by Laura Banks

Winter Solstice comes around December 21 or 22 each year in these parts (the Northern Hemisphere). Astrologically that's the same time the Sun leaves the warm and outrageous philosophical sign of Sagittarius and moves into Capricorn. And just like hard-working Capricorn, winter starts to get downright brutal right before Christmas. Things get bitterly cold and cracked, including your lips (especially if you forget your chapstick). The contrast of the happy-go-lucky sign of Sagittarius to somewhat crusty Capricorn really epitomizes the energies of a Winter Solstice.

Putting aside the more obvious observations about the Sun's movement from sign to sign, let's take a more scientific look at this winter event -- the thing called a solstice. It's the shortest day of the year and the longest night. Wow. Paris Hilton would be happy -- as would any other hard rocker who can't stand the light of day. Winter Solstice appeals to those who like to stay up all night and sleep all day. The desire to party hard in some kind of Pagan festival with the lights turned down seems to be of global appeal, too. Look at all the shindigs that happen around the solstice; Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's, Pongal and of course Christmas. It's as if less light means more time to get wild and crazy, shop until you drop and drink out of the family punch bowl until you accidentally sit on Aunt Agnes.

But what about this Festival of Lights thing-a-ma-jiggy? All kidding aside, we must remember now to celebrate the Winter Solstice by letting our creative minds run free, like a late night comic, a traveling circus or a midnight writer. Explore the depths of your creative spark, your very own festival of lights in the dead of winter's early snow. Remember, it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. That candle is you, your passion, your message. Start writing that book you always wanted to pen. (You can't get out of your driveway anyway ... with all that snow in the way and your snow blower in the repair shop.) Make up rituals to celebrate this short day's journey into the longest night, and know from this day forward, the days start to get longer, so we are on our way back. So celebrate the darkness while you can, because it will be light before you know it. Then we'll all have to go back to our day jobs.

About the Author
Laura Banks is "Star Gal, the Cosmic Comic". She says, "It's everyone's destiny to laugh." Having been born a second generation astrologer, she wears bangs to conceal that third eye in the middle of her forehead. All kidding aside, you can visit www.StarGalRadio.com for information on private natal and transit readings, medical Astrology and vitamin supplementation. E-mail LauraBanks@StarGalRadio.com.