Merry Yule,
Love,
Lady A
Day: December 21, 2013
Yule Soap
Yule Soap
1 cup grated unscented soap
1/4 cup hot water
1 tbsp. apricot oil
1 tbsp. chamomile
1/2 tbsp. rosemary
1/2 tbsp. ginger
6 drops frankincense oil
6 drops myrrh oil
3 drops cinnamon oil
Place grated soap in a heat-proof non-metallic container and add the hot water and apricot oil. Leave until it is cool enough to handle, and then mix together with your hands. If the soap is floating on the water, add more soap. Leave to sit for 10 minutes, mixing occasionally, until the soap is soft and mushy. Once the soap, water, and oil are blended completely, add the dry ingredients. Once the mixture is cool, then add the essential oils (essential oils evaporate quickly in heat). Enough essential oils should be added to overcome the original scent of the soap. Blend thoroughly and then divide the soap mixture into four to six pieces. Squeeze the soaps, removing as much excess water as possible into the shape you desire, and tie in a cheesecloth. Hang in a warm, dry place until the soap is completely hard and dry.
Recipe adapted from Kate West’s The Real Witches’ Kitchen Sabbat Soap recipe.
Winter Solstice Ritual Potpourri
Winter Solstice Ritual Potpourri
Recipe by Gerina Dunwich
20 drops musk oil
25 drops pine oil
1 cup oak moss
2 cups dried mistletoe
1 cup dried poinsettia flowers
1 cup dried bayberries
1/2 cup dried rosemary
1/2 cup dried holly leaves and berries
3 crushed pinecones
Mix the musk and pine oils with the oak moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.
(The above recipe for “Yule Ritual Potpourri” is quoted directly from Gerina Dunwich’s book “The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch’s Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes”, page 162, A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995)
Yule Oil
Yule Oil
2 drops Cinnamon oil
2 drops Clove oil
1 drop Mandarin oil
1 drop Pine oil
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Myrrh oil.
Various Yule Incense Recipes
Yule Incense 1
2 parts Frankincense
2 parts Pine needles or resin
1 part Cedar
1 part Juniper berries
Yule Incense 2
3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Sandalwood
2 part Chamomile
1 part Ginger
1/2 part Sage
A few drops of Cinnamon oil
Yule Incense 3
3 parts Pine needles or resin
3 parts Cedar
1 part Bayberry
1 part Cinnamon
Yule Incense 4
3 parts frankincense
A few drops orange oil
A few drops juniper oil
1 part crushed juniper berries
½ part mistletoe
Method Blend together and burn on charcoal.
YULE LORE
YULE LORE
One traditional Yuletide practice is the creation of a Yule tree. This can be a
living, potted tree which can later be planter in the ground, or a cut one. The
choice is yours.
Appropriate Pagan decorations are fun to make, from strings of dried rosebuds
and cinnamon sticks (or popcorn and cranberries) for garlands, to bags of
fragrant spices which are hung from boughs. Quartz crystals can be wrapped with shiny wire and suspended from sturdy branches to resemble icicles. Apples,
oranges and lemons hanging from boughs are strikingly beautiful, natural
decorations, and were customary in ancient times.
Many enjoy the custom of lighting the Yule log. This is a graphic representation
of the rebirth of the God within the sacred fire of the Mother Goddess. If you
choose to burn one, select a proper log (traditionally of oak or pine). Carve
or chalk a figure of the Sun (such as a rayed disc) or the God (a horned circle
or a figure of a man) upon it, with the Boline, and set it alight in the
fireplace at dusk on Yule. As the log burns, visualize the Sun shining within
it and think of the coming warmer days.
As to food, nuts, fruits such as apples and pears, cakes of caraways soaked in
cider, and (for non-vegetarians) pork are traditional fare. Wassail,
lambswool, hibiscus or ginger tea and fine drinks for the Simple Feast or Yule
Meals.
MIDWINTER NIGHT’S EVE – Y U L E
MIDWINTER NIGHT’S EVE – Y U L E
by Mike Nichols
Our Christian friends are often quite surprised at how enthusiastically we
Pagans celebrate the ‘Christmas’ season. Even though we prefer to use the word
‘Yule’, and our celebrations may peak a few days BEFORE the 25th, we nonetheless follow many of the traditional customs of the season: decorated trees, caroling, presents, Yule logs, and mistletoe. We might even go so far as putting up a ‘Nativity set’, though for us the three central characters are likely to be interpreted as Mother Nature, Father Time, and the Baby Sun-God. None of this will come as a surprise to anyone who knows the true history of the holiday, of course.
