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I have always loved the silence of
winter. Even amidst the many celebratory holidays, life is imbued
with welcome introspection. The elements impose inwardness upon us,
creating a sense of safety and insulation from the turbulence of the
outer world. This permits peacefulness and presence of mind.
The Sun enters the sign of Capricorn on December 22, 1999 at 2:44
AM, Eastern Standard Time. This very moment is the Winter Solstice,
the longest night of the year, the time of greatest darkness.
Solstice literally means Sun-Stand-Still. The Sun stands still in
anticipation of the lights return. Solstice celebrations are
universal. This is a pivotal and potent time period for all, marking
distinct endings and beginnings. It is a time to embrace the
interior of our life. It is a time to stand still.
The cyclic nature of life provides us with profound guidance and
instruction. Nature's cycles, the seasons, are guided, nurtured and
nourished by the Sun. Conscious awareness of our solar expression
assists us in making healthy and positive choices for our world and
ourselves. When we are not in touch with the essential needs of our
personal sun sign, we experience life as unfulfilling, disappointing
and void of meaning or purpose.
Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces are the winter signs. They encompass
archetypal patterns and themes, moods and premonitions, activities
and modes of thought which are unique to this season. Many of you
were born during this time, or have children who are of these signs.
This article will illustrate some of the characteristics of
individuals inhabiting these signs, as well as the collective themes
we embrace during these times of the year.
Capricorn The Sea-Goat is an earth sign, possessing ambition,
perseverance and instinctual practicality. The Sea-Goat, a mountain
goat with the tail of a fish, is a symbol of power and
accomplishment, capable of climbing mountainous heights and swimming
across vast oceans. They are invincible symbols of power and
accomplishment. The Capricorn person is one who must achieve, with
utmost integrity and sense of responsibility. Capricorn embodies
willfulness, tenacity, patience and resolution, striving in
consistent fashion for that which is deemed worthy and obtainable.
There are many 'shoulds' in the vocabulary of those born under the
sign of the goat, for the standards of being to which they aspire
are outstanding in number as well as in expectation. Capricorn
represents society, our place within it, and its expectations of us.
Therefore the Capricorn cares deeply about appearance, propriety and
status. Thus, Capricorns can be hard on themselves, never feeling
the level of accomplishment which they deem vital to their well
being and respectability. Life seems to be a constant uphill battle.
But they are invincible until their goal is reached, containing
within the ability to be disciplined and serious.
Sometimes too serious, Capricorn displays a distinct discomfort with
the expression of emotion. For all of their extroversion where
achievement is concerned, they are quite shy and inhibited on an
emotional level. Prone to melancholy, introversion and solitude are
necessary for these people, for they are profound and insightful.
Capricorn is traditional where family relationships are concerned.
They are respectful of elders, possessing a sophisticated adult
manner often presenting itself in childhood. It is said among
astrologers that Capricorn is born old.
As children, Capricorns need an earthy and routine stability. Honor
their instinctual practicality by providing them with tangible daily
rituals they can rely upon. Activities that provide them with a
sense of accomplishment can only enhance their sense of self-worth.
As these children are inherently hard on themselves, exercise
consistent praise and affirmation of their expressions. Allow for
responsible roles within the home.
During the sun's visitation in the sign of Capricorn we have the
opportunity for deep and profound introspection. This
self-reflection lends itself to reevaluating that which is important
to us, consciously striving toward an authentic self-realization. As
there are many holidays to mark during this period, we devote
ourselves to family and tradition. Thus commitment and
responsibility are paramount. The New Year brings with it the making
of resolutions in which we hope to improve upon ourselves and our
lives for the coming year. We seek to accomplish in the New Year
that which we have so far failed to attain. Many people find
themselves struggling with depression and sadness at this time. A
sense of failure may be pervasive, but this only serves to
illuminate where we are being untrue to ourselves. For Capricorn,
above all else, must be responsible to self, embracing a true and
authentic self-authority. Thus, we can inhabit solitude of time and
space, embracing our true nature before we venture out and enact our
goals.
