The Winter Solstice is the turning point, the darkness reaches peak blackout and the Sun prepares to slowly return to the Earth and hold the light a little longer each day. The ancients viewed this point in the Northern Hemisphere as a metaphorical rebirth of the dying Sun. Just as each night the Sun died when it dipped below the horizon, these longer nights and shorter days also symbolically represented the dying year.

The Solstice takes place in the sign of Capricorn at zero degrees, a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn and exalted by Mars. Saturn the time-keeper, the grim reaper echoing the sentiments of death.  Mars the warrior, out to sever and capture. Together these two watch over the Solstice. This is the time of year when gardens are shuddered in the Northern Hemisphere for most, nature is fueled just enough for survival. Spring is still far away, but there is hope, even just a sliver as each minute of each day the Sun stays just a little longer.

This year’s Solstice is bookended by Jupiter moving into Aries, Mar’s temple and the Sun’s exaltation. The Sun immediately squares Jupiter on the other side of the Solstice, slowly warming up to his kingly duties as he attempts to climb from the lowest point in hopes to warm the sky. This is a slow process, Jupiter in Aries will have to dig deep for patience but clearly is equipped to supply endless optimism.  As the year closes out, we reflect on where we have been and where we wish to be reborn. Use this Solstice to do just that. What is dying and what do we wish to breathe life in to? This is the turning of the year.

The New Moon will soon perfect also in the sign of Capricorn, this is a perfect time for goal-setting, especially good for clearing out clutter and bringing in the very things that will help structure your life in hitting your targets. 

There is a lot of cardinal energy in the air initiating progress and change, this week reserve the time to meditate on what is coming through, breathe in deeply to what is on the horizon.