path your desire will take, and don’t determine the outcome. Why? Because we never know what great possibilities, opportunities and experiences lie in the path, and the outcome may be much greater than we can possibly imagine. Deepak Chopra, M.D., describes the process in, “5 Steps to Setting Powerful Intentions.”
When choosing a new career path – name the subject of interest then release it. “I am interested in pursuing … or I am looking forward to … (state what you want),” then thank the universe for bringing it to you. At times, the universe may give you “action steps,” which are things you must do to set your intentions in motion. Listen to your heart (rather than your mind) for direction. Other times you may receive messages that things are proceeding as planned. These signs can be in the form of bumper stickers, banners on websites, roadside signs, unexpected words of encouragement from a stranger or a friend – all of these things represent clues that you are on the right path.
Remaining Positive Keeps Intentions Flowing
In Buddhist philosophy, Buddha said that insight and vision brings peace, while suffering 
is due to dissatisfaction based on one’s need to cling to beliefs around situations that blind us to what is. In other words, right thoughts, right actions, right deeds, can create an awakening within you that may not otherwise exist if you remain in a state of worry and negativity.
If someone is mean to you, look beyond the situation. Ask yourself, “What was the intention of the person in this instance? What circumstances is the person facing in his or her own life that created this series of words or actions?” The situation may also be a message for you. Keep yourself in a positive light and ask yourself, “What have I learned from this experience?” Be thankful there are lessons to learn that can lead us to a state of enlightenment.