Mercury, communicator king, finally went into direct motion in the wee hours of Monday the 20th. Can you say, "Praise the Gods/Goddess/Great Spirit?"

This particular Mercury retrograde was intensified by the incoming energies of the winter solstice, one of eight major pagan holidays known as Yule. When I say these are "pagan" holidays, don't conjure up images in your head of half-dressed "primitives" gathering around a fire, engaging in all manner of illicit and sordid activities. "Pagan" comes from the word "paganni," which means "of the countryside." So pagans have always been people who live in a manner that is more spiritually attuned with the energies of nature. It was the pagans who took note of the powerful energies of the solstice and equinox times and sought to understand how to best utilize this raw, spiritual force for good.

Now, it is true that, over time, some nefarious characters also sought to manipulate these energies and bend them towards shadowy purposes. And these traditions, unfortunately, are still active now. Black magic practitioners abound on the planet today. Many of them are people you run into in the grocery store, at the post office, or the dry cleaners, going about their business. Yes, dark forces are always trying to influence spiritually powerful people, amplifying chaotic energy in an attempt to get strong souls to surrender to the darkness.

So if someone is trying to engage in a lot of melodrama with you, it's best to step back and say, "Thanks, but no thanks. I leave you to your chaos." Many people end up serving the shadow without consciously realizing it. You always have the option of "just saying no" to those dense vibrations and situations of personal upheaval. None of that has to be part of your reality, unless you choose so. The trick is to realize that you HAVE a choice and to catch yourself before you're slipping too far into shadow actions and attitudes.

The energy of Yule and the winter solstice can be very intense. It is the darkest day of the year, and this is a period in which many of us are tested or challenged on a personal, professional, or spiritual level. These "tests" will be experienced in different ways, depending on what areas you need to strengthen within your own character.

So there will often be a "bid" for your energies around this time. If you feel emotions of intensity, anger, sorrow, or rage flood over you, realize that these feelings may not even originate with you at all! That may be the "ghouls" just trying to mess with you.

You can banish negative energy through love, laughter, and connecting with whatever aspect of Deity you personally honor. This is a great time to invoke the angels, your spiritual guides and helpers, and of course, whatever spiritual teacher you honor -- be it Jesus or Jehovah or Mohammed or Buddha. All of these wonderful masters are more accessible to us on the inner planes during the solstice time. The veil between dimensions grows thin at the equinox and solstice periods, and it's easier to connect with multi-dimensional beings. Just focus your attention on the ones based in love, those allies who are joyful, strong, and honorable, and you'll know that you are working with the right side of the "Force."

(By the way, no Darth Vaders are permitted here in the Mystic Zone. We have a long-standing anti-Sith policy.)

The actual energy of the winter solstice occurs at 7:42 am EST here in the US on Tuesday, the 21st. So if you're up at that time, you might want to take a moment to invoke your Higher Self and spiritual helpers and absorb some good cosmic vibes. But the energy of Yule will be with us throughout the week, so prayer of all kinds will continue to be powerful through the Christmas holiday.

As happens each year at the winter solstice, the sun moves into the disciplined, organized, and practical sign of Capricorn. The Mountain Goat is a very determined and forceful fellow. His energy will help all of us to meet our holiday obligations and make the necessary preparations for the New Year. Earth signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn will especially feel a nice dose of energy, and if your moon or rising sign is in an Earth sign, you'll be feeling darn good, too.

In the New Year, I'll be posting some cosmic trends for 2005 for each of the signs. Meanwhile, enjoy this Yule period and use its energies in a loving, joyful, and creative way.

Most of all - have fun!