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On our April home page (a 9 Fire Month in a 2 Soil Year) we said:
".... Globally, this is a 9 Fire Month, in a 2 Soil Year, in a 2 Soil 9-Year cycle, in a 9 Fire 81-Year cycle. The cycle of support flows from 9 Fire and terminates in 2 Soil. Both 9 and 2 are now very strong.
Nine Fire supports illumination, new experiences and entertainment. In and of itself, 9 is a wonderful number. We humans are quite literally defined by fire. We began using it at our own dawntime. Since then, fire has been perhaps our most prized tool; but only when we maintained conscious control. For untold millennia, we have used fire to cook our food and to protect us from the winter's cold but, uncontrolled, it has brought down countless homes, villages and nations.
Of interest, 2 Soil is associated with the southwest direction. Because this is a 2 Soil year, there will be a special focus on the southwestern areas of continents and other land masses. If you look at a map or globe, you'll notice that many of these locations are desert areas; the most obvious being the southwest sections of North America, Africa and Asia (including the Middle East).
As the previous month closed, the Israel-Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine wars raged on among broken ceasefire and peace negotiations. If you review the 2025 annual commentary, below, you'll find that 2 Soil years and larger 2 Soil cycles support military and political quagmires. Two Soil stagnation promotes alliances, agreements, treaties and peace; therefore forceful action often leads to a destructive stalemate. We should be wary of this, especially now that 9 Fire presides by the month and by the 81-Year cycle. This poses the obvious question. Could other global hot spots flare up?
Just as real fire is the hallmark-tool of humankind, 9 Star Ki was developed to be utilized as a tool. It defines the mood of the times, then suggests ways to bolster the positive aspects and reduce potential hazards. April 2025 will provide an opportunity to see if we have mastered Fire, or if Fire has become the master...."
April 8-
April 8-
April 9-
April 14-
April 17- In case you plan on going, pack an extra bag. 124 light-years are 728,949,500,000,000 miles.
April 21- Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, who believed that nature itself was the mirror of God. He called all creatures his "brothers" and "sisters" and spoke with them. In my opinion, Pope Francis made numerous changes for the better, while towing the Church's line. One example being, he changed the rules that a pope be buried in three coffins. Like Robert F. Kennedy, he was buried in a wooden casket. Pope Francis was 88. He was a 1 Water. Signifying spirituality, self reflection, depth of character and inner strength. He passed in the 6 Metal monthly position (resilience, clarity) and the 4 Tree annual house (inspiration, fruition).
April 22-
April 22-
As the month closed- For decades, republicans in the American congress have been against it. An educated public means educated choices, including educated votes. Federal funding for public media only costs Americans $1.60 per year. Congress has never been able to cut the funds because two thirds of Americans support continued federal funding for public media. But now that congress is paralyzed, Trump signed an executive order that eliminates funding for Public Broadcasting television and National Public radio. Currently, the United States is between 15th and 31st in education (depending on the way data is collected). This will certainly not improve the score.
Litigation- For those who are interested, my ongoing list of Trump's second term.
Until further notice, 10% of all 9 Star Ki orders will be contributed to the World Central Kitchen (WCK).
