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| The winter night sky from the Swabian Alb. Photo by Til Credner. Wikimedia commons |
As December begins, we approach the second
solstice point of the solar cycle. For those in the northern latitudes, that
means gradually increasing darkness reaching a nadir as the Sun enters
Capricorn halfway through the month.
Whichever portion of the globe you happen to live in, the
solstice point can be described as a magical or mystical transition. For me,
the winter solstice creates a subtle sense of increased lucidity and even
slight, psychedelic awareness.
Modern consumerism has many of us running about mindlessly,
increasing the incessant stress-load during the rush of the holiday season.
Culturally, we’ve lost our connection to the astro-theological origins of the
celebrations and traditions that form the basis of the Christmas traditions.
For the extreme northern lattitudes [where our holiday
traditions originated from, such as Siberian shamanic santa claus, aminita
mascara mushrooms and reindeer] the Sun completely disappears on winter
solstice. From the perspective of ancient peoples, enmeshed in the natural
world, the Sun would die for three days. Its rebirth was anticipated on
Christmas morning; the Sun would no longer descend, and would continue rising
until the summer solstice.
This astronomical event was perceived to mirror an inner
transformational process—it was a collective spiritual communion with inner and
outer divinity. That doesn’t sound too much like what we celebrate today. Christmas
has been subjugated to meaningless gift giving and painful family gatherings. But
as we approach this sacred and indeed magical time of year, remember that it
all started with the stars [and possibly, well, most likely, psychedelic
mushroom trips].
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| The Resurrection of Santa Claus. Copyright 2004 jimmy b |
As much as our attention is drawn externally this season,
Capricorn is a sign more inclined toward deep self-reflection and solitude.
That need is strongest this time of year, and it is deep within that we
discover the magic we’re really looking for.
If you feel more inclined toward soul searching and
reflecting on the deeper meaning, you’re simply responding to the collective
vibe. Go with it. Pay attention to that deep and subtle transition within
yourself this solstice. Both Sagittarius and Capricorn hone in on the bigger
picture and perspective.
As the month begins, we’re greeted by a Sagittarius new moon
on Dec 2. The Sagittirian directive
is about stretching outwardly, physically or mentally, toward unlimited new
horizons. Sagittarius is a sign that propels consciousness toward searching for
something it has yet to attain or comprehend. Allow this New Moon to pull you
out of the intensity and claustrophobia of the Scorpionic realm we’ve been so
focused on.
The further amplify the need for more breathing space and
expansion of awareness Mercury enters Sagittarius on Dec 4. While both Mercury and the Sun sojourn through Sagittarius,
we are reminded that the end of the autumnal season is about opening our soul
to the unlimited potential of the universe.
Mars enters Libra on Dec
7, entering the battleground of its retrograde cycle that begins in the spring
of 2014. I’ll be publishing a more extensive article on the Mars retrograde
cycle in a few weeks—it’s kind of a big deal. Mars will be in Libra for roughly
eight months.
Needless to say, we can anticipate relationships to be a
significant theme; but also decision making and the maintenance of homeostasis
in our personal lives. Mars finds itself in foreign territory while in Libra.
Mars wants to act and assert itself, and yet it will be spending a good amount
of time in a sign that needs to think things through, while weighing the pros
and cons.
As Mars enters Libra pay attention to the subtle themes that
begin emerging, because as Mars enters its retrograde shadow, we’ll be covering
this material quite extensively come March 2014.
Jupiter makes its third trine with Saturn in Scorpio on Dec 12. There appears to be an easy
flow between growth and consolidation throughout these contacts. Take advantage
of this time to invest energy or resources into something sustainable—but don’t
be too optimistic about it, because the calmness and stability won’t last
forever.
The present lunar cycle culminates into a Gemini full Moon
on Dec 17. This full Moon may invite
us to question certain assumptions we have about reality. An opposition from
Mercury in Sagittarius brings awareness to contradictions and potentially
shocking revelations that allow us to mentally or intellectually cross new
boundaries.
The solstice occurs on Dec
21 as the Sun reaches the topical sign of Capricorn. Just hours later Venus
turns stationary retrograde, and begins her backtrack through Capricorn until
Jan 31, 2014. This is a powerful karmic portal where “new” connections appear
vaguely familiar. This cycle creates a reevaluation of strategies, intentions
and goals—an opportunity to go within and to more authentically connect what we
project with what we really are.
On Dec 24 Mercury’s transition into Capricorn adds more
structure and focus to the mental currents. This creates an opportunity to
mentally zero in on more specific areas of concern, beyond the smorgasbord of
possibilities during its transit through Sagittarius.
Christmas day, Dec 25, presents some rather tumultuous and
potentially hostile transit activity. Both the Moon and Mars make an exact
opposition to Uranus, creating a rough T-square with the Sun and Pluto in
Capricorn. Any anger or frustration that’s been lingering beneath the surface
could potentially explode from specifically targeted emotional triggers.
There’s a collective surge of strong rebellious and freedom
seeking tendencies which will violently resist anything that attempts to
control or stifle it. Be on the lookout for moodiness that turns into rage.
Today is a day for full self-expression and having the courage to break free of
blockages in certain relationships or personal routines. Just be mindful of
impulses, and keep emotions in check.
Mercury’s sextile to Neptune helps to soften the collective
intensity on Dec 26. Useful or
practical insights are floating about in the ethers, but require a sustained focus
and concentration to invoke successfully. Allow this brief moment to flood the
mind with subtle impressions or clairvoyant perceptions that can be used
constructively and intentionally.
The intensity picks up again with a Sun/Mercury conjunction
square Uranus, creating a more precise t-square with Pluto and Mars on Dec 29. Used constructively, we can
verbally communicate intentions in an impactful way that allows us to break
free of stifling and limiting patterns.
But on the darkside, communication may be used destructively
to dominate others or to attempt to dictate or control situations that appear
threatening. Break free of perceptions that limit or control reality to the
extent that creativity no longer flows. That may require a confrontation with
uncomfortable personal truths, but facing them will lead to lasting maturity
and growth.
Dec 2- New Moon @ 10 Sagittarius 59
Dec 4- Mercury enters Sagittarius
Dec 7- Mars enters Libra
Dec 12- Jupiter trine Saturn
Dec 17- Full Moon @ 25 Gemini 36’; Uranus stationary direct
Dec 21- Winter Solstice; Venus stationary retrograde
Dec 24- Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec 25- Mars opposition Uranus; Moon opposition Uranus,
conjunct Mars
Dec 26- Mercury sextile Neptune
Dec 29- Sun square Uranus; Mercury square Uranus
Dec 31- Mercury conjunct Pluto