Here's What the Winter Solstice Means for You, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Winter Solstice.Photo:Getty Getty The winter solstice on Dec. 21 marks the official start of winter! According to astrologerKyle Thomas, the annual event is considered to be a “turning point” for the collective since the solstice also marks the shortest day of the year and “initiates the path to walk toward the longest day of the year: thesummer solstice.” Like the equinoxes — which mark the beginning of Spring andAutumn— the Solstices mark the beginning of theSummerand Winter seasons and also “signify how life on Earth changes in connection to the Sun and how our seasons shape our world,” per Thomas.

Here's What to Do If You Are Under a Fire Evacuation Order: Prep, Packing and More

Fire burns in the Palisades neighborhood of Southern California on Jan. 7.Photo:Mario Tama/Getty Mario Tama/Getty Multiple wildfiresare raging across parts of the Los Angeles area, and thousands of Southern Californians have been ordered to evacuate their homes.Since the fires began burning on Tuesday, Jan. 7, over 11,000 acres have been engulfed in flames between the Santa Monica and Malibu areas. More than 30,000 people have evacuated their homes in L.A. County, and two people are confirmed to have died during the blazes.

Here's What Venus in Libra Square Pluto in Capricorn Means for Your Zodiac Sign

What Venus in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn means for your zodiac sign. WhenVenus breezes through its sign of rulership, Libra, the love planet feels right at home while encouraging us to seek balance, justice and connection. This relationship-driven transit happens once every year, and you may come to find that it evokes a desire for romance, social interaction and all things aesthetically pleasing. There is a greater focus on mutual understanding and cooperation, too, making it easier to resolve conflicts and meet each other halfway.

Here's What Venus in Scorpio Trine Mars in Cancer Means for Your Zodiac Sign

What Venus in Scorpio trine Mars in Cancer means for your zodiac sign. Prepare for sparks to fly! AsVenus in Scorpioforms a seductive trine withMars in Canceron Oct. 8, the energy is lush for passion, emotional depth and vibrational bliss. When these two cosmic counterparts — often called the “lovers of the cosmos" — come together in a harmoniousWatertrine, emotions flow freely and passions run high, making it ideal for love, intimacy and connections that are equally profound and transformative.

Here's What Your Favorite Authors Are Thankful For This Season (Exclusive)

This time of year compels all of us to pause, reflect and focus on gratitude for the good things in our lives. OnThanksgivingand the days and weeks surrounding the holiday, many of us gather with loved ones to feast, enjoy each other’s company and kick off the winter holiday season.In honor of this time of giving thanks, PEOPLE asked a few of our favorite authors to look back on their year and ahead to another.