This winter solstice promises rebirth, and it'll be especially powerful for these 4 signs

'It’s all about new beginnings, magic, evolution, inventiveness and the sacredness of life'

woman outside in the sun in a wintery forest; meant to symbolize the winter solstice
(Image credit: Cavan Images/Getty Images)

The sky might be dreary and the weather cold, but the winter solstice is the warmth that will help you make it through some of the most frigid days of the season.

Now that our lengthy list of 2022 astrology events is winding down, we're gearing up to begin anew with a little help from the annual happening. 

"We can use the solstice to make a new plan going forward, and kind of transition us from one year to the next with a clear goal or long-term plan for what we want to accomplish," says astrologer Liz Simmons.

If you were planning on making a few resolutions and embracing new opportunities for the 12 months ahead, consider the winter solstice your sign to proceed! Allow us to give you the celestial scoop on everything you need to know for everything that's ahead.

headshot of astrologer liz simmons
Meet the expert: Liz Simmons

Liz Simmons is a freelance writer, astrologer and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. She views astrology and tarot as another tool in our arsenal to understand the cosmic interplay in our lives. Currently, Liz contributes astrological articles and horoscopes to StyleCaster, POPSUGAR and Astrology.com. She is also the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. Check out Liz’s Instagram @the__crone and her website, the-crone.com. 

Winter solstice 2022: everything astrologers want you to know

What is the winter solstice?

This is the shortest day of the year (with the fewest hours of sunlight) and the start of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. Once we reach the winter solstice, the days grow longer until the summer solstice swings around in June. Literally and figuratively, things will only get sunnier from here on out—and astrologers agree. 

When is the winter solstice?

Mark your calendars—great gifts astrology fans love, by the way—the winter solstice 2022 will take place on Wednesday, December 21 at roughly 4:47pm ET. (And don't forget to add a 2023 planner to your holiday wishlist so you can keep track of other astro happenings.) 

What can we expect from the winter solstice?

woman with a red umbrella in the snow

(Image credit: Andrew Bret Wallis/Getty Images)

New beginnings are underway, and though some may be hard to grapple with, they're all necessary for growth. 

"It’s all about new beginnings, magic, evolution, inventiveness and the sacredness of life," says astrologer Michelle Bell, founder of Cosmic Fusion says of the event. "This is the time to tap into the transformative energy of the solstice."

astrologer michelle bell headshot
Meet the expert: Michelle Bell

Michelle is an astrologer and the founder of Cosmic Fusion, an app that combines your Western zodiac sign + your Chinese element + your Chinese animal to uncover your unique personality.

What are the planets up to during the winter solstice?

As you might've guessed, the cosmos are running about in the solar system during the winter solstice, which can affect the energy we feel. 

"The planetary position is what can affect the winter solstice differently each year. This year the relationship between Saturn and Uranus is a focal point," Bell says. "Saturn is the planet of life lessons, responsibility and karma, which is in direct opposition to Uranus, the planet of creativity, originality and innovation. The struggle between authority and freedom will play a huge role in this solstice."

The winter solstice also marks the beginning of Capricorn season, a time in which we might feel a little more serious than usual. That's totally fine, don't forget to pat yourself on the back for all the success you've achieved throughout the year. 

"While Capricorn season is about hard work, control and determination, it’s also the time to celebrate your wins and reap the rewards of your diligent self-discipline," Bell adds.

Who will be most affected by the winter solstice?

As with any astrological happening, some members of the zodiac are more inclined to feel the event's vibes than others, which is the case with the winter solstice. 

"The zodiac signs related to the equinoxes and solstices are all Cardinal signs: Spring equinox (Aries), summer solstice (Cancer), autumn equinox (Libra) and winter solstice (Capricorn)," Bell says. "These four signs begin each season and therefore represent, initiative, change and rebirth."

Now that you're preparing for a transformation and all that's ahead in the new year, make sure to have a look at your 2023 horoscope and see which is the luckiest star sign in 2023 and the luckiest star sign in love in 2023

Happy winter solstice friends—bundle up and get ready for new beginnings. 

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 


When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.