Winter Solstice and Saturnalia - Astrologic Answers Every year the Sun makes two turning points called "solstices." Solstice is derived from the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "stice" (turning). The Sun is at the peak of its power at Summer Solstice as it enters the sign of Cancer, and provides the most hours of sunlight. The Sun is at its weakest at Winter Solstice as it enters the sign of Capricorn, and gives the fewest hours of light.