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December 21, 2021, marks the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere as well as the ingress of the sun into the sign of Capricorn. It is no coincidence that winter solstice and the transition of the sun into the sign of Capricorn occur on the same day. The winter solstice is a highly regarded point of the astrological and astronomical year which marks the shortest period of daylight as well as what is considered the longest period of darkness.
The shift into Capricorn season resonates with the official start of the winter season and the cold, stern energy of Capricorn’s ruler Saturn. While the winter season does give off cold, dark, and bleak, the nature of Capricorn and its ruler Saturn reveals that there are many lessons to be learned from going inward and hibernating. It is through this inner reflection that we are able to really think about who we are, where we would like to go and begin making plans that we can begin to see the light of day at the Spring Equinox.
The Significance of Winter Solstice
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The winter solstice is an important time that is celebrated by many cultures throughout the world. In the northern hemisphere, it marks the official beginning of the winter season. It is during this time that the trees are at their barest, animals are retreating into hibernation, and some countries experience their coldest weather which includes lots of ice and snow. For the most part, the winter solstice is marked by this drawing inward where all things retreat from the harsh elements of the outside world.
It is no coincidence that the winter solstice coincides with the wrapping up of the Gregorian calendar year. The end of the Gregorian calendar year is celebrated as the holiday season with the gathering of friends, family, and loved ones. Likewise, with the winter solstice, there is also this innate understanding that there is something to anticipate.
There is a brand new year filled with potential and opportunity. Thus, the winter solstice provides the shift for us to draw into ourselves and to consider the potential that comes with a new year.
Capricorn Season & Saturn’s Lessons
The energy of Saturn takes hold during the winter solstice. Capricorn season’s alliance with the winter solstice, there is much to consider about what we have learned throughout the ending year and what we would like to make of the coming year. Capricorn is often considered the responsible, accountable sign. With its ruler Saturn, there is this understanding that being here in the physical realm requires that we show something concrete for our time here. It is during the winter solstice that we get the opportunity to genuinely go within and think about how our year has progressed. Saturn energy is often considered heavy and somber because it makes us truly face our realities. True to the nature of Capricorn’s cardinal energy, there is the opportunity to make changes and adjustments to our path forward if we are willing to integrate the lessons from our current experiences.
The energy of Saturn at the winter solstice encourages us to wrap up our year while making us accountable for what we have experienced thus far. Some of us may find we are rejoicing and happy about what we’ve accomplished. Others may experience bleakness and unsettled feelings about a year that didn’t turn out as we hoped. For many, perhaps the ending year is a mixed bag. Nevertheless, with the beginning of a new Gregorian calendar, the energy of Capricorn and its ruler Saturn, there is the chance to either continue in the energy that we have held through the ending year or use the cardinal energy of Capricorn to make changes that will create a different lived experience. As usual, Capricorn requires that we be accountable to ourselves for where we have been, where we are now, and where we would like to be.
Hibernating & Planning for the Spring
While the winter solstice and Capricorn season mark the longest day of darkness, it is also important to note that this special day marks the trek towards longer days leading up to the Spring equinox. Winter is reminiscent of the finality of death that was first experienced at the fall equinox with the complex beauty of falling leaves and lower temperatures. At the winter solstice and during Capricorn season, there is an icy coldness that makes us want to retreat.
It is important to note that this retreating is not a bad thing at all as it gives us the opportunity to pull away from the outside world and reflect on what it is that we would like to experience. In doing so, we can make practical, grounded use of the earthy Capricorn energy in order to achieve those goals and ambitions that we make for ourselves…especially at the beginning of the year. But first, it is necessary to convene with oneself which is why the energy of the winter solstice and Capricorn season is so important in planning the path forward.
It is with great reflection and hope that we will use the energy of the winter solstice to consider the finality of this current year while harnessing the solid, cardinal energy of Capricorn to create solid goals and concrete plans fueled with action in the upcoming new year.
