Happy Solstice, the Grand Conjunction, and Capricorn Melancholy Tea Mandala!

Happy Solstice!  I wish you the merriest, most joyful day with a deep undertone of peace.  Here in the Northern Hemisphere, just knowing that the days will grow longer is deeply comforting and brings much hope! 

This is a wonderful day to take some time to ritualize the dawning of a new era in your life; a time to let the old die and welcome the new.   I am sure this year has brought much transformation for each and every one of us, and this day is a wonderful opportunity to take some time to journal, meditate, dance, sing, or do whatever you feel called to do to celebrate and revere your journey thus far.  On this longest night of the entire year, I like to envision my own symbolic death and rebirth.  Like a phoenix rising out of the ashes, we can celebrate the fires that have brought our transformations and embrace the new 'I' that is emerging.  
  
This Solstice is even more potent because today is also a Grand Conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn at 0 degrees Aquarius.  Saturn has been transiting Capricorn since December of 2017 (minus a brief time in Aquarius in 2020) and Jupiter has been in Capricorn since December 2019.  These two heavyweights have also been dancing with Pluto in Capricorn throughout 2020, creating extremely rare astrological happenings that have caused much change and upheaval (in case you didn't notice).   But now, Jupiter and Saturn have left Capricorn and entered Aquarius, significantly shifting the planetary energies and creating new dynamics in the heavens.  I will go into more depth on this subject in the coming newsletter for Aquarius season! 

But as Jupiter and Saturn leave Capricorn, the sun enters it, so let's talk about Capricorn for now!   

Capricorn is the last of the earth signs on the zodiac wheel.  Taurus is fixed earth, and can be understood as earth in the form of rocks and minerals.  Virgo is mutable earth and is best represented by the plant kingdom.  Capricorn, cardinal earth, is earth in the form of humans and animals.  This is one of my favorite ways to study each sign...through each of their unique elemental correspondences.  Just observe nature in winter, and you will come to understand the Capricorn archetype.  The earth is bare and seemingly dead, but the life force is alive and well: deep within the earth, trees, and each living being.  This turning within is a necessary part of the cycle of life, of course.  It is natural and normal to slow down and go within during the winter months, but we don't always follow nature's rhythm with our modern lifestyles.  If we choose, as best we can, to emulate nature and her rhythms, I believe we can find balance, peace and repose.  Solitude is another natural theme of winter and is a major cornerstone of the Capricorn constitution; time alone is as necessary as food and shelter for those with strong Capricorn in their charts. 
 
Another way to understand Capricorn is by considering the image associated with it.  The bizarre combination of a goat and a fish (the Sea-Goat) can be hard to grasp at first, but it's symbology is simple; a goat that can climb the highest mountains with an inner depth that swims in the deepest seas.  Capricorn is like a wise elder, who has climbed their own mountain of choosing, and has the silver hairs on their crown to prove it.   Though Capricorn is often represented as a power hungry, cold scrooge, that is simply its shadow side.  The higher expression of this archetype is inner power and absolute integrity, and the ability to reach meaningful goals that have been carefully chosen.   Even if you are not a sun, moon, or Capricorn rising, these patterns exist within us all, and we can look to our natal charts to understand where these themes play out in our own lives (blog post on how to do that coming later!) 

Last but not least, to more deeply understand Capricorn we look to its ruling planet, Saturn.  Saturn represents time, structure, boundaries (think of its rings), and discipline.  Saturn is known in ancient astrology as the Greater Malefic, for its lessons are often 'hard' and usually involve a theme of 'going at it alone.'  But is hard always bad? and is solitude not the greatest teacher?   I think most would agree that transformation and growth rarely happen when things are easy.  Like the winter, which can be cold, difficult and grim, our pain and challenges have the potential to show us that we are stronger and more resilient that we could have ever imagined. 

Astrologically, 2020 has been dominated by Saturn and Capricorn themes.  Knowing this has very much helped me weather this long, 'winter like' year.  I look forward to when we can gather together again and share our 2020 transformation stories, I am sure they will be bountiful!

Until then, wishing you wellness, warmth, and some peace and quiet this Capricorn Season!     

Capricorn Melancholy Tea

2 parts St. John’s Wort flowering tops Hypericum perforatum
2 parts Chamomile Matricaria recutita or Anthemis nobilis 
1 part Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
1/2 part Borage flowers Borago officinalis
1/2 part Lavender Lavandula
1/2 part Roses Rosa 

The mere sight of this colorful tea blend will brighten your day!  
In addition to a healthy, whole foods diet, regular exercise, and plenty of deep 
restful sleep, this tea helps strengthen the nervous system and uplift one’s mood, 
especially during the winter months when sunshine is limited.  

Prepare as an infusion, using approximately 1 Tablespoon of herb mix per cup of water.  
Pour boiling water over herbs in your favorite tea pot or glass jar, cover and steep 15-30
minutes.  Drink 1 cup three times per day. 

FDA Disclaimer:  This formula has not been evaluated by the FDA, is not intended to 
substitute advise from a physician, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.  If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking 
medications, please consult with your physician before starting new supplements or herbs.    
 
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