When: December 21, 2024, 1:20 am PT

What: The sun enters Capricorn, signaling the seasonal solstice.

Take away: This sacred shift of light invites you to let go of the old from 2024 and set new intentions for 2025.

First things first: What is a solstice?

When the Sun enters Capricorn December 21stit signals the seasonal solstice. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, this is the shortest day of the year, with darkness dominating much of our waking hours. In the southern hemisphere, the opposite is true: the sun shines longer on this day than on any other.

The word “solstice” combines the Latin words Sol (the sun) and Sister (stay still). Symbolically, this is a time of silence and peace, but also of celebration. In the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice is a symbolic rebirth; The sun’s light has reached its lowest point and begins to increase again from this day onwards. In the southern hemisphere, light has reached its glorious peak. Both events are threshold moments and transitions to honor.

A time for reflection and new beginnings

Just like the equinoxes, the solstices are linked to the cycles of sowing, harvesting and regeneration. Light is life for all agricultural cultures, so this turning point in Earth’s orbit around the Sun has profound implications for humanity’s survival. In the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks a time of hope, wonder and awe as we await the resurgence of Sol’s light.

Using this agricultural language, we can consider the “growth periods” of our own lives. Because the December solstice comes so close to the Gregorian New Year, it is a powerful moment to reflect on what you want to take with you into 2025 and what you want to leave behind in 2024. Whether there are memories, ideas, situations or relationships that you no longer want to hold on to, put them away.

Wherever you are in the world, this solstice is a sacred peak before the days grow longer or shorter. To celebrate the occasion, here are 10 rituals in honor of the December solstice:

10 rituals to honor the December solstice

1. Dive yourself in nature. Visit your favorite park, garden, farm, body of water or other natural place. Synchronize with the rhythms of the season and consider what you can learn from these cycles.
2. Recognize all of this culminates in your own life. Recognize the efforts that have reached a critical threshold at this point. Consider everything you have accomplished and the challenges that still lie ahead. Celebrate your work in progress and boost your morale for the final stage.
3. Release the idea that you have to get it right and embracing the reality that you are in an ongoing process. Refuse to carry unrealistic expectations into the new year. Have a farewell ceremony where you write down every unreasonable standard you want to say goodbye to, then tear up the list. Recycle the scraps or bury them outside.
4. Sentence Intentions for 2025. Whether you want to learn a new skill, become more committed to your goals, build a budding connection, or reach unknown depths in an existing relationship, cast your spell. To achieve your dreams, it’s helpful to first figure out what you want. If your goals seem daunting, break them down into doable steps and then write them on your or our calendar Astroplaner 2025.
5. Invite Bring warmth to your home, especially if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. Light candles on your altar. Brighten your room with lamps, balls, stars or gold garlands. Make yourself comfortable. In this way you support the rebirth that is taking place in your life and around you.
6. Decorate Decorate your home and/or altar with local foliage, such as cedar branches, ripe fruits, dried oranges, mistletoe, pine cones, flowers, honeycomb, or anything seasonal in your area. Transform your space into a sanctuary that reflects the season. This way you can connect with the spirit and beauty of this sacred moment.
7. Gather with friends, family and selected relatives. Host a company party, a secret elf exchange or a celebratory dinner with your closest circle. Spend time with the people who keep your faith alive.
8. Meditateor commit to a practice that helps you reach deeper within yourself. If you need ideas, check out the wealth of guided meditations CHANI app.
9. Learn Find out about the key astrological moments that will impact your life in 2025 and plan accordingly with the guidance of our Yearbook 2025.

Looking for more information? Read your daily horoscope:

Aries | bull | Gemini | Cancer | Lion | Virgo | Scale

Scorpio | Protect | Capricorn | Aquarius | Fish

Then download the CHANI app iOS or Android for more horoscopes, Meditations, affirmations, readings for the current moon phase and sign and more.