Winter Solstice
This is a very special and intriguing week of the year! When the Sun is entering into Capricorn we have the Winter Solstice on our half of the planet, a day which has been considered sacred and meaningful in many traditions. The Winter Solstice is the turning point with the year’s longest and darkest night. Then the days will get longer again and with it the life giving power of the Sun is gaining strength.
I love to watch Discovery channel and the movies about nature and animals. One of the most impressive movies I ever saw in that field was called the March of the Penguins. This is the movie for the Winter Solstice! After braving a journey of several hundred miles over a frozen continent they end up in their destination to birth their young ones. I saw the movie years ago and I most clearly remember the moment when after weeks of total darkness and cold the Sun comes over the horizon.
What an enormous event after a time of tremendous hardship the penguins only survived because they huddled together in a big lump of bodies, rotating the outer ranks of penguins sheltering the inner ones from wind and cold. They all turn as one to the Sun as if welcoming it. If penguins were people it would probably be celebrated as a religious experience to have the life sustaining Sun come back with light and warmth. It was a moment which really touched my soul!
In most of our religions this end of darkness and cold, of contraction and perseverance through hardship is given a special place of celebration and reverence. The change into more light is symbolizing hope and survival of the specie. We are reminded of how fragile life really is and how valuable and unique in all its different expressions in our world. We celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas and many other Solstice related events.
We come together in our family and tribes of friends to share the optimism and hope for another fruitful year starting with the light gaining territory. We celebrate love and life and all the things that make life worth living.
This year we have an interesting week with many profound astrological events happening in the week of the Solstice. Even if this article is written as a forecast for this 52nd week of the year 2009 I believe you will find significant value in the described constellations in their eternal meaning and you will be deepening your general astrological understanding if you find your way to these pages at a later time.
This week's noteworthy highlights are:
Winter Solstice Last Jupiter Neptune Conjunction in Aquarius Sun Enters Capricorn Sun Conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn Sun Square to Saturn Venus Moving into Capricorn Venus Pluto Conjunction Mercury Turning Retrograde Moon Starts out in Gentle Pisces, Steps into Innovative Aries and Finishes in Solid Taurus
Last Jupiter Neptune Conjunction in Aquarius on Monday
The week starts off with the last conjunction between the giants Jupiter and Neptune. The last contact in the back and forth dance between planets is the last chance to integrate and consolidate the lesson we have learned from both. Here the interweaving of the expansive forces of Jupiter looking for wisdom and deeper meaning had to coalesce with the dreamy aspirations and visions of Neptune. Only time will tell what will solidify out of this transit. I have written more in depth about Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron activities in Aquarius in other articles.
Sun Enters Capricorn on Monday
Capricorns are known to be earthy, steadfast and pragmatic.
Capricorn: The Conservative Pragmatist
Dec 21–Jan 20
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Element: Earth
Gender: Feminine
As people mature, they move from self-centered to be more oriented toward others. They begin to have a sense of their responsibility toward society. Capricorn is the first sign in the last quarter of the yearly cycle, representing this social stage. Capricorns seek to be in visible positions of power and prestige in society. Their high degree of organization, discipline, ambition, and intelligence make them perfect as leaders of organizations of all types, in government, business, and the military. Their conservative values and black-and-white thinking can make them inflexible with respect to morality. They are bent on success, holding high standards for themselves and others.
When the Sun is in Capricorn our aspirations can now turn easier into manifestations and we have the potential to be well organized and focused on what is truly important. In general there is more willingness to take a real good look at what is not working and take action steps accordingly.
Sun Conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn on Thursday
Whenever Pluto is part of a constellation we are confronted with a powerful, potent, extremely forceful and transforming influence. Pluto as the God of the underworld, the unknown is a very mighty God who compels us into change and deep processes of transformation. With the Sun in conjunction with this culprit of death, unrest and alteration we are forced to deepen our self awareness. Unresolved issues of desire and control could trigger strong reactions and backlash onto us.
Pluto in Capricorn is questioning the validity of hierarchy and ruler ship and judges on the ground of what works for the majority of people. Societal Structures that won't work for the best of all will not survive Pluto's transit through Capricorn.
The exposure of the worst manipulations in power structures of all kinds, in politics, concerning our government, corporate America and the stock market - all that is not over yet; structures are just beginning to crash and burn. It is a time of exposure of the worst, the chance to acknowledge our deficiencies and start anew.
In times like these it is an antidote to fear and anxieties to center and balance in our compassion and sense of oneness. When we rise in consciousness and approach life from an awareness of what we have to offer and contribute to others around us, we can make a significant difference. When we come from a place of an open and flowering heart we will feel full and abundant. If we approach life from that abundance the law of attraction will bring more of the same to us.
Sun Square to Saturn & Venus Entering Capricorn on Friday
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and the Sun in square with this signs ruler will slow things down significantly. It is Christmas day with many social activities. Saturn's connection with Sun and Venus is a sobering one. Unresolved conflicts in the family might force their way into our consciousness and we are best served with honesty and truth. Saturn is the bringer of clarity and light into the darkness and is our chance to clear out old cobwebs. Remember one candle can light a whole room of darkness. It does not take much!
Venus Pluto Conjunction on Sunday
Venus, the Goddess of love and harmony in conjunction with Pluto is engaging us in deeper layers of our relationship and is honing our relationship skills. We might take a deeper step into committing ourselves then ever.
Mercury Turning Retrograde on Saturday
Mercury will stay in Capricorn for a longer then usual with it turning retrograde at 21 degrees Capricorn. In the three weeks of Mercury's retrograde motion we should double check details, be very clear with our communication and correspondence. You can read more in depth about it in former articles of mine.
Moon Starts out in Gentle Pisces, Steps into Innovative Aries and Finishes in Solid Taurus
You can use the search feature on my blog to find more in depth descriptions of these specific Moon positions.
New Years Resolutions and Crystal Quartz to Program
With so many poignant astrological events at your disposal for conscious alignment this week, I believe this is the best time for your New Years resolutions. The Winter Solstice alone is a most formidable time to take stock and engage in setting new intentions and goals. There is true magic in new beginnings like New Moons, New Years and Solstices!
You can then use the Crystal Quartz to program your intentions and use it to deepen your inner connection with your goals. Read more about cleansing and programming of crystals in my former article on my site.
I wish you a wonderful time with your family and loved ones in whatever tradition you choose to celebrate.
Many blessings and aloha, Shakti.
Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author
Shakti Carola Navran is originally from Germany, living in Maui, Hawaii, is a professional jeweler, astrologer and author with a lifelong spiritual journey; she has been crafting personalized Soul Jewelry since 1977. In her book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul she teaches you about how to read your personal horoscope and blue print for your life. Then you will be able to balance yourself in your most important areas with your 12 main healing gemstones, you could call your true birthstones. Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas on how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul. Find out more about it on her website http://www.JewelryandGemsforSelfdiscovery.com and see her astrological weather report at http://www.jewelryandgemsforselfdiscovery.com/blog/ .
