Winter Solstice 2022

And the New Year Ahead (2023)

Please note that this and all my other forecasts are based on the sidereal zodiac used in both Vedic and Western sidereal astrology, not the tropical system used by most Western and some Vedic astrologers. All the astrological charts below are calculated according to the sidereal zodiac and Lahiri Ayanamsa.

Our Sun, the soul of the world, transits in the Galactic Center from December 17th to the 22nd. Known in the Vedic tradition as Vishnunabhi, the Navel of Lord Vishnu, the Galactic Center spans from about two to seven degrees of sidereal Sagittarius. This center is the source of cosmic light and creative power for our whole Milky Way Galaxy, including the solar system in which we live. Our Sun is recharged and rejuvenated through an “energetic upgrade” when it transits here, just in time for the New Year ahead!

The solstice occurs on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 9:48 PM UTC (4:48 PM EST). In the northern hemisphere, this is the winter solstice. This is the shortest day and longest night of the year when the Sun reaches its southernmost point in its seasonal declination cycle. After the winter solstice, the Sun will appear to stand still for three days and then slowly begin its northward movement. During the three-day standstill, we will experience a “spiritual rebirth,” i.e., the rebirth of the Light.

At the winter solstice, we move into the Vedic half of the year when the Sun’s light gradually begins to grow stronger, leading up to the summer solstice on June 21. This is known as Uttarayana, the most fruitful half of the year for establishing anything of material or worldly consequence. All of this is of course reversed in the southern hemisphere which celebrates the summer solstice in December and the winter solstice in June.

Astrologers employ a wide variety of horoscopes to forecast upcoming world affairs and events, which encompasses the branch of astrology known as mundane astrology. One such horoscope that I like to employ is the winter solstice chart which can be used to analyze the upcoming new year. The basis for this chart in Vedic astrology is in the Nārada-saṁhitā (Jyotiṣa-grantha).

Below, I have posted the sidereal wheel chart and the North and South Indian charts calculated for coordinated universal time (UTC) at the time of the solstice in Greenwich, London, in the United Kingdom. The information in these charts is the same, though the formats are different. This Greenwich chart set at the prime meridian can be used to analyze the collective karma for the entire world at large.

The solstice horoscope this year has a profound spiritual significance which I will endeavor to explain in some detail. Before I do that, I also wanted to mention a correlation in numerology, in that 2023 is a seven year (2023 = 2 + 0 + 2 + 3 = 7). Seven is the numerological symbol of Ketu, the planet whose higher expression manifests as occult power, spirituality, and transcendence.

A seven (Ketu) year has the potential to be a spiritual year in which we will thrive if we seek the highest truth and wisdom and focus on our inner life through introspection and meditation. Ketu in Vedic astrology also carries a fierce transformational energy. Many areas of life may need to be reorganized and overhauled in a Ketu year. The lower expression of this type of year can be very tamasic (heavy and negative), with potential for rampant violence, fanaticism, disease (mental and physical imbalance), conflict, and losses.

For the United States, born on July 4 (7/4), the birthday number is a two (7 + 4 = 11 = 1 + 1 = 2). The year number for the United States in 2023 is nine (2 + 7 = 9). This means that 2023 will be a year of transition, completion, and endings, letting go of old baggage, and clearing the path forward by cleansing the karmas of the past nine years. In numerology, a nine year is represented by the planet Mars. A Mars year is very much like a Ketu year in terms of their similar fiery qualities which can force some necessary change and upheaval. And as you will read below, Mars and Ketu will be the dominant planets for the world in 2023.

The solstice chart rising sign (lagna) occupies 12 degrees and 54 minutes of the Leo constellation in Magha nakshatra which is ruled by Ketu, the Moon’s South Node. The ruling deities of Magha are the Pitris, the progenitors of the human race who are the divine guardians of evolution. The fixed star Thuban (alpha Draconis) is rising, as well. It lies within Draco the Dragon, a vast constellation in the northern celestial pole.

Draco coils around the north celestial pole, as depicted in Urania’s Mirror, a set of constellation cards published in London (ca. 1825). Credit: Sidney Hall/Library of Congress

According to Kabbalistic lore, Thuban symbolizes the principle of unity within multiplicity. In the occult teachings channeled through ascended master Djwal Khul, the ageless Tibetan disciple of the esoteric tradition, Thuban is at the base of the spinal center within the great cosmic logos. It is thus a source of spiritual light that supports the Divine Plan for humanity’s conscious evolution.

Additionally, the fixed star Alcyone, which occupies 6 degrees of sidereal Taurus, is culminating at the top of the chart in conjunction with the midheaven, also known as the MC/medium coeli, Latin for “middle of the sky.” In Vedic astrology, the midheaven is called the “madhya lagna.” It signifies the dharma or main impact of a horoscope.

