Modern urban humanity has found itself insulated from the cycles of nature. While this, to a degree, has resulted from a much higher comfort level, something of great value has been lost. City lights and high-tech lifestyles have obscured the cycles of light that older civilizations followed to their benefit. The light cycles I refer to are the lunar and solar cycles. To get an idea of how far from this knowledge we've gotten, ask your friends and acquaintances what quarter the Moon is in. Month after month the 28-day lunar cycle proceeds over the heads of a nearly completely oblivious population. See how many people you know who have any idea how the lunar cycle works astronomically.

Do you yourself know? Have you ever watched a lunar cycle from New Moon to Full and back to New again? Ancient humanity was very well aware of both the lunar and solar cycles, and it serves us well to likewise tune into them.

The Vernal Equinox, which occurs on the 20th of this month, is perhaps the most important time to jump in on the solar cycle. This is the time to start major projects that you want to achieve this year. This basic idea is that just as the farmer, we plant in the Spring and harvest in the Fall. The four cardinal points—that is, the Sun's entry into the cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn—are the equinox and solstice points, which are the beginnings of the seasons. Each season is used differently, and the beginning of each is the time to hold celebrations and mark the change.

Vernal Equinox, then, is when we begin projects; and the rest of the season is devoted to getting things rolling. Summer Solstice is the time to review the projects and make the necessary changes. The rest of the summer is for working hard to ensure that our labors are fruitful. Autumnal Equinox brings in the harvest season, when our efforts are oriented toward collecting the results of our projects, storing them up, and putting them to the best possible use. At Winter Solstice it is time to take stock of the past year and life in general. The rest of the winter season is then used for planning and preparation for the projects to be started at the coming Vernal Equinox. This cycle functions year after year whether or not we are aware of it. All that is necessary is that we recognize it and come into sync with it.

I recommend each year that people begin three major projects. It is best if they can be on the three levels—that is, one physical project, one emotional project, and one mental project. It's up to the individual, however, to decide what to ask for.