In fact, if truth be known, the holiday of Christmas has always been more Pagan
than Christian, with it’s associations of Nordic divination, Celtic fertility
rites, and Roman Mithraism. That is why both Martin Luther and John Calvin
abhorred it, why the Puritans refused to acknowledge it, much less celebrate it
(to them, no day of the year could be more holy than the Sabbath), and why it
was even made ILLEGAL in Boston! The holiday was already too closely associated with the birth of older Pagan gods and heroes. And many of them (like Oedipus, Theseus, Hercules, Perseus, Jason, Dionysus, Apollo, Mithra, Horus and even Arthur) possessed a narrative of birth, death, and resurrection that was uncomfortably close to that of Jesus. And to make matters worse, many of them pre-dated the Christian Savior.
Ultimately, of course, the holiday is rooted deeply in the cycle of the year. It
is the Winter Solstice that is being celebrated, seed-time of the year, the
longest night and shortest day. It is the birthday of the new Sun King, the Son
of God — by whatever name you choose to call him. On this darkest of nights,
the Goddess becomes the Great Mother and once again gives birth. And it makes
perfect poetic sense that on the longest night of the winter, ‘the dark night of
our souls’, there springs the new spark of hope, the Sacred Fire, the Light of
the World, the Coel Coeth.
That is why Pagans have as much right to claim this holiday as Christians.
Perhaps even more so, as the Christians were rather late in laying claim to it,
and tried more than once to reject it. There had been a tradition in the West
that Mary bore the child Jesus on the twenty-fifth day, but no one could seem to
decide on the month. Finally, in 320 C.E., the Catholic Fathers in Rome decided
to make it December, in an effort to co-opt the Mithraic celebration of the
Romans and the Yule celebrations of the Celts and Saxons.
There was never much pretense that the date they finally chose was historically
accurate. Shepherds just don’t ‘tend their flocks by night’ in the high
pastures in the dead of winter! But if one wishes to use the New Testament as
historical evidence, this reference may point to sometime in the spring as the
time of Jesus’ birth. This is because the lambing season occurs in the spring
and that is the only time when shepherds are likely to ‘watch their flocks by
night’ – to make sure the lambing goes well. Knowing this, the Eastern half of
the Church continued to reject December 25, preferring a ‘movable date’ fixed by
their astrologers according to the moon.
Thus, despite its shaky start (for over three centuries, no one knew when Jesus
was supposed to have been born!), December 25 finally began to catch on. By 529,
it was a civic holiday, and all work or public business (except that of cooks,
bakers, or any that contributed to the delight of the holiday) was prohibited by
the Emperor Justinian. In 563, the Council of Braga forbade fasting on Christmas
Day, and four years later the Council of Tours proclaimed the twelve days from
December 25 to Epiphany as a sacred, festive season. This last point is perhaps
the hardest to impress upon the modern reader, who is lucky to get a single day
off work. Christmas, in the Middle Ages, was not a SINGLE day, but rather a
period of TWELVE days, from December 25 to January 6. The Twelve Days of
Christmas, in fact. It is certainly lamentable that the modern world has
abandoned this approach, along with the popular Twelfth Night celebrations.
Of course, the Christian version of the holiday spread to many countries no
faster than Christianity itself, which means that ‘Christmas’ wasn’t celebrated
in Ireland until the late fifth century; in England, Switzerland, and Austria
until the seventh; in Germany until the eighth; and in the Slavic lands until
the ninth and tenth. Not that these countries lacked their own mid-winter
celebrations of Yuletide. Long before the world had heard of Jesus, Pagans had
been observing the season by bringing in the Yule log, wishing on it, and
lighting it from the remains of last year’s log. Riddles were posed and
answered, magic and rituals were practiced, wild boars were sacrificed and
consumed along with large quantities of liquor, corn dollies were carried from
house to house while caroling, fertility rites were practiced (girls standing
under a sprig of mistletoe were subject to a bit more than a kiss), and
divinations were cast for the coming Spring. Many of these Pagan customs, in an
appropriately watered-down form, have entered the mainstream of Christian
celebration, though most celebrants do not realize (or do not mention it, if
they do) their origins.
