The Winter Solstice in 2023 is December 21 @ 9:50pm in Brownsville, Texas. The Solstice points are the extremes of longest day and night. The Summer Solstice occurs in July and marks the time of year when the Sun moves into Cancer which is then followed by Leo. These are the signs of the Luminaries, the Moon and Sun, they rejoice here,and hours of light are extended, the energy of Cancer sends a creation energy vibration out and the Earth’s life force is stronger during this time of year. When considering the annualsolar cycle this is the apex point and plants and animals flourish with activity during the longer days of the year. In contrast when the Sun moves into the sign of Capricorn this is the shortest day of the year and the longest night. Saturn rules two of the winter signs which thereby oppose the luminary signs; the antithesis of Capricorn is Cancer. Activity is diminished as the cycle slows and creeps toward the end of the solar revolution and death.

When thinking about the Winter Solstice my mind moves back many millennia to the Neolithic period, when Large Stone Structures stood as places of worship, power and keeping track of annual solar cycles. One of the oldest sacred sites that was constructed in 3200 BC with the Winter Solstice point in mind is Newgrange, one of the sacred mounds, of Bru na Boinne in Ireland. The Tuatha de Danann was a race of ancient gods andDagda, who had many similarities to Saturn, was the King. He was an older bearded man, father, King and Druid. He carries a magical staff which kills by one end and gives life at the stroke of the other. He controlled life and death. Dagda also has a magic cauldron which satiates all, as it never empties. He was also in control of food supply and crops life and death. He had control of time, agriculture, weather and the seasons. Lastly, he was believed to commune with the dead, and this was a time when the people also reflected on friends and relatives who have passed to another wing of the Triskelion. The Triskelion was a symbol that is carved in the ancient rocks of the site as you passthrough the front door of the structure. This symbol actually predates the Newgrange site and is present on older Maltese Neolithic structures possibly dating to 4400 BC. This symbol consists of three clockwise spirals connecting at a common center point. It is believed these three spirals stand for the three worlds. The present world, which is the material realm. The spirit world which is where we transition to the afterlife and the third world which is the celestial world, the world of Sun, Moon and Stars. The ancient people believed as above so below. The celestial world was the reflection of the material world.  

Leo is rising at 24˚and it is in its last decan ruled by Mars. This decan speaks to Leo and the divine right of kings! There is a martial drive here to create and see our creation make waves.  We are being called to get out there this winter andshow some creative energy. This doesn’t mean that we need to bring out our inner Napoleanmaking small mandatesduring this holiday family time. The Sun is placed in the 5th and is shining light in the place where Venus has her joy. When we think of 5thhouse we think of the visual arts, creation, children, games and gaming. The Sun passed the sextile to Saturn and nearly completely out of the reaches of Mars.  Mars and Saturn are placed in the pivots so we must not forget about their ability to throw curveballs at us this winter until we hit the Aries equinoxat the start of spring. The 4th and 7th are home and relationship houses so keep the energy tempered and focus on creation lets not flip that to destructive energies when we feel stressed outthis holiday season. Venus is on the IC and passed the opposition of Uranus, who is positioned at the mid-heaven. This is a stressful position for Venus to be in and as she rules the 10thhouse, we must also be wary of surprises at our work place, being ready to roll with the punches and surprises. The Taurus moon is conjunct Jupiter in the 9th and trining the Sun.  This is a nice aspect that adds to the creative energy of the Sun. Jupiter is adding luck and abundance to the 9th house of learning, writing and travel for this season. Mercury is also picking up speed and very close to his Kazimi point with the Sun. Mercury is Kazimi, in the eye of the Sun on Friday. This Kazimi will addjuice to the writing, learning and teaching for the season. Use the creative energy of this season to push new boundaries in learning and extending the boundaries of your path this Winter Solstice and holiday season as the days turn back to increasing light of the Solar Luminary.