THE CAPRICORN INGRESS, WINTER SOLSTICE

By Ray Merriman

[In honor of International Astrology Day, ANS is pleased to reprint this excerpt from noted financial astrologer Ray Merriman’s “Forecast 2025.” Astrologers use the charts for the seasonal changes to interpret upcoming conditions and challenges in the quarter ahead. Written in September 2024, before the US general election, and first published in November, this introduction to the Winter Solstice period provides a remarkably accurate appraisal of the energies we were about to encounter in the first quarter of 2025, before the fact. It stands as a startling example of the advance insights astrology can provide.]

The winter solstice for Washington, D.C., occurs on December 21, 2024, at 4:22 AM.

The Sun (leader of the nation) is in the second house of finances and the national treasury. It is a favorable trine aspect to the midheaven, suggesting the White House will place a focus on business, the economy, and people’s finances.

The Ascendant is Scorpio, which is also a sign that highlights the nation’s finances. However, this time, it only concerns debt, whereas the second house pertains to credit, assets, and savings. The two are in conflict, suggesting that the nation is accruing healthy revenues (people are paying plenty of taxes this season) but probably also accruing unhealthy levels of debt, both individually and nationally.

The two rulers of Scorpio (Mars and Pluto) are also in conflict, as they are in opposition to one another with Mars retrograde. On the one hand, there is a strong urge to reform and make sweeping and vast changes in the government, especially concerning its finances. On the other hand, another prong of the government’s attention is the urge to completely sweep out dissenters or those who challenge the government’s authority as “enlightened leaders.” Scorpio rising with Mars retrograde and in opposition to its co-ruler Pluto, can be a revenge-minded cleaning initiative. Will the intense drive to reform the government and the perceived “deep state” or other perceived “enemies of the state” be conducted with fairness and compassion? Or will it be ruthless, coercive, and violent? In either event, many people directly or indirectly connected to the government may find their roles terminated. This is an aspect of “the bully.” And since it is in the 9^th house of foreign nations, there may be a foreign nation that is labeled as a “bully” or labels the U.S. as a “bully,” and this results in threats of conflict, even war. The possibility of an organized assassination attempt cannot be ruled out here, perhaps sponsored by a foreign entity.

With Mars, the ruling planet in Leo in the 9^th house of foreign nations and immigrants, there may also begin efforts of mass deportations or a massive reform of border controls. Additionally, this effort may gather momentum if there are any cases of violence involving the presence of illegal immigrants in the country. This is not a time for illegal immigrants to be highly visible and in violation of the nation’s laws, especially if violence is involved. Mars/Pluto contacts alone can indicate a heightened state of danger, potential violence, and assassination attempts. In the ninth house, it can be associated with borders, immigration issues, and universities (places of learning) where violent protests may erupt.

Another important signature that stands out is Uranus, on the cusp of the seventh house (descendant). This house represents the nation’s allies and partners. It may also pertain to concepts of marriage (or separations) that attract the public attention. In the first case, America may find new alliances are possible. But it could also mean old alliances are separating – departing – from the U.S. Events arise quite suddenly and unexpectedly in this arena. If the U.S. wishes to maintain these relationships, it will have to be prepared for new demands. Or, the U.S. is the one making new demands, especially in money matters, and must be prepared for other nations to rebel against these demands.

The year does not appear to begin very smoothly or evenly. There are a number of unexpected surprises, as suggested by Uranus on an angle in Taurus, a money sign. But there is also the matter of Mercury (communications) rising and in its detriment sign of Sagittarius. Furthermore, it is part of a mutable grand square involving the Moon in Virgo (which is weak), Jupiter in Gemini (also in its detriment and hence weak), and Saturn in Pisces. With Saturn involved in a hard multiple aspect formation, tensions can run high. This is an aspect of potential frustration. These frustrations might have to do with laws, demands, or resistance from others that cause delays. Leaders want to get things moving, but criticisms and demands may hamper them to prove the merits of the changes desired.

Since Mercury is the rising planet and in its detriment, it is important for leaders to understand the importance of accurate and sober communications. In Sagittarius, Mercury has a tendency to see the broader picture and thus be optimistic, even exaggerative. But in square to both the Moon in Virgo and Saturn in Pisces, the devil may be in the details, which, for Mercury in Sagittarius, seems overly petty and obstructive. Thus, there is a sense that big things are underway, and there is also a sense of frustration in negotiating with those who are perceived to be obstructive or minimalistic in their macro views.

Title Cover Image Credit: Image by Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay