Treasure Maps!

One week from today I expect all of you to be deep into making your treasure maps.
The TM window opens up on March 30th (2:44pm EDT) with the Aries New Moon.     This year's treasure map is aruably one of the most potent Aries New Moon of the century so this would be THE year to make a map.   You can read about New Moon HERE.

For those who don't know about Treasure Maps, here is your cheat sheet.

Buz Myers

A special thank you to Buz Myers who introduced me to Treasure Maps in the Spring of 1996.  That year I made my first map with my two friends Ann and Margaret.  Two months later I met the man who would become my husband who looked very similar to the ‘guy’ I put on my map. 18 years later we are still trucking through life together with great joy.   I am forever indebted to Buz a magnificent astrologer and teacher.  Blessing to you, Buz.  –Tracy

WHAT IS A TREASURE MAP?

A treasure map is a collage made of photos, magazines pictures, words, affirmations, pieces of things that make sense to you.  You put these images on a foam core board or just cardboard or just something strong that can handle the collage...you put them all together so you can look at it...it will be a MAP of what you want for the coming year.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN, "What do I want for the coming year?"


Exactly what it says. Do you want a new house, a new job, a larger income, a new living room, better health, stronger marriage, reconnect with people, a bigger family, a bigger community? Do you want to write your book? Do you want a new car? What is it you want?

Do you even know what you want? If you are like many of us, you are so busy running around, taking care of everyone else that you might not have a fig of an idea what you want for your new year...that is the beauty of this process. You must sit down and figure it out...give yourself this time to do it. Be just that selfish and dare to dream.


Why do we do it now and not January?


Treasure Maps are made during the Aries new moon. Aries new moon change from year to year and this year, 2014 it will take place on March 30 at 2:44pm EDT

The maps are made on Aries new moon, because that is the first sign of the zodiac. Aries is when you plant your seeds. It is the real beginning of the New Year. It should not be confused with the first day of spring, which was on March 20.   New moon means the sun and moon are in the same degree. For those who don't know much about astrology (which is totally okay) Aries is the sign of SIGHT. So, that's why it is so important to have pictures of what you want. You need to visualize it. Or if you don't do photos/pictures.. Put up words. It is just important for you to SEE THEM.


So, I'm going to be busy on  March 30 can I start it before the 30th?

NO.

Do I have to buy a bunch of magazines, I'm broke, can I just borrow some old ones from friends


Personally, when I started my treasure maps I always did them with fresh new magazines. And in the old days, (not married, no children) I spent a lot of dough on them because I wanted lots of choices. But with time, I now only get a few magazines. I never borrowed magazines from friends however I know that there are people who did it in previous years and they were happy with their results. So, it really is your call. But if you do borrow them make sure they are put away until March 30^th so they are fresh to you on that date.  And of course downloading photos from the internet is very helpful.


What if I don't want magazine photos, can I just use my own pictures.. like my husband, my baby etc?


Sure. I usually scanned or color xeroxed them so that I would not wreck my originals.

You can also paint what you want. Again it is your call.

Do I only focus on things?

Heck no! I would also encourage you to focus on  Affirmations like “I’m abundant” or “I am always feeling loved” “My health is vibrant.” “My partner and I are always growing closer.”

Is there any pattern I have to use when I put the photos or the words on my board?

No you can do it anyway you want.

I will say that in previous years my friends and I used to use the feng shui baguas for my pattern. Basically I would break up the board into 9 areas. A grid like this:

123
456
789

1-abundance
2-fame/reputation
3-relationship
4-family
5-health
6-creativity
7-self-knowledge (and travel)
8-work
9-helpful people and angels.

If you use the feng shui baguas, you will naturally cover most all areas of your life..as you can see it is all represented. But again, you don’t have to do it that way.  Some people have even made round boards.  

Can I build a cyber map?

Many mappers are more comfortable with cyber maps, which are always on their computer.

And they have had success.   Again, it is your call, do what your heart calls you to do.


How much time do I have to build my map?

Ideally you should build your map during the new phase of Aries, which this year would be between:

March 30 (2:44pm EDT) and April 3 (5:03am EDT )

If you can’t do it in the first 3 days then try to get done before first quarter moon, which is April 7 at 4:30am EDT

If you can’t get it done in by April 7

Then get it done by April 15 3:42am

If you can’t get it done by that date---then skip it this year.

Do I have to do it alone or can I do it with friends?

You can do it either way. I build mine with my 2 other friends. We are like family and it felt so right to do it with them. We started them together. I know that there are several people who have little parties where they invite those close to them over. I will say this, it is a lot of fun to do maps with friends--we would all pass around the magazines.. "Hey, I found a great beach bungalow does anyone need a beach vacation? Or it would be, "I have got to lose 10 pounds, any ideas what I should put on my map?" and low and behold someone will come up with a good suggestion.


Do i have to finish it all at one sitting?


No. Often I used to cut my stuff out with my friends. Maybe glue a little thing here or there and then take it home and finish it over the course of a day or two.

Can my kids do it with me?

Yes! It is great for them to focus and think about what they want. Have them build their own maps. They also might give you their thoughts about what they think you should have in your life. Helps them to think beyond them, right?


Does it work?

Yep.

Okay. I don't want to sound like a spoilsport but I’m just not interested in building a collage, can I do something else?


Sure you can take a nice piece of orange paper and write down wishes or affirmations during Treasure Map time. My wishes can sometimes feel like prayers and they are much broader in my desires. But I will say this, I felt like I needed to switch to 'less is more' after several years of mapping. So, I had a lot under my belt. I would encourage newcomers to make the actual maps. But if you really don't feel the call then just write your desires down. I like orange paper. So, vibrant. So Aries.


Is it ok to have things continue over to the next year? Long-term, ongoing stuff that has progressed but needs to continue to progress?



Yes. Of course. But with a small caveat. My experience after doing these for years is that when something really takes time and doesn't gel in the first year then there is something still not right yet. It might be something you are aware of...like one cyber friend shifted from her map from year one to year two by focusing on less things. That kind of energy is really important. What I mean.. is it is NOT important to put up less. It is important  to go into your gut and say what do I REALLY WANT.

You may need to shift something about your long range goals. My sense is that they need a wee bit refining or broadening. Just a thought. But definitely don't give up on the dream.


I'm really excited is there anything I can do now before Treasure Map to help my map?


Yes, yes, yes.... I said this in previous years and I'll remind everyone now. The period just before the Treasure Map is called the balsamic phase. Which is the end of the moon's phase. This is the phase when we get rid of stuff. Get rid of clutter. Get rid of things that are bugging us. Get rid of ick. Try if you can to clear some space in your life so you can be ready for the treasure map. Remember, Einstein said, "NO TWO THINGS CAN OCCUPY THE SAME SPACE." Read that several times... now ask yourself, do I have space in my house, my family, my brain, my time, my life in general for more? If the answer is no. Then start housecleaning!

Clear out the stuff between now and March 30. Now do you understand why it is important not to start your map before the new time?

By the way, I personally don't buy any of my supplies before the New starts. But I know some of you can't do that..so if you must buy before. Put it aside and don't touch it until the new. Don't thumb through magazines. Leave it all be.

Good luck and dream big!