~first~, when you read the chapters on your 5 Essence and 7 Personal Year, you probably noticed they are very different in nature. The 5 is extroverted and dynamic, while the 7 has an introverted, serious nature.

Surprisingly, in spite of their differences these numbers get along very well. The 5 is social, impulsive, daring, and a bit of a rebel; the 7 thoughtful, calm, and analytical. But if you put them in a room with ten other people, they will invariably end up absorbed in each other, oblivious to the rest of the crowd. The influences are drawn to each other by their shared curiosity and intelligence. To use an analogy, the 5 is the enthusiastic student, the 7 the wise teacher. Between them they exchange valuable commodities: energy and youth for wisdom and maturity. Both influences benefit and enjoy each other in the process.

The combination is not as favorable on a practical level. Since they both thrive on ideas, concepts, and philosophies, they function better in the abstract than actuality. Neither is lazy so there is no shortage of productivity, but they sometimes lack the focus necessary to bring ideas to fruition.

You have the ability to push the boundaries in all things spiritual/intangible and intellectual. At the same time, the world around you may feel uncooperative, and you could often find yourself standing alone - partly by choice and partly due to the changing circumstances around you. This should not affect your romantic, friendship, or family relationships as much as it does your professional life.

This year, your career or business, even personal, relationships should take second place to your own hopes and needs. It is a period that offers tremendous clarity, a time of growth, insight, and spiritual and mental expansion. With your state of mind more flexible and daring than during other Essence cycles, you have the opportunity to rediscover and realign your priorities and the direction you want your life to take.

With personal growth your main focus, you may need to make a deliberate attempt to keep relationships stable and free from unnecessary conflict. Similarly, added effort might be needed to keep your career and other productive areas on track, as you may not feel as motivated or inspired about them as usual.

Make every effort to stay focused on important goals but try not to worry if you see less growth than expected in this area. Next year will focus largely on material development.