Aquarius, the Water Bearer, follows on January 20, 2000. Aquarius is
an air sign, possessing an ethereal quality coupled with heightened
mental faculties and a highly developed intuitive function. The
humanitarian of the zodiac, Aquarius is possessed of far reaching
ideals placing them ahead of their time.
Another very solitary sign, they experience aloneness for different
reasons. Aquarius is truly revolutionary, exhibiting a proclivity
towards rebellion. Strongly individualistic, they have great
difficulty in following rules. They are eccentric, otherworldly and
often times so progressive in outlook and perception that they feel
outside of their families, social circles and employment situations.
They are happiest when creating their own life in their own way. We
often find them successfully self-employed in unique and
far-reaching occupations.
Astrologers often say that Aquarians are the visionaries of the
zodiac. They have intact the knowledge, inspiration and foresight to
assist humanity with all of its challenges. They often feel
misunderstood, particularly in childhood, when discipline, rules and
regulations abound. Aquarian children must be given space to express
their strong and unique individuality. Consider their vision and
honor their reality. Find and encourage creative outlets where their
authenticity and genius can shine!
During the sun's travels through the sign of Aquarius, we as a
collective are imbued with our own visionary qualities. We have a
unique opportunity to hone our intuitive faculties. This time is
ideal for creatively visualizing the most positive outcomes for our
lives and humanity. We embody the ability to envision thus create a
future for the greatest good of all. We enact goodness by honoring
our unique talents, gifts and qualities. When we honor and express
our authenticity we serve humanity. As we are upon The Age Of
Aquarius, self-responsibility is paramount to healing the earth,
each other and ourselves.
Pisces The Fishes enters our consciousness on February 19, 2000. The
last of the winter signs, Pisces, a water sign, quenches our thirst
for spiritual communion. Pisces is the last sign of the natural
zodiac. Perhaps the most otherworldly member of the zodiac, Pisces
is imbued with an attunement to the invisible realms. As mystics,
dreamers, healers, and poets, Piscean people possess a highly
evolved sensitivity and psychic perception. Sometimes this is to
their detriment, as they are prone to taking on the burdens of the
world. They truly understand the sorrows of the human condition,
often found assisting those in need, whether they are plant, animal
or human in form. In the eyes of Pisces, everything is divine. Life
therefore, is often quite painful, as earthly reality does not often
exhibit these divine sensibilities. Solitude is required for their
well being, so that they may commune privately with their reverence
for all of life.
The Pisces child is highly imaginative. Dreaming by day and by night
is essential to their well being. They are angelic creatures.
Because they have such an expansive experience of reality in all of
its myriad forms, they need much gentle guidance for they are easily
confused. Animal companions bring much happiness and also serve to
assist them, for Pisceans are gifted in understanding and
communicating with them. Artistic expressions where their visions
can be rendered bring much peace and fulfillment. As their
sensitivity lends itself to the absorption of their environment,
their psychic abilities often cause extreme shifts in mood, for they
pick up so precisely on the emotions of others. Provide a calm and
soothing environment for the Pisces child allowing for healthy
development of their highly sensitive nature.
We are enshrouded in mystery during the sun's visitation of Pisces.
During this auspicious time we have the opportunity to dream. Dreams
convey messages. Attunement to them provides us with guidance and
illumination, clearly and vibrantly illustrating lessons and
initiations we experience during particular stages of life. Sun in
Pisces can assist us tremendously as we traverse life from a
spiritual perspective, honoring that which is less than tangible. We
can facilitate this process through prayer and meditation. As we
grow to know ourselves from this divine perspective, we find
compassion and forgiveness for our fellows as well.
Winter, season of introspection, leads to rebirth. As we prepare for
the vibrancy of spring, celebrating new life, let us carry with us
those inner musings and awakenings, which serve to remind us that we
are spiritual beings on the road of life.
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