by Lynn Hayes
Winter Solstice, by W. L. Wikerson. The Winter Solstice is an actual astronomical event that occurs when the earth’s tilt is farthest away from the Sun. Today the astronomical Winter Solstice occurs at 17:47 UTC, or 12:47 pm Eastern time. This is also the time when the Sun shifts into the astrological sign of Capricorn, one of the cardinal signs that mark the turning of the seasons.
In the tropical zodiac which we use in Western astrology, the Sun shifts into the cardinal signs at the precise moment of the equinoxes and solstices even though due to the precession of the equinoxes the actual constellations no longer line up so nicely. (The Sun in the sidereal zodiac, which does line up with the actual constellations, is in Sagittarius at the moment.)
In any case, the chart for the moment of the Solstices and Equinoxes can be used to obtain a sense of what we all have to look forward to over the next three months, personally as well as globally, until the spring season when the Sun enters Aries.
Today’s Solstice chart shows a tight conjunction of the Sun to Pluto, planet of death and rebirth, suggesting that something will end during this period and something born anew. Because Pluto is still widely challenging Saturn in a square formation this change and transformation will likely not come easily. Something that is already established (Saturn) will have to be surrendered (Pluto) in order for evolution to occur.
Meanwhile the Moon aligns with the triple conjunction of Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron, with all four planets in the inventive and intensely humanitarian sign of Aquarius. The Moon’s conjunction with Jupiter depicts the hope for an awakending (Aquarius) into possibility (Jupiter), but the presence of Neptune suggests that his hope may be an illusion if we do not maintain a sense of spiritual focus during this period. The addition of Chiron ensures that emotional clearing will assist in the transformation process.
Relationships could take a hit during this period, with Venus (planet of relating and beauty) in a challenging square to Uranus, planet of rebellion and sudden change. Venus is in Sagittarius in this chart, where she likes to have as much freedom as possible to pursue her adventures, and with the square to Uranus she cannot be confined. Relationships that are stale or confining will not do well under this influence, but the resulting conflagrations will help to bring about a more organic connection that permits emotional and spiritual growth for both parties.
There is a nearly exact quincunx between Mars and Mercury that could signify communication difficulties, and of course Mercury will be retrograde for a few weeks beginning December 26. The quincunx (150 degrees) is a relatively minor but still challenging aspect because there is irritation without a release. The more challenging aspects like the square (90 degrees) produce conflict but also an opportunity for resolution and personal advancement which the quincunx does not permit. Instead there must be an adjustment. Consequently, don’t expect that arguments and disagreements will be resolved; instead seek compromise and adaptation.
The Solstice chart for Washington DC shows Aries, the sign of individuality and leadership, on the ascendant, and the Sun/Pluto conjunction sits in the first house of the Sibley chart for the United States in opposition to the Venus/Jupiter conjunction in the US chart which sits in the seventh house of partnerships. Saturn in the Solstice chart, which squares the Sun and Pluto in that chart, also challenges by square the Venus/Jupiter conjunction in the US chart making it even more likely that there will be a breaking apart of some of the alliances that have been forged both inside the political system and internationally as well.
The Moon in the Solstice chart lines up exactly with the Moon in the US chart. The Moon represents the mood of the people, and that mood (represented by the Moon) is tied in with Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron which is producing some complicated inner conflicts. Americans of every persuasion are unhappy right now with their government and this will become more pronounced over the next few months.
It looks like there may be a few months of darkness before we emerge into the light. The Spring Equinox on March 20 is a much happier chart, with an unaspected Sun that can move more freely, and a nice sextile between Mars and Pluto that helps to get things done.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in the correlations between the Winter Solstice and the Christmas holiday you might want to listen to yesterday’s
archived radio show here.
posted December 21, 2009 at 11:26 am
@Phil E. Drifter:
What a moronic post you’ve just made. First, the above article makes no mention of a “supernatural deity” nor any sort of moralistic judgment: that’s your own knee-jerk reaction kicking in.
