What this Winter Solstice Means for Your Zodiac Sign
The longest night of the year approaches, along with tension between Saturn and Uranus. Are you ready for big changes this will bring?
When is the Winter Solstice?
The light of the Sun begins a new solar cycle during Winter Solstice. The rays shine into the dark, and nurture the newborn life to be cultivated.
At this time in the Northern Hemisphere we are experiencing the longest and darkest nights of the year - and the shortest days.
Winter Solstice 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere will be at 4:48pm Eastern Standard time on Wednesday, December 21, marking the first day of winter.
And the spiritual meaning behind it?
In Latin, solstice is made of two words: sol– meaning “the sun” and sistere meaning “to make stand.” Winter Solstice is one the most powerful points of the year as the axis of the Earth pauses, shifts and moves in the opposite direction. For three days around the solstice points we experience the power of the standstill point and the shift of direction. The sun standing still is a powerful metaphor for the energy available to us at the Winter Solstice to change the direction of our lives with intention and build on this energy as we enter into the new year. After experiencing the longest night and darkest day, the nights grow shorter and the days grow brighter until the Summer Solstice.
Don’t pressure yourself to make changes right now or be in action in world - let the energies of new life and inspiration build slowly within you and by spring you’ll be bursting with new energy and ideas. This is the nature of things. The cycles and rhythms of personal growth and change, as you consistently nurture yourself with compassion, allowing for rest and reflection, great joy will be your harvest in 2023.
Read below to see how each sign is affected by this season of new beginnings.
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
There will be two major factors that play into how you handle the Winter Solstice, Aries. One is the Sun will square Aries, creating a challenging aspect. This square off is showing you how to release control in order to move forward. Second, Chiron - known as the "wounded healer" - will be transiting Aries. This may give you a moment to realize the crisis you may put yourself in if you only do things the way you've always known to. The Winter Solstice will ultimately be a time for you to reconsider your traditional, headstrong approach to situations. You’re used to being the leader—the one who always calls the shots. Now, it’s time to think about how much that’s really worked out for you so far. Are you forcing your way of thinking on others? Are you burning yourself out? These are questions you will have to ask yourself.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Uranus is in your backyard right now, Taurus, so this solstice will affect you greatly. While that may be a bit unsettling, the sun will actually be in a very auspicious position relative to your sign. So while there will be destabilizing aspects, the sun will also give you an opportunity to recover.
This is a pristine time to reflect and see things more clearly. Accept reality as it is, not as you wish. You're a naturally steady sign Taurus, so think: How can I be steady in the midsts of shifts?
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Unlike fixed earth sign Taurus, you, Gemini are a mutable air sign that is much more comfortable with change. People of this sign will really be feeling the sense of freedom that Uranus is bringing to the table.
Translation: Now is your time to live it up! Release and relax. Your life does look different than it did a year ago, but realize that’s not a bad thing. It's a freeing moment - you've had your own set of difficult transits in the last year. Now, it's time to live it up.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
In this time of change, it is understandable that Cancers will want to seek comfort in familiar people and things. But we urge those born under this sign to open their minds and accept that good things may come from unlikely sources: Even if you don’t have your things and your people around you in a particular moment, a stranger will do you a kindness. You’ll realize you’re safe and protected no matter where you go.
Be open to the possibility of new friendships, or even someone from your past who may make a surprising appearance.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
The Saturn-Uranus square is pushing all of the zodiac signs to rethink the ways they normally go about their lives. This time is about asking how you can shine in circumstances that aren't of your choosing.
Charismatic and likable, a Leo has energy that stands out in a crowd. But during this winter solstice, you may be put into an uncomfortable situation. The question becomes: How can you turn an uncomfortable situation into one that allows you to shine? Maybe you’re used to being the class clown, but you’re being asked to take a more serious lead on a project. Figure out how to rise to the occasion and move past your fears.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The Winter Solstice always has good energy for you Virgo. This time around, you'll be in for a double dose of good luck because the Sun is in a favorable position for you. Take this opportunity while you have it. Make things the way you'd like them - make your voice heard.
If you've been thinking about asking for a raise, now is the time. If you've beentoo shy to ask that person our, now is the time. Uranus can bring some pleasant surprises for you, and your grounded intentions will help put you in the right mindset. Just remember Virgo, don't force perfection.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
As with Aries, the sun will also square Libra during the 2022 winter solstice. That can cause tension and challenges. It's time for Libras to remember that the high highs and the low lows are not necessarily synonymous with truth. Take things with a grain of salt. Trust your experience. Libras provide balance in the zodiac - Stay true to that inner nature and weather any potential storms with grace. And remember, don't let other people's extreme emotions throw you off course.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
People or things that have typically played a large role in your life may not for much longer, Scorpio. However, while another sign may be disturbed by this kind of shift, you might actually find it to be a bit of a relief. This can feel like a time of coming home to yourself. When structures dissolve, Scorpios wind up remembering who they are. If a friendship goes sour or a side hustle falls through, you may well discover that you're better off without it.
The loss of one thing may open you up to a better opportunity and leave you feeling more connected with yourself than you were before. if work is the issue, tap into your inner self. Are you aligned?
SAGGITARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
For Sagittarius, the winter solstice will be a time for decisive action. If you’ve been wanting or wishing for something for a while, the wait is over. Now is the time when you can do things for yourselves that others didn't do. Don't sit around and wait for someone else to hand you what you want Saggitarius.
If you’ve been trying to schedule a weekend trip but your friends keep flaking out on you, take the trip yourself. If you think you deserve a promotion, talk to your boss about giving you more responsibilities at work.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
If anyone with a Capricorn sign has felt like there's been a weight on them in recent years, look at the big picture. See hope in any area you've been focusing on the problem rather than the solution. What needs to change for you Capricorn, is your perspective. You may have had some bumps in the road, but it's time to stop sulking. When Winter Solstice passes, more light will begin to fill each day. Your outlook should also brighten up. Being positive isn’t always easy, but it’s time for a glass-half-full approach. Zoom out, take stock of what’s important, and be grateful for what you do have. Be the positive force you wish to see in your life.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
As the innovator of the zodiac, Aquarius is uniquely equipped to deal with this push and pull between austere Saturn and rebellious Uranus. Figure out which institutions in your life are working for you and which ones aren’t, and resolve to build a new way forward.
Understand some boundaries are supportive, while some boundaries are meant to be broken. Don't forget- you want to build a home, not a cage. For example, if you're part of a local organization whose message you believe in but don't like how it's being run, it's up to you to introduce the necessary changes.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Hello Pisces - You're getting ready for a big influx of energy in 2022. In the new year, Jupiter and Neptune will both be in Pisces introducing an era of extremes. It will be a very transformative time. Whether it ends up being positive or negative, though, will be up to the choices you make.
For Pisces, this is a time of getting ready, opening to new possibilities, and not getting too entrenched in old vices or old patterns. Prepare yourselves with clear eyes for what they actually want. Start thinking about the big questions, like what’s really important to you, what your goals are, and where you want to be in the next few years.
