The Sun moving into Capricorn, the 10th sign of the Zodiac, also means the start of the Winter Solstice, the official beginning of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere on December 21, 2013. Capricorn, an Earth sign ruled by the planet Saturn, is serious, efficient, grounded, practical and ambitious. Yes, very different from all the upbeat holiday revelry, however, there’s no need to have a letdown. Capricorn can keep us busy, accomplished and sensible. Re-goal yourself (I made this word up), tune up career moves, network in house, organize whatever needs to be shaped up. Make something happen. Just don’t get so bogged down in responsibilities that you become rigid and cautious.
Regardless of your birthday, we all feel the Capricorn influence as we reach for an upgrade in status, get a thrill directing traffic and tell people what to do. Being a “boss” is not a burden. Being in charge is welcome. Fun for the boss, but maybe not so much for the employee? Remember to be careful with how you treat others, you can be authoritative with honey, rather than vinegar.
There are 3 planets, plus the Sun, in Capricorn right now meaning that wherever this sign appears in the birth chart, its traits are intensified. (And of course, a Capricorn Sun or Rising sign is especially energized.)
Planets in Capricorn:
*Pluto – deep feelings, changes in career direction?, revelations, rebirth (since 2008 until 2023)
*Venus – Love, beauty, relationships (goes Retrograde 12/21 until 2/1/14), remains until 3/6/14 – pay attention to romantic expectations, feelings of restrictions.
*Mercury – Communication can become serious and narrow-thinking. Maintain sense of humor. Reign in sharp, hurtful speech. (from 12/24/13 to 1/12/14)
As the year’s end approaches, it’s the perfect time to look at what we’ve accomplished in 2013 and make plans for 2014. I love that whole “what’s next?” questioning process.
Sun into Capricorn = Dec. 21, 2013…12:11PM EST / 9:11AM PST
*Gemstone: Obsidian, Onyx *Power color: Black, grays * Body Part: Bones
FYI: “The Winter Solstice occurs exactly when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26′. Though the winter solstice lasts only a moment in time, the term is also a turning point to midwinter or the first day of winter…The seasonal significance of the winter solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days.” (per WikiPedia)
Cancer is family and home focused, so completing old business may involve where you live – clearing out the old, giving space to the new. Gather up and give away anything no longer useful or positive in your space, whether it be things, feelings or conversations. Good time to get rid of what’s “done and dusted” and move on to what’s next. 
