I prefer winter and Fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape – the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show.
The crossover between Sagittarius and Capricorn, every year, speaks to me of journeys….travels that I have accomplished, and those that I plan for the future. It is a time of reflection, of understanding, of re-grouping, and most of all, of change. Change for the better, hope for the future, resolutions (or revolutions!) for the New Year….
It all comes into our awareness at this most potent of times, as we experience the longest hours of night time, the shortest hours of daylight, and we are able to remember, deep in our ancestral memories, waiting for the return of the light.
From the point of Solstice the hours of daylight will become gradually longer and longer, although the earth will not return to a state of abundance for several more months. In ancient times, it was traditionally a time of feasting, where there was a last celebration, a time of feeding before the hungry times that stretch to the beginning of Spring. Of course, for many of us now, we are not so bound by the agricultural year, but it is perhaps relevant that we would be wise to consider the wisdom of restraint in the months that come…. Material and physical structure, new routines and regimens, are the natural antidote to Jupiter’s excess of abundance, and the way to move through the desire to seek for the continual pleasures that have become so embedded in our society.
In The Thoth Tarot, this point of Solstice, can be described by the two cards I have set out below…. The Ten of Wands, associated with the last decan of Sagittarius, and The Two of Disks, associated with the first decan of Capricorn. What a contrast we have, both cards are associated astrologically with Jupiter and Saturn (2D Jupiter in Capricorn & 10W Saturn in Sagittarius). These two cards really reflect for me the energy of this period of the year, a time when we recognise that we can no longer continue in the way that we have, and that it is time to herald in the changes that we want to make. This is, or course, easier said than done, and Saturn’s persistence will be required to continue establishing the changes that we desire, rather than allow them to disappear as unfulfilled dreams into the endless halls of Jupiter’s imagination!!.
Taking place in the UK at 22.25 pm on the night of December 21st, I will be waiting, along with all of you who mark the pagan year, waiting for the return of the sun, so that I can, for another year, step forward, into the light.
Solstice Blessings to you all!
Art Credits to: Jackie Morris
My name is Joanna Grant, I am an Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Writer, who lives on the 
beautiful Beara Peninsula in the South West of Ireland. I can often be found at home, deep in arcane research, or practicing some new form of divination whilst burning the dinner! My children probably wish that I was “normal” but may well remember my eccentricities fondly when they come to face the challenges of their own paths. My long knowledge of Astrology leads and informs my practice, in offering guidance, empowerment and healing, helping others to lead a more authentic and magical life. You can read more about me here.
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Joanna-Kate Grant 