There are a select few events that carry an incredible power in our lives astrologically, and Winter Solstice is certainly near the top of that list. The shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, this important energy shift is more powerful than ever this year as it coincides with the December full moon.
A day that has been celebrated throughout generations, Winter Solstice has long been recognized for its importance in our lives. Rituals date back centuries, celebrating the turning point in the year in which the growing darkness is left behind us with the shortest day of the year, leaving us with the hope and promise of brighter days ahead. For some, this is a celebration that coincides with the Christmas season, adding to the magic of the holidays. Others, however, acknowledge the power this specific day has all on its own.
The balance of light and ark in our lives is incredibly important – symbolic of the many other dualities that define who we are. This includes the sun and moon, good and bad, and happiness and pain among others. Heading into the Winter Solstice, each day brings a decreasing level of sunlight as we are facing the harsh reality of winter. This darkness can have an incredible impact on our overall health and well-being, just look at the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is triggered by changes to the levels of sunlight we are exposed to. For those living with SAD, the decreasing sunlight is literally challenging their mental health.
The Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, coincides with the movement of the sun from Sagittarius into the hard-working and determined sign of Capricorn. Not only are we making the all-important shift into more sunlight and the promise of warmer temperatures down the road (you have to survive the winter months first), the astrological shift also brings an important energy to this day.
This is a time to let go of past hurts and habits that are no longer serving us in a positive way, refocusing our attention and our daily routine in order to propel ourselves forward. To do so, you must start with some serious self-reflection, figuring out what areas of your life require your attention. It won’t necessarily be easy, but the determination of Capricorn will help you remain focused on the end goal, motivating and encouraging you every step of the way. After all, what’s a little hard work if you’re going to experience great rewards?
This year’s Winter Solstice is extra special as it coincides with the December full moon, adding an incredible emotional intensity to the whole process. This is incredibly rare. In fact, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac records, this has happened only 10 times in the Northern Hemisphere since 1793 – so don’t let this opportunity pass you by!
The full moon is an important time in the lunar cycle, the moment in which our emotions are their highest point. While some may view this as a weakness, worried that our emotions will somehow hold us back or hinder our ability to succeed when used properly emotions are an incredible motivator! While the moon doesn’t perfectly sync up, hitting its peak the day after the solstice, there is no questioning the fact that its energy will be hard at work in our lives.
Are you going to make the most of this time? What are you hoping to accomplish heading into 2019? This is the perfect opportunity to ensure you’re setting yourself up to start out on the right foot!
Image via The Inquistr