For modern Witches, Yule (from the Anglo-Saxon ‘Yula’, meaning ‘wheel’ of the
year) is usually celebrated on the actual Winter Solstice, which may vary by a
few days, though it usually occurs on or around December 21st. It is a Lesser
Sabbat or Lower Holiday in the modern Pagan calendar, one of the four quarter-
days of the year, but a very important one. This year (1988) it occurs on
December 21st at 9:28 am CST. Pagan customs are still enthusiastically
followed. Once, the Yule log had been the center of the celebration. It was
lighted on the eve of the solstice (it should light on the first try) and must
be kept burning for twelve hours, for good luck. It should be made of ash.
Later, the Yule log was replaced by the Yule tree but, instead of burning it,
burning candles were placed on it. In Christianity, Protestants might claim that
Martin Luther invented the custom, and Catholics might grant St. Boniface the
honor, but the custom can demonstrably be traced back through the Roman
Saturnalia all the way to ancient Egypt. Needless to say, such a tree should be
cut down rather than purchased, and should be disposed of by burning, the proper
way to dispatch any sacred object.
Along with the evergreen, the holly and the ivy and the mistletoe were important
plants of the season, all symbolizing fertility and everlasting life. Mistletoe
was especially venerated by the Celtic Druids, who cut it with a golden sickle
on the sixth night of the moon, and believed it to be an aphrodisiac. (Magically
— not medicinally! It’s highly toxic!) But aphrodisiacs must have been the
smallest part of the Yuletide menu in ancient times, as contemporary reports
indicate that the tables fairly creaked under the strain of every type of good
food. And drink! The most popular of which was the ‘wassail cup’ deriving its
name from the Anglo-Saxon term ‘waes hael’ (be whole or hale).
Medieval Christmas folklore seems endless: that animals will all kneel down as
the Holy Night arrives, that bees hum the ‘100th psalm’ on Christmas Eve, that a
windy Christmas will bring good luck, that a person born on Christmas Day can
see the Little People, that a cricket on the hearth brings good luck, that if
one opens all the doors of the house at midnight all the evil spirits will
depart, that you will have one lucky month for each Christmas pudding you
sample, that the tree must be taken down by Twelfth Night or bad luck is sure to
follow, that ‘if Christmas on a Sunday be, a windy winter we shall see’, that
‘hours of sun on Christmas Day, so many frosts in the month of May’, that one
can use the Twelve Days of Christmas to predict the weather for each of the
twelve months of the coming year, and so on.
Remembering that most Christmas customs are ultimately based upon older Pagan
customs, it only remains for modern Pagans to reclaim their lost traditions. In
doing so, we can share many common customs with our Christian friends, albeit
with a slightly different interpretation. And thus we all share in the beauty of
this most magical of seasons, when the Mother Goddess once again gives birth to
the baby Sun-God and sets the wheel in motion again. To conclude with a long-
overdue paraphrase, ‘Goddess bless us, every one!
Light Is Returning
Light Is Returning
Light is Returning
Even though this is the darkest hour
No one can hold
Back the Dawn
Let’s keep it burning
Let’s keep the light of hope alive
Make safe our journey
Through the storm.
One Planet is turning
Circle in her path around the sun
Earth Mother is calling
Her children home.
© Charlie Murphy
Feng Shui News for Dec. 21 – ‘National Flashlight Day’
Call me crazy but I see synergy in today’s ‘National Flashlight Day’ and ‘National Look on the Bright Side Day.’ In fact, according to Feng Shui, using lights to their best advantage will always have you looking on the bright side, especially if you follow this next Feng Shui tip. If you’re looking for more positive opportunities to unfold in your life, this tradition says to keep your front entryway lit for at least three consecutive hours a day for nine straight days. They can stay on longer than three hours, but they must at least be lit for that duration. The promise is that you will be illuminating an intentional pathway for excellent opportunities to come calling. And since it’s the holiday season, let’s get lit!
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Crack the Cookie
Your Charm for December 21 is The Frog
Your Charm for Today
The Frog
Today’s Meaning:
The frog represents good health, physically and emotionally. This aspect shall remain in a good light as long as you maintain good health.
General Description:
This is an old Roman Amulet but the charm dates from prehistoric times. The Frog was the emblem of Hegt, the Egyptian goddess of abundance fruitfulness, fertility and plenty. From Egypt these myths spread and similar goddesses were worshipped under different names — Ishtar in Assyria, Belit in Babylonia, Al-ilat in Arabia, Aphrodite in Greece, Venus in Rome. The Frog, cut in amber, is a popular talisman. In Italy Greece and Turkey, it is still worn to bring good health, prosperity, and abundance of all the good things of this earth.
