by The Astrology Sage
What is The Winter Solstice?
The Winter Solstice is an astronomical event marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. It occurs when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun, causing the sun's rays to be at their most oblique angle, resulting in the least daylight hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, it usually happens around December 21st or 22nd, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs around June 21st or 22nd. It's a significant event in many cultures and often marks the beginning of winter or a time of rebirth and renewal. Many celebrations and rituals are associated with the Winter Solstice, celebrating the return of longer daylight hours and the promise of Spring.
When is The Winter Solstice in 2023 Exactly?
This year, Winter Solstice in the UK occurs on Friday 22nd December at 3:27 am (the time varies depending on your exact location. I am using London as my point of reference).
To more accurately read the Astrology of the moment, it is better to read the planetary transits in tandem with our own natal charts to understand how we may experience those energies in our own lives. But it is still interesting to interpret the Astrology of the here and now in a general way.
'Tis The Season to be Capricornian
From an Astrological perspective, the Winter Solstice holds symbolic significance. It marks the moment when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn in the tropical zodiac system. Astrologically, it's a time when the Sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky, beginning its journey northward.
As the clock turns from 03:27 to 03:28 am on Friday 22nd December 2023, the Sun moves from 29 degrees of Sagittarius into 0 degrees of Capricorn, an earth sign ruled by Saturn, is associated with qualities like ambition, structure, discipline, and responsibility. The Winter Solstice, occurring as the Sun enters Capricorn, is often seen as a time of introspection, setting goals for the coming year, and focusing on long-term plans. It's considered a period for grounding oneself, contemplating achievements, and laying foundations for future endeavors.
Astrologers often view the Winter Solstice as a time to connect with the energy of Capricorn, harnessing its determination and perseverance to initiate projects, embrace responsibilities, and work diligently towards personal and professional objectives. It's seen as a period of both endings and beginnings, inviting individuals to reflect on the past and prepare for the journey ahead.
Some Other Placements At Play
At this time, we have Jupiter in Taurus, which is a lovely placement for this time of year, with an abundance of all of the comforts that can make the darker and colder Winter days more tolerable. So lean into the gifts that Yule time brings, with cosy nights by the fire, walks in the woods all wrapped up in woollens, warming mugs of steaming soup or hot chocolate, and any other wonderfully immersive tactile treats.
Saturn is currently in Pisces, where it feels quite out of place due to contradicting energies. Saturn likes structure and boundaries, while Pisces is quite the opposite, preferring a more 'go with the flow' attitude. It's safe to say that any harder edges that Saturn usually brings to the table are likely to be dampened at this time. So let's dream up notions of how we might lead a more structured and responsible life, using all our creativity and intuition to make great things happen.
With Uranus in Taurus, we have another pair that are ill-at-ease. Taurus likes to be steadfast and stable, whilst Uranus enjoys spontaneity and sudden change. At this time, we can expect upheavals of things in the material world, to include the environment, financial institutions, material possessions, and the food industry.
Neptune in Pisces couldn't be happier than a fish in the sea -- to use a suitable analogy -- because Neptune is the modern ruler of Pisces, and both are equally watery, ethereal, and dreamy. It's ok to check out from time to time, but take care not to overindulge in life's most alluring escape methods because coming back up for air might be more of a struggle during this transit. Healthier ways to express our desire to step outside of life's harsh realities could include things like meditation, visualisation, keeping a dream diary, and using creativity to express our feelings and impressions artistically or musically.
And Pluto is nearing the very end its long transit through Capricorn, where we've witnessed many corporations, institutions, and household names struggle to remain in power. In fact, many have fallen from their lofty heights, in what could be described as increasingly astute public awareness of inherent imbalances of power throughout many of the former strongholds of the modern world. "With great power comes great responsibility" is the moniker of Uncle Ben of Spiderman fame, but that is perhaps the ultimate quote for the times we find ourselves in.
To the Moon and back,
The Astrology Sage.
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