The turning point
It's time to take stock of the past, and dream the future
The turning point of the Solstice is a sacred pause in the cycle of the solar year. Like the brief interval between inhalation and exhalation, the gap between light and dark is a portal into the realms of the invisible.
This year’s Capricorn Solstice (Dec. 21, 2024) feels especially potent. We are nearing the big finale of this multi-year period of transition from one story of the world to another. What began with contraction and breakdown in 2020 will conclude with a whole new worldview and new beginning in 2026. In 2025, we will start to see more of the new world coming our way.
Many of us are feeling the uncertainty that comes from being in-between stories. But the in-between time is also the time to take stock and re-evaluate where you are going in light of where you have been, what is or is not working, and where you really want to go.
Pause and reflect
This pause in the solar year is nature’s time to slow down and reflect, perhaps digest what you’ve experienced throughout the year. The retrograde motion of Mercury (through the 15th) and Mars (through the end of February) emphasizes the energy of looking back, reviewing, and re-evaluating.
Mars in particular has to do with what you want, your deepest desires and the will to go after them. With this planet’s backwards movement currently in fire sign Leo (until Jan. 6th), the answers have to do with what lights you up, what energizes you, and what you can do joyfully.
Dream in the new
Although we likely won’t know the whole new story of the world for a couple of years, we will have a taste of it through much of 2025. The big headlines come with the shifts of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune into new signs within just months of each other. Coupled with Pluto’s recent move into Aquarius, the differences in our societal landscape will be profound.
The zeitgeist - spirit of the times - is changing. The new era foretold by the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn at 0 Aquarius on the 2020 December Solstice is beginning in earnest. We are entering a post-materialist age, in which change happens even faster, especially in how we organize ourselves, communicate, and understand the world.
Another headline for 2025 is the rare retrograde of Venus, who turns back just as Mars moves forward again at the very end of February. Love and pleasure as well as finances are the subject of a new chapter of your story. This retrograde is clearly meant to build on what you found to be true during your Mars contemplation.
Just as important is the shifting of the Eclipse axis from Aries and Libra (war and peace!) into Pisces and Virgo. The Eclipses of March and September will bring attention and change to different areas of your life in 2025.
Given the shifting landscape of the world, your greatest power lies in dreaming your life as you want it to be. Most of the media clamoring for attention wants to show you dystopia; but your dreams of a more beautiful, harmonious world are just as possible, especially if you - and we - put our attention and life force on building them.
Honor the Solstice to prepare for 2025
I have hosted an online Solstice retreat for a number of years now, and it is consistently a favorite event. We start by looking at the astrological highlights and key energy shifts of the year, both past and future. We’ll take time to review and celebrate the milestones of 2024, then sink deeply into our dreams for 2025 and beyond.
The retreat includes meditation, journal prompts, and a deep embodiment practice of yoga nidra (deep relaxation) at the end to anchor your intention in your body and heart. Paid subscribers get in free. If you can’t be there live (Dec. 20th, 1-4pm Mountain), you can listen to the recording at the best time for you. Become a paid subscriber below, or purchase the retreat on its own for $79.
I am in the process of finalizing a workshop schedule for 2025, with an eye toward guiding us all through the changes as they come.
In the first quarter, I’ll lead workshops on:
an overview of the astrological events of 2025 (and you’ll get a short preview in the Solstice retreat);
how to get more deeply connected with your natural wisdom and intuition as your most reliable guide through chaos and uncertainty;
the shifting Eclipse axis - from Aries/Libra to Pisces/Virgo - and what the Eclipses might bring.
Other workshops on tap include learning energy resilience through breath, meditation, and more; plus some open question and answer sessions to which you can bring your chart and personal questions.
If you have been considering becoming a paid subscriber, I would love to have you sign up in time for the Solstice retreat on the 20th.
Every post and e-mail I publish contains the opportunity to become a paid subscriber: you can decide for yourself at any time to upgrade or cancel. Pay by the month, or get a full 12 months for the price of ten. You can also gift a subscription to someone else who would appreciate cosmic guidance.
Thank you for being part of this community and reclaiming your natural wisdom!