Your Animal Spirit for December 21 is the Wolverine
Your Animal Spirit for Today
December 21, 2013
Wolverine
Wolverine is thought to be a bridge between the physical and spirit worlds. He has the ability to survive in the most difficult terrains—and his message to you is of inner strength. Have you forgotten just how powerful you really are? If so, it’s time to refocus and re-dedicate—and remember that Wolverine medicine runs through your blood.
Your Ancient Symbol Card for December 21 is Solitude
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
Solitude
Solitude is represented by a single person standing at the end of a boardwalk staring out at a vast, empty panorama. They are truly alone, but may not feel loneliness. They are at a place in their life where the need to withdraw from the our secular world is strong, because their focus should be on their inner self, their morality, and their dreams. The view before them is empty, but it is a canvas on which they may paint their future–a future restricted only by the size of their imagination and courage. For them Solitude is a choice. They chose to take the walkway that distances them from the rest of us. It is also a choice that can be undone. Just as they chose to take a path that leads them away from us, they may choose to turn around and come back at anytime.
As a daily card, Solitude suggest a period in which you need to distance yourself from those around you and explore your inner-self, what is driving your day to day life and decide if you are really on the life path that is best for you. This is a time to revitalize your spirit, and draw your dreams for the future.
Your Rune For December 21st is Perthro
Your Rune For Today
Perthro
Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.
Today’s Tarot Card for December 21 is The Devil
The Devil
Saturday, Dec 21st, 2013
What has traditionally been known as the Devil card expresses the realm of the Taboo, the culturally rejected wildness and undigested shadow side that each of us carries in our subconscious. This shadow is actually at the core of our being, which we cannot get rid of and will never succeed in taming. From its earliest versions, which portrayed a vampire-demon, this card evoked the Church-fueled fear that a person could “lose their soul” to wild and passionate forces.
The image which emerged in the mid-1700’s gives us a more sophisticated rendition — that of the “scapegoated Goddess,” whose esoteric name is Baphomet. Volcanic reserves of passion and primal desire empower her efforts to overcome the pressure of stereotyped roles and experience true freedom of soul. Tavaglione’s highly evolved image (Stella deck) portrays the magical formula for harnessing and transmuting primal and obsessive emotions into transformative energies. As a part of the Gnostic message of Tarot, this fearsome passion and power must be reintegrated into the personality, to fuel the soul’s passage from mortal to immortal.
The Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice
The darkest day makes way for the return of light
Tarotcom Staff on the topics of winter solstice, capricorn, astrologyDecember 21, 2013 marks the Winter Solstice, which is the official beginning of winter, and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. But there’s a light at the end of this tunnel — literally! As the temperatures fall throughout the winter, the light grows, representing new hope during a time of darkness.
Ancient solstice festivals were the last big feasts before food became scarce during the harsh winter months. This magical day was celebrated from ancient Rome to China, and by the builders of Stonehenge to the Mayans. In fact, we all remember the Winter Solstice on December 21, 2012, which was the apparent end of the Mayan calendar, causing many to believe the end of the world is coming. Obviously, we’re still here!
Many modern holiday traditions, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s, have their roots in the Winter Solstice celebrations of yesterday. Winter festivals continue today, complete with lights, feasts, dancing and singing, and spending quality time with those we love.
Astrologically, the Winter Solstice marks the moment the Sun — the ruler of the zodiac — moves from adventurous Fire sign Sagittarius to the steady Earth sign of Capricorn. This is the dark night of the year, a day when the Sun appears to stand still. It’s a time for light and laughter, but also deep reflection.
The Sun’s move into steady Capricorn urges us to take some time to look back on 2013 before we make those New Year’s resolutions. What did we do right? What do we wish we’d done differently? Don’t fight the seriousness it brings to the festive holiday season — use it to start 2014 on the right foot! Just make sure to keep some of the Goat’s ambitious energy alive when the Sun makes its next move.
Mercury in Capricorn
Mercury in Capricorn
Forge ahead with those New Year’s resolutions!
Tarotcom Staff on the topics of mercury, capricorn, astrology
Cerebral Mercury’s move into responsible Capricorn on Christmas Eve — December 24, 2013 — kicks off an excellent time for thinking rationally and communicating more clearly.
This will be a great time to get our thoughts back in order and find the motivation needed to keep moving forward on those New Year’s resolutions.
