The winter solstice, or Capricorn Ingress, was at 4:29 PM GMT, or 11:29 AM EST on December 21, 2017.
The Sun, at 00:00 Capricorn was in conjunction with Saturn, at 00:11 Capricorn.
In the chart for the US, made for Washington DC, this conjunction was in the MC along with Venus at 25:33 Sagittarius. In simple terms, this sets a serious tone especially for the Presidency. Saturn is in his strongest place in Capricorn. Capricorn in Saturn's house of life, as opposed to Aquarius, Saturn's house of death. New developments in how the management of the country are just beginning to happen now.
Saturn rules the common people, the workers, as opposed to Jupiter who rules the upper class. Jupiter is the ruler of the cusp of the MC, 21:24 Sagittarius. Jupiter is in the 8th house which may benefit the country by changes in the tax laws. This marks a gradual process in which the working class will gain power. Saturn discards nonessentials to allow for new growth. In January, 2020, Saturn will come to conjunction transiting Pluto in Capricorn, timing a reorganization of international business, further discarding nonessentials.
Venus (conjunct the Saturn/Sun conjunction) is the ruler of the 8th house, making a mutual reception aspect with Jupiter, and putting Jupiter in the 9th house for a second reading. This position of Jupiter will bring improvements in foreign trade and commerce. Also Jupiter is sextile Pluto in the 11th house showing relations with international organizations, not necessarily political, being made to the benefit of the country. There is also research work that will ultimately be of benefit to the country being shown.
One must not overlook, however, that Saturn and Venus (ruling the 8th) with the Sun, can bring about serious difficulties and misfortunes, possibly disgrace, to those in Government, and in positions of Authority.
Mars, ruler of the 2nd house, is in the 8th, square the Moon, ruler of the 5th house, in the 11th house. There may be some extreme turbulence in the markets. Mars, however, is sextile the Sun and Saturn, and trine Neptune. Neptune rules the 1st house and is rising at 11:42 Pisces. This gives a period of gains by following hunches, also it signals a period of artistic or inspirational expression. This is a good period for artists.
Mercury was in direct station at the time, at 13:10 Sagittarius in the 9th house and square Neptune, ruler of the ASC, rising at 11:42 Pisces showing lies and confusion affecting the people. The people are confused.
In the chart for the UK the Sun and Saturn are in the 6th house showing the people suffering as Saturn rules the 8th house. The whole of Britain is moving away. Brexit is on everyone's mind. All the planets, but Uranus and Neptune, are on the west side of the chart, mainly between the 6th, 7th, and 8th houses. The Jupiter sextile Pluto aspect is noteworthy here. Pluto is in the 7th house. Ties and alliances are being re-thought out now. Nonetheless, there is a great deal of internal trouble and poverty, as shown by Mars in the 5th square Moon in the 8th, and Saturn ruling the 7th in the 6th showing the country in deep and serious distress at this time.
Raphael is available for personal astrological readings. For information, go to www.raphaelsimons.com
