Robin Ivy Payton
The Wheel of the Year begins with Yule and festivals of light. Familiar among these holidays are Hanukkah, Christmas, Yuletide, and Solstice during the months from November to January. Merriment, gift giving, and traditional foods are unifying elements of these various celebrations.
The Sun shifts to Capricorn on December 21, the Winter Solstice, at 10:59 a.m. EST. Astrological winter begins, and we honor the goddess for rejuvenating light. On this shortest day, some also acknowledge Father Time. The earth has been dormant for many weeks, and the newly re-birthed Sun prepares to warm and awaken the ground. After long nights of darkness since Samhain, now daylight will slowly increase. There’s both promise and patience in this holiday as light consumes darkness incrementally. Fireplaces are lit and bonfires blaze, reminding us that warmth and sunshine will naturally return. Midwinter, as it’s known, has arrived.
Astrology of Midwinter
Winter Solstice occurs on December 21, about two days after Gemini Full Moon. The Moon is void of course in Cancer from 9:44 a.m. until 4:53 p.m. EST. Only simple, straightforward business and tasks are favored during these hours when things may be forgotten, misjudged, or taken for granted. Time important discussions or agreements for before or after this transition. Leo Moon moves in for festive feelings, social gatherings, and celebrations of light this evening. Include children in your traditions, as they are ruled by Leo Moon. Creative tasks such as wreath making, tree decorating, and baking emphasize the earth element of Capricorn, now graced by Mercury, Venus, and the Sun.
Christmas Eve and Day
The Moon moves to Virgo for December 24 and lingers there through Christmas Day. A majority of heavenly bodies, including Sun and Moon, travel the earth signs for this year’s Christmas. One advantage and benefit is emotional grounding. Guests will appreciate what’s familiar and comfortable, though in the case of quick changes, Virgo Moon means versatility. It’s a friendly looking day, as Mercury aligns with the Moon. From gift giving to dinner planning, the vibe is down to earth.
New and Full Moons
Sagittarius New Moon is also a total solar eclipse on December 4, visible in the Southern Hemisphere. Eclipses accelerate change and often bring unexpected realizations, developments, and announcements. With solar eclipses, expect beginnings and arrivals. More powerful than a usual New Moon, the eclipse will prompt learning, travels, and shifting ways of life. Sagittarius is a sign of expanding knowledge and experience. The solar eclipse helps free the mind for either or both, while planet Mercury highlights exciting ideas.
This solar eclipse happens during Hanukkah, the festival of lights timed near the New Moon closest to Solstice. This year’s eight nights of Hanukkah are November 28 to December 6. Eight candles on a menorah are lit, one by one, and a blessing recited each night. As this Jewish holiday has its own unique meaning, it also shares the spirit and symbolism of light with other winter feasts.
The New to Full Moon cycle may seem to pass quickly and eventfully. Sagittarius and Gemini, the mutable signs involved, indicate movement and change. The solar eclipse adds to that effect, with one development after another leading to the Full Moon on December 18. Jupiter is an influencer, highlighting community and humanitarian efforts. Forward thinking, innovative qualities shine through during Full Moon. And with Jupiter in altruistic and social Aquarius, parties and fundraisers are well timed for this Saturday night.
New Year’s Eve and Day
As we bid adieu to 2021 and begin 2022, the Moon is waning in Sagittarius. This is favorable for reflecting, reimagining, and powerful intention setting as the New Moon in Capricorn approaches. Since the Moon and Mars are close together on New Year’s Eve, avoid debates or conflicts that could become heated. Instead, bask in Sagittarius warmth, enthusiasm, and sense of adventure. Cultural experiences such as museum tours, art openings, and celebrations of diversity are well timed during Sagittarius Moon.
On January’s first full day, a relaxed approach and unstructured time is best while the Moon is void of course from 3:16 a.m. to 6:01 p.m. EST. Capricorn Moon follows, leading to New Moon on January 2 at 1:33 p.m. On the twelfth degree of Capricorn, this meeting of Sun and Moon suggests learning and sharing of natural wisdom, referred to in the Sabian symbols as the “little known aspects of life” (“Look Up a Symbol”). In your resolutions or in problem solving, consider what the earth provides and what is readily available. Plants are resources for food and supplements, and animals make excellent teachers. Structured plans and practical goals are favored by this Capricorn Moon.
Astrology and the Tarot
Create a Yule or New Year’s spell with tarot cards from the major arcana. Choose cards with light images for hope and renewal. The Hermit resembles Father Time, linked to Capricorn and Saturn. The traditional card shows an old man with a bright lantern, a beacon in the otherwise gray atmosphere. When seeking solutions or the right path, use the Hermit to recall answers that come from within. Add the Star, a beautiful card for reemerging and inviting possibilities. Meditate upon the Star as you design and envision your future. And consider the World card for closure on the calendar year and the Fool for starting anew. Set these or other cards on an altar or sill to bathe in celestial light.
Reference
“Look Up a Symbol.” Sabian Symbols by Lynda Hill. Accessed August 21, 2020. https://sabiansymbols.com/symbol-lookup/.