Mercury, the planet of communication and mental activity, keeps us more focused on being practical when it’s in earthy Capricorn. Organization is important here, so that we can put all the pieces together and look at the big picture. Once we do that, we can turn our goals into reality!
Mercury in Capricorn is acutely aware of everyone’s place, which means that conversation may become more about who’s in charge than how to get things done. Sensitivity to communication and control is strong during this period. Casual remarks are not associated with this placement — if you’re going to say something, you better have a good reason.
We all see reality for what it is during this time, but we’re also prone to pessimism. It’s important to keep in mind that not everything is black-and-white, and open yourself to seeing the shades of grey. And remember, a half-empty glass is still half full.
Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, December 21st
It’s time to take stock of our lives and set new priorities, especially when it comes to love. The Sun shifts into ambitious Capricorn at 12:11 p.m. EST, marking the Winter Solstice. Pleasure-seeking Venus (also in cautious Capricorn) turns retrograde this afternoon, requiring us to revisit unresolved issues about relationships and money. Meanwhile, the playful Leo Moon encourages us all to make the most of the holiday celebrations.
Aries Horoscope
(Mar 21 – Apr 19)
You are apt to receive more support from your friends now than you ever thought possible. In fact, it might even seem like too much, making you feel uncomfortable about not being able to repay the debt. However, you could let others love you and choose to accept it at face value. Set your fears aside so your friendships can deepen and bring more joy into your life. But your biggest problem today may be your impatience to make something happen. Forget about immediate change and bask in the love while you have the chance.
Taurus Horoscope
(Apr 20 – May 20)
You are one to appreciate the sensible logic of reality, even when it isn’t telling you what you want to hear. However, you’re on a roll and you may not be so practical now. Perhaps you are riding the frenetic energy of the holiday season. Or, maybe it’s just your nerves getting the best of you. Either way, pay attention to the signs and slow down before you run out of gas. Racing around isn’t going to bring you the peace and happiness that you seek. Instead, take a more moderate approach based upon your most important values, rather than trying to impress anyone else.
Gemini Horoscope
(May 21 – Jun 20)
Your enthusiasm may not overcome the obstacles appearing in your life now. You might as well understand that you’re not going to get everything done that you set out to do. Frustration can build, because you’re being much harder on yourself today than is necessary. It’s healthy to be motivated by serious intentions, but don’t go to extremes. Give yourself permission to slack off just a bit. Lighten up and enjoy the spirit of the season.
Cancer Horoscope
(Jun 21 – Jul 22)
Your finances may need some extra attention now or they could get in the way of your holiday fun. If you have put off your fiscal responsibilities, you must refocus your efforts and do whatever it takes to get your money situation back on track. Don’t wait for the new year; consider cutting unnecessary expenses as soon as possible. The good news is the best things in life are free.
Leo Horoscope
(Jul 23 – Aug 22)
Relationship dynamics play a pivotal role now, especially those with your friends and colleagues. Although it may seem as if others want to help you, you might not be able to find the exact words to motivate them to take action. Instead of frustrating yourself by trying to change someone else’s behavior, focus on your own routine by establishing new habits to increase your efficiency. If you take care of your responsibilities without waiting for assistance, you’ll have more time to enjoy the holidays
Virgo Horoscope
(Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You may be fascinated by the tiniest details of your life, but as a picky Virgo this seems like just another day. However, you might be driving your friends crazy with your slightly obsessive behavior. However, that’s their problem now and not yours. It’s time for them to adjust to your approach rather than you changing what comes naturally. Being true to yourself feels good, and it allows you to maintain your sense of individuality. Nevertheless, there’s no limit to what you can do for others once you have learned to take proper care of yourself.
Libra Horoscope
(Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Although you like to do nice things for those you love, you may grow resentful of your domestic responsibilities today unless you also take some time for yourself. Your key planet Venus turns retrograde in your 4th House of Home and Family, requiring you to reevaluate what you’re willing to give up in return for emotional security. But don’t bury your desires for the sake of convenience or they will just resurface. Sharing your needs is easier now, and it dissipates the tension before it reaches a critical point.
Scorpio Horoscope
(Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You may not feel as playful as those around you these days, but you are still ready to nurture a potential relationship. However, you first need to know that the other person is taking you seriously before you reveal much of anything. After all, you’re not interested in pursuing unrequited love. Unfortunately, your fear of abandonment can prompt you to close your heart even before you take a risk and share your feelings. Thankfully, the choice is yours. Shine your love light irrespective of the consequences.
