Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
Explanation: What’s going on behind that mountain? Quite a bit. First of all, the mountain itself, named Kirkjufell, is quite old and located in western Iceland near the town of Grundarfjörður. In front of the steeply-sloped structure lies a fjord that had just begun to freeze when the above image was taken — in mid-December of 2012. Although quite faint to the unaided eye, the beautiful colors of background aurorae became quite apparent on the 25-second exposure. What makes this image of particular note, though, is that it also captures streaks from the Geminids meteor shower — meteors that might not have been evident were the aurora much brighter. Far in the distance, on the left, is the band of our Milky Way Galaxy, while stars from our local part of the Milky Way appear spread across the background. Tonight the Geminidsmeteorshower peaks again and may well provide sky enthusiasts with their own memorable visual experiences.
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.
The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.
The Waxing Gibbous on December 13 has an illumination of 73%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 13 the Moon is 9.67 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Phase Details
Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 73%
Moon Age: 9.67 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 395,363.93 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,256,382.71 km
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.
The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.
The Waxing Gibbous on December 13 has an illumination of 73%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 13 the Moon is 9.67 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Phase Details
Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 73%
Moon Age: 9.67 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 395,363.93 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,256,382.71 km
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Aries.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today is full of contradictions. In one way, you’re in a practical, logical frame of mind and ready to act on solid decisions. Nevertheless, your idealism is confused about something, perhaps related to the media, foreign countries or higher education? Tread carefully.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today you can do logical research into a subject. In fact, someone older or more experienced might help you. However, at the same time, some kind of confusion about financial or practical support is evident. Make sure you know what you’re doing.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Someone older or more experienced might have good advice for you today. Or possibly, you are the sage dispensing advice to someone else? Nevertheless, be aware that some kind of misunderstanding or confusion exists with a partner or close friend. Take nothing at face value.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Parents and bosses see you as conscientious and reliable today. You might impress them and vice versa, they impress you. However, you are also dealing with some kind of confusion and misunderstanding related to your health, your job or a pet. Be aware of this.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Although you might be focused on issues in the news, the media or something to do with foreign countries and travel, be aware that some kind of confusion related to your kids might take place today. Don’t ignore this. This confusion could extend to sports or social activities. Stay steady.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Even though you have a clear idea about how to handle assets, debt or the help from someone else, nevertheless, today there is a genuine misunderstanding or confusion going on at home, perhaps with a parent or an older family member. You have to deal with this.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Although it appears that conversations with others are solid, practical and logical today – and indeed, they might be; nevertheless, you might not have all the facts. Or you might be misinformed. Or your ideas might be unrealistic? Wishing does not always make it so.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Be careful with financial decisions today because an element of confusion and possibly even deceive exists. Make sure you know what you’re doing, especially if you’re spending money. You may have practical expectations related to your health but don’t let this cloud your good judgment.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Today it’s hard to get behind what you really believe or think because you’re filled with some self-doubt. Worse yet, you might be idealistic about something and not even realize that it’s an unrealistic position? Don’t kid yourself today. Listen to the advice of someone younger, perhaps one of your kids.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today it’s easy to second-guess things because you don’t feel sure about something. You have doubts. Meanwhile, serious, practical discussion about future plans at home seems to be solid. It’s hard to know what to do. If this is the case – do nothing.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
It’s ironic because today, you are mentally clear and keen to make plans or study something and learn something new. Nevertheless, a discussion with a friend or a member of a group might throw you off your game. It might even cause you to change your goals? Don’t be quick to make changes.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Parents, bosses and the police might create some kind of confusion in your life today. You’re not sure what to do next or who to believe. Fortunately, you have a pretty solid grasp about your finances so you won’t go too far wrong.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Bill Nighy (1949) shares your birthday today. You are intuitive, intelligent and confident. You are a perfectionist; and know exactly how to dress and create an impression. You are a natural and sympathetic counsellor to others, which makes you a valued friend. This year has been a quieter year for you with a strong focus on your closest relationships. Next year will be happy, creative and dazzling!
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.
The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.
The Waxing Gibbous on December 12 has an illumination of 64%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 12 the Moon is 8.74 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Phase Details
Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 64%
Moon Age: 8.74 days
Moon Angle: 0.51
Moon Distance: 391,101.93 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,272,068.51 km
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
Explanation: Comet Leonard is now visible to the unaided eye — but just barely. Passing nearest to the Earth today, the comet is best seen this week soon after sunset, toward the west, low on the horizon. Currently best visible in the north, by late December the comet will best be seen from south of Earth’s equator. The featured image of Comet C/2021 A1 (Leonard) was taken a week ago from California, USA. The deep exposure shows in great detail the comet’s green gas coma and developing dust tail. The comet — across our inner Solar System and only light-minutes away — was captured passing nearly in front of globular star cluster M3. In contrast, M3 is about 35,000 light-years away. In a week, Comet Leonard will pass unusually close to Venus, but will continue on and be at its closest to the Sun in early January.
I will try to get some more posts up later today but my youngest son is going through a very rough path. I am traveling today to spend some time with him and I am sorry but as I tell others family comes first. If you could say a “prayer” or light a candle for him to find the light that shines through him and come out of the darkness he is in I would really appreciate it.
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.
Today and tonight the Moon will be in a First Quarter phase. This phase occurs roughly 7 days after the New Moon when the moon is one quarter of the way through its orbit around the earth. Exactly half the moon will be illuminated and half dark. On the day of the First Quarter phase the moon is high overhead at sunset and is visible until mid-night when it sets in the west. The First Quarter phase is a one-day event and in the following days enters a Waxing Gibbous phase becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon.
