During December the Sun transits
through Sagittarius and into Capricorn. Mercury enters Capricorn and turns retrograde
mid-month and Venus transits through 3 signs; Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Mars, the planet of actions remains in Sagittarius this month and at month’s
end the most beneficial planet turns direct! We will experience a new moon in Sagittarius
and a full moon in Cancer. Now, the details.
Mercury enters Capricorn December 1st
Mercury enters serious minded
Capricorn December 1st-February 5th, changing Mercurial energies
once again. While in Capricorn Mercury turns retrograde December 13th,
and will re-enter Sagittarius via its retrograde December 23-January 14th,
2024 and then re-enter Capricorn again on the same date, repeating the entire Capricorn
cycle once again after Mercury is direct.
Mercury in Capricorn will bring us
down to earth in terms of our thinking, speaking and all communication. While
Mercury is in Sagittarius our planning and communication is big, grand and
bold. While Mercury is in Capricorn we can expect to be operating from a place
of being goal-oriented and much more grounded.
While Mercury in Capricorn may not be
the most exciting of transits it can enable us to turn the ideas and plans we
have into practical reality (once it turns direct). There is a time to dream
big, and a time to be grounded and practical and now is the time to be a little
more conservative in our thinking and communications and see what benefits we
can actually reap as they may be more than you expect.
Capricorn rules business and leans
toward a goal of success through efficiency and hard work. With Mercury in this
sign our thoughts are clear and our communication is direct. Now is the time to
access your business and professional life and plan for the future. This
transit can help provide you focus on the practical nuts and bolts issues of
life and work. Results will matter most with Mercury placed in Capricorn.
As Capricorn is ruled by Saturn which
is serious in nature we must use care not to become too serious, tiresome or
authoritative while Mercury is in this sign. At worse we can come across as
pessimistic and have a difficult time with taking leaps of faith as Capricorn
wants concrete results which are not always possible to predict.
Mercury turns retrograde December 8th-January
2nd, 2024; the winter retrograde
Mercury turns stationary retrograde in
Capricorn December 13-15th, and then
begins its backward motion. While 'stationary
retrograde,' or even stationary direct, Mercury is at its most frustrating. This
is the point where glitches and changes often occur and it may even be hard to
think.
Retrograde
Mercury is the planet that causes delays, glitches, breakdowns in computers and
equipment, relationships, slowdowns and brings hidden factors to the surface.
It is however part of a natural cycle, and this period is meant to recess, redo
and reconsider plans and situations in our lives.
Plans can be put
on hold, miscommunication can occur, relationships can end or change, and cars,
computers and other machinery can break down at the most inopportune moment.
When planets
retrograde, their effects on humans are different than when in direct motion.
Thinking is deeper, situations often appear to go underground for a time, or
change altogether, and sometimes our focus shifts. Mercury retrograde is the
most talked about retrograde, because it is a fast moving planet that controls
our thinking, speech, travel, and cognitive skills.
When Mercury
retrogrades, I always tell people, ‘Mercury retrograde is a wild card.”
Sometimes, relationships can be fixed and problems brought out into the open if
it is worth saving. Sometimes the karma of a relationship will play out as
retrograde cycles are karmic in nature.
Expect delays, changes of plans and try and
not have situations set in stone. In other words, prepare to be
flexible. Mercury retrograde is often a frustrating time to be looking
for a job. Don’t give up though, just keep plugging on and stay on top of
all communication. And make sure you are direct and to the point in your
communication with others. If you don’t understand what someone is
telling you, by all means ask for clarification.
It is important
to understand this process is nothing to fear although it can be
maddening. No is the time to re-access
and re-do, not start or buy new things.
This is a natural cycle and more can be gained by going with the flow of
it, than by fighting it.
As Mercury is in
Capricorn we will be concerned with the basics: business, security, work, home
and family, money.
Don't:
-Get
married
-Buy
a new car
-Buy
expensive items or computers
-Paint
or re-decorate unless planned well in advance and there are no guarantees even
then
-Start
new businesses
-Sign
documents if it can be avoided
-Start
new ventures
DO
-reconnect
with those from the past
-Plan
and re-access
-reconsider
investments, job situations and moves, or anything else
-Clean
out closets or anything else
-reconsider
alternatives
Mercury re-enters Sagittarius
December 23rd, Mercury
re-enters the sign ruled by Jupiter where it will spend the rest of the
retrograde.
