
Today, Monday, December 21st the sun enters Capricorn as we are stepping into the longest night of the year. But not only does today mark the winter solstice, or Yule, as it is called in the pagan tradition, but this auspicious day also coincides with what astrologers call “the great conjunction” – a conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn, happening every twenty years. As such, this meet-up between structured Saturn and expansive Jupiter is a rare event in and of itself, as two decades passes between each time, however, todays conjunction is even more so, and here’s why. For two hundred years at a time, Saturn and Jupiter will conjunct in the signs of the same element, and for the past two hundred years Saturn and Jupiter has come together in earth signs. Today, however, for the first time in six hundred years or so, it happens in an air sign. At 0° Aquarius to be specific.
Air is a whole lot quicker than earth. Earth is associated with qualities such as patience, practicality, hard work, and stability. The element of Air on the other hand is connected to thoughts, communication, inspiration, imagination, ideas, knowledge, dreams and wishes. Earth is grounded and rooted. Earth likes status quo. Air moves. Air is quick, high flying and expansive. We are now stepping out of the box, letting go of old structures and believes, letting go of the strict, patriarchal energy of Capricorn, and are now stepping into the free-spirited, eccentric and futuristic energy of Aquarius.
Moving from earth to Air symbolizes the end of an era and a paradigm shift in society as a whole, and at 0° – 0° symbolizing new beginnings – it is the ultimate call to leave the old structures behind, and open the heart, mind and should for a new way of living. Together with the solstice, symbolizing the return of the light after the darkness, this is the day of new beginnings and new hope. May the the powerful energies of this numinous day serve you well ♡.
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Journaling exercises for the Solstice
The pandemic had brought with it more stillness and time for reflection for most of us, and as such, 2020 has been a year of tuning in. Of deep listening and re-connecting to all those needs we had buried for so long under all the clutter of our constantly busy lives. Here are a couple of journaling exercises as we enter the longest night of the year:
- What is your heart whispering in the stillness of the dark? What do you need – to stay balanced, to feel happy – at this time?
- What are your grateful for at this time?
- What did you learn this year?
- Reflecting upon what the past year has thought you, what are you bringing with you into the new year, and what stays behind?
Best Yuletide wishes for you and your loved ones ♡
Tonje xx