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 A
New Moon eclipse (partial solar eclipse) at 4 degrees Capricorn falls
on Christmas day this year. Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating
the birth of Jesus, but this holy day has actually been observed for many
thousands of years before the Christian era. Christmas is a modern day
updating of the celebration of Winter Solstice on December 21. Also known
as Yule, people throughout the Northern Hemisphere have revered this day
because it signifies a time when the light is growing stronger and the
days are growing longer. The tradition of putting up Christmas lights
on houses and trees stems from more ancient traditions of honoring the
returning light.
Holiday
Blues? Herbs Can Cheer You Up!
This can
be a trying time of the year for many people, and we may be more prone
to sickness and depression during the holidays. Sometimes, the additional
burden of entertaining friends and family, overeating and little exercise
can add to feelings of lethargy and melancholy. Capricorn has long been
associated with feelings of heaviness, restriction and low spirits. If
you are having any of these feelings this time of year, it may be a good
time to recharge your batteries and strengthen your spirit. Christmas
is a time of celebrating the return of the Sun (and the birth of the Son)
and is a wonderful time to warm the spirit and vitalize our health. There
are a number of effective herbs that work to offset the blues and help
cheer and brighten us up.
Saint
John’s wort
and borage have long been known for their therapeutic value as
natural anti-depressants without the usual side effects that characterize
pharmaceuticals. One interesting aspect of St. John’s wort is that its
leaves are perforated with tiny holes. These holes allow light to shine
through and give this plant its Latin name hypericum perforatum.
This herb, ruled by the Sun, is a perfect remedy for this time of year
when its difficult to receive light and heat and there is a deeper need
for it. Borage specifically acts as a restorative agent on the adrenal
cortex. This is especially helpful if there has been excess stress over
the holidays.
Astrologically,
there is a strong emphasis on the earth and air element right now, with
the Sun, Moon and Mercury in the earth sign Capricorn, Saturn in
earthy Taurus, Jupiter in the air sign Gemini and Venus, Uranus and Neptune in
airy Aquarius, and a lack of planets in fire signs. To offset this imbalance,
there are a number of culinary herbs that can help add warmth during the
cold holidays. Cinnamon and cloves have long been added to spice up warm
apple cider. These herbs help improve our circulation and generate heat
that can lift the spirits when we are feeling down and insecure. Garlic
and ginger can be added to meals to help remove toxins and heat us up
as well. When combined with aerobic exercise, these herbs can help relieve
any stagnancy and heaviness we may feel, brighten our spirits and bring
in a little fire and warmth this time of year.
New
Year’s Resolutions
At every
office, barber shop and store throughout the country, you can hear people
talk about New Year’s resolutions this time of year. Some people want
to lose twenty pounds, others want to quit smoking or start a workout
program. Almost all of the resolutions have to do with strengthening health
and releasing bad habits. The sign of Capricorn has a lot to do with setting
goals and using discipline, patience and endurance to achieve them. Somehow,
though, after a few weeks, many of these resolutions seem to fade as it
becomes increasingly difficult to live up to our expectations. This year
it may be smart to set just a couple small resolutions that will be easier
to live up to. It’s not necessary to say that we will look like Bruce
Lee or Arnold Schwarzenegger before our next trip to Granny’s. Nor is
it necessary to say we will maintain a perfect macrobiotic diet without
a hint of sugar or caffeine for the rest of our lives.
Try instead
to set small, short-term goals and to keep up with them. Joining an athletic
club and going to an aerobics class once a week, or cutting out the two
scoops of almond fudge ice cream right before bed would be a great start.
Sometimes when we look at strengthening our health, we see a steep mountain
that we can never climb in front of us. Instead, try to place one foot
in front of the other and make small, reasonable choices this time
of year. Each small choice builds on the next until we notice a significant
change down the road. The Capricorn New Moon is a powerful time for setting
intention and developing a positive and realistic plan. At each New Moon
this year, take the time to review your plan and see if you have stuck
to it or if you need to renew it. Avoid guilt and self-blame as they will
work to defeat you. Enjoy your holidays and good health to you!
Editor’s
note: The health information given in this article is not meant
as a substitute for care from a qualified physician. This information
is given for educational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose
or prescribe. StarIQ.com is not responsible for any mishaps that occur
as a result of using this information.
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