Vedic Winter Solstice – Sun Transit into Capricorn

From January 14th, the Sun begins its journey northward as it transits into the constellation of Capricorn, signaling the end of darkness and the return of ever increasing daylight through July 16th.In astrological terms, it is the Vedic Winter Solstice and in India it is referred to as “Pongal”. The transit is a powerful opportunity to change your old ways and rewrite the rules for the next year.

Your old ways might not have brought you the affluence or poignant happiness that you have been yearning for. The celebrations associated with this transit carry a strong vibration which can stir up your awareness and help you receive what you rightly deserve.

The morning of January 13th prior to the transit is the time to clean your homes and your mind. Run through your closets and throw out old items from the past that no longer has a place in your life. Spiritually this is the time to overhaul of your current self and getting ready for a higher self. This festival celebrates leaving behind the old way of doing things, be it relationship, money matters or health habits.

Jupiter’s Benefic Influences Makes for 6 Possible Great Sun Transits
The first day of the Vedic New Year, Thursday, January 14th, is the day when Sun enters the sign Capricorn. Winter comes to an end and there is a gradual onset of sunny days. It is interesting to know that even Indra, the king of heaven, rejoices during this time of abundance, fun, luxury and happiness.The Sun governs your health; both physical and mental, self-esteem, proper functioning of the heart and your vision. On the Winter Solstice the Sun moves into Capricorn forming an auspicious “yoga” or configuration with Jupiter. The Sun remains in one sign for 30 days. Fortunately, the Sun and Jupiter will be continuing to form auspicious yogas even though the Sun will transit into the next zodiac signs. These good luck times continue when the Sun is in Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and Gemini which ends on July 16th. Accelerating the benefic effects of the Sun using remedies can augment your good luck time, like sailing with the wind at your back.

To mark this occasion and to welcome the Sun into Capricorn we are travelling to Suryanar Koil, the famed Sun temple of India. Suryanar Koil is situated near Kumbakonan in Southern India. The Sun holds the central shrine and is surrounded by each of the 9 Planets. The mythology behind this temple will help one to understand it’s power.

Mythology of Suryanar koil
In mythological times the planets were quick to deliver the full force of negative effects from the karma of an individual. Lord Shiva saw their lack of compassion for humanity and the self-centeredness of the planets. As punishment he cursed all the 9 Planets to become lepers and beggars. After going through innumerable sufferings each of the 9 planets learned their lesson. On the energy vortex that is now Suryanar Koil, they all assembled and vowed to Lord Shiva to be more compassionate. They further promised that they would only ever Bless any person or creature who comes to worship them at Suryanar Koil. They would never deliver negative happenings to the person who comes here.Read more on Bhogi Pongal