ASTROLOGICAL ALCHEMY ••• The Astrology of Self-Transformationsm
Monthly Health Outlook:
Written By Robert Ayres |
This month we shift from the fall to the winter season. Winter Solstice is marked by the Sun entering Capricorn. This rhythmic, energetic shift of nature’s annual cycle celebrates the “rebirth” of the Sun. December 21 is the shortest day and longest night of the year. From now until the Summer Solstice June 21st, the Sun will move from the southern to the northern hemisphere. There will be a corresponding lengthening of the day and shortening of the night. This cyclic expansion and contraction of light and darkness is a fundamental theme of life.
The civilizations of the ancient world celebrated these times as symbolic of death and rebirth. Capricorn rules the principle of contraction and the inhale of nature. During the winter season nature turns within and takes a rest. Animals hibernate and plants pull their vitality down into their roots. There is a decrease of activity and vitality. The Sun is at its most southerly point and travels relatively low on the horizon. The angle of the Sun does not result in the heat that we are familiar with in the summer. The result is that the temperature drops and it is cold.
This is cold and flu season and we are more susceptible to illness. Our vitality is lower and it takes more effort to stay healthy. But out of these death principles comes rebirth. As the Sun moves northward, a new cycle of life unfolds when we celebrate Spring Equinox on March 21.
In astrological terms, Capricorn is a cold, dry sign. In regards to the four temperaments, Capricorn is melancholic. This manifests as depression or melancholy. Many people will struggle with these feelings as well as sadness, loneliness and feeling down during this time. It is a natural tendency to look within and take stock of our lives now. If we do this, and we should, most of us will recognize our shortcomings and weaknesses that need to be addressed. This can result in a negative mood of worry, doubt, or anxiety but is intended to motivate us to take action for positive change.
Capricorn and its planetary ruler, Saturn, rule karma or the cosmic law of cause and effect. Karma, both positive and negative, expresses as our patterns of thinking, feeling, and action. We are creatures of habit. Some of these habit patterns are positive and creative while some are negative and destructive. This is the appropriate time to evaluate our lives and acknowledge the changes that are necessary to improve our quality of life. This traditionally takes the form of New Year’s resolutions. But the majority of people do not follow through on their good intentions.
Capricorn also rules the character qualities of organization, self-discipline, patience, and perseverance. All of these virtues are necessary in order to be successful in changing self-sabotaging, self-destructive patterns that have been lifetimes in the making. We are here to grow and to the degree that we are actively involved in positive change, then we are correctly taking advantage of life’s opportunities.
Life is a process of death and rebirth. The universe is now supporting you to make the needed changes. It is apparent that change is in the air and that the old ways of doing things are no longer working. This is an individual and collective issue. Do your part through positive change in your life and be a part of the solution.
One of the parts of the body which Capricorn rules is the knees, which esoterically relates to the virtue of humbleness. We each need to recognize that there is a higher power in charge of things which deserves our reverence. This can be done physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. We gain the greatest results when we do all of the above. An incredible arrogance has developed in humanity that tries to ignore and defy the laws of nature. This results in disasters of various kinds that are all too frequent these days. We must learn to be humble and be in awe of the forces of nature, life, and the universe.
Capricorn has domain over the skin which defines the limits or boundary of our physical body. We are moving into a time when we will need to relearn the lessons of correct boundaries. When systems of all kinds stray beyond their natural and correct area of function the result is ill health or disease. This relates not just to the human body but to all systems of life expression.
Another area of rulership for Capricorn is the bones and skeletal system. They provide the physical foundation for the body and give it form. The bones support firmness, strength, and stability which are all qualities of Capricorn. They are also the most dense, crystallized parts of the body and have a direct correlation to the mineral kingdom. The bones are the source of blood. The metaphor here is water springing forth from the rock.
This is an old biblical symbol of the miracle of life. Water and blood are representative of the life force. Solidity and fluidity work together to enhance life.
Herbs that are under Capricorn’s rulership and may be appropriate for use at this time are comfrey root and leaf, sarsaparilla, wintergreen, and rue. Comfrey is good for internal bleeding, fractures and to aid digestion. Sarsaparilla helps to heal arthritis, rheumatism, colds, and fever. Wintergreen relieves pain from arthritis, rheumatism as well as muscle and joint discomfort. Rue is also a treatment for arthritis, rheumatism and increasing the blood circulation.
Pay attention to your body. It is more susceptible to aches, pains, and illness now. Have a cup of herb tea and get healthy!
THE ABOVE IS NOT MEANT TO BE TAKEN AS MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL.
2008 All Rights Reserved, Robert Ayres
Robert Ayres is an internationally known astrologer with over 40 years of experience. He can be reached for personal consultations at (530) 550-1118 or at his website at www.astrologicalalchemy.com.