Sagittarius Horoscope
(Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You don’t have time to waste energy now, so steer clear of any unnecessary disputes. They are probably just distractions and won’t amount to anything important anyway. You are alternately full of energy and then totally exhausted. Keep in mind that your stamina is intrinsically tied to your emotions, so find ways to manage your anger before it becomes problematic. Vent any unresolved feelings through physical exercise or hard work to manage the mental stress. Taking a moment to remember what matters most puts you back in touch with your heart.
Capricorn Horoscope
(Dec 22 – Jan 19)
It’s not too soon to start formulating your wishes now for the new year, because the Winter Solstice marks a turning point as the Sun returns to your calculating sign. Although mental clarity is working in your favor, Venus Retrograde in Capricorn indicates you might have to wait a while longer to get what you want. Don’t try to force anything into place. Loosening your grip on the controls helps you reach your goals in the long run.
Aquarius Horoscope
(Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Feelings of paranoia may surface today, but the truth is that someone could actually be trying to undermine your efforts. Any hidden agendas have a tendency to complicate matters, so your current goal should be to bring secrets out into the open. Shine the light of your consciousness into the darkness. The more you know now, the better for all involved.
Pisces Horoscope
(Feb 19 – Mar 20)
The pace of your social life is already picking up — and the activity is more than just a holiday buzz. You have a practical need to be around people who have supported you in the past and who will be there when you need them in the future. Additionally, you are eager to be a real friend to others. Push your feelings outward; being part of a group can add security and stability to your life. Not surprisingly, it’s even more rewarding to give than it is to receive.
Winter Love Horoscopes
Winter Love Horoscopes
Keep your love life burning strong during winter 2013 – 2014!
Jeff Jawer on the topics of winter, love, horoscopes, astrology
We love to get warm with a sweetie during winter, and this one is almost perfect for patient people. New relationships can take some time to heat up with amorous Venus turning retrograde on December 21. This alluring planet’s reversal period lasts until January 31, making this an excellent period to make repairs in your current relationship. Getting clearer about what you want with Venus in responsible Capricorn might not sound sexy, but could provide the magic to revive passion with your partner or put you on track to connecting with someone new.
Taking that first step toward addressing a problem or breaking the ice may be done cautiously with supposedly aggressive Mars on his best behavior in super polite Libra. Signals could be misread when we’re so concerned about rubbing someone the wrong way, which is why clarity is a must. Strong desires expressed graciously are bound to overcome obstacles and soften the hardest hearts.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
The good news this season is that your passionate planet Mars is in your 7th House of Partners all winter, increasing your chances for making romantic connections. The bad news is that it’s in restrained Libra, which can slow down your pursuit of pleasure. Dealing with indecisive people or having to tiptoe around someone’s sensitivity could put a damper on spontaneity. But in exchange for having less dramatic encounters you should be more strategic in going after who and what you want. Just be charming and considerate of others and you’ll be amazed at how a seemingly cool relationship can turn into a very hot one.
December ends on a passionate note with intense Mars aspects from December 25 until the New Year. Yet even if you miss opportunities to play then, Mars forms sexy squares with his alluring partner Venus on January 16 and March 2 that should spice up your personal life when the mood could change from feisty to flirty in an instant, transforming a moment of conflict into one of sweet delight.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Expecting more from your relationship life might be exactly how you need to think to make sure that get what you want this winter. Your lovely ruling planet Venus is in serious Capricorn where she rewards you for having ambitious plans but could leave you out in the cold of disappointment if you settle for less. This serious sign rewards you for aiming high and being persistent in pursuit of your personal goals. Putting in more effort will get you more joy from your current partnership or open to door to someone new.
Venus’ transit is in your 9th House of Travel, which helps you to find love when you’re out of town or connecting with people from different cultures. It can take more time than usual to warm up with the love planet in such a serious sign, yet slowing down and enjoying the process of seduction will make it even more satisfying. Being respected, and being with someone you respect doesn’t sound erotic, but could be keys to building and maintaining the passion you seek.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
You are very likely to have the magical support of sexy Mars to keep your romantic life active this winter. This passionate planet settled into your 5th House Self-Expression on December 7 and, lucky you, will stay there until next July. Getting attention comes more easily with this extra long transit, increasing your opportunities for making connections. In fact, you could be so desirable that your challenge will be about making choices among potential partners.