Alcyone, designated as η Tauri (Eta Tauri), is the brightest star in the Pleiades cluster of stars in Taurus. They are also known as the Seven Sisters, and Messier 45. In effect, Alcyone and the Pleiades are crowning the whole solstice chart, beaming directly down on us from on high.

In the ancient Vedic tradition, Alcyone was called Amba (Mother). She represented the wife of the chief of the seven divine sages or Saptarishis. According to esoteric literature, Alcyone transmits the Light of God toward the Earth. This star is also the central point around which our manifest universe revolves. It connects us with the mystical principles of nature, including the ultimate sound current that flows from the divine source as Shakti.

Alcyone is the yoga tara of Krittika nakshatra. A yoga tara is a marker that signifies the beginning of a nakshatra. Krittika symbolizes the fire and transformation needed to burn and cut away negativity. A dominant theme for 2023 thus revolves around aggression, fire, war, issues with anger, and the need for personal responsibility and self-discipline. Issues with children and the need to better protect and guide them will also be a dominant concern. 

The Pleiades are the nurses of the divine warrior Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and commander of the celestial army who incarnated in order to destroy the negative power of the world. Kartikeya is akin to Archangel Michael, the leader of the celestial hosts. Archangel Michael also corresponds with the warrior Mars in Vedic astrology. 

Note that Mars is also prominent in the solstice chart. Mars is retrograde and very bright. This fiery planet is in Taurus in the tenth house. Mars is also strongly connected to the Moon (the mothering archetype in nature), as Mars and the Moon aspect each other (the Moon is located across from Mars in the fourth house). Further, the Moon is disposited by (or ruled by) Mars, because the Moon is in the sign of Scorpio. 

The prominent combination of the Pleiades (Alcyone), Draco (Thuban), and the warrior Mars in the solstice chart reveals the vast potential for adepts (spiritual aspirants) to access the greatest mysteries and gifts of life in the new year ahead. For the seekers who aspire toward self-mastery and spiritual advancement, the seeds of mystical transformation and awakening will grow to bring forth amazing new developments.

I will write more about the mundane astrology forecast for 2023 when I later analyze the Vedic New Year chart set for March 21, 2023. In general, besides what I have mentioned above related to the spiritual potential and the force of transformation indicated in the solstice chart, I believe the Pluto Return for the United States chart will be the main concern now and in the coming two years. Please refer to my article about this intense cycle that is already bearing down on us.

For now and in the week ahead, it’s an important time to tune into traditional holiday festivities designed to cheer us up with candles, evergreen decorations, beautiful lights, music, social gatherings, and gift-giving. We need them more than ever this year, as the Sun and Moon are both waning together in their darkest phases.

During the three-day solstice standstill, the New Moon will occur on Friday, December 23. The waning balsamic “dreamtime” lunar phase will begin before that on Monday evening, December 19. These days leading into the winter solstice and three days afterward during the time of the New Moon are indeed very dark outwardly, but inwardly the Divine Light is quickening, stirring, waiting to be reborn, refreshed, and wanting to be re-membered within us.

Meditating and praying while focusing on the Light within the third eye and the heart chakra can be a very helpful practice during this coming week. If you know them, you can chant mantras to the Sun, as with the Gayatri, or a Surya mantra, or the Aditya Hridayam sloka. Spend time in nature if you can and especially out in the sunshine if it breaks through where you are. I like to bless the trees in my neighborhood in this season by hanging ornaments on the bare branches.

I love the following timeless advice by Deena Wade from Mother Earth Living (2004) about celebrating the winter solstice:

Make a promise to spend more time listening, watching, and honoring the slower, quieter rhythm of the season. On the solstice, visit a place outdoors that’s special to you—a trail you can walk or a field you can lie down in, a hillside or mountain perch that provides the perfect view, or even the roof of your apartment building or a quiet place on the edge of your yard. Consider watching the sun rise or set from your little patch of the world. Write a poem. Make a list of loving wishes for friends, family, coworkers—even people you don’t know that well. Build a shrine of nature’s found objects. Light candles. Reflect on your aspirations for the coming months. Throw the I Ching. Say a prayer. Sing an original song.

The night before the winter solstice is an important time for spiritual ceremonies (this will be Tuesday night, December 20). In my home, we like to play Celtic Christmas music on the stereo as we gather by a sweet crackling fire and share a special candlelight meal. Afterward, we write down some significant things that have happened along with our feelings about them in the past year. Next, we burn the papers with the intention of healing and transmuting the past year and preparing for the new year ahead. We then toast each other and all our loved ones and make prayers and wishes for the new year as we ring bells and chimes to seal our intentions.

Solstice blessings to us all! And for those in the southern hemisphere, merry summer solstice, as well!