Seasonal Star Cycles

Sagittarius the Archer
The cycle of each Earthly year may be experienced as a complete breath.
December 2008

Elizaeth Ault MA, CPCC
 
Sagittarius * the Archer
November 22- December 20

To begin, I invite you to imagine the Earth as a living breathing planetary being, surrounded by planetary, stellar and heaven only knows what other beings.
The cycle of each Earthly year may be experienced as a complete breath. The exhale starts from the core belly of the Earth after the still point following the Winter Solstice (shortest day of the year). This breath expands out and rises through the crust of the Earth at Spring, bringing the blossoms, the mysteries of rebirth, resurrection, and ascension; then continues all the way out to the fixed stars and beyond at the summer solstice. The inhale begins after the pause following the longest day, pulling meteor showers toward Earth in August and fruits and leaves to the ground in Fall. Sap sinks to the roots, and we dive to the depths and core of our being. We have the opportunity to evaluate and let go of or let die, all that is no longer serving us. All this is counterpoint the pull of capitalism, overstimulation and the artificial rush of the Holiday (Holy Day) season. Nature approaches the inner still point offered at the winter solstice, with the holiness of a receptive heart for the re-ignition of Light, which occurs on Christmas Day.

From November 22 through December 20, the energies of the constellation Sagittarius-depicted in astrology as the Archer, directs his influence over the Earth. The task is to develop mindful patience that controls the tongue, restraining opinions, and gossip. Sagittarians can be very outspoken! This self control allows space for a feeling of truth to emerge. Whomever speaks without waiting for the maturing process or ripening of truth; speaks subjective judgements, restless gossip or worse... Conscious intention is developed in silence.

We are approaching the time of gathering together in gratitude to celebrate our harvest. What have we cultivated and grown within us in the last year? At this time the seeds for the next cycle are full of potential. What intentions do we dream of manifesting? The 4 weeks of Advent which begin the Sunday after Thanksgiving, have a legacy from pagan times. Each week a kingdom is honored beginning with the mineral kingdom then the plant kingdom, then animal and the fourth week it is the human kingdom. On Christmas Eve a 5th candle can be lit for the Christ, or inner flame in us all. If we have truly cultivated this honoring of all life with humility and sincerity we have hollowed out a place in our hearts to receive the silence of the winter solstice.(Longest night of the year). On Christmas day the ignition of the inner light is rekindled as the Sun arcs up toward lengthening light. The exhaling breath of the Earth carries the intentions set on Christmas along with it’s Holy nights through to the summer solstice, and the rest of the year.

Now is the quiet time of turning inward with gratitude or of facing our demons, plumbing our depths and patiently resting or resetting our lives. Can we find the inner silence of trust within our heart that is the foundation for faith? Deep dreams may visit you, especially at this time of year. It is a long wait until the warmth of Spring...


Sagittarius, the Archer carefully takes aim with his bow and arrow directly at the center of the galaxy or as the ancients called it the, Eye of Isis, fountain of creation. This awesome gravitational vortex could be known as the Sun of our Sun. It’s size is potentially a mass of 4 million Suns with a huge black hole in it’s center. It is in a direct line with the Archer’s arrow in the sky between Sagittarius and Gemini. This is the most powerful pivot point of our whirling Solar system, and galaxy, only discovered by scientists in the last century (1932 and 1960's). The Sun takes around 250 million years to orbit this point that is some 30,000 light years away. By pointing his arrow at the galactic center, Sagittarius demonstrates his commitment to getting to the bottom of all things.

The optimistic Archer is determined to perceive to underlying unifying principals and philosophies behind all creation that brings us to an under standing of God. He desires to liberate himself from his lower nature. There is an attraction to the merging of twin souls, of boundaries and duality into Oneness. The Archer’s body is a centaur which is half horse and half man, he can run with the wind hunting far and wide for adventures! These gypsy freedom loving spirits will take risks to fully taste what life has to offer. Maturity can tame these drives, moving them inward and upward.

Sagittarius can be a messenger like a minstrel or troubadour, they are motivated to share their opinions and like to be right. They can weave a story and be wonderful entertainers! They back up their opinions with lots of either scholarly pursuits or diverse experiences in life. They are great researchers. Often they are attracted to international travel and pushing the envelope with surprising insights that go beyond on beyond the normal mind belts that most of humanity is comfortable staying inside.

If we refrain from speaking we lay open a place to feel the truth. Mystery may reveal herself.... The challenge is to cultivate inner stillness; an enchanted place where revelations can arise.