But more importantly, your own arrogance is on display here. Your self-righteous indignation that anyone dares believe in things beyond the narrow boundaries of science simply illustrates how close-minded you are. Although I’m not a religious person, nor particularly spiritual, like Socrates, I try to remember that I don’t have all the answers. Some things will always elude human understanding, due in large part to the physical limitations imposed upon us by the very nature of the universe.
posted December 21, 2009 at 11:40 am
Don’t feed the troll… Maybe comment moderation is in order?
posted December 21, 2009 at 12:24 pm
yes, and sorry for my delay in doing so. The troll has been deleted and banned. Please read the commenting guidelines if you have any questions as to why: http://blog.beliefnet.com/astrologicalmusings/-commenting-guidelines.html
posted December 21, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I went looking this morning for the meaning of “solstice”. Thanks Lynn for your comments two of which made a lot of sense. During this period, we need to use compromise and adaptation. Secondly, you indicated that relationships which are stale and confining will struggle during this time.
As a marriage counselor it is useful for me to remember that many things influence our behavior. Truly, life is a many splendid and mysterious experience.
Thanks for your contributions to balanced living.
posted December 21, 2009 at 3:31 pm
“due to the precession of the equinoxes the actual constellations no longer line up so nicely.”
so how can astrology claim validity in any way if astrologers ignore the actual constellation the sun is in?
posted December 21, 2009 at 3:56 pm
@mplee,
http://www.onereed.com/articles/sidereal-tropical.html
posted December 21, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Thanks Dr. Anderson, for your open mind.
posted December 22, 2009 at 5:23 am
A Merry Merry bunch of holidays to you all.
posted December 22, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Hi Lynn,
I have been receiving your podcast in iTunes now for a couple of months and I really find your show to be great. Thank you!!
I have thought about trying to call into your show, but because i do not live in the US(or a close enough time zone), it makes it a bit difficult. At the moment I am in a very definitive point in my life and wonder if it is possible for you to give me insight into my current situation. I have been partnering business with a very good friend of mine for a few years now. Recently, over the last 6 months I feel trapped and largely under achieving what I am capable of doing. I am thinking of a change now. My worry is that I am insecure about the future and I don’t want to loose the comfort of knowing I have current work to do. I also doubt myself often.
Apparently there is an eclipse on the 31st December 2009 and I have read that I should not be making big decisions close to this time. It just seems as though I need to act now rather than leave things. Can you clarify if this is the right time for a change or should I try harder to make things work with the partnership?
My name is Chris and I am from Pretoria, South Africa and was born on 19th January 1982 at 23:00h.
Regards and a Merry Christmas.
posted December 22, 2009 at 5:52 pm
This is a response to Chris’ comment. When I read this, I could relate very much.
Maybe what you are feeling is the illusion that she spoke of here:
The Moon’s conjunction with Jupiter depicts the hope for an awakending (Aquarius) into possibility (Jupiter), but the presence of Neptune suggests that his hope may be an illusion if we do not maintain a sense of spiritual focus during this period. The addition of Chiron ensures that emotional clearing will assist in the transformation process.
Hope she replies to you, though. it would be helpful to read her response to your comment.
posted December 24, 2009 at 7:48 am
Hi Chris – sorry for my delay in responding, I’ve been traveling for the holiday. About seven months ago you had your progressed lunar return, when the Moon in the progressed chart returns to its place in the birthchart. Three months later the progressed Moon conjoined Uranus, the planet that inspires restlessness within us and a desire for change. So it’s no wonder you are feeling that need to do something different. The eclipse on December 31 conjoins your Midheaven exactly, and I think that this will help you to clarify what it is that you want to do with your life. It’s true that you don’t want to make a big decision in reaction to a sudden event like a Uranus transit or an eclipse, but once you are more clear about your future, which I think will happen around the time of the eclipse, it will be easier to move forward with more confidence.