The Solstice Sun

Over the past few days I’ve been thinking about how this time of year can feel as if it’s a time of waiting, for Christmas, the New Year; a time when we can start to act. Previously, this time was acknowledged by the Christian festival of Advent, before then by the  pagan festival of Yule, which was directly linked to the winter solstice. Both share the idea of hope, growth and light coming into the world.

Whatever our spiritual outlook, these short, dark days can seem mere interruptions to the lengthy nights. Yet, from an astrological perspective, the Sun traverses the sign of Sagittarius from late November until the winter solstice, a sign connected with how we find meaning behind appearances and go deeper, so that we can discover more profound truths. And the darkness encourages us to think about both the light and the dark, whilst vividly reminding us that we are surrounded by natural rhythms that have their own pace and are not affected by human intervention. Certainly, the dark clear nights and late dawns provide the chance to admire the stars, moon and sky and help us to remember that we are part of a cohesive universe rather than isolated individuals.

This quiet stage in the Sun’s annual cycle can be an ideal time for reviewing our situation. What would we like to develop further and what would we like to remove? For wondering what if? What can really stretch us and help us to grow? We can think big for ourselves and for others.

Astrology is very focused on people in their own space and time, so location – where we are physically and emotionally- is vital to understanding its impact. Also, it  indicates our subjective view of the world around us. It’s rather like us considering the Sun as it is viewed from earth, being used to being able to glance up at its light as  seems to moving around our planets, rather than being aware of the earth moving around the Sun although we know intellectually that this is the case.

The winter solstice occurs around 21st December, although the actual date varies from year to year, when the Sun reaches its most southerly declination of 23.5 degrees on the  celestial Tropic of Capricorn, and is at 0 degrees Capricorn on the ecliptic (which is the path the Sun appears to take around the Earth). The pattern of the solstices and equinoxes set the seasons of the year, and they can be thought of as times when there is a shift in both our inner and outer situations.

At the winter solstice the change is from darkness to increasing light, and the earthy incoming energy of Capricorn can assist us to make personal changes too. Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn is associated with steady progress earned by merit and hard work, even if circumstances seem to be against us. Then the optimistic dreaming of long winter nights can begin to take root in the soil of reality, as we take practical steps to follow our winter vision.

Next week, we’ll take an indepth look at the chart for this year’s winter solstice and how it might affect people’s charts. If you’ve any qyestions about this blog, or would like a free copy of your birth chart for your reference, please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I’ll be pleased to hear from you.

Deborah

The Sun represents our inner fire and creativity