As always, this time of year brings a renewed awareness of our personal power, our connection to spirit, and the love we share with family and friends. Because some of the astrological transits are different from year to year, the experiences we have at the holidays and the miracles and magic we make will be different each year, as well. Here is a little peek at what is working with you and for you this holiday season. If you have any questions or need any more information, call me. We'll figure it out.

New Moon Blesses Winter Solstice

This year the Winter Solstice falls on Thursday, December 21st, just after a New Moon. As always, the New Moon is in the same sign as sun, which will be Capricorn.

The New Moon is a time of beginnings and fresh starts. It is a good time to turn a page or enter into something new. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year. It is a turning point, a moment in time, a graphic reminder of just how much we need each other to get through the darkness of those longest nights and coldest days. In most cultures, the Winter Solstice was observed in ways that celebrate and emphasize our connections, commonalities and interdependence.

Capricorn is the sign of material abundance, as well as the sense organization, discipline, focus and structure it takes to achieve success on the material level. It is also the sign of leadership. The Winter Solstice always occurs as the sun moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn. With the New Moon here as well, this holiday season is, now more than ever, a time to start anew, on material levels. But bigger than that, it is a time to redefine leadership and how we express that in our most valued relationships.

Jupiter has Come Home!

My favorite planet - Jupiter - has returned to it's own sign for the first time in 12 years. The ruler of luck, expansion, a good party, and the sign of Sagittarius, Jupiter will be in his home sign for one year. Some call him the Mardi Gras planet (the Big Easy), others call him "Your Rich Uncle, Jupiter never shows up empty handed. The key is in what he brings you. And trust me, with Jupiter, you want to be prepared.

Whenever one of the bigger planets shifts, it is a good idea to look at where it's change falls on your natal chart. It is also a good idea to get conscious and present to what opportunites these changes afford you. Because Jupiter makes everything bigger, your victories and triumphs will be bigger. But your losses will, too. For the next year, you will want to be certain about your risk tolerance and comfort zones and work well within them.

This time of year, the joyousness of Sagittarius fuses with the discipline of Capricorn. We go through the rituals, we decorate. We socialize at holiday functions and events. We gather together with those we love, and we surrender together to the realities at hand. In that, there is sorrow and joy, bitter and sweet. The magic happens in and the true gifts come from the places we least expect. You all have taught me that. This time of year makes me ever more aware of and more grateful for all you have brought to my life.  Thank you, and at this time of grace may you be open to recognize and receive all that you are given.

Sincerely,

Beth McDonald

1oracle@cox.net

www.bethmcdonaldconsulting.com