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Eight Soil adds some yang "weight" to this combination. Beyond the yin and yang considerations, 8 increases balance by being the active counterpart of the more passive 2 Soil. If we study the standard 9 Star Ki square, we see that 5 Soil occupies the central position. Five is the intersection, the crossroads of space and time. As such, it is the ki of karma and power, giving structure and shape to the surrounding numbers. But, being surrounded, Five is also hidden; almost as if it resides in the realm of spirit, passing its influence along to the other numbers in the material world. Without the surrounding eight numbers, 5 Soil would not exist. All energy states are interdependent. Being Soil types, 8 Soil (revolution, change) and 2 Soil (stagnation, consistency) complement one another. Together, they represent the most direct conduit available for 5 Soil's material "intervention" in material matters. Although they are no more potent or important than the other surrounding numbers, and have neither the level of control nor the karmic qualities of 5, they are nevertheless very effective when working in unison. We may think of them as the arms of creation. One arm promoting action. The other consolidation. We can utilize 8 Soil's capacity for change in a way that harmonizes with 2 Soil's consistency. In other words, bring about gentle, peaceful improvements. So far, this year, we've mentioned several situations where diplomacy could produce hopeful signs and constructive results. We have attributed this to the mood of the 2 Soil 9-year cycle. Unfortunately, few in power have chosen to find common ground. With the exceptions of Canada and the European Union, most leaders have relied on connivance or brute force. Indeed, better outcomes have been achieved in previous 9-year cycles that were not supportive of diplomacy. This is a good example of how the ki can only go so far. If the opportunity is ignored, the solution is lost. In May we have another opportunity to stay with program; making only those changes (8 Soil) that serve to improve the mood of alliance and peaceful negotiation (2 Soil). Of course we may continue to ignore the opportunity. For governments and organizations that are already seeking results through compromise and communication, this would be a terrible time to change their tactics. Other groups that have been ambiguous in this area should value this time period as an opportunity to get involved with the diplomatic process – not as a time for forceful action. In some cases, the coin stands on its end. By this month's end, we'll see which side lands face-up. For example, what will become of the unrealistic tariffs imposed by the United States? What of Ukraine and Gaza? By the end of this time period, we'll have a much better idea. One thing we can all keep in mind. Eight Soil is the ki of change and is now supported by both 9 Fire and 2 Soil, with no antagonistic energy to hold it in check. If world powers do not utilize this mood of change to achieve beneficial results – then changes will still take place. But they may not be what anyone hoped for. So, how can we proceed? You can check out your forecasts for personal details but, in the larger view, we can all use the same advice that is mentioned in the global comments above. We can remain open to new directions while keeping our eyes on a peaceful goal. We can communicate, negotiate and make the compromises that are required to achieve the best possible results, for everyone involved. We cannot wait around for the powers that be. Our future is our responsibility. It always has been.
For more information, see your online forecast and our detailed publications.
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Time Duration | Ki Number | Characteristics | Nature |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly | 8 Soil | Revolution, Change | Turning, Spinning |
Annual | 2 Soil | Agreements, Preparation | Accumulation |
9 Year Cycle | 2 Soil | Agreements, Preparation | Accumulation |
81 Year Cycle | 9 Fire | Illumination, Fortune, Chaos | Kinetic Energy- Very Expansive |
The cycle of support flows from 9 Fire, to 2 Soil and terminates in 8 Soil. While 9 (chaos, expansion) and 2 (stagnation, preparation) will remain apparent, 8 Soil (change) predominates. Until 2036, the influence of the larger 9 Fire 81-Year Cycle will continue to generate conditions that are interesting, illuminating & entertaining but, in the extreme, can become chaotic and explosive.
For more information on Nine Star Ki and the times, see our global predictions for the current Nine Year Cycle.
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February 4th, 2025 through February 3rd, 2026 is a 2 Soil year. This ki is very different than the energy of the previous two years (4 Tree & 3 Tree). The transition into this annual house is more abrupt than is usual for a 9 Ki New Year. Because January is a 3 Tree Month in a 3 Tree Year, and February is a 2 Soil Month in a 2 Soil Year, the change in the monthly ki will reinforce the sudden change in mood.
This is also a 2 Soil 9-Year Cycle, making this 2 Soil energy state stronger than usual. In addition, the 9 Fire energy of the 81-Year Cycle provides strong support to 2 Soil. Nine being the ki of summer, 2 Soil the ki of late-summer. This is an excellent opportunity to understand the nature of 2 Soil. The last time the world encountered a potent alignment, like this, was in 1863. That was a 2 Soil year, in a 2 Soil 9-Year Cycle, in a 2 Soil 81-Year cycle. The peak of the American Civil War.
