Winter Solstice December 21, 2014 3:03 PM

December 21, 2014 marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere as the Sun illuminates the Tropic of Capricorn. The word “Solstice” means Sun standing still. It is the ...beginning of our walk towards the Sun as the hours of daylight start to gradually increase. It is a time to take a moment and be still with all that has passed and celebrate the fruits of our labor, the abundance and gifts we enjoy from being a living human on Earth nourished and fortified from the life force of the Sun. We can rest and feel a sense of gratitude for the harvest that is beginning to take root, the fertility we have faith will bring new life. It is a wonderful time to break bread and share food with others, feeding our souls and replenishing our connections to each other and our world.
Astrologically, this Solstice also coincides with the New Moon. The Sun is at the last degree of Sagittarius, 29 degrees, the culmination point, the point right before transition that holds the essence of all that has transpired. Sagittarius is the harbinger of knowledge, the one that quests for philosophical theories and truths, an explorer of life’s great mysteries. We are encouraged to reflect on what we have learned, where we have been and what we can carry into our future.
Under the New Moon, we have a dark, empty slate, a new beginning to call forth our intentions that will manifest at the Full Moon. The Sun and Moon are flowing in connection to Jupiter in Leo, the ruler of Sagittarius, emphasizing the optimism and belief in an abundant future if we are willing to be open to all possibilities, and feel the guidance of infinite potential. Harnessing the vibrant, playful, fiery, radiating energy of Leo and the Sun, we can create what is aligned with our higher truths. As we move into the rooting, Earthy energy of Capricorn, we can start to solidify the wisdom from our experiences.
Following the Solstice, Saturn, Lord of Karma, will leave it’s 2.5 year stay in Scorpio- a sign noted for psychological intensity, intuition, piercing focus on truth no matter how dark or hard to face, exploring the edges and peaks of human existence to experience the limits, death and ecstasy. This time may have brought up some hidden truths we were asked to look at and heal. As Saturn shifts into Sagittarius, we will be called to be disciplined about what we believe, what we can build from our knowledge, and commit to guiding principles.
Purge all that does not serve you, be grateful for the journey and blessings of this year, and gather in community to celebrate the spark of life in all of us, our universe and Father Sun.