December: Historically & Spiritually

Where did the name December come?

The name derives from the Latin word ‘Decem’. In the Roman calendar, December, was the tenth month directly after March.

Traditionally, it was also known as ‘The Cold Moon’ to many of our Ancestors. To name just one group, according to Celtic beliefs, this was the time to keep ‘light’ alive in the present Darkness. Celtic peoples made sure to keep the fires burning especially for their disconnected or lost family members and friends.

The light from those fires had the power to lead them home, so to speak, in more ways than one.

December is the second month of what was once (and still is) known as Samhain. To those who believed in this then, and now . . .

For those who are Christian, this month was the birth of their Christ. For those of the Ancient world, this may have been the month that their god was born– or in some places–prepared for the great sleep of winter. (more below)

December is the time to….

This is a time to remember your past, learn by it, possibly cherish, acknowledge, accept responsibility or recognize . . .

And then set it free.

That’s right, let it go. By letting go, you can focus on what it is you wish to happen in the future to come. But the only way you can focus and visualize what you desire for the New Year, is by allowing the past to die, and by finding your closure.

Rebirth—something new can then be born–whether it is child, an idea, a new phase in life..the possibilities are endless.

In many cultures, it’s also a time to reconnect your relationship with the Mother Earth –9or whatever diety) and know your place in her/his/it’s cycle of life so that you can better receive your blessings and spiritual lifeline.

December is the time for Christmas, Winter Solstice, or Yule. Christmas is December 25th, and Yule or the Winter Solstice is on December 21st. Now to our Ancestors, this is the time that their sacrificial God, sometimes known as the Sun God, dies and is then reborn. There is a certain lesson in that—a cycle of life that is accepted. Everything (person, situation, phase of life) must die– but only to be reborn again. The old must be allowed to fade out so that the new can rise from it. Death is but a doorway to a new era.

Other miraculous things . . . .

When the first Full Moon comes, after Yule, that is considered the most powerful time of the entire year. It is on that day that the world once welcomed the rebirth of the Sun God–now the Child of the Sun–into the world. No matter the religion–then or now—the same thing still occurs. We see evidence that life begins again…as each year, each season, each passing phase does exactly that.

Many will light as many candles as they can on this day or night (depending on when they do their rituals or praise of respect) because the light is particularly important. Again…remembering the light in the darkness becomes something of great importance.

Once, long ago . . .

December 21 became a celebration in Ancient Egypt for the return of Osiris, but it is on December 25th, 3 days later that I find the most interesting. On that day, Ancient Egypt celebrated the birth of their beloved Horus…son of Osiris. While Christians will celebrate their Jesus, earlier civilizations have long since celebrated their own Sacrificial Gods and births. The similarities between Horus, Isis, and Osiris, and that of Mary and Jesus are just remarkable.

But that’s another article for another time.

There are dozens of similar Holidays for the Month of December represented by various Cultures and their deities. Too many, in fact, for me to list here.

No matter what your faith or lack of, make December a month of closure for yourself. Lay the past to rest and look towards January with new insights, goals, and excitement. After all, we each make our own lives.

Astrology …

This month belongs to the signs of Sagittarius & Capricorn.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) is governed Jupiter. Romes’ Jupiter is the God of all Gods. Known by many names–Sheppard of the Stars, Prince of Light, Optimus Maximus–and more. Since this month belongs to the Sun God and of light, I thought this interesting as many faiths, now a days, still give December to their own God.

Capricorn (December 20- January 20) What’s interesting about Capricorn is that most people don’t know it’s one of the things known for being the gate of Death. I find this suiting since Sagittarius represents a God of Light and this month represents a God dying and then being reborn. And remember, in Ancient times, death was not viewed as a negative thing, nor was it always associated with people leaving this world. Death was closure, putting the end to a situation or past . . . .are we seeing a pattern here?

Capricorn is the 10th sign of the Zodiac and was once represented by the God Ea—a Babylonian deity that was called the Antelope of the Sea. This is a time when the Sun enters into the 10th phase of its journey and becomes a time of fresh wisdom, new life, and new phases. According to Babylonian lore, Ea would rise up from the waters, embrace man and give him divine wisdom. What better way to embrace a new year —with new enlightenment.

Now the Planet Saturn rules over Capricorn and again, this suits the month we are in for as Capricorn is the last phase of this month, it brings with it…

Wisdom –what have we learned in our past.

Responsibility–remember what I said above about reflecting on ones past.

Determination–possibly what you are determined to see happen in the future or to do different

Since Saturn is also recognized as the Lord of Saturday, we also know him as the Lord of Time, and also as Kronos.

Time, being another key feature of this month because once this phase has past…once the old year dies…a new year is born…a new time begins.

And with all that being said, I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a truly blessed New Year. May you let go of anything holding you back, and embrace all the truly amazing things that lay ahead.

C.H. Scarlett