Today's External Influence is the Reversed Spirit Guide Turtle. When this sign normally appears, the turtle indicates a time to build independence, connecting to the fertile energies of creativity, and to re-energize the connection between you and your maternal figure or figures. However, when we see the Turtle as a reversed guide, it comes to us as a warning that this week may require solitude and inner awareness. This week may be a tough one with a strong urge to connect with those around you and to reaffirm friendships and loves. However, this guide reminds us to do this with a certain amount of restraint and intelligence. Find other ways than direct contact in order to show your love and care for others. Consider taking a vow of celibacy for a time. Rather than pushing your creative abilities, allow the energies to pool and circulate within yourself so that they may germinate into a greater potential. Allow the build up of the world's stagnant energy to flow gently into future creations rather than feeling pent-up or fidgety. Make lists, plans, charts. Plan for the time when your environment allows you to push forth your hobbies, abilities, and interactions with family.

This week's Rune is Isa. This rune represents the vertical lines of primal energies running within the energy of existence. It is seen as a vertical line, icicle, or ice stream. Often, Isa represents slow expansion, delay, or constraint. It is a rune that often stops all activity seen in the way water loses energy as it slows and freezes to ice. Although ice may move slow, when it does it moves with massive force such as the motion of a glacier. In a chaotic and fast-pace environment, Isa can add a moment of structure and foundation to draw strength from. However, if change is needed, be wary of letting stasis hold you back from your opportunities. Isa aids us in understanding potential dangers as well as the polarities of energy and their abilities. When moving slower, we can see patterns around us and focus on concentration and our intentions. As this week's time seems to slip away, know that you have a center of slow moving, thoughtful energy to help in balancing you. Draw from Isa in order to help yourself process the information flying by this week. Analyze and consider what is around you with a thoughtful mind so that you do not become overwhelmed and stalled into a stillness that will not be beneficial to you. Isa works with the ego, the inner self, and connects us with the place within where the past and future come together and create the present. Do not lose yourself in the rush of time, but do not fall to the negative aspects of stagnation that Isa can warn about. Think carefully and thoughtfully before taking decisive actions.

This week's Internal Influence is the Reversed Spirit Guide Badger. When the Badger normally appears, it signifies a time when your must keep strong, self-reliant, and to push forth. However, this week connects the theme of waiting with patience. Focus on gathering your resources and building your strengths. This week may inspire anger and aggression. It may be hard. However, don't let this get to you. Don't allow your negative emotions to run rampant. You can do this! Even if you feel alone, know that there are others out there you can speak with to aid in feeling like more than just yourself. You have community and friends around you. Even if you cannot be with them physically at this moment. If you are missing those who have passed on, consider taking a quiet moment during this week to light a candle and close your eyes. With deep breaths, remember them, Remember the memories with love and not sadness. The Reversed Badger reminds us not to let ourselves be overcome by the swirling emotions raging around us. It may be hard, but you are strong. You are resilient.