Igniting Courage

This is your card reading for Monday, September 26th/16.  Your card flew out of the 'Gateway Oracle' deck, authored by Denise Linn.  Your card is 'Igniting Courage' and Denise's message for the card is this:
"I am strong, valiant, and courageous...
CARD MEANING:  Move forward fearlessly. Gather your inner forces and take a risk. Speak up for yourself by honoring your truth. This isn't the time to be timid or hold back.  Go forward gallantly with your banner of truth waving in the wind.  You are a light bearer for others.
THE UNIVERSE WANTS YOU TO KNOW:  Being courageous doesn't mean that you're not afraid.  It means that in spite of fear and hesitation, you take action anyway.  It's all right to fall down--just don't stay down.  Do not allow yourself to be limited by the beliefs of others or even your own beliefs. Face your fears.  Go beyond the boundaries of your self-imposed barriers.  Live passionately and boldly.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:  What could this card represent about my own fears? How can I overcome fear and step into courage? What is the ultimate outcome if I conquer my hesitations?"

My message for you today is this:
I attended a beautiful Fall Equinox ceremony yesterday, and at one point we were discussing how we are energetically at the end of a cycle and moving into a new cycle. 2016 is a 'year of completion' numerologically (2+0+1+6=9), and September is a 9 month, in this year of completion. Cosmically, we are also culminating an important cycle and so this recent Fall Equinox and closing out of the Eclipse season for the year has been powerful energetically.  I personally have no background knowledge of astro-numerology, but I was able to hear what was being shared in this regard, because I have definitely been 'feeling' the prevailing energies and the shift that is underway!  We have 'worked on' and learned much and realize some old patterns and ways of being and underlying core belief systems that just no longer serve us.  We are ready now to move into the new way of being that is in alignment with the higher vibration that is permeating our planet collectively and also we, as individuals. We are at a portal wherein we may consciously choose to shed an old belief pattern and replace it with one that will be representative of who we are now.  It was said yesterday that the profound energy of possibility and potential that we are now in means that we must have COURAGE to take that leap of faith!  It often takes courage to step out of the status quo and what has become familiar, in order to affect change.  Even when we just KNOW that this change will be a positive one.  It is why it often takes us so long to get to a place where we are willing to take necessary action to break old patterns.  No self-judgment about that.  Often, there are necessary learnings along the way.  The message today is that you are being supported--in fact, urged-- ENERGETICALLY to make an important shift in your life and perspective. The time is now. Pay attention to the situations and circumstances that present to you today and in the near future, where you are being offered the opportunity to approach that situation from a new standpoint or stance. The way you would have 'dealt with' or approached that situation previously is not the same as you will now.  You have indeed made a 'shift' and it is time that your actions reflect that. You will feel compelled to stand in your truth. This does not hold a 'combative' energy, by the way, but rather, one of being self-empowered---and being truly in your own power does not disempower another. 
Speaking from an empowered place holds a whole different energy than speaking from a defensive stance, for example. One is proactive and one is reactive.  As a collective, we are shifting away from the competitive/reactive framework and into a cooperative/proactive framework; even though it may seem that we are doing so at a snail's pace sometimes. Yet, these shifts are absolutely happening on a deep level. Choose to embrace and utilize them as you strive to live your life in a way that reflects all that you are. Honour yourself! 
In Denise's words in her message to you for this card: 'I am strong, valiant and courageous.'
And I would add to that: And my own best advocate!
Blessed be...