The Girdle of Ishtar: Astrology for Everywoman by Jessica North-O'Connell

The Girdle of Ishtar: Astrology for Everywoman

Ah, the Dark of the year, when the Light withdraws; daylight arrives late and vanishes early, and the dark is deep. When the night-time skies are clear, we are left with the pin-prick light of distance stars, and the light of the moon, whose three-day absence at her new phase is even more keenly felt. Some of us fall victim to SADness.  We use light-treatment lamps to make ourselves feel better.

Yet it is at this very time that women can shine, shine, shine. Whether we shine our light outwards in seasonal hospitality, goodwill and charity, or inwards, “lighting our way in the dark,” while seeking Self-knowledge and understanding, the dead of winter offers us the opportunity to explore our own unique aspects of the Divine Self.

Despite our culture's belief tendencies to the contrary, there is a long-standing, worldwide tradition of the Solar Feminine. One such tradition is that of the Shinto of Japan, whose premier Goddess, Amaterasu-ō-mi-kami ("Great Goddess Who Shines in the Heavens")[1] was said to withdraw her light from the skies after being gravely insulted by her brother, thus bringing to humankind the first winter. It was through the guile and cunning of the shaman Uzume, the Sky Frightener, using bawdy humor and the first mirror (a symbol of the Solar Feminine around the world), that Amaterasu was inspired to venture forth from her Sky-Rock Cave once again, thus restoring her glorious light to Earth and the heavens.[2] Sometimes all we need is a little coaxing.

Though it has become fashionable to decry the excesses of the season, the tradition of excess at Winter Solstice has a long, long history throughout the northern hemisphere, and reflects our faith that the Sun's generous light will return, and that the Earth will yield her bounty to us once again.  As we reach deep into our resources - be they financial, foods, goods, or less tangible inner qualities - to gift those around us, we “step up” to the experience of exhibiting our own Solar traits, thus emulating our celestial benefactress. We bring our “light” to those whom we love and cherish. The Sun never considers whether or not giving light is excessive; she just shines on us all!

In the beginning, woman really was the sun.

...We, the completely hidden sun,

Must now restore ourselves.

We must reveal the hidden sun -

our concealed genius.

Excerpted from “The Hidden Sun”

by Hiratsuka Raicho[3]

Seasonal Outlook

This year's Winter Solstice occurs on Monday, December 21, 9:47 a.m. PST. You can adjust the time according to your own time zone (e.g., New Yorkers will celebrate the Solstice at 6:47 a.m., being three hours ahead of the West Coast).  The Sun is in Earthy Capricorn and the Moon is increasing in progressive, independent Aquarius. The rising sign spans Sagittarius/Capricorn across the North American continent, with visionary Sagittarius in the east and pragmatic Capricorn in the west.

Constellations visible in the December night sky include Aries, Cetus, Eridanus, Fornax, Horologium, Hydrus and Perseus. On a clear night, (and away from artificial lights), venture outside and take a look.[4]

This is a time for us to consider our own personae; what we think we're projecting or expressing about ourselves may not be what others perceive. Ask those you trust for feedback if you think you may be off-track. Some of us may also be considering re-defining our personal styles right now, especially Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) and Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) signs. There's nothing quite like breaking free of a groove, and what better time to shine?

Scorpio and Sagittarius, take time this season to look at situations from others' perspectives. Practicing compassion benefits not just others, but yourself as well.

Libra and Scorpio, many of you may find yourselves busy striving toward ideals. Bear in mind that excellence isn't the same as perfection; given all the factors, choices, decisions and what have you, each moment is perfect in its own right. Delivering excellence, on the other hand, is always something we can work towards, as it invites us to challenge ourselves. Give credit where it is due; everyone needs to feel recognized and appreciated.

Leo, you  may find that this is a time of doing for yourself, rather than waiting for someone else to do things for you. Some of you really want to take the lead right now, and independence can be a really good thing. Remember the story of the Little Red Hen - cluck, cluck!

Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, this is a great time to start things, as there is abundant energy to not only begin, but also to see things through (with a little help from your Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius friends). Just remember that life seldom proceeds “according to plan” and we need to keep a certain amount of flexibility in order to achieve our goals. Take some time to make plans before plunging ahead (this can be a challenge!). Things aren't really “life or death” right now – they just seem that way. There's no reason not to take the middle road, and leave a few options open.

Financially, money may come in unexpectedly, but could flow out just as quickly. Aquarius and Pisces, guard against gullibility, and check things out before committing financially. Rash expenditures may leave you wanting in the long run. Also, some of us may experience the urge to “clean house.”  Watch hasty decisions,  as you may later regret giving items away too quickly. Revisit your urge again at Imbolg, a most appropriate time to pass along those treasures!

Don't forget to play, Gemini, as we all know about “all work and no play” making us dull. Luxuriate a bit; this is an Earthy season.  Along with the tendency to overwork is the tendency to neglect our personal health. This may be the perfect  time to “be your own Mom,” Cancer, and practice your culinary flair by making nutritious home-cooked meals, from baked beans and slow-simmered soups (that's what your crockpot is for!) to gourmet haute cuisine. Gemini, check out  Alice Waters, Charlie Trotter and Julia Child  for inspiration. Food doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious.

Intimate relationships may take on a nurturing or playful tone – either way, we can all benefit by paying more attention to our “significant others.”  Cancer and Virgo, partners may turn to you (or you to them) for help with details and “putting things in order.” Keep things light-hearted, but do a good job. It will pay off later.

Capricorn, Virgo and Gemini, this can be the perfect time listen to your dreams, as practical insights or solutions to situations you've been grappling with are likely to reveal themselves now.

Enjoy the returning light, both the Sun's and your own! See you at Imbolg.

Jessica North-O'Connell is a founding Priestess of Thirteenth House Mystery School, Victoria, B.C., and Faerie Mound Covenstead, Lake Cowichan, B.C. on beautiful Vancouver Island. She has been a practitioner of astrology since 1978 and currently teaches a course for beginners called The Girdle of Ishtar. Online classes will begin at Rowan Tree School in January, 2010.