Written by Barbara A. Everett

As the New Year has already begun, we are in the more stabilizing time of Capricorn, a dependable earth sign under the ruler ship of no-nonsense Saturn, the planet of form, authority, and quiet determination to reach all goals with dignity and grace.

We enter Capricorn at Winter Solstice, and in the northern hemisphere we enter the time of winter, snow, ice, and colder temperatures.  There is a natural tendency to hibernate during the winter intensity, to pull our scattered selves back into order, to review the holiday spending, to consider budgets for the year, and to be in a reflective and responsible mode.

Capricorn is one of the signs of the zodiac that moves us toward goals, physical and spiritual. In the Wisdom Teachings, Capricorn can be a doorway to higher consciousness and fuller awareness of ourselves as an initiate following a dedicated path.

We often find Capricorn’s in business, and government, places where foundation and consistency are needed. Capricorn is a feminine sign because it is an earth sign, and in today’s world of change, we are witnessing women within these careers, often Capricorn’s themselves, lending their strength of purpose, loyalty to ideals, and holding a vision of a more positive future for all.

Within this sign, one of the contemporary people with a Capricorn birth sign was Martin Luther King, who became a fallen hero for civil rights, the elimination of segregation, and integration of schools in the South. Many of his speeches continue to uplift and inspire, including the “I Have a Dream” Speech which is now memorialized for its ability to stir heart and mind and spirit to “let Freedom Ring”.

The power within Capricorn is not as obvious as in fire signs, however, its very quietness prevails until the goal is reached.  There are several symbols for Capricorn, the mountain goat who carefully treads a steep path of obstacles to reach the mountain top of success  The next symbol is the  alligator who has become adept at living both in the world of emotions (it’s watery home), and the and the world of practicality.  The final symbol is the Unicorn, the person who has learned through trials and tribulations to seek the higher way with the strength of mind and heart in greater harmony, whose insights are harmless, whose vision is clear and dauntless.  The Unicorn is considered the magical horse that   appears when there are enough people who can carry the vision of a peace-filled, non-violent world, a world still in the making. Holding that Unicorn ideal is what a Capricorn sun sign, moon sign, or Ascendant can do at this time of important transitions.

Each of us carries a part of the Capricorn energy of perseverance and inner strength. That will guide us towards the future with the stability of earth to build the new vision, the “promised land”.

May you receive blessings of Peace, Love & Prosperity!

BARBARA

© Barbara A. Everett, 2012

Written by Barbara A. Everet

The sign of Sagittarius always occurs between the major American holidays of Thanks giving and Christmas, and how appropriate that is. This third fire sign of the zodiac is one of the most energizing, exuberant, positive, and inspiring signs of the celestial family. Sag, as it is fondly called, is under the ruler ship of the planet Jupiter, the great benefic which governs joviality, generosity, social events, good fortune, and spiritual and religious faith and beliefs. In the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, family events, parties, shopping, gatherings for spiritual and social reasons abound. We loosen our purse strings to purchase gifts, plan parties with food and beverages, give with open hearts to worthy causes and charities, and feel the fullness of caring and love for each other, and the well-being of humanity.

We recall the stories of magical events which speak to our core beliefs. The human heart yearns to be inspired from the ordinary events of earthly life, to stretch towards the heavens and connect to holy ones who teach us to love each other, to be kind and generous, as the benevolent universe so loves each of us. These stories have prevailed through eons of time, with different names, in different localities, but always in spoken language, in music, and in art to give meaning to human experience, and to link our lives to a greater source of wisdom and love. And so it is in Sag that we have the holy days and stories of many religions, going back in time to pre-Christian eras.  Humanity continues its search for meaning, and to be participants in the great plan.

From these beliefs and stories have emerged our understanding of angelic realms, transcendent music, and dedication to a higher state of being through love and compassion.  These are motivations that Sagittarius brings to us each year. The ideal which motivates Sagittarius is “I see the goal. I reach the goal. And I see another.” During the allotted days of Sagittarius, the daylight diminishes, darkness comes upon us, and we are drawn inwardly to the great mystery of the Winter Solstice. Winter Solstice is the doorway into Capricorn, a more serious pattern of energy as we have reached the beginning of winter.

Winter Solstice is the day of shortest sunlight, of the longest darkness. The meaning of solstice is “the sun stands still,” and for three days there is longer darkness than light before we begin to turn towards the return of greater light. In ancient times huge trees burned to illuminate the darkness. As the flowers and plants had died, tall evergreen trees were brought inside to bring nature closer. Wreaths and garlands of living trees and vines decorated cold interiors. Yul was celebrated with the yule log to keep spirits uplifted. Our beloved holiday transitions have ancient roots.

For many in our busy world, Winter Solstice provides a time of inner peace, spiritual renewal, and a prelude for the holiday season of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years. Christmas Day begins the Twelve Days of Christmas, which conclude on Twelfth Night, now known as Epiphany, commemorating the arrival of the Three Kings. December 21, Winter Solstice, is an important day for the emotional level of each of us. It is from the feminine, the sensitive emotional level, that the Spirit of Love can enter in to transform old patterns into new beginnings. Fill your hearts and minds with “glad tidings of great joy” and “Silent Night, Holy Night, All is Calm, All is Bright.” With the inner stillness, will come gifts of great value. The future now unfolds. You have traveled far in time. Be the bearer of benevolence and mercy. May Comfort and Joy come to you as you are once again inspired.

You are blessed by Angels.

May peace, love, and renewal be the gifts that fill your heart this Winter Solstice.

With my love and blessings,

BARBARA

© Barbara A. Everett, 2012