On December 21st at 1:20 AM PST the Sun reaches 0 degrees Capricorn, 0 minutes. This is the moment of the Winter Solstice, and the beginning of the season.
Why mention the Yule Log on this occasion? Are you familiar with the tradition of the Yule log? Or perhaps you like to “troll the ancient yuletide carols”? Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world—celebrated on the solstice. “Yule” comes from Old English geol, which shares a history with the Old Norse word jól. Both of these words refer to a midwinter festival centered around the Winter Solstice, which in past times traditionally marked the halfway point of the winter season. After the Solstice, which is the shortest day of the year, the days again begin to grow longer, so it’s thought that Yule was a celebration of the emblem of the returning Sun and the fertile land’s rebirth.
People would choose a special log; one that would represent the warmth of the Sun returning. The tradition is to choose a log native to the area, and cut it to fit inside their fireplace, or to use outside in a bonfire. The Yule log was originally an entire tree! Families would bring the trunk of the Yule tree inside and stick the big end of it into the fireplace. The log would feed the fire through the Twelve Days of Christmas (from Christmas Day through the evening of the 5th of January—known as Twelfth Night). This is a beautiful way to celebrate the Solstice, and you may wish to partake in a nice warm fire during your celebration while enjoying a feast, with friends and loved ones.
Beyond tradition, we now look at this moment through an astrologer's eyes. The Capricorn Sun is a Cardinal Earth Sign. Capricorn is the sign that rules the 10th solar month of the year, and the 10th house of the zodiac. This sign is responsible, ambitious, and eager to build a foundation from which to create. The 10th house, also begins with the midheaven, and speaks volumes of what your career choice will be. Capricorn is the fourth cardinal sign of the solar year, and the first month of winter. It begins on the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. Capricorn energy is beneath the surface like a frozen pond with fish swimming under the ice. They lead through determination and perseverance. They trudge ahead slow but sure, never giving up. The planet Saturn rules Capricorn, and brings caution and restriction to the mix. Saturn governs duty, limitation, self discipline; all things responsible and practical. It teaches us through frustrated effort to take the necessary steps to achieve our goals.
This year, the Sun is inconjunct Mars at 4 degrees Leo, and opposite Uranus at 23 degrees Taurus. The inconjunct aspect represents a mismatch or disconnection between 2 planets or luminaries which needs an adjustment. Capricorn and Leo are very different, one is a grounded builder, and the other a fiery creator. The adjustment for the Sun is to access this fiery energy to bear fruit, to create with heart and power.
The Sun opposite Uranus transit gives us an urge to try new and exciting ways to live life to the fullest. We can seek the freedom to do things our way and will most likely resist being told what to do. A struggle for independence can relate to an effort to explore and express your individuality and personality. Uranus is the planet of freedom, so take the initiative to let go of limiting situations in your life and shoot for the stars!
Enjoy this new beginning, and dream into your reality, your creation. We are now in the Dreamtime of Winter, so allow yourself to step out of your safety net and try something new with the help of these energies. When you light your Yule Log, say a prayer to be guided to the right actions, and imagine your message is taken by the smoke of the burning log to ALL THAT IS.
Happy Holidays!
Judy Crescenzo
Thank you, Judy, for your wisdom. If you would like to inquire about a session, please find Judy's contact information below.
judy@skypatterns.com, and skypatterns on YouTube and Patreon
