The Sun enters Capricorn on December 21, marking the Winter Solstice – the shortest day and longest night of the year. The Sun has reached its furthest point in the southern hemisphere, and now begins its movement back to the northern hemisphere. From now on, the days will grow longer and the nights shorter until the Summer Solstice on June 21. This waxing and waning of light and darkness is one of the fundamental cosmic rhythms that condition all of life.
The Sun in Capricorn also heralds the end of the calendar year. It is one of the two signs that embody the process of death and rebirth. Janus, the Roman god of January, is a two-headed being, with one head looking into the past and the other looking into the future. Traditionally, this is when we need to review the past year to glean wisdom and understanding from its events. This spiritual exercise deepens the soul in its ongoing process of growth, and strengthens and prepares us for the new year.
The primary specialization of Capricorn consciousness is that of taking responsibility. One of the simplest yet powerful techniques for personal growth is to live each day knowing that ultimately you are responsible for everything that happens to you. It is you who choose whether to deal with situations and experiences in a positive or negative fashion. The choices you make will determine to what degree you grow in consciousness.
The positive Capricorn character qualities that are supported now are organization, self-discipline, patience, and perseverance – the basis of any successful life in both spiritual and material terms. We need to have a vision of what we want to achieve in the upcoming year and a plan for how to accomplish it. This is the organizational phase. Then, we have to put the plan into action, which usually requires establishing new habits and routines. This is where self-discipline comes in: we have to be consistent in our actions to achieve the desired results. We must develop patience and perseverance to handle the challenges and difficulties which arise. These character qualities are like the muscles of consciousness: they need to be exercised regularly to become strong.
It’s up to you to make 2009 a great year.
Aries (March 21-April 19): This month you feel a new sense of motivation, drive, and initiative. Work and money are the focus of your new found energy. There is excellent support from hidden, even spiritual, sources, for improving your financial situation. Be on your best behavior and consider the feelings of others. Watch out for potential conflict with authority figures. Be patient and learn to work through whatever problems may arise. You can succeed now.
Taurus (April 20-May 20): You feel inspired, with a feeling of expanded possibilities that can be quite liberating. Set your goals high because there is excellent support now for them to be achieved. Relationship is emphasized at this time. Your heart is full and romance is in the air. Travel with partners can also be fulfilling. Take a cruise or go on a weekend retreat to the ocean. This is a good month for you, so be sure to take advantage of it.
Gemini (May 21-June 21): This month you feel an intense responsibility for financial and monetary affairs. This is especially true if you are in a marriage or partnership. There is a need for you to intensify your effort to contribute to your shared well-being. There are opportunities in your career to step forth and take on more responsibility to increase income. Your creative ideas can also result in expanding your cash flow. Overcome any tendency toward indecision by taking dynamic action.
Cancer (June 22-July 22): From deep within your soul a new revelation wants to come forth. To maximize the opportunity, be sure to take some quiet time and meditate. This inspiration involves other people and your ability to communicate your vision. Putting these ideas into action can result in increased wealth and abundance. Don’t overspeak your truth or come on too strong as you may lose the support of your audience. Keep your balance and you will be fine.
Leo (July 23-August 22): This month you have a strong sense of ambition to improve yourself in the context of your career. Your need to be the center of attention can bring financial rewards. Be businesslike, organized, and self-disciplined about this opportunity. You may feel some fear or doubt, some mental or emotional conflict, but you need to overcome your procrastination and take action. You can hurdle any obstacles that arise.
Virgo (August 23-September 22): You are looking for some way to give back to society and make a difference in the world. The teacher/healer archetype that you embody wants to reach out and help others. Your sense of self-sacrifice and your humanitarian impulses are strong, and you don’t need to look far to find something or someone you can help. In an indirect manner, these actions can help you professionally and financially. If you are indecisive, you might miss a wonderful opportunity.
Libra (September 23-October 23): Even though your fundamental motivation is to find fulfillment in relationship, this month you are encouraged to withdraw and retreat from the maddening world. There is an inner pull of soul and spirit that you need to recognize and honor. Meditation, yoga, prayer, and other spiritual practices can serve you well now. An inner state of elevated awareness is awaiting you. This uplifting personal experience is to be shared with others.
Scorpio (October 24-November 21): This month your desire for self-improvement is directed towards enhancing your monetary situation. You have a new sense of responsibility to take action regarding challenging financial problems. There are new ideas and a new vision of possibilities to put into action. You feel strong and courageous in dealing with the obstacles that stand in your way. Patience and perseverance are important now. You may lose some battles but you will win the war.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): It is time to try a new approach and break into new territory. Set aside the old habitual patterns and do what you have never done before. It will be refreshing and revitalizing. New ideas and travel loom large this month as correct themes for your attention, so stretch the envelope and go for the ideal. Remember, too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing, so curb your tendency to overdo things.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19): This is your month. You should feel a sense of rebirth. Now is a good time to get organized and plant some seeds of intention for the coming year. There is a strong focus now on improving your career and increasing your cash flow. You feel driven to improve your situation. There can be something at work that can get you down or a domestic situation can try your patience, but these can be overcome. Take the initiative as you are supported now.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18): The focus this month is on home and family. If there are family members that need help, step forth and offer your help. Self-sacrifice and humanitarian impulses are strong now. There is a test to overcome your fears to liberate yourself from some limiting habits. Watch out for overspending this month or you could create a personal financial crisis. There need to be limits to your giving.
Pisces (February 19-March 20): Recreation is high on the agenda. Mountain climbing, skiing, snowshoeing can all be excellent pastimes. If travel can be integrated into this pursuit of fun, all the better. There is an underlying sense of freedom and expansion associated with this month’s activities. There can also be moments of spiritual insight as you zoom down the mountainside. Let go of your inhibitions and connect with the flow. You are ready now to fly. Go for it.
~ Robert Ayres is a Truckee resident and internationally known astrologer with 40 years of experience. He can be contacted for personal consultations at 530-550-1118. 2008 All Rights Reserved, Robert Ayres
