Andromeda DavisThe winter solstice is the shortest day and darkest of the year in the northern hemisphere. The winter solstice marks the beginning of winter, as well as, marks the way for the return of light.
This year, 2018, the winter solstice arrives on Friday December 21 at 2:32 PM Pacific Standard Time or 5:32 PM Eastern Standard Time.
About the winter solstice
Being the shortest night of the year, the winter solstice is also the darkest night of the year. It’s the day with the fewest hours of sunlight of the entire year.
But there is also a cosmological effect – the winter solstice is a day when the sun appears to stand still. It’s a day when the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky.
The phrase “solstice” is derived from a combination of two words – the Latin word “Sol,” which means sun and “Sistere” which means to stand still. Thus, from the combination of those two Latin words we arrive at “solstice.”
Winter solstice festivals
Many holidays are associated with the winter solstice. Christmas is celebrated in Christianity. Judaism celebrates Hanukkah. The African holiday of Kwanzaa is celebrated. But it is most associated with pagan celebrations.
During the winter solstice, Christians celebrate the birth of the Son. While in pagan rituals, the time is celebrated as a rebirth of the sun.
During the solstice, as temperatures fall throughout winter, light grows and this light represents new hope during a time of darkness.
In ancient times, food became scarce during harsh winter months. As a result, ancient solstice festivals involved the last opportunity to have a big feast before the scarcity of food meant rationing.
Astrological movements during the winter solstice
December is the month of Sagittarius and Capricorn.
The zodiac is in the sign of Sagittarius from November 22-December 21.
On December 22, the zodiac moves into the sign of Capricorn, which lasts from December 22-January 19.
The sun and Capricorn
Capricorn is an ambitious sign and efficient, and thus brings ambitious energy, a focus on planning toward being more efficient in all endeavors.
As the sun steadily moves into Capricorn it doubles our need for reflection on our previous year – especially before making any New Year’s resolutions! During this time, we need to analyze everything we have done the previous year and look for ways to improve our efforts and lives moving forward.
Applying the winter solstice to your horoscope
During the winter solstice, astrologically, it’s a time when you need to think about all of your successes and failures which have occurred throughout the year.
Keep doing what works
As you reflect on all your undertakings from the previous year, you should build on the things you did right. As they say, “If it isn’t broke – don’t fix it.” But you first need to figure out what’s working – and most importantly – why. This helps get your priorities in order and to discover where problems exist.
Plan and regroup
Likewise, as you reflect on everything that occurred in the previous year, you will uncover what you wish you had done differently. This is the time to plan and regroup with a newer approach toward those and everything else in the year to come.
Shea Lee
