Your Horoscope for the Winter Solstice

If you've been feeling as dark and dreary as the weather, the winter solstice is here to remind you that your somber mood is temporary. On December 21, 2025, all of us living in the Northern Hemisphere will experience the winter solstice—the shortest day and the longest night of the year. From here on out, the days will slowly get longer and the nights will get shorter until they're exactly even on the spring equinox (March 20, 2026).

In astrology, the winter solstice heralds the start of both winter and Capricorn season, a time of restriction, structure, and challenges. Additionally, the day of the winter solstice itself brings themes of reflection and transformation. Some Wiccans and neo-pagans celebrate this day with a holiday called Yule, a festival of rebirth saying goodbye to the old and welcoming in the new.

No matter the spiritual traditions you follow, the winter solstice is a reminder that the darkest hour is just before dawn. While night is at its longest right now, it's about to get shorter. No matter your zodiac sign, this is the perfect time to reflect on everything you've gone through over the past 12 months and set intentions for the things you'd like to accomplish in the coming year.

To see how the Winter Solstice, happening on December 21, will impact your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs, keep reading below. Reading for your Rising sign, specifically, will be extra helpful.

Aries, it's time for a cosmic career-check in. Take a list of everything you've accomplished this year and make sure your bosses know. With the winter solstice occurring your 10th house of career and legacy, this is a great time to update your resume and think about your career goals for the upcoming year. Do you want to get a promotion, start working on a personal project, find a new position, or pursue further education? Write down what you want, and then start working on a plan to get it.

The stars are asking you to zoom out, Taurus. Think about the big picture of your life: Do you feel stuck and bored, stressed and overwhelmed, or are things right on track? With the winter solstice occurring in your 9th House of travel and philosophy, this is a good time to explore different perspectives on life. That could mean traveling internationally, or simply reading up on life paths that are different from your own.

The winter solstice is especially transformative for you, Gemini. With the Sun lighting up your 8th House of sex, death, and evolution, it's time to shed the old and welcome in the new. Think of everything you want to leave behind in 2025: bad memories, frenemies, situationships, ex-partners, stress, etc. Consider conducting a ritual symbolizing endings, such as writing these things down on a piece of paper and burning it. It's time to welcome some much-needed change.

Who has your back, Cancer? The winter solstice occurs in your 7th House of relationships and partnerships (referring to romantic partnerships as well as long-term commitments like close friendships or creative partnerships). This is time to reflect on your closest relationships, both the ones you have and the ones you'd like to develop in the coming year. If you're partnered, this is a good time to have a romantic date night with lots of candlelight. If you're single, this is a good time to refresh your dating app profile.

It's all about the details, Leo. The winter solstice occurs in your 6th House of routine, work, and wellness. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you so busy with holiday parties that your day-to-day responsibilities and chores are falling through the cracks? This is a reminder to look over your schedule and make sure that you're taking care of not only your responsibilities, but also yourself. This is the longest night of the year, so it's the perfect time to prioritize rest.

It's time to celebrate, Virgo. While some of the other zodiac signs are being called to do deep work reflecting on the past, the stars are asking you to just have fun. The winter solstice occurs in your 5th House of fun, romance, and creativity, reminding you to be thankful for all the good things in your life. This is a great time to throw a winter solstice/holiday party (or plan one for the upcoming weekend), have a cozy date night with your partner, or just rewatch your favorite cheesy holiday rom-com.

There's no place like home, Libra. No, the stars are not telling you to go see Wicked: For Good (though go ahead if you want to!). The winter solstice occurs in your 4th House of home, family, and your roots, asking you to lean all the way into your nostalgic feelings. If you're planning on seeing family for the holidays, now is a good time to check in with them. If you're not, this is a good time to look at old photos or call a family member or longtime friend. Think about some of your favorite things from childhood: your favorite movies, sweet treats, music, etc. and bring them back into your life in any way you can.

Express yourself, Scorpio. The winter solstice occurs in your 3rd House of communication and expression. If you've been struggling with miscommunication with a loved one, now is the time to sit down and talk things out. If there's someone you've been feeling distant from, go ahead and ask if they'd like to catch up. This is also a good time to process your feelings through a form of creative expression, like journaling, painting, or belting our your favorite song at karaoke. Your choice.

How's your budget, Sagittarius? The winter solstice occurs in your 2nd House of values and valuables, asking you to check in with yourself to see if you're overspending your cash and overextending your emotional energy. This is also a reminder to make sure that your actions (and where you put your $$$) reflect your beliefs and ideals. Maybe check out some sustainable clothing brands instead of dropping your latest paycheck on a fast-fashion haul?

It's all about you, Capricorn. The winter solstice occurs in your sign, just like it does every year, and kicks off Capricorn season. This is the perfect opportunity to throw yourself an early birthday party, use up the last of your PTO, or treat yourself to your favorite takeout and dessert. You're one of the most goal-oriented signs of the zodiac, so yes, you can go ahead and set some intentions for the upcoming year, too.

Trust your gut feelings, Aquarius. The winter solstice occurs in your 12th House of intuition and secrets. Try to let go of all your holiday stress and end-of-year worries. Take a relaxing bath, vent to a trusted friend, or do some deep breathing exercises. Then, take some time to listen to your deepest self through journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in peace and quiet and noticing what thoughts come to mind.

It's all about community, Pisces. The winter solstice occurs in your 11th House of social groups, friendships, and networking, reminding you that your relationships matter so much. Take time to celebrate your friendships, whether that means throwing a last-minute holiday party or simply sending your bestie a "this meme made me think of you" text.