EcoAstrology: 12/21/14 Capricorn Solstice and New Moon

 Thanks to my astrologer wife, Denny, for this article from one of her favorite colleagues.  Minimal 'astrologese' and lots of pithy info...Git sum. DT the ET

 By Stephanie Austin M.A.

These new and full moon updates are sent as a service to my astrology clients, students, and friends. To subscribe for 25 updates a year via PayPal, click on http://ecoastrology.com/forecast.html, or send a check for $12 (or more) to Stephanie Austin, Box 1745, Port Townsend, WA 98368, along with your email address. Your support is greatly appreciated!

EcoAstrology: Capricorn Solstice and New Moon

Important Alignments:
December 20: Venus conjunct Pluto, square Uranus (13º Capricorn-Aries)

December 21: Uranus turns direct 2:45 PM; Solstice 3:03 PM; New Moon 5:36 PM PST

December 22: Ursids meteor showers

December 23: Saturn enters Sagittarius

December 24: Mercury conjunct Pluto, square Uranus (13º Capricorn-Aries)

Dear Friends,                                                                                                          December 18, 2014 


We are approaching one of the most significant turning points of the year. The new moon which forms on Sunday, December 21 at 5:36 PM PST occurs only a few hours after Uranus turns direct and the Capricorn solstice. Take advantage of this profound opportunity to realign and reaffirm your soul intentions. Make time for silence, surrender, and self-reflection. Drink in the light; it waits upon your request. Imagine it filling every cell in your body. Allow it to heal and release old wounds and regrets. From the level of Spirit, there is nothing that cannot be forgiven, nothing that is not part of the One.

In the bustle of holiday preparations, it can be easy to forget the spiritual origins and deeper meaning of this time of year. We may not realize that the evergreen tree is an ancient pagan symbol of strength and everlasting life, that Santa Claus incorporates elements of a 4th century saint and a pre-Christian Norse god named Odin, or that mistletoe was a Roman symbol of peace, inducing enemies to drop their weapons and embrace. For a fascinating article on the origins of common Christmas traditions, click here.

In the dark, we are called to find the light within. It is no coincidence that throughout history, many cultures and religions have celebrated the winter solstice as the rebirth of Spirit in humankind. The Greek Sun God Apollo, the Egyptian Sun God Horus; and the Persian God of Light Mithra, were all honored at this time. December 25 marked the end of Saturnalia in ancient Rome, a seven-day festival in which people feasted, gave gifts, and decorated their homes with candles and greens. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, involves the kindling of light and giving of gifts for eight days (this year occurring December 16-24). Kwanzaa, a week long African heritage celebration from December 26 to January 1, includes seven candles in its primary ritual, representing its principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Christmas was once a much longer period of celebration, with some denominations honoring January 6, Epiphany, as the most important day, representing the manifestation of Christ. The 12 days of Christmas (December 26 to January 6), and the 12 signs of the zodiac, symbolize 12 archetypal stages in the evolution of Christ Consciousness, from birth to full embodiment. Each of these Holy Days is a microcosm; a time to contemplate the lessons we have learned during the past year, as well as an opportunity to envision what we wish to manifest in the coming 12 months. Pay special attention to your thoughts, intuitions, and dreams during this time; keep a record of your insights and what you like to manifest, change, or release in the coming year.

New Moons are optimal times to set new intentions, and this one especially so, since it forms just after the Capricorn solstice. The word “solstice” derives from the Latin words for “sun” and “stand still,” as the Sun appears to rise and set at the same location on the horizon for three days. During that time, due to shifts in the Earth’s electromagnetic field, we receive an increased flux of cosmic energies. These subtle but powerful downloads offer new templates and trigger changes in DNA, accelerating our evolution.

Not only are the Sun and Moon in Capricorn, but also Mercury, Vesta, Pluto, and Venus. The spiritual task of Capricorn is the development of responsibility, resourcefulness, and integrity, as well as the ability to set realistic goals and boundaries. Pluto’s ongoing transit through Capricorn (2008–24) flushes out the shadow side of Capricorn, the tyrant–victim polarity, which either seeks to dominate and win at any cost, or gives away power and authority to others. Where do you still look outside yourself for approval or permission? Where do you need to set and honor your own goals? Watch for important insights when Pluto conjoins Venus on December 20 and then Mercury on December 24 (13° Capricorn).