If you’re in a relationship, it’s a signal that you can recover the fun and feelings that attracted you two to one another in the first place. Normally aggressive Mars is in cool and gracious Libra, allowing you to take the initiative in personal matters without coming on too strong and to skillfully back out of commitments that no longer touch your heart. The last week of December could be a little edgy with power struggles a possibility, but applying your considerable social skills can calm even the tensest situations as you head into the New Year rich with promise for partnerships and pleasure.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Expect more activity in your personal life with the energizing Sun occupying your two primary houses of partnership from December 21 to February 18. Although this is meant to increase your confidence and creativity, you might be tempted to step back and let others take the lead. This is not recommended because your chances for getting the love and affection you want increase when you’re running the show.
The Sun in authoritative Capricorn until January 19 says that you need to be the boss unless you want to be bossed around. Taking charge in relationships isn’t about being a bully, but is about you being clear about your expectations and commitments. Sure, you can be sweet and accommodating, but only after you’ve established some rules. This is followed by a solar shift into cool Aquarius and your 8th House of Intimacy, which begins a month of emotional experimentation. Attraction to an unconventional person or seeking more space in your current partnership will surprise you by showing that the freer you feel the safer it will be to get closer to someone.
Leo (July. 23 – Aug. 22)
Work is likely to take precedence over romance until the Sun enters your 7th House of Partners on January 18. This solar shift into quirky Aquarius reduces your sense of social pressure, allowing you to feel at ease with unusual people and in unpredictable situations. Being more playful and relaxed in your current relationship or with someone new means that you don’t have to put on a show to be loved. By keeping connections friendly you’re free to enjoy the moment without worrying too much about the future.
But if you’re missing the passion and drama that often comes with romance, you are likely to find it starting on February 18 when the Sun enters super sensitive Pisces and your 8th House of Intimacy. It’s a great time to surrender to your most tender emotions and plunge into feelings that melt any barriers with others. While it’s true that you could get lost in romantic fantasies during the subsequent 30 days, the delight of merging your body, mind and soul with a caring and compassionate individual could almost seem like finding heaven on earth.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Winter begins with the solar move into responsible Capricorn on December 21, which is also when the Sun starts its 30-day stay in your 5th House of Romance. It’s time to take charge of your personal life by initiating contacts and organizing activities. As long as you don’t come across as too bossy you’re planning and determination can restore excitement to an ongoing alliance or open the door to a new one.
On January 18 the Sun floats into brainy Aquarius and your 6th House of Work. Romantic feelings could be aroused by an intellectual person, even if his or her ideas are very different from your own. This transit occurs in your 6th House of Employment, which can attract you to someone at work. What starts out as a professional relationship with a colleague could turn into something much more personal. Strong differences of opinion and belief systems may not sound like a reason to get closer to a person, but clashing ideas could, strangely enough, lead to a deeper emotional connection. As long as you’re respectful of one another and share the same overall goal, the results could be delicious.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
You could be running hot and cold in your approach to relationships this season. Whether it’s your own emotional changes or outside circumstances that are shifting from passion to indifference, this is likely to be a period of extremes. Your amorous planet Venus turns retrograde in serious Capricorn on December 21, which can slow down progress in your personal life and, perhaps, revive interest in someone from your past.
The pace should pick up again when she returns to forward motion on January 31, but a major boost in pleasure and popularity starts when Venus enters friendly Aquarius and your 5th House of Romance on March 5. But even while you’re waiting for this sexy transition, energetic Mars is in your sign until July. Its presence in Libra and your 1st House of Personality could spark impatience or a sudden attraction, yet it also provides you with the motivation to take the initiative in relationships. The best part is that your ability to be pushy in polite ways lets you take the lead with the one you’re with or pursuing someone new without appearing overly aggressive.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Winter starts with a bang as your traditional ruling planet Mars blasts into explosive aspects with volatile Uranus on December 25 and intense Pluto on December 30 that can rock your world. Breaking free from restrictive situations is a possible benefit, but holding onto resentment and failing to make your position clear will slow down your love life in the New Year. So the key to making this a season of romance comes from taking a step back from your emotions and looking at your situation with a little bit of logic.
Yes, you may have to make some compromises, but a good friend will provide the advice and support you need to handle intense issues in a calm and cool manner. Besides, you don’t need to attract a lot of attention to get what you want now. Quiet, behind-the-scenes connections could be especially delicious. On February 18 the conscious, creative and confident Sun starts a 30-day visit to your 5th House of Romance. Just add a big dose of imagination, a pinch of idealism and a dash of compassion to make some loving magic happen.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
Work comes before pleasure early this winter. It starts with the Sun in responsible Capricorn and your 2nd House of Worth where you can build your self-confidence and increase your appeal to others. Commitment to developing your talents and taking care of your body will have a major impact on your desirability, so make them your priorities. The Sun’s shift into friendly Aquarius and your chatty 3rd House on January 18 lightens your mood and increases your chances to connect with people. This is an easygoing transit that encourages conversations and attracts interesting individuals. You may need some variety, though, to get your emotions flowing.
