The Solstice, Cazimi Magic

Sun enters Capricorn 

– December 22, 2023 (03:27 GMT) 

The Sun enters Capricorn in the early hours of December 22nd. This heralds the Solstice, the change in season when the Sun ‘stands still’ in the sky, the literal meaning of sol-stice (Sun – stands still). 

The Solstice is one of the four markers of the zodiac, when we reach the shortest day and longest night or longest day and shortest night, depending where you live. Here in the UK, the days will soon be growing longer and the nights shorter. 

One of my favourite quotes about the Solstice states, “something in us needs to know that at the end of the longest night there will be light”. This seems especially poignant at this time of year. 

The Solstice heralds a beginning as it welcomes in a new season. Make sure to honour the Solstice and light a fire or burn candles.  This tradition is in honour of the heat and warmth of the Sun which brings us vitality, energy and life. Honour the Solstice through meditation, journalling or completing the year that’s gone.

The Sun in Capricorn makes us think of work, duty and responsibility. Yet, Capricorn is the shaman with hidden depths, who finds fulfilment and meaning by being alone, not lonely. You might want to stride up a mountain this week, take yourself off somewhere quiet or sit in silence.

Cazimi Magic

The Solstice this year feels special. This is because, on the day of the Solstice, we reach the half-way point of the current Mercury retrograde phase, which is when the Sun is exactly conjunct Mercury, the planet which rules communication and the mind. Plus, they meet at a potent degree 0° Capricorn.

The Sun/Mercury conjunction is the change-over time when Mercury moves from setting behind the Sun in the west to rise before the Sun in the east. It changes from being an evening star to a morning star. 

Currently Mercury is looking backwards which can be linked to insights from the past. During retrograde phases there is more focus on the subconscious and it’s a fertile time of learning and evaluation. 

Effectively, this is Mercury’s hidden phase when Mercury is mid-way through its retrograde phase. What is being brought forth in your life? What messages are you receiving?  

Make the time to listen to your inner voice during the Solstice, especially close to the Sun/Mercury conjunction. Look out for synchronicities and nudges from the universe and listen to your dreams. 

When a planet is within 17? arc of the Sun, this is called ‘cazimi’ in astrology. It means that the planet is close within the rays of the Sun, bringing illumination and enlightenment. On December 22nd, it’s as if Mercury is sitting close to the King, as the Sun whispers important information and unique insights into Mercury’s ear. 

The ‘cazimi’ moment lasts for approximately eight hours. It’s strongest from 3pm to 11pm (GMT) on December 22nd. Listen out for messages from your unconscious. Or, messages in your inbox. Alternatively, make the most of this cazimi moment and have that all-important conversation.  Cazimi astrology has magic inherent within it.

New Moon/Cazimi Magic

Read your Sun sign/Ascendant sign below to see which area of your horoscope this week’s New Moon and cazimi magic highlight:

Capricorn – personal goals and self-image Aquarius – solitude and inner work Pisces – friends and wider society Aries – career and status Taurus – education and beliefs Gemini – joint finances and taboo issues Cancer – love and relationships Leo – work and health Virgo – what you give birth to i.e. kids, romance, creative project Libra – home and family Scorpio – community and ideas Sagittarius – money and values

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