Seasonal Star Cycles

Capricorn the goat
Prayer or profit which would be?
December 2008

Elizabeth Ault MA, CPCC
 
Capricorn runs from Dec 21st the Winter Solitaire through Jan 19th. The silent holiness of this annual turning point is a potent time for setting clear intentions for the following year.
The Sun begins its journey of ascent from the farthest distance from the Earth, during the depths of darkness at the winter solstice. The sure footed solitary Goat symbol of Capricorn, navigates steep slopes and precipices to reach the silent rarified air of the summit. With vast panoramas before him he contemplates the architecture of the heights and depths of these realms. He seeks to understand the laws that structure life.
This is the still point of the yearly cycle, the reset point, when we can imagine (image-in) what we want to create in the coming year. How will we do things differently? It’s Resolution Time!! This time of hibernation and the longest nights can bring inner illuminations across the threshold of sleep with significant dreams.
The four weeks of Advent can be seen as a season to honor all kingdoms of life; to humbly prepare a place in our hearts to reignite and receive our eternal Christ like flame within. Advent begins the Sunday after Thanksgiving and runs four weeks. This season can be likened to the washing of our challis (cup). There are three ways to receive: 1. with a dirty cup that rots whatever is placed inside with preconceived notions, feelings etc. 2. With a cup with a hole in it, that drains out whatever is placed inside, 3. And lastly the honorable cup that has carefully been cleaned to hold the integrity of what is given unpolluted. Which ways of receiving applies to you?
Now, when the light of the outer Sun is dimmest and its warmth has waned to it’s weakest point is when the spirit of our soul urges us inside to our core to be rekindled by eternal inner spiritual light. Nurture that flame while the shopping frenzy of materialism seeks to distract us!
The Christian tradition of the Twelve Days of Christmas begins on Dec 25th and runs through Jan 5th, the day before Epiphany. Jan 6th , also know as Three Kings Day, is celebrated as the day the three Magi presented gifts to the baby Jesus. Some Christian cultures today still give gifts on Jan 6th to commemorate the arrival of the Kings with their offerings.. Yet others share gifts each of the 12 days following Christmas. The birthday of Christ and the mysteries of Mary were celebrated as the "Festival of Jesus for the first time in Rome in the year A.D. 354."*1 The sharing of sacred tree branches, special fruits, vegetables and seeds was a costmary celebration honoring the Goddesses of fertility,during this same season, before the Christians overlaid their customs on this time.
The Thirteen Holy Nights which begin Dec 24th, come from a far more ancient Pagan tradition. Each of the Holy Nights represents one of the thirteen New Moons we see each year. Twelve are full lunar months (New Moon to New Moon) with one addition. Each night is thought to mirror the coming Moon cycles of the new year. Alert attentiveness to dreams, signs, omens, intentions and the people that we encounter may reveal indications for what lies ahead. Intention plus attention and releasing it to spirit equals manifestation...
Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn, known as the Lord of Karma. He is the ultimate old patriarchal task master who will thwart you with obstacles until you turn to your destiny path. Saturn cultivates our capacity for disciple, hard work and determination. He stimulates growth and mastery.