Just because the surrounding is peace filled – does not mean it is your peace.
Most Rev. Dr. Marilyn L. Sieg

I have meant to write this since last week, though amidst the shopping, baking, traveling, working and the pure exhaustion of what the new week and New Moon as brought; alas I’m finally getting to it. Believe it or not someone who faithfully subscribes to these actually emailed and asked me to write? Huh? Who knew anyone but Mom read these? Today is not only the new Moon, where it’s the one day of the month that the Sun and Moon are at the same point, making the Moon appear dark. New Moons also bring about depression and feelings of emptiness; you may find yourself reaching for another glass of wine, or in my case, another Christmas cookie!

At any rate, it’s also the week of Solstice and any holiday that celebrates with candles is indicative of the need for light during a time of darkness. The winter Solstice is Thursday December 21st, and as an added bonus at exactly 4:23 PM the Sun will enter my own sign Capricorn. It’s a heavy time, the energy or lack thereof for the week most definitely speaks of it. Everything is dark, including some people who feel dark on the inside as well. Rest assured, all that feeling of darkness might be is the reflection of what we are being asked to bring forth within ourselves, shedding light where we feel alone or misunderstood. Everyone all of the sudden (except for you Scopios!) might feel a bit like a little kid needing a nightlight, rest assured, the growth is necessary as is dealing with my favorite – the Dark Side.

In fact, a new Moon is the best time to plant your deepest desires, and the Solstice is the very best time to bring forth what you think is darkness and let it come into the light. The week’s entrance into Capricorn and departing from Sagittarius is the most exceptional time in fact! Where a Capricorn shines is responsibility for action, similar to a Scorpio in their demand to deal with an issue, but stoic in the path, passion is controlled and calculating, only used at the most beneficial of times with no wasted movement. This event occurs at this time each year, though this year is going to feel a bit more on the less forgiving side. If you know where 28 degrees in Sagittarius falls in your chart you will know exactly what area you’re having “nightlight neediness” about. Personally I’m never forgiving with myself; it’s my nature to be sadistic with my inner child. However – if I truly were insensitive I would never write these dim-witted rants to begin with so maybe I should forgive myself just this once?

Now on to the explanation of my choice in quotes. Since it Christmas is so close, I thought I would re-read Dr. Sieg’s Art of Peace I and II they are wonderful little pieces by the way if you want links contact me – I would love to share them with you. With the chaos of the season, most of us want peace. Actually fundamentally most everyone wants peace – at least internally. We are told to find this peace is a quiet space, riverside, mountaintop or in meditation of various forms. And as she states – this surroundings are peaceful, but they are not your peace. Peace is within; if you cannot calm the chaos or war within, you will never find peace in your outward life. It isn’t cooking a big family dinner, it isn’t a perfect gift, a big party or a vacation, it’s in your own heart.

So with a wine glass in one hand and cookie in the other, I will leave you with a reminder to light a candle for Solstice, not for some Pagan faith (even though I love that idea!) but as a reminder to yourself that your greatest gift and the only thing that cannot be taken from you is your peace of mind. Happiest Holiday wishes to all of you, and thank you for being my inspiration.