’Tis the week of Winter Solstice. This marks the official beginning of Winter (though known to many as Midwinter), and the longest night/shortest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere; reversed for the Southern Hemisphere’s Summer Solstice). It is the farthest tilt of the North Pole away from the Sun in our planet’s wobble.
The ancients believed that Solstice was the beginning of the Sun’s journey underground for three days, to be reborn… on the day Christians would later attribute to the birth of the Son (with Easter echoing the resurrection story of the Sun/Son rising again after three days). Seasonal rituals recognize the polarities of death and life, dark and light; and tune us inward so that we may find peace in the darkness and remember, rekindle, and reawaken to the light.
The Sun moves into Capricorn, joining a powerful stellium that puts an emphasis on practical matters and the patience needed to achieve them. Capricorn slows us to move and act more deliberately, inviting us to be present and pure in how we focus our intentions. A trine between the Capricorn stellium planets and Vesta reminds us to keep the flame alive – in our hearths and our hearts – during these longer nights. And to know that Solstice signifies the beginning of the return of the light. Solstice is exact December 21st at 8:19 pm PST; December 22nd for much of the rest of the world.
Venus departs the Capricorn stellium for Aquarius just two days before Solstice. Perfect for the holiday season, our love and money will be devoted toward friends and community, and the causes that move our hearts. Aquarius is also our freedom seeker, so even as the rhythms of the season and cultural traditions call us to conform, remember that we – each & all – must dance to the beat of our own drums. Pahrumpapumpum.
Aquarius ruler Uranus came into an exact trine with Jupiter over the weekend, with effects lasting through January. This aspect expands our innovation and genius, especially with regard to the more earthly matters of our homeworld. Pallas squared off with Neptune on the same day, insisting on independent thought and action, even as we cruise together through the dream world. Unleash your unique brilliance – the planet needs you!
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Article by RA MA Crew member, True. True has been studying Astrology for over twenty years, and regularly integrates it into her Kundalini Yoga & Meditation classes at RA MA Yoga Institute Venice, and on rama-tv.com. She finds it fascinating how everything connects – the cosmos, solar system, Earth and us – and loves to share, helping others to connect the dots in their own lives. True also offers virtual and in-person Astrology readings. To schedule a reading, email [email protected]. True will be giving short readings by donation at the RA MA Solstice Salon. DM and/or email True for personal readings for the holiday season.