If you have a partner, look for some new interests to restore passion to your lives. If you’re single, exploring different groups and organizations could lead to meeting someone new. Your tender side starts showing as of February 18, a time when you may be less interested in going out with friends and more satisfied staying home with one caring person. If you trust someone, don’t be shy about showing your soft side since sharing this kind of sensitivity invites intimacy.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
The season starts out slowly as the love planet Venus stops dead in its tracks on December 21. This retrograde turn occurs in Capricorn, which can encourage you to step back from a relationship. You don’t have to end a partnership, if you have one, but it’s certainly a time to review and rethink your commitment to it. By January 31, when Venus goes forward again, you should be totally clear about what you want. If you’re single, this reversal period is useful for reconnecting with an old lover and getting sentimental about the past.
Making adjustments to your appearance and approach to romance are excellent ways to use this transit. The Capricorn New Moon on January 1 joins transformational Pluto, reminding you to let go of beliefs, behavior and people that aren’t helping you find happiness. Even if you’re feeling edgy around the Full Moon on January 15, be patient and trust yourself to make responsible romantic decisions. Sexy Venus-Mars squares on January 16 and March 2 can arouse your desires and might even turn a disagreement into an erotic connection.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
You might feel like you’re being left out of the fun when winter starts. The life-giving Sun and romantic Venus are both in serious Capricorn and your 12th House of Invisibility then. Getting attention isn’t easy, but you might enjoy more private time for yourself or to share with one undemanding individual. Being less direct about expressing your desires makes sense until the solar shift into Aquarius and your 1st House of Personality on January 18. That should increase your confidence and visibility, but there still may be unfinished relationship business that keeps you from getting exactly what you want.
Working to please yourself, though, is a good way to ensure happiness and make you more desirable to others. Then, on March 5, the love planet Venus glides into your friendly sign to give you more sparkle and appeal. People are likely to notice and appreciate you then with new forms of fun and stimulation arriving on the 18th. A favorable alignment between alluring Venus and your innovative planet Uranus makes this a time of unusual pleasures and unexpected joy.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
A key relationship theme for you this season is the ongoing need to keep negotiating with others. Sure, you’re more inclined to find agreement with people, to keep your mouth shut or just to walk away from the situation. However, putting in the effort to discuss and debate difficult issues is worth the effort. Passionate Mars is in Libra and your 8th House of Intimacy where it rewards you for diplomatically stating your case, listening to what others say and coming up with a compromise to keep your connection alive and healthy.
This can also be a seductive transit as you’re ability and instinct to charm almost everyone you encounter is strong. Of course, that could send out misleading signals, so be clear about your intentions and behavior to avoid attracting someone who doesn’t really appeal to you. The Sun’s entry into your sign on February 18 will provide you with more confidence and creativity, which will make you more visible to others. This can give you extra energy to put into your current relationship or provide the will to pursue a new one.
Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 21st
Before Venus becomes today’s star attraction, the mental and emotional realms seek to harmonize as Mercury makes a supportive, 60-degree link with Juno (3:52AM) while the Sun makes headlines by entering Capricorn (9:12AM). This is one of four, sacred turning points of the calendar year and known as the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. Capricorn is the fourth of what are known as the cardinal signs that begin each season. The other three signs — Aries, Cancer and Libra — initiate their seasons via the elements of fire, water and air, respectively. Capricorn begins the new season with a focus on earth — which translates as the need for energizing career aims and being industrious with your business acumen. However, there is a one-two Venusian punch about to be delivered as Venus parallels Pluto (11:59AM) followed by Venus at 29 degrees of Capricorn beginning a six-week reversal at 1:55PM. It is hard to sugar-coat this double-edged, Venusian sword and make it sound appealing. The truth is that you should be much more careful right now on the monetary, romantic, and social fronts. Doing anything underhanded or secretive could come back to haunt you. Say no to plans or ventures that have a controlling or manipulative aura. During the Venus retrograde cycle — that lasts until January 31, 2014 — you want to review and reflect about loved ones, artistic expression, and all of your most significant relationships. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]
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