Woof StarGazers,
Astronomers will tell us that the Winter Solstice occurs, ’when the axial tilt of a planet’s polar hemisphere is furthest from its star,‘ or in our case - that bright orange globe in the heavens which we refer to as the sun. This year that event occurs on Dec. 22nd.
The Winter Solstice has been a time for celebration since the earliest man walked upright on our planet. Surviving the starving months was always cause for concern to Aboriginal people; a rising Midwinter sun (after the Longest Night) has impacted cultures around the globe giving all hope with the promise of new life and budding foliage. The gathering of the final harvest and the slaughtering of animals, which could not be fed through the coming winter months of January through March, was reason enough for feasting and so the celebrations began.
Ancient Egyptians ritually entombed their savior/god Osiris on the eve of the Winter Solstice; the priest would introduce a new born babe to their followers at first light of the new and longer day. Ancient Celts and their Druid priests built elaborate stone structures throughout Europe to mark the event and hold their many Midwinter rituals. Saturnalia and Bachanalia festivals took place in every Greek and Roman home and/or temple as their acknowledgement of Midwinter's arrival, eventually prompting Emperor Julius Caesar, in 46BC, to establish Dec. 25th, as the official date of the Winter Solstice. In the 3rd century Emperor Aurelian, attempting to merge Pagan celebrations with Christian feast days, declared Midwinter feastings to be the, ’Birthday of the Unconquered Sun.’ And in 1582 Pope Gregory XIII defined Dec. 25th, as a major Christian Feast Day and presented a new born babe, as a symbol of rebirth, to all followers.
Astronomers will tell us that the Winter Solstice occurs, ’when the axial tilt of a planet’s polar hemisphere is furthest from its star,‘ or in our case - that bright orange globe in the heavens which we refer to as the sun. This year that event occurs on Dec. 22nd.
The Winter Solstice has been a time for celebration since the earliest man walked upright on our planet. Surviving the starving months was always cause for concern to Aboriginal people; a rising Midwinter sun (after the Longest Night) has impacted cultures around the globe giving all hope with the promise of new life and budding foliage. The gathering of the final harvest and the slaughtering of animals, which could not be fed through the coming winter months of January through March, was reason enough for feasting and so the celebrations began.
Ancient Egyptians ritually entombed their savior/god Osiris on the eve of the Winter Solstice; the priest would introduce a new born babe to their followers at first light of the new and longer day. Ancient Celts and their Druid priests built elaborate stone structures throughout Europe to mark the event and hold their many Midwinter rituals. Saturnalia and Bachanalia festivals took place in every Greek and Roman home and/or temple as their acknowledgement of Midwinter's arrival, eventually prompting Emperor Julius Caesar, in 46BC, to establish Dec. 25th, as the official date of the Winter Solstice. In the 3rd century Emperor Aurelian, attempting to merge Pagan celebrations with Christian feast days, declared Midwinter feastings to be the, ’Birthday of the Unconquered Sun.’ And in 1582 Pope Gregory XIII defined Dec. 25th, as a major Christian Feast Day and presented a new born babe, as a symbol of rebirth, to all followers.
In ancient Japan, in an effort to entice their Sun Goddess Amaterasu from her darkened cave and bring life giving light forth, much noise and merriment brought roaring crowds to their feet in ceremonies which are, today, incorporated into Japanese New Year’s celebrations.
We are now in the 21st century and living in a diverse, global society with many man-made religions and even more individual and/or personal spiritual beliefs. Tolerance is a gift, given to us by a Creator who showered mankind with freewill, a higher intelligence and the ability to discover and enjoy the wonders of the Universe. So whatever the reason, now is the season to send heartfelt Warm Winter Wishes to all.
Aries; The Ram 3.21-4.19
Always striving to be the leader of the pack, and urged on by Apollo’s fiery sword, an Aries born often suffers dire consequences for its impulsive ways. Led by Mars with outbursts of explosive energy and arrogance that tend to keep others at a distance. The need to be surrounded by family and friends is important to followers of the Ram, however, an impulsive and combative nature often makes matters worse for all involved. Look to a Gemini born for compatibility.
Taurus; The Bull 4.20-5.20Strong and determined Taurus also has a gentleness which conveys confidence and dependability. In the shadow of Venetian love the raging Bull demonstrates affection and reliability to family, friends and strangers alike. Home and security are of the utmost importance; even extended departures from their home base leave a lasting mark. They may find criticism hurtful but a Cancer born could soothe the pain.
Gemini; The Twins 5.21-6.21
Your curiosity may have you putting your nose into places it does not belong more often than you care to admit. Yet you’re often able to come out a winner due to the fleetness of Mercury and its generosity in providing you with a witty response. The Twins’ duplicity serves you well giving you options unavailable to others. An Aries could compliment your abilities and make life pawsome!
Cancer; The Crab 6.22-7.22Diana’s influence enhances your nurturing capacity whenever Luna reaches its full crest. The Crab’s defensive attributes often hide your true feelings from others and your persona may appear cold and uncaring to those who don’t know you well. Solitude suits you and the dependability of a Taurua could make life almost perfect.
Leo; The Lion 7.23-8.22The Lion’s roar is powerful and loudly expresses your generous nature. Loyalty, creativity and optimism may give way to deceitfulness, oppression and pessimsm if Sol fades from view for an extended period of time. Break out the treats and show others a good time to fend off the negatives that life throws our way. A Winged Messenger’s disciple could be a positive influence.
Virgo; The Virgin 8.23-9.22To make order out of chaos is the Virgin’s best attribute and she does it swiftly with Mercury by her side. But you must be careful and not become too critical of other’s efforts. Nothing in life is perfect so don’t be so picky. The adoration you seek may be forth coming from a Cancer.
Libra; The Scales 9.23-10.22The lovely Venus controls your heart making it difficult to balance trust with possessiveness. Your helpfulness is always appreciated and your diplomatic skills are excelled by no other, yet you doubt yourself all too frequently. The aggressiveness of an Aries may be beneficial in calming your indecisiveness.
Scorpio; The Scorpion 10.23-11.21Your determination to bring dynamic change into every pack member’s life may cause unrest. To motivate others is one thing but watch your tongue for the sting of sarcasm will gain you little respect if the fury of Mars is allowed to run amuck. Your resourcefulness can not be matched and with a Bull by your side financial success should be easily achieved.
Sagittarius; The Centaur 11.22-12.21Jupiter brings good fortune to the Centaur’s keen eye and straight shot so it’s understandable that your enthusiastic attitude and optimistic outlook can sometimes be annoying to your pack members. Outspoken honesty can be unnerving to those around you but you have the power to convince others of your causes and ideals if you’ll listen to a Gemini.
Capricorn; The Sea-Goat 12.22-1.19Saturn’s restrictive nature puts limits on the Sea-Goats determination forcing you to be less cautious than warranted. Still your responsible and practical ways serve you well in your devotion to others. Seek advice from a Cancer in order to maximize your ambitions.
Aquarius; The Water-Bearer 1.20-2.18
The Water-Bearer heeds advice well with its ability to be both objective and assertive while bringing balance into the lives of those who surround them. The most liberal and eccentric in our cosmic cycle, Aquarians are determined to hold onto their ideals and remain individuals no matter what the consequences. A Warrior Ram could add flames to this relationship.
Pisces; 
The Fish 2.19-3.20Sensitivity and compassion describe all Pisces who find their emotions run wild all too often. Sympathetic and humane their dream like attitude has no problem breaking down barriers to make life more comfortable to those they love and the less fortunate. The earthiness of a Bull may well bring balance into your life.
Please feel free to share my thoughts with others, however, reprinting for anything other than personal amusement should only be done with my consent. 
Paw Up! to all of my StarGazer Furends!!
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