As we shift into winter, we look to nature to guide us and our bodies through this seasonal change. As bright flowers fade away, what stands strong are the evergreen trees that hold resilience through the colder months of the year. Plants like the piñon and juniper trees inspire us to hold steadfast, deepen our roots, and shed what no longer serves us in this moment.

We’re bringing back artist and ecological astrologer Alison Dale to guide us with a Sagittarius season reading below:

Sagittarius season spans from November 21 to December 21, when Capricorn rings in the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. Sagittarius, the sign of the centaur archer, is a sign of being born anew after facing our fears and shadows during Scorpio’s reign. Sag points their arrow toward the horizon, gallops toward the sunset to find it, and discovers great adventure–and deep wisdom–along the way.

Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius embodies the expansive, joyful, truth-seeking planet as they move from the depths of personal home and ancestry to learn from the greater world beyond. A mutable fire sign, Sagittarius reminds us of the controlled burns used by Indigenous peoples to further enrich the soil. Fire is also needed to open the pods and release the seeds of some plants, like sequoias and Jack pines, in the early winter season.

The Sagittarian archer is symbolic of circulating knowledge and ideas throughout the world, and likewise, one tree that thrives in the cold climate of Sag season is Juniper–a tree whose oil is traditionally used to stimulate circulation and is beneficial for counteracting cellulite, muscle aches, and joint inflammation.

Juniper can easily inhabit even the driest, coldest environments and poorest quality soils and thrive where others fail, so is a great symbol for Sagittarius season, a sign that reminds us of the optimism, curiosity, and resilience that can help us get through a long winter ahead. Capricorn season begins on the winter solstice, known as Yule in the wheel of the year. At this celebration of light in the darkness, the pine and juniper families are on proud display.

As we embrace the expansive energy of Sagittarius season, let us draw inspiration from its adventurous spirit and the resilience of nature’s evergreen allies. Just as the juniper thrives against all odds, may we too nurture curiosity, share wisdom, and find joy in the journey toward light. Here’s to seeking new horizons, staying grounded in our roots, and moving forward with optimism as winter's embrace draws near.

P.S. Don't forget to tune into Alison's Cycles of Time podcast for more cosmic insights to guide you through each season.