When Mercury enters Sagittarius again
on December 14th we will repeat the last part of the Mercury is
Sagittarius cycle that occurred November 26 -December 1. Does anything come to
mind about this time, or has something been left unfinished? If so, don’t be
surprised if the same things don’t re-occur as Mercury reenters Sagittarius.
Mercury turns direct
The planet of communication goes direct
January 2nd at 22 degrees of Sagittarius. Once again the stationary
direct phase is the most frustrating and things can change direction once
again. Even though Mercury is direct,
the cycle really isn’t yet over. The stationary direct phase will last from
January 2-January 5th, and is often a significant time. After the 5th,
Mercury slowly returns to normal, but is not out of its shadow period until
January 20th, when once again things return to normal.
Venus enters Scorpio
The planet of love, money and values
enters the sign Scorpio December 3rd and will remain in this sign
until December 29th.
We are leaving behind Venus in Libra which is
'lighter,' and more harmonious, and Libra generally seeks balance and harmony
whereas Scorpio is more intense, and can be considered heavier or even
obsessive in nature at times. Love is a serious matter to those with Venus in
Scorpio, as is money, and Venus rules both along with our values.
No
sign is better than another but a planet can be better placed where it operates
easily and more smoothly. Venus in Scorpio is considered ‘at its detriment,’ by
astrologers which means it doesn’t operate as easily as in does in other signs
and the energy can misbehave, so to speak, and so can we!
Venus in the signs is a matter of love styles.
If you were born with a Venus in Scorpio your approach to love will be far
different from a Venus in Libra or Cancer or any other sign for that matter.
Venus
in Scorpio can attract others with their intensity and a willingness to make
commitments. Feelings run deep, but at times they can display jealousy or a
desire to dominate others.
Venus
in Scorpio can become so intense that at worst some could feel obsessively
entangled with someone they may not even know that well. Since Scorpio is water
sign feelings and emotions can seem overpowering and this can be difficult for
some, especially for Fire and Air signs.
Scorpio
is known as the sexiest of the twelve signs and for Scorpio sex is at the top
of the list. Scorpio is complex and craves intimacy like air but they are not
always open in terms of what they should tell or express to their lover.
Scorpio is secretive in nature and can be looking for power over his/her lover
or to use sex to manipulate those feelings. Venus in Scorpio will bring
intensity and passion to the bedroom. Scorpio considers sex personal, erotic
and necessary to emotional survival. Once burned, Venus in Scorpio never
forgets, and can spend years dwelling on someone they feel hurt by.
On
the other hand Venus in this sign can be a magical and passionate time that you
never forget. Loyalty is important to Venus in Scorpio and it is typically
reciprocated. Scorpio can have a wonderful ability to heal and regenerate both
yourself and others.
Neptune turns direct
Neptune turns direct December 6th
after it’s nearly 6 month retrograde in the sign Pisces. Neptune retrogrades
every year and while its retrograde is not dramatic like retrograde Mercury, it
nevertheless can have a profound impact, especially if it is making an aspect
in your personal chart.
Neptune is the planet associated with
illusion, confusion and delusion, addictions, lies and deception,
self-deception, and the seamy side of life. It also rules religion,
spirituality, creativity, movies, the oceans, psychics and psychic abilities
and theatre to name only a few. Neptune is also associated with compassion and
can represent a desire to help others. It also represents what lies in our
subconscious mind, as well as the subconscious of the collective.
As this powerful
planet turns direct confusion may increase for the time, and events may be
revealed for what they really are, especially if Neptune is aspecting other
planets in your chart in a harsh angle. Neptunian events have a tendency to
appear as surprising, but in actuality the basis of what gets revealed was
there all along, just hidden in a fog of confusion and obscured from
recognition. Examples of this can
frequently show up relating to matters of the heart. For example, the person
you are interested in does not feel the same way, or is committed to someone
else, or involved with others all along and you are faced with the reality and
having to take off your rose colored glasses. We may feel the person we were
attracted to is our soul mate or a perfect partner which leads to
discouragement, depression and disenchantment. Often when Neptune retrogrades
we find out that our dreams were not based on reality and we can experience a
period of confusion.
Alternatively,
this could affect any aspect of your life depending on where transiting Neptune
is in your personal chart. Others may barely notice a change if Neptune is not
aspecting their personal charts.
