In addition to the annual astrological animal signs, the Chinese recognize life moving in 180-year spans. (Remember me from 1824?) The 180-year span is divided into nine 20-year cycles. Each cycle has a distinct energy that governs the events of that period. We have just completed Cycle 7, an era that is depicted by arguments, deceit, robbery, slander, dishonesty and lawsuits. Just reflect back upon the political and corporate disasters that occurred over that twenty-year period!

Thousands of years of observations have lead the Chinese to the conclusion that energy is cyclical and predictable. How we respond to that energy, however, is optional, especially when we are aware of it.

Our current cycle, Cycle 8 will last from 2004 until 2023. Cycle 8 is governed by the Gen tri-gram in the Northeast direction. Feng Shui, the art of Chinese geomancy, focuses upon the relationship between time and space. Space is defined by 8 geographical directions: North, South, East, West, NE, NW, SE and SW. The tri-grams that determine these directions originate from the I Ching, “The Book of Change.” They are comprised of three “changing” lines; yin (broken) and yang (solid). Their configuration defines not only a direction but an element, as well. Gen denotes the earth element, and its tri-gram (a solid line over two broken lines) symbolizes a mountain.

Gen represents youth. This means that youth will have a great influence upon the next 20 years. Young leaders in business and politics will bring bolder views and more spontaneous actions to our world. Ideas will take innovative directions and present more risks. Children will feel their sense of power and place because the universe is delivering their rite of passage - right now.

We’ve seen the media barrage of child stars from Britney Spears to Justin Timberlake and are familiar with the glorification of youth. These are children barely out of high school with million dollar homes and more “bling-bling” than the diamond exchange!

What does this mean on a worldwide level? And, how does this relate to our children personally? Do we have any control or do we relinquish responsibility to an inevitable wave of energy about to take place?

Take off your parachutes and stay on board, for it promises to be an exciting phase in history! Our attention should support the youth in their era of power lest they feel like they’re being shot aimlessly out of a cannon. We cannot abandon them to a responsibility that may be beyond their capacity. Careful guidance and mentoring will enable them to steer their zeal in a direction that is productive and constructive. Believe me, there will be times that you may want to throw in the towel for fear of otherwise strangling them with it!

We have to stay engaged, involved and enthused. The walk that you walk is the most powerful tool you have to state your case. We are the adults, remember? We don’t have to be their friend; they have lots of them. We have to be their parents, mentors, teachers and guides. If you’re trying to win a popularity contest, forget it. We don’t have to be stoic and “right” all the time, either, but we do have to care enough that it’s okay if they don’t always like us.

At the same time, we must remember what youth means. Youthful ideas and attitudes are for kids of all ages. Let’s not get stuck in old fashioned ways of living that no longer serve us. Being wide-eyed and enthusiastic about the moment is exciting. Take chances and make changes; hear new voices with fresh ears; fight and forgive in the same breath. Open your heart and open your mind. Enjoy the youthful energy these next twenty years will bring…you may look in the mirror in 2023 and see the same face you see today!