by Jaime Castle
The Wheel of the Year turns – Happy Holidays! Happy Winter Solstice! Happy New Year!
Fun fact: In high school, I used to write the horoscope section of the school paper. I can’t remember from where I drew inspiration to create it, it was just a thing that I had fun with. When I was an eighth grader, my mom bought me a tarot deck of cards from Borders Bookstore in the Tri-County part of town. I loved the cards with their beautiful, gilded fronts. It was The Medieval Scapini Tarot set – I still have them. I adore divination! Whether you think it is just for fun or a true glimpse into magick – I have decided for this month’s Heirloom, I am going to revisit my horoscope writing skills and my copyright 1985 tarot deck and give you all a peak into the new year. For extra fun, I am going to use the Celtic animal zodiac.
A Celtic Astrology Wheel:
(For larger versions of the image, see the end of this column.)
Stag (December 24 – January 20)
This will be a year of conquest and destruction – think hard on what it is that you would like to destroy this year. What needs to go and how can you be proactive about making that happen? There are times to be creative and times to be coexistent or quiet – not this year! Go out and smash! You have the ability and the strength and now is the time! Be fearless!
Cat (January 21- February 17)
Adventure awaits you this year! You have been working hard, you have rested, now it is time to have fun. Think about who you want to have fun with and what you want to do and then make it happen. Put away any excuses and prioritize doing things that make you remember that you are alive. The world is so full of joy and wonder – go find it!
Snake (February 18 – March 17)
This year you need to stay alert and awake. It is easier to ignore unpleasantries and to not think about things that do not seemingly directly affect you. The thing is though, you are affected by the actions of others and the heaviness of the world. Decide how you will get involved and help – know your bandwidth and find balance. You will navigate this heavy year with grace and peace of mind by being prepared and by staying connected.
Fox (March 18 – April 14)
Your role this year is to be a beacon of wisdom and sound judgment. Others will come to you for guidance, and you know how to help. There is no time for Imposter Syndrome. You have the answers. Be that person that you wish that you had when you really needed advice or reassurance. Keep seeking wisdom as well this year. Read or take a class – keep learning!
Bull (April 15 – May 12)
This is the year for you to turn inwards. It is a time to retreat into yourself with the purpose of furthering finding yourself. You have natural skills that you have yet to realize. It is never too late to discover new, wonderful gifts that you possess. Much joy in life, however, is not being super great at something. There is great joy in just trying new things out. Seek out trying new things. Whether your passion is in the arts or writing or a hobby or a new club – This is a year of discovery for you!
Seahorse (May 13 – June 9)
Recently you’ve been letting life happen to you instead of being an active participant in the direction of your own life. Daydreams and fantasies are fun but have become a distraction. Complacency is comfortable enough, but It’s time to get serious and step out of your comfort zone. It is not in your nature to take on a risk, but according to your daydreams, you do want more. Make a plan and take the first steps to making your dream come true. You’re the captain of your ship!
Wren (June 10 – July 7)
This year you need to relax and take the backseat for once. It’s time to let others take over and lead as you play the supporting role. Remember to breathe and to smell the flowers and really take the time to slow things down. Try meditation and find that inner voice in you. Listen to what it is telling you. Discover the things and the people around you that you hadn’t been paying enough attention to. Make sure to pay attention to yourself as well. It’s a mental wellness year for you – make it restorative and transformative.
Horse (July 8 – August 4)
It’s time to focus on being physically healthy. This year focus on healthy habits and kick away anything that is not good for you. You can do hard things. The rewards that you will gain will be life-altering and positive in every way. It’s time to imagine your best self and research what you need to get there. Start out small but make those new habits and build and get strong. The alternative is to fall apart and to let go and that is not an option because you are too important to not fight for. You have a lot of adventure ahead of you and to be able to enjoy it all to the fullest, you need to be ready.
Fish (August 5 – September 1)
This coming year for you is one that will be emersed in the divine masculine side of yourself. Capable, confident, strong, bright, reason, guardian, protector – these are all attributes that you will foster. Lean on your intelligence but be wise enough to seek counsel too. Do not be a tyrant or cold to those that look to you but lead or guide with an assured hand and loving heart. Everyone has a divine masculine side to them; seek out what that means for you.
Swan (September 2 – September 29)
It has been a long road, and you seem worse for wear. That old adage “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” you’d like to kick in the teeth because you’d rather not have had your strength tested at all. But here you are. 2024 is your year though. You actually did come out stronger and you’ve learned a lot of things that will start to finally pay off. Your life which has felt to be in a state of limbo will finally find clarity and prosperity. Take it in slowly though so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Butterfly (September 30 – October 27)
When foundations are set in sand, they are bound to crumble. This year you will question an old way of thinking as you let go of something familiar and thus comfortable for what you will realize as a stunning truth. Change can be scary but look at it with the mindset of adventure. Things do not feel like you are in control. We can control how we react and how we adapt. Look for silver linings in this change. You are going to be ok.
Wolf (October 28 – November 24)
Oh wow my dear wolf, this is going to be a really great year for you! Absolutely everything that you touch will be successful – so now is the time to go for it! Friendships will especially shine this year and you will find much joy and love if you put yourself out there. You will find great joy in daily existence if you open yourself up to see and feel it. Do not be afraid to be happy. Things might seem like they are burning up around you, and many things will, but it is ok to relish on your happiness without guilt or shame. You deserve happiness!
Hawk (November 25 – December 23)
This year you will get what you sow. Hard work will pay off. Laziness, withdraw, and despair will get you nothing. It is important to know that you have control over your destiny and future right now. You can only be responsible for your own actions and feelings, however. Understand that boundaries and the consequences for crossing them only speak to your part of the deal. Take your life by the reins, you have a lot to gain. Know that it’s more fulfilling to share what you have with others in the end though.
AI Images made by Jaime Castle using hotpot.ai and canva.com.
(For an even larger version of image, click here, then click again on the resulting image.)