If Neptune is
making a positive aspect in your chart you may feel that you have achieved some
type of dream or things may appear or seem ideal for a time.
Spiritual and
creative issues are internalized when Neptune is retrograde and we may do a
great deal of inner work during this time. When Neptune turns direct we can
realize the benefit of our inner work. It could also become easier to present
any type of artistic and creative ventures to the outside world.
As Neptune turns
direct matters concerning the disenfranchised in our society may come to light
and demand attention. The plight of the downtrodden will be taken more
seriously and more avenues to solving the problems could become available.
The New Moon in
Sagittarius
This month’s
New Moon falls at 20 degrees of Sagittarius and the lunar peak occurs on December
12th at 6:32PM, EST. Sagittarius is ruled by planet Jupiter and is
the natural ruler of the 9th house of travel, education, world view
and foreign places and people. Since the 9th house also rules courts we may expect to hear news of courts or laws at this time. Since Mercury turns retrograde on the same day,
events connected to the New moon may not play out immediately but at some point
before the Full Moon on December 27th.
As of
late the New and Full moons have been especially harsh and this one is no
exception. The Moon squares Neptune and opposes Mars.
Neptune’s
opposition to Mars can be indicative of anger, frustration and upset especially
among or toward women. Blow ups can occur along with emotional upsets and
conflicts. The best way to handle this energy is to focus on the positive, and
avoid situations and people that can contribute to these types of emotions.
Physical exercise can be helpful at this time, and at times a transit like this
signals busyness and activity.
The
Moon’s square to Neptune leans toward powerful dreams, intuitive experiences,
compassion and confusion. Neptune
transits tend to confuse the issue, obscure the facts and in some cases
represent gaslighting. All in all, this
is not a good few days to make any important decision. Moon-Neptune aspects
lean toward anxiety in individuals who are prone to this as well as drug and alcohol
issues if they are already present. This Moon however, is not powerful enough
to bring on issues like this that don’t already exist.
Moon-Neptune
aspects are often associated with water related weather conditions.
December’s Full Moon in
Cancer
This month’s
full moon falls at 5 degrees of Cancer on December 26th. Cancer
rules the 4th house of the chart associated with home and family.
This Moon gains planetary support through its trine to Saturn and sextile to
Jupiter, the planet of gain and expansion. As with every full moon it opposes
the Sun, which amps up emotions.
The
more significant aspect during this full moon is Mercury’s square to Neptune,
and Mercury is retrograde. This aspect is prone to tiredness, confusion,
misinformation and even lies. Since Mercury is retrograde new information may
be revealed at this time that was previously unknown but there is no guarantee that
it is accurate.
You
could experience vivid dreams or intuitive experiences. Question what you hear
at this time as this is a prime time for absorbing incorrect information. Be
careful driving as this aspect is accident prone since many people will find it
hard to focus with this aspect.
The Sun enters Capricorn;
Winter solstice December 21st at10:27PM, EST
The
winter solstice marks the first official day of winter, and the Sun enters
Capricorn, the first Cardinal sign of winter which is the shortest day of the
year.
Winter solstice is
seen as a significant time in many cultures and countries, and it marks the day
the Sun enters Capricorn and winter officially begins. The Sun will remain in
this sign until January 20th.
During this time we will focus on
important matters, perhaps a little (or a lot) more serious than when the Sun
was in Sagittarius, which we have now left behind for another year. Capricorn
energy is more down to earth, focused and committed to accomplishment. After
all, Capricorn is known as the workaholic of the zodiac for a good reason.
Capricorn people are usually, stable, responsible, business oriented and driven
to achieve. Cappy is the natural ruler of the 10th house of work and
business. We can save the ethereal energies for the Pisces season in about 2
months because now it is time to focus on what we want to create for ourselves!
There is a time and season for everything, and Capricorn likes reaching for and
attaining goals in a tangible sense.
Expect to find yourself more
concerned with practical matters and success in the material world we all live
in. Of course this does not mean Capricorn can’t have fun, but it is usually
more restrained and work often comes first.
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn which
represents both privation as well as great wealth. Saturn is restrictive in
nature, so unless your ruling planet is Saturn (Capricorn and Aquarius) you may
feel more reserved under a Saturn transit, or at least like reigning things in
somewhat. On the other hand, Capricorn represents extreme