The First Quarter on December 11 has an illumination of 54%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 11 the Moon is 7.79 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Phase Details
Phase: First Quarter
Illumination: 54%
Moon Age: 7.79 days
Moon Angle: 0.52
Moon Distance: 386,427.58 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,288,462.94 km
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.
The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the wester sky after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.
The Waxing Crescent on December 10 has an illumination of 44%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 10 the Moon is 6.81 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Phase Details
Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 44%
Moon Age: 6.81 days
Moon Angle: 0.52
Moon Distance: 381,570.88 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,305,560.68 km
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
1684Isaac Newton‘s derivation of Kepler’s laws from his theory of gravity, contained in the paper De motu corporum in gyrum, is read to the Royal Society by Edmond Halley
1041 Michael IV, Paphlagonicus, Byzantium Emperor dies of results of dropsy. His wife Empress Zoe elevates her adoptive son to the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire as Michael V.
1294 Pope Coelestinus V becomes Pope (until Dec 13th)
1508 League of the kingdom signed (covenant against Venice)
1926 1st radio broadcast in the Sprinfield area (WCBS)
1952 WSLS TV channel 10 in Roanoke, VA (NBC) begins broadcasting
1953 KOMO TV channel 4 in Seattle, WA (ABC) begins broadcasting
1953 WSTV (now WTOV) TV channel 9 in Steubenville-Wheeling, OH (CBS) begins
1962 David Lean’s film “Lawrence of Arabia”, based on life of T. E. Lawrence and starring Peter O’Toole, premieres at Odeon Leicester Square (Academy Awards Best Picture 1963)
1810 English bare-knuckle boxer Tom Cribb beats African-American Tom Molineaux in 33rd of 40 round bout at Copthall Common, England; first interracial boxing match
1831 “Spirit of the Times” begins publishing in New York City, the premier sports journal of the 19th century
1918 John Heyder becomes president of baseball’s National League for the 2nd time
1919 NL votes to ban the spitball’s use by all new pitchers
1810 English bare-knuckle boxer Tom Cribb beats African-American Tom Molineaux in 33rd of 40 round bout at Copthall Common, England; first interracial boxing match
1831 “Spirit of the Times” begins publishing in New York City, the premier sports journal of the 19th century
1918 John Heyder becomes president of baseball’s National League for the 2nd time
1919 NL votes to ban the spitball’s use by all new pitchers
1810 English bare-knuckle boxer Tom Cribb beats African-American Tom Molineaux in 33rd of 40 round bout at Copthall Common, England; first interracial boxing match
1831 “Spirit of the Times” begins publishing in New York City, the premier sports journal of the 19th century
1918 John Heyder becomes president of baseball’s National League for the 2nd time
1919 NL votes to ban the spitball’s use by all new pitchers
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
Explanation: During polar day, in Arctic and Antarctic summer, the Sun stays above the horizon for periods of 24 hours or more. Recorded on December 4, this fisheye timelapse image tracks the Sun in multiple frames as it completes a circle in the summer sky above Union Glacier, Antarctica. Of course on that date, Union Glacier’s sky did grow dark even though the Sun was above the horizon. Captured during the brief period of totality, an eclipsed Sun is at bottom center of the composite view. Near the edge of the total eclipse path across planet Earth, the Moon’s shadow darkens the sky above.
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.
The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the wester sky after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.
The Waxing Crescent on December 10 has an illumination of 44%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 10 the Moon is 6.81 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Phase Details
Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 44%
Moon Age: 6.81 days
Moon Angle: 0.52
Moon Distance: 381,570.88 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,305,560.68 km
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.
The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the wester sky after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.
The Waxing Crescent on December 9 has an illumination of 33%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 9 the Moon is 5.8 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Phase Details
Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 33%
Moon Age: 5.80 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 376,795.45 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,323,356.20 km
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
2021 December 9
A Total Eclipse of the Sun
Image Credit & Copyright: Theo Boris, Christian A. Lockwood, David Zimmerman (JM Pasachoff Antarctic Expedition) Compositing: Zev Hoover and Ronald Dantowitz (MARS Scientific)
Explanation: Few were able to stand in the Moon’s shadow and watch the December 4 total eclipse of the Sun. Determined by celestial mechanics and not geographical boundaries, the narrow path of totality tracked across planet Earth’s relatively inaccessible southernmost continent. Still, some enthusiastic and well-insulated eclipse chasers were rewarded with the dazzling spectacle in Antarctica’s cold but clear skies. Taken just before the brief totality began, this image from a ground-based telescope inside the edge of the shadow path at Union Glacier catches a glimmer of sunlight near the top of the silhouetted lunar disk. Look closely for the pinkish solar prominences arcing above the Sun’s limb. During totality, the magnificent solar corona, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, made its much anticipated appearance, seen in the composite view streaming far from the Sun’s edge.
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.
The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the wester sky after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.
Visit the December 2021 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.
Today’s Waxing Crescent Phase
The Waxing Crescent on December 9 has an illumination of 33%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 9 the Moon is 5.8 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Phase Details
Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 33%
Moon Age: 5.80 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 376,795.45 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,323,356.20 km
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.
The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the wester sky after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.
The Waxing Crescent on December 8 has an illumination of 23%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 8 the Moon is 4.74 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Phase Details
Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 23%
Moon Age: 4.74 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 372,381.88 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,341,843.71 km
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
December 21, 2015 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 2015 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 2016 on the right foot! Just make sure to keep some of the Goat’s ambitious energy alive when the Sun makes its next move.
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