as above, so below

(underlying cultural influence on the theme of Christmas and New Year)

winter solstice is considered the strongest of the four main power points of the year. 
The light returns…
masculine sun gains strength from this day till summer solstice (when sun begins to wane again.)

Now…
is when we might ritually let go in our bodies, minds, hearts and spirit of what we don’t want to carry into the new cycle of increase. 

Celebrate, release, renew!

To elaborate, here’s astrological notes by Patricia Liles:
Winter Solstice – Sun enters Capricorn 0º at 10:47 AM MST on Mon. December 21st.
This is an important solstice and a time to do something with community towards change. …
This is a time when something very important to you can become activated through the support of others and through something completely unexpected. Be open and available and flexible so you can take advantage of it. The activated energy of the month settles a bit during this time so that you can actually see how you have manifested the right order of things. Marvel at the magic and mystery and take some time to be grateful and to celebrate life and all that you have.??     Winter Solstice is considered the strongest of the four main power points of the year.  The masculine Sun gains strength from this day forth until Summer Solstice when the Sun begins to wane.  Now is when we ritually let go in our bodies, minds, hearts and spirit of what we don’t want to carry into the new cycle of increase.  A Winter Solstice chart is considered a template for the rest of the year in some aspects of astrology. ?        As the Sun enters Capricorn, a sign of order and dedication, earthy, practical and ambitious, Pluto is leading the Sun and Venus closely follows.  Venus, the feminine, is strongly aspected to Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron and also trined to Mars.  Relationships are highly emphasized – both the personal masculine/feminine expressions of relationship (Mars/Venus) and our relationship to our expanded collective, future-dreaming selves.  Strong, beneficial planetary energy shines on Venus now to be used in the area of social relationships, finances, beauty and resources.  There’s passion and juice available to put behind these endeavors thanks to Mars in Leo.  Slow-moving Pluto, very active now in the first few degrees of Capricorn says deeply heal and transform your identity (Sun) especially your relationship to the feminine.  Uranus is on the sidelines saying wake-up to your relationship imprinting now or I’ll do it for you – with a lightening bolt to the heart or head, whichever will loosen you up the most. ?    With Mercury in Capricorn on the North Node, point of growth, I’d say it’s time to eliminate in a disciplined manner that old mental imprinting you picked up in earlier decades (or centuries).  Use discrimination to work with thinking patterns.  If a thought comes up that is negative or self deprecating, acknowledge it and eliminate it.?      Saturn square Pluto is intent on making structural change in business, finance, and government and shifting cultural expression of control and authority, but personally you can use Mercury-North Node support to balance mental patterns that don’t serve what you desire to become in the pre and post 2012 years.  Be mindful of your mental habits.?        Amazing this incredible wave of change and the amount of planetary support being provided to us.  Just succinctly intend that your obstacles are easily dissolved and let the quantum field align itself and support you in your creations.  The Tao intends nothing less for you.