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altarofstars.substack.comBeloved Ones, hello + blessed solstice. I am writing to you after a stunning Solstice morning, preparing my ritual for Rauhnächt and spending time in visioning space with the Ancestors. I feel their proximity closer than ever before, the long night ahead full of memory + celebration.
Yesterday, on the Anniversary of my paternal grandmother’s death, we had a traditional Irish Funeral to lay my maternal grandmother’s body to rest. Usually I associate this time of year with Capricorn’s grandfatherly presence, but somehow, I feel my grandmothers are making their mark on this threshold as an opening of sorts. I cannot deny their presence amidst the proximity of the Ancestral Realm, and the ways they have carved their name into the tree of Life + Death as One.
My experience of Winter Solstice is changing. As mother night spreads her wingspan to its fullest extent, the embrace of darkness seems like a homecoming. I feel quite moved by this moment, as if the doors between the worlds have been cast wide open, and the presence of so many beloveds in spirit are able to come pouring in. What a gift. Working with the Ancestors truly changes the experience of Death in such deep, profound, and mysterious ways. May you feel that eternal presence as a soul friend.
This week, the Spirit of Capricorn is certainly here to meet us at the entrance of the Solstice. Mars makes determined movements through Capricorn, as the Sun + Moon cross that threshold together with Venus soon to follow. It is certtainly a vibe shift, but perhaps a welcome one at that. I always find Capricorn’s steadfast spirit to be so refreshing, a careful guide for our footsteps as we enter Winter’s visioning cave.
If you have been here for previous years of the Altar of Stars Capricorn Szn readings, you’ve likely heard me use my favorite phrase that my ancestors shared with me many cycles ago; ‘what does it take to build a world?’ — this is what Capricorn wants us to sit with. And yet, counter to what our hyper-materialist Capitalist society might say, the tangible action in response to this question is only half (if not less than) the true work of worldbuilding.
As the bringer of Winter, Capricorn initiates us into Deep Time; legacies that extend across generations + lifetimes. To truly build a world, we must be so deeply in touch with this expansive vision, that we can hear the guidance of our Ancestors speaking through the fire. The work of Capricorn, in my opinion, is True Listening. It is an attunement to the cycles of creation that requires our receptivity; only from there can our actions be informed, resolved + determinant. To lean back into the support of the Elder Powers that truly know how to build a world, we must learn how to really listen.
And so, I feel this particular end-of-year threshold is equal parts receptivity + intentional, decisive action. The listening comes first ~ the choices follow.
Enjoy, my friends! See you next week for our New Year / Full Moon! <3
2026 Year Ahead Readings: Personalized Divination + Forecast!
As mentioned, if you’re interested in a 2026 year ahead reading (and are willing to wait to receive it until a week or so into January), I can make space for a few more! Reach out to me at thealtar.healing@gmail.com with interest!
