Before Strength and Now Strength

I have been musing on the idea of strength.  My mother was strong!  She was physically strong, mentally strong, she persevered, she held her ground, she healed and moved on.  I come from a long line of strong women.  We all do.  I like to think of Mother Earth as the mother of us all, and wow she is a strong one.  

​I've read that the energies of 2024 will include strength.  "This [year] asks you to stop turning away from that which you desire.  This is the year to do things that will develop your strength and stretch outside your comfort zone" (Many Moons, Lunar Planner).  I'm going to call this now strength.

As I have spent the first couple of days in 2024 touching into the now strength, it feels different to me than the strength of before.  The before strength is a response -  it feels like a defense, like a stance we have to hold so we don't lose (even more) ground.  The strength that comes from saying: I will not be defeated.  The before strength comes when someone or something else is trying to take your power. The before strength is the strength of our ancestors, and we needed it to stand with our ancestors now to claim this new now strength power.  

This now strength and power knows that my power is not diminished by your power.  Rather than a response, it is a creation.  The now strength is a strength within.  It is a strength that comes from claiming who we are, instead of losing power by denying aspects of ourselves.  The now strength is not the strength that gets you through, it is the strength that lifts us up.  In this power, it is time to take a step with our lives.  It is the strength of YES, that creates the courage to make the step.  The strength that is within each of us, if only we are brave enough to create our lives to the fullest.  

I am only just beginning in the now strength.  If you are exhausted from the before strength, let that be real.  At the moment, it is part of who you are.  The before strength is exhausting.  And it is temporary.  When you are ready for the now strength, invite it in.  It sounds like YES!  It feels like inspiration and hope.  It tastes like freedom.  It looks like beauty.  It is led from the heart.  

​The now strength can not be taken from you.  Consider letting the fight pass right on by because this is the kind of strength that can not be taken from us, only shared.  Without the threat of someone or something else taking your power or your strength - what would you use all of that extra energy for?  Create to your fullest, and feel your power there.

This is a strength and power that can be passed, knowing that your strength does not diminish mine.  The end of 'power over' is near, and feminine energies will lead the transformation.  Feminine energies ask us to receive as much as we give, to enjoy grace, compassion, and love.  Let's go!