As the very active 3 Tree ki of the previous year fades, we enter a more sluggish time. Indeed, 2 Soil is a peaceful energy; associated with food, farming, education, reaching out, communication, forming alliances, agreements, planning, preparation, accumulation and stagnation. While these attributes may not be the most attractive or exciting, they all provoke a relatively serene image. And they clearly illustrate the importance of 2 Soil. Where would we be without farming or education?
Two Soil indicates success through thoughtful, steady progress, rather than quick, forceful action. Therefore, a consistent effort will be of far greater benefit than attempts to make giant leaps forward. (Please remember- this commentary is about the global ki. Your personal ki position may differ.) Great headway can be made, but it's best to use a consistent approach, like a sculptor, chipping away on the stone, or the steady, cautious work of the bridge builder (careful planning, reaching out, connecting two shores). In fact, many famous spans were constructed in 2 Soil years.
Moreover, this is an important year to come to the table, to develop treaties and peaceful agreements. World leaders should always use diplomacy first. This year, even more so. This year it is critical to communicate and to forge new alliances. Better to bang tabletops at the United Nations than to resort to the battle field. Our vision should be for the long-term. Short, abrupt jabs at the problem will only generate future difficulties.
In traditional Asian medicine, Two Soil is associated with the stomach, spleen and pancreas; especially the stomach. Looking at this, we see larger connections. The stomach goes back to food and agriculture. So, this is an important time to reduce world hunger and to make long-range preparations to eliminate starvation. It is important that we act in these areas, at the global and local levels. Against the larger backdrop of 9 Ki time, this year is a fleeting moment. Like all of the ki numbers, we must make constructive use of this energy while it is available.
Although 2 Soil is the ki of peace and consistency, it does not necessarily "play well with others". The energy-state of the larger 9 Fire cycle is more active and the monthly energies will come into play, as well. From time to time, these will intersect with 2 Soil in an unproductive way; creating forceful conditions within a framework that favors stability and order. In this case, 2 Soil can only take so much interference before the pattern of differing energies combusts, or falls to pieces; causing setbacks and quagmires.
Two Soil is no stranger to devastating weather, earthquakes and tsunamis.
From a greater perspective, we can review the passage of the years. I've advised our longtime readers & friends to see 2011 & 2012 (Metal years) as a "cooling off" phase in our new era of individual expression and responsibility, that began in June, 2005. As the Metal years closed, we had tangible proof that the role of the individual remains free and strong, even in dire circumstances. Look to the Arab Spring and to the exponential growth of social media.
We then traveled through the 2013 house of 5 Soil (karma, politics and control). Everything came under scrutiny – to be studied, to be considered from all perspectives. For example, the nearly total gridlock in the American congress. In 2014 the world awakened. There were new discoveries and new avenues to pursue. New agendas. But hot spots around the world remained and there were basically two types. A struggle between personal rights and centralized control. And a clash between basic beliefs. It was in 2014 that we encountered the dark side of our new era. We learned that if constructive expression falters, then obstruction and pessimism can take root. The initial enthusiasm of 2005 faded, as individual expression began to be pirated and used against humanity.
This clever, destructive force has persisted and we now live in a divided world. Like other technologies in the past, our social media and other sources have generated multifaceted conditions, enabling individuals to formulate their own "news" - and those who have no cohesive impressions or spiritual development can easily choose "facts" that support their personal mindsets. Often to their own detriment.
The most recent Metal Years, 2020 & 2021, were pandemic years; exhibiting global material shortages & inflation, war, further mistrust in authority and the rise of autocracy. Our handheld devices that connect the world have become double-edged swords. Used for both noble purposes and for outright lies. Those few who bother to fact check know that falsehoods now rain down on every platform, every channel and in print. There are still ways to have a rudder in this storm. A solid knowledge of history and current events, recognizing misery when you see it, following the money, knowing that numbers don't lie. And looking into their eyes.
Nine Star Ki study indicates that 2025 will be a consequential year. But you don't need a crystal ball to see that.
![]() Thursday, November 19, 1863 – 2 Soil month / 2 Soil Year / 2 Soil 9-Year Cycle / 2 Soil 81-Year Cycle. Abraham Lincoln (born in a 2 Soil Month / 2 Soil Year) delivers the Gettysburg Address. As usual, I have provided a list of previous 2 Soil years for you to explore. Also as usual, I've generally tried to avoid using battles, wars and other lethal events as examples. They are simply too depressing. Still, even when cherry-picking, a few ugly events were included. Where possible, the incidents have been placed in categories that reflect the various aspects of 2 Soil. Worrisome developments. Political scandal and controversy: Invasion and weapons of mass destruction. Harmful decisions rooted in bad judgment. Politicians and rulers falling from grace.
Normally the result of the worrisome developments above. Two Soil is often associated with peace yet, when a war or conflict is initiated, it is very difficult to end it in a 2 Soil year. Two Soil can be like getting caught in a spider's web. The greater the struggle, the greater the entanglement. And like the spider's web, this is also a time to accumulate funds, tools, plans and materials for future ventures.
As stated, 2 Soil is associated with peace. This is an excellent opportunity to forge alliances, to create treaties and for diplomacy. If peaceful negotiations are employed, entanglements are reduced or completely resolved.
New doors open wide, but usually through peaceful study and observation.
[1944] [1953] [1962] [1971] [1980] [1989] [1998] [2007] [2016] Here are summaries of some previous 2 Soil years. Specific events and birth-dates are listed that illustrate the mood of 2 Soil. The majority of this information was gleaned from Wikipedia®. You will notice that 2 Soil supports peaceful outcomes but if the mood of peace is ignored or challenged, then the result is often tragic. Indeed, this is a time when wars either come to an end, or rage at fever pitch.
2016 (2 Soil Year / 3 Tree 9-Year Cycle / 9 Fire 81-Year Cycle)
2007 (2 Soil Year / 4 Tree 9-Year Cycle / 9 Fire 81-Year Cycle)
1998 (2 Soil Year / 5 Soil 9-Year Cycle / 9 Fire 81-Year Cycle)
1989 (2 Soil Year / 6 Metal 9-Year Cycle / 9 Fire 81-Year Cycle)
1980 (2 Soil Year / 7 Metal 9-Year Cycle / 9 Fire 81-Year Cycle)
1971 (2 Soil Year / 8 Soil 9-Year Cycle / 9 Fire 81-Year Cycle)
1962 (2 Soil Year / 9 Fire 9-Year Cycle / 9 Fire 81-Year Cycle)
1953 (2 Soil Year / 1 Water 9-Year Cycle / 1 Water 81-Year Cycle)
1944 (2 Soil Year / 2 Soil 9-Year Cycle / 1 Water 81-Year Cycle)
1935 (2 Soil Year / 3 Tree 9-Year Cycle / 1 Water 81-Year Cycle)
1926 (2 Soil Year / 4 Tree 9-Year Cycle / 1 Water 81-Year Cycle)
1917 (2 Soil Year / 5 Soil 9-Year Cycle / 1 Water 81-Year Cycle)
1908 (2 Soil Year / 6 Metal 9-Year Cycle / 1 Water 81-Year Cycle)
1899 (2 Soil Year / 7 Metal 9-Year Cycle / 1 Water 81-Year Cycle)
1890 (2 Soil Year / 8 Soil 9-Year Cycle / 1 Water 81-Year Cycle)
1863 Archetype (2 Soil Year / 2 Soil 9-Year Cycle / 2 Soil 81-Year Cycle)
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Strategy For Evolution
- Michael Becherer provides private 9 Star Ki consultations and hosts classes exploring the subtleties and nuances of 9 Star Ki. His web site offers energetic profiles, 9 Ki calculations, contact information and much more.
The Catlin Seaview Survey- The Catlin Seaview Survey in a five-year study of the effects of global warming in the world's coral reefs.
The Bore Cycle – A revolutionary, new and interesting connection for 9 Star Ki practitioners. Think sun, moon and tides.
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