WINTER SOLSTICE
“Oh, time is short and the days are sweet and passion rules the arrow that flies.”
—Bob Dylan
December 22 is our shortest day, the day when our beautiful planet pauses, takes a breath and then swings the pendulum of the Sun back in the opposite direction. For the history of mankind this pause has been a moment of celebration, especially for the northern hemisphere. It represents the end of long dark days and the beginning of lengthening sunshine and warmth to come. The evidence of the importance of this time can be found in archaeological sites worldwide, sites where the precise moment in time when the Sun would begin its reverse path could be marked. This proves that people thousands of years ago saw a link between them and the sun. They include the Neolithic passage tomb of Newgrange in Ireland, aligned so the sun shines in for only a few minutes after sunrise on the shortest day of the year. Other examples include Stonehenge in England with its well known connection to midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset, and Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, where the Fajada Butte Sun Dagger heralds both solstices for about 20 minutes. During summer solstice the dagger of sun splits the spiral, while during winter solstice two sun daggers frame the spiral perfectly. The Mesoamerican preoccupation with solar, lunar, and planetary cycles and conjunctions is equally well known. These are only a few of the well known prehistoric sites for marking this important time of year.
This important day, important to the survival of humanity living through long, cold winters in the north, evolved into the day of celebration we call Christmas. As our Sun, Mercury, and Vulcan shift from the sign of the spiritual journey Sagittarius, into the sign of Initiation, Capricorn, let’s end our year with a note of joy, hope, and celebration.
Everyone: More blessings than challenges this month; watch for them!
ARIES Planet: Mercury MARCH 20 – APRIL 19
Dynamic: Even as the year ends, you may feel you are going backward.
Direction: It’s all an illusion.
Soul Thought: What is real?
TAURUS Planet: Vulcan APRIL 19 – MAY 20
Dynamic: It might feel like a shift from solid ground to a rocketship ride, and back again.
Direction: Determine what you want to come back to.
Soul Thought: Life is a spiral.
GEMINI Planet: Venus MAY 20 – July 20
Dynamic: You may feel particularly attractive – or handsome – this month.
Direction: Use it with discretion.
Soul Thought: What is meant by “God-given gifts?”
CANCER Planet: Neptune July 20 – JULY 22
Dynamic: You’re feeling clear and sharp to the end of the month.
Direction: Make decisions now; next month things may get confusing.
Soul Thought: “The more clarity you achieve, the more you will find that the Universe is on your side.” —Deepak Chopra
LEO Planet: Sun JULY 22 – AUG 22
Dynamic: It’s a time for gaining strength and warmth.
Direction: Physically and emotionally.
Soul Thought: When the Sun of God shall come.
VIRGO Planet: Moon AUG 22 – SEPT 22
Dynamic: As the source of your light brightens, so can you.
Direction: Go to the Source.
Soul Thought: Do you have to go anywhere?
LIBRA Planet: Uranus SEPT 22 – OCT 22
Dynamic: You still have options financially, with virtually no challenges.
Direction: You might have to adjust what you’re attached to.
Soul Thought: “Attachment leads to suffering.” —Buddha
SCORPIO Planet: Mars OCT 22 – NOV 21
Dynamic: It’s time for an adventure!
Direction: Avoid sharp pointy things, otherwise nothing holding you back.
Soul Thought: Sharp pointy things may, however, point the way see.
SAGITTARIUS Planet: Earth NOV 21 – DEC 20
Dynamic: You may feel a shift from gabbiness to listening more.
Direction: It’s also called caring more.
Soul Thought: Caregiving with words also works.
CAPRICORN Planet: Saturn DEC 20 – JAN 19
Dynamic: It’s a good time for reflecting upon your belief systems.
Direction: Heavy burdens can be lightened with such pondering.
Soul Thought: “Religion is for people who are afraid of going to hell.
AQUARIUS Planet: Jupiter JAN 19 – FEB 18
Dynamic: Are you stuttering over something you need to say?
Direction: Review from both sides, inside and out.
Soul Thought: Some part of you knows.
PISCES Planet: Pluto FEB 18 – MAR 20
Dynamic: You may feel you are being punished.
Direction: If you are between a rock and a hard place, sit on the rock.
Soul Thought: It’s the Law of Compassion, not punishment.
To discover your Rising Sign, or for more information, contact Charlene R. Johnson,
www.SkyDanceAstrology.com, or email: SkyDance@SkyDanceAstrology.com
Esoteric Astrology is focused on the rising sign more than the sun sign (we suggest you read both)
and provides clarity, direction and answers for those seeking a higher level of life.
