Today's External Influence is Reversed Okapi. When the Spirit Guide Okapi appears, it normally means this is a time to push your individuality and to really shine as someone different and unique. However, when this Guide appears as Reversed, it comes to us to show a time when you have to dig in and push to build your foundation. Work on listening to the world around you and reflecting on what you can do to push your goals. Do not feel afraid or hurt if you can't express your individuality. Now is the time to focus not on being different, but on knowing that you are unique no matter the circumstances. That sometimes we have to focus on the material world rather than the metaphysical world. It is ok to feel like your not getting anything done. Just know that hard work will get you through this time that may feel mundane or boring. Do not smother your individuality, but wear it naturally. It is who you are. You don't need to force it. Be careful not to force your uniqueness, because this may create more of a distance than your intending. Know that even if your environment makes you feel smothered that you are always you and that by digging in and working hard, you will create a foundation in which you can bloom and blossom.

This week's Rune is Thurisaz. Depicted as a thorn, this rune is a symbol of protection, defense, destruction, and regeneration. It can be seen as either an active defense or used as an attack against enemies. It is depicted as a thorn from a plant, yet is connected with the element of fire and a symbol of the lightning and thunder attributed to Thor's hammer, Mjollnir. Use Thurisaz when you wish to protect yourself against those wishing you harm or ill will, but know that this symbol will also aid you in awakening your will and overcoming obstacles found in uncomfortable situations. Thurisaz will aid you this week in giving you a push of additional strength. This week, work on tapping into your sight to become aware of energies and when to think before acting. This rune also warns us to consider the dark within ones self and how to deal with it positively in order to avoid it gaining strength over us. Do not let your negative fester within. Thurisaz will aid you in breaking down barriers in order to make way for a new beginning.

The Internal card is the spirit guide Hyena. This week may require you to ask for assistance from friends or family or to give your own help to others. Even as this week gives us strength and clarity for our goals, remember that it is ok to have doubts or to ask for help. It is ok to feel vulnerable. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, know that you do possess the skills and resources that will enable you to push yourself to future goals as well as to grow into the best version of yourself. Trust your gut, follow your intuition, and allow yourself to be happy. Laugh and be light in your moods. You have survived the trials of your life so far and this week is just another trial that will teach you how strong you are. Be wary of your words, however, for they will hold more strength and power than normal this week. Use the lightness of your soul, your desire to laugh and love and be the light, to fuse your skills with positive thought and inspiration. The Hyena spirit guide reminds us that only in knowing our darkness can we be the light. Only by accepting, learning, and growing through the shadows we all possess can we find and grow the light alongside it. You are strong. You have the skills and resources to grow. Use this week to allow yourself to come to terms with your vulnerability and strengths in order to truly understand who you are and what you can do.