Uranus, named for the Greek god of Chaos, turns direct only minutes before the Capricorn solstice. Chaos is not chaotic; it is the Great Void, the unbounded space from which creation emerges. It is the unpredictability inherent in all systems, where small, seemingly random fluctuations produce momentous changes. Uranus widens the doors of perception, making it easier to grasp what has been there all along waiting for us to discover it. The planet named for the mythic God of Chaos began its yearly retrograde phase on July 21 at 16°30’ Aries and ends it at 12°34’ Aries. Any planet turning direct is like a green light, a signal to step on the gas. Uranus just made its sixth exact square with Pluto (see my Gemini-Sagittarius Full Moon update) so its nonconformist, spontaneous, high-voltage energy is especially catalytic around this new moon. Big breakthroughs or breakdowns are possible now, making it vital for us to remain centered, grounded, and flexible. Change is not always progress; consider all options first and then respond, rather than react.

Saturn, the traditional ruler of Capricorn, enters Sagittarius on December 23, where it remains until December 19, 2017 (minus a brief retrograde back into Scorpio from June 14 to September 17, 2015). Known to the ancient Greeks as Chronos, Saturn symbolizes the bounds of time and space, as well as the development of discipline and mastery. The mythic Reaper challenges us to strive for the spiritual goals of each sign it transits. Saturn in Scorpio has forced us to face our fears and unconscious patterns, heal old wounds, and let go of what drains, deadens, and disempowers us. Saturn in Sagittarius directs us to cultivate our faith and understanding of something greater than ourselves and live in accordance with our truth. Saturn transits require effort and sincerity; in Sagittarius, Saturn compels us to clarify and redefine our ethics, beliefs, and aspirations, both individually and collectively. Saturn was last in Sagittarius from November 16, 1985 to November 12, 1988; during that period, we witnessed the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown, disarmament talks leading to the end of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, and the Black Monday Stock Market crash — as well as major changes in higher education, publishing, and religion.

As we experience the “Return of the Light,” in whatever tradition we choose, ‘tis the season to reflect on what brings more light and love into our hearts and lives. Know that our inner light, our beingness itself is a gift, and that we can always give something -- a smile, a kind word or act, can make someone’s day, or even turn someone’s life around. I once heard someone tell of how they had stopped to talk with a homeless man, and several years later, discovered that brief encounter had saved the man's life; that the man had gotten a gun earlier that day to kill himself. A heart-felt connection with another human being had given him the hope and courage he needed at a very dark time. Know that your thoughts, words, meditations, prayers, and level of consciousness make a difference. We are in a time where our light is needed more than ever. Shine your light. Share your light. Remember: “Darkness is merely the absence of light. You can be the small candle that defeats the vast darkness.” (Jonathan Lockwood Huie)

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Namaste,
Stephanie Austin
www.EcoAstrology.com
360-379-3060
PO Box 1745 Port Townsend, WA 98368

Stephanie Austin M.A. is a full time astrologer specializing in life purpose, career, and relationship readings since 1986. She also teaches astrology and writes the New and Full Moon column for the Mountain Astrologer magazine. Her background includes a bachelor's degree in Psychology, a master's in Consciousness Studies, and a lifelong involvement with meditation, Nature, and healing. For more information on her astrology readings, eBooks, tutorials, and forecasts, visit www.EcoAstrology.com.


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Resources

December 22, 2014, 5:30 PM: Barbara Marx Hubbard's 85th Birthday Celebration here.

Turning Your Holidays into Holy Days; the power of prayer with Andrew Harvey here.

Beautiful holiday message from the Arcturians on the true meaning of Christmas here.

34 Examples of Heart-Warming Humanity at this link.

Inspiring channelling on the power and benefits of giving by AA Gabriel here.


©2014 Stephanie Austin | PO Box 1745 Port Townsend, WA 98368