The Winter Solstice & Your Vital Force
The Winter Solstice arrives this December 21, 4:20 am ET. This event brings the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. What wisdom can we glean from medical astrology concerning this magnificent cosmic event?
Externally, sunlight appears at its lowest ebb. Although dark outside, the light is internally returning, but why? Because Winter Solstice simultaneously heralds the start of Sol’s upward climb towards “his” brightest day of Summer Solstice!
Sol represents our Vital Force, our great life battery. As winter comes, the Vital Force descends inward—away from the surface and into our bones. Are we not unlike winter trees, whose sap migrates to their roots to survive the cold? Though dormant above ground, a tree’s underground roots are busily preparing for spring.
Capricorn is the name of a season governing the Winter Solstice plus thirty days hence. Medical astrology informs us that Capricorn’s ruler Saturn governs the bones. At The Academy for Astrological Medicine, we teach that Capricorn also “rules” the knees, strongly influences both the skin and the gall bladder, and predisposes towards sluggish liver, dry stomach, low estrogen, and uterine issues.
Medical Astrology also teaches us to maintain our Vital Force in good order by harmonizing ourselves with the seasonal currents. Traditionally, this season is the perfect time to feed your bones!
My Favorite Bone-Nourishing Herbs
The staff herbalists at Anima Mundi have been perfecting their signature house tea blends for many years, and they’ve only recently made them available online. These mineral-rich herbs have traditionally been used to support overall wellness with a variety of nutrients. In particular, Oat Straw supports relaxation and provides silica, which nourishes bones and tissues.
Nourishing, nourishing, and nourishing are the first three things to come to my mind when I think about Urtica dioica, commonly known as Nettle. One of the greatest plant-based sources of vitamin K you can find, it’s also packed with amino acids, protein, flavonoids, and bone-building and strengthening minerals. Among these are iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
What’s most fascinating about Nettle is its versatility: Mix it with nutritional yeast and popcorn, or enjoy in a simple, nutrient-dense tea infusion. Either way, your bones will thank you!
Equally, Capricorn’s season is a great time to rest or gently cleanse the liver, thin the bile, and moisten the skin, stomach and uterus. This is because, astrologically speaking, both Jupiter (ruler of the liver and fats), and the Moon (stomach and womb ruler) are compromised now by a somewhat slowed, cold, and dryer function. To counteract this trend during the winter months, we select herbs that are moistening, relaxing, warming, and stimulating to these organs, as well as supportive to bone integrity.
The Vital Force sinks to the roots at Winter Solstice, suggesting that a root-rich diet is most compatible, strengthening, and tonifying at this time. The Winter Solstice assists us in quietly resting and nourishing our internal qi supply and stamina. Organic Maca Root serves this purpose well because it quietly rebuilds our inner stamina! And Marshmallow Root is so useful to counteract the season’s drying, hardening tendency of the skin and mucus membrane throughout.
Season’s Choice Formulae
As a medical astrologer, I know that there are many herbs that are compatible with this season. However, my “Season’s Choice” formulae is…
Here’s why: This formulation is perfect for addressing “Capricorn Syndrome” as discussed in my recent book ‘The Twelve Zodiac Sign Syndromes of Medical Astrology.’ This plant-based moon milk combines stomach-warming herbs, gently heating plus stimulating spices, stress-reducing adaptogenic herbs, Vital Force-tonifying herbs, plus relaxing herbs in a delicious formulation that’s ideal for Winter Solstice.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to assess the cosmic currents and their influences on the body, I invite you to join me for The Monthly Medical Astrology Forecast Hour. I created a special discount code for you, our Anima family: Enter ANIMA15 at checkout for 15% off your subscription. I can’t wait to meet you!
*Disclaimer: All astrological information is to be considered “hypothethical,” and does not therefore constitute medical opinion, fact, or directive. Please consult your physician if you are experiencing health concerns. Herbs should not be used without your physician’s consent.
