Notes from the season

Congratulations, you’re almost to the peak of winter.

The Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year and the moment when the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky. It is the threshold between deep darkness and the slow, steady return of light. From this day forward, the daylight grows by small but noticeable increments, even if winter itself still has weeks to unfold.

Across cultures and centuries, the solstice has been honored as a turning point rather than an ending. It reminds us that rest is not stagnation, and darkness is not failure. This is the season of roots, seeds, and unseen work. Beneath frozen ground, life is quietly gathering strength, preparing for what comes next.

Astrologically, the Sun enters Capricorn at the solstice, shifting us toward themes of endurance, structure, responsibility, and long-term vision. When integrated properly, Capricorn teaches us that growth is built slowly, through commitment and care. This is a powerful time to reflect on what you are willing to tend over time, what foundations need strengthening, and what no longer feels aligned with the path ahead.

The light is coming back, gently and without urgency. Winter invites us to move at the same pace, honoring rest, listening inward, and trusting that clarity and momentum will return when the season turns again.

The sky unfolds

December 21st, Capricorn season begins - Don’t get too bogged down in the details this season, especially when it comes to your finances. Try to have compassion for yourself, and don’t fall into trying to escape things, either.

December 24th, Venus moves into Capricorn - Build a game plan about how you can better express yourself moving into the new year. Remember that it helps to have small, actionable steps; that way, you don’t lose motivation (because without these tiny wins, you’ll miss sight of the whole picture).

January 1st, Mercury shifts to Capricorn - Let today be a clear sign to let the past be the past, and to not dwell on it. Stop talking about past trials, struggles, and stressors. It’s time that you built something new, starting with the way you talk about your journey.

January 3rd, Full moon in Cancer - This lunation has a signature of overthinking how you fit in to everyone else’s life, and maybe even feeling like you need to “earn your keep”. Your self-worth might waver, but remember it’s only temporary.

👉 Remember, if you’re looking to go deeper with astrology, I have a free group chat on Instagram, where I give daily transit updates!

Plant wisdom

My favorite herbal ally for winter is an unexpected one. Usually, you see folks talking about warming herbs like ginger, cinnamon, or even cayenne. It’s for good reason too; many of us (me included) need extra support to ensure our vital life force receives the warmth it craves, as it’s often absent from our environment. However, time and time again, catnip comes to me during this time of year. Let me explain.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Mildly minty, soft, herbaceous; relaxes the body, eases tension, supports restful sleep, and promotes gentle digestion.

Catnip isn’t just for your feline friends, and I’m always excited to tell people that, honestly! I can always rely on this herb during times of busy travel, stagnant digestion, and when I’m feeling a little anxious. It’s the first herb that pops up in my mind when I think of anxious travelers (hi, hello, it’s me, the nervous traveler!) This is actually the exact reason it’s featured in my Yuletide tea blend, because its affinity for the nerves and our gut is so nourishing.

Supporting your inner landscape

Physical clutter can weigh on more than just your space.

It can quietly impact your emotional well-being, creating stress, distraction, and a sense of overwhelm.

When you take the time to declutter mindfully, you’re not just tidying a room; you’re giving your nervous system permission to relax. Moving objects with intention, noticing what we keep and release, and breathing through the process transforms it into a gentle act of self-care. It’s important not to rush the process and not compare yourself to anyone else, or anyone online.

There’s no one right or wrong way to decorate; minimalists, maximalists, and everyone in between deserve a space to feel themselves and feel comfortable.

My top tips for decluttering sustainably:

Pick an area of your house, and set a timer for 15 minutes every day. Clean until the timer goes off — and that’s it! I like picking an area that’s been on my list for a hot minute, and slowly chipping away at it.
We recently adopted the idea of having a “catch-all” space (ours is a second-hand brass tin, but you can choose a certain bowl, vase, or drawer) that houses items until we have the time to put them away.
I know it sounds so simple, but if laundry piles up in your house, try setting certain days that you do laundry, no matter what. That way, you get in the groove, and it’s something you can expect, not something that you have to rush and do because you’re out of socks.

Open invitations

This space is where I share occasional updates about classes, seasonal gatherings, readings, and offerings. These are offered as gentle invitations, never obligations. You are always welcome to step in when something resonates, and to pass when it does not.

My books for 1:1 virtual astrology readings are currently open. I specialize in year-ahead readings and natal chart explorations that help illuminate your natural rhythms, strengths, and life themes. I especially love offering readings during moments of transition, beginning new relationships, stepping into new work, or consciously releasing past versions of yourself. They’re the perfect gift for yourself to take a peek at the new year, too!

These sessions are designed to support moments of turning the page. Together, we look at what is unfolding, what is being asked of you, and how to move forward with clarity, intention, and trust as you begin a new chapter.

Writing Seasons of Self is one of my favorite parts of my week! It also takes me an embarrassing number of hours to put these together. If this newsletter has become a cozy ritual for you, here are a few easy ways to support this free space:

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Courtney, the voice behind Seasons of Self and the owner of The Cosmic Craft. I’ve been featured in printed publications & popular online platformslike Yahoo!, Bustle, and Pride. I’m an astroherbalist, educator, writer, and guide devoted to helping people navigate life’s changes with more steadiness and self-trust. Rooted in seasonal living, astrology, and plant wisdom, my work is shaped by a deep belief that growth happens in cycles, not straight lines. Through this newsletter, I share reflections, tools, and practices that support renewal and transformation, all while honoring accessibility, curiosity, and care. This is a space for slowing down, listening inward, and learning to live in rhythm with your own timing.

Honoring the Winter Solstice, as it teaches us the power of rest.