Embracing Capricorn & Winter: Time to Turn Inward & Slow Down 🕯️
Hello beautiful soul,
It feels like just yesterday I was in Indonesia, soaking up the summer sun, and now here we are in December, welcoming Winter and Capricorn season. Time truly flies as the calendar year draws to a close, and I’m preparing to host the final Women’s Ceremony of 2024.🥹
Reflecting on this year, I’m struck by how much has unfolded, changed, and evolved. From hosting new ceremonies like Ecstatic Dance & Cacao with Yeremy to introducing classes like Shamanic Journeying and Breathe & Sound, it’s been a year of expansion and connection. I’ve met so many incredible new people, welcomed new women into the Women’s Ceremonies, and embarked on memorable travels—my first time in Portugal, two trips to Austria, and a five-week adventure in Indonesia.
Closer to home, we’ve made progress on our renovations, and I’ve embraced new hobbies and skills, like sound healing and working with herbs. Perhaps most profoundly, this year has been filled with inner journeys and personal transformations. As I reflect, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude for all that 2024 has brought and look forward to welcoming 2025 with an open, hopeful heart.💗
For me, this time of year is about slowing down, turning inward, and resting as we transition into Winter. While the calendar year is coming to a close, the astrological year still has three zodiac seasons left, and I’m committed to honoring them fully. I believe there’s beauty in blending ancient wisdom with modern life—acknowledging both the cycles of the calendar year and the natural rhythms of the seasons and stars.💫🌝☀️
As we step into Capricorn season, I invite you to listen to your inner wise voice. Trust that you hold all the wisdom you need within you.
Wishing you a gentle transition into Winter and a beautiful closing of the year.🤗
With love,
Ella
The Essence of Capricorn 🐐
On December 21st, the Sun enters Capricorn, marking the start of this grounded and practical earth sign’s season. As we transition from Sagittarius' fiery, adventurous energy to Capricorn's steady and disciplined focus, we are invited to turn inward, reflect, and nurture our inner wisdom.
Capricorn is the first zodiac sign of Winter, a time for planning, laying foundations, and building structures that stand the test of time. Known for its hardworking and responsible nature, Capricorn is dedicated to creating lasting results—not just for today, but for the benefit of the community and future generations.
This sign carries the wisdom of history, reflecting on what has worked and what hasn’t, and uses this insight to move forward with clarity and purpose. With its natural ability for concentrated focus, Capricorn reminds us of the power of perseverance and the value of building something meaningful and enduring.
Capricorn season is good for:
Making plans and building structures for the year ahead, laying a solid foundation for your goals.
Tuning into your inner wisdom and intuition, while reflecting on the knowledge passed down from your ancestors. Ask yourself: What have I learned from those who came before me?
Reflecting on past experiences to identify what has worked and what hasn’t, then focusing your energy on what truly supports your growth.
Taking responsibility for your life. Where can you own your choices and address areas that aren’t going well? Reflect on any hopes or dreams you’ve been holding onto—are you blaming others for them not coming to fruition?
Connecting with Mother Earth and her wisdom by spending time in nature, embarking on a shamanic journey, or practicing a grounding visualization.
Winter Solstice — The Return of the Light🕯️
Together with Capricorn season, on December 21st, we celebrate the Winter Solstice, marking the official start of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This day brings the longest night and the least amount of daylight in the year. The word "solstice" comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), as the sun appears to pause in its journey across the sky before the days gradually grow longer and brighter, culminating in the Summer Solstice around June 21st.
For ancient cultures, the Solstice was a significant turning point, deeply connected to the cycles of nature. Sacred sites, such as Stonehenge in the UK, were built to track the Sun’s movements, particularly around the Solstice. These structures reflect the profound relationship ancient civilizations had with the Earth and sky. If you’re curious to learn more about these fascinating connections, I highly recommend the documentary Ancient Apocalypse by Graham Hancock. It offers a mind-blowing perspective on ancient wisdom, leaving me wishing for the ability to time travel and immerse myself in their harmonious way of life.
Across cultures, the Winter Solstice has been celebrated in unique ways. One notable example is Yule, which originated in Scandinavia thousands of years ago. Regardless of the tradition, this longest night of the year has always been a time for reflection, celebration, and connection with the rhythms of nature.
The Spiritual Essence of Winter 🐻
Each season holds its own unique energy and wisdom, mirroring the cycles of life:
Spring: A time of new beginnings, curiosity, and growth as seedlings emerge.🌱
Summer: A season of nurturing, shining, and flourishing.🌻
Autumn: A period for release, letting go, and composting what no longer serves.🍂
Winter: A season of stillness, rest, and inward reflection.🐻
Winter symbolizes death and conservation, as animals hibernate and plants retreat underground to conserve energy for Spring's renewal. This is the time to pause, reserve your energy, and turn inward for introspection.
In harmony with Capricorn season, Winter invites us to plan and lay the groundwork for what’s to come. It’s not yet the time for bold action—that energy belongs to Aries in the Spring. Instead, embrace this season as an opportunity to rest, reflect, and align with the natural cycles of Mother Earth. As the seasons shift, so do we, and Winter offers us the gift of stillness to prepare for the rebirth of light and energy in the months ahead.🌞
Winter Solstice Rituals 🕯️
A simple yet meaningful ritual for December 21st is to take a quiet moment to light a candle with intention. As you do, speak or silently affirm: “By lighting this candle, I welcome back the light on Earth and in our lives.”
As we welcome back the light, we must also honor the darkness. Take time to reflect on the past months: What challenges have you faced in the darkness, and what have they taught you? What light has entered your life, and how has it shaped you? Embrace and honor both the darkness and the light, recognizing the balance they bring to your journey.
Sharing light with those in need can bring warmth and comfort to others. Whether it’s lighting a candle, preparing extra food, or offering a simple hug, these small acts of kindness can bring a sense of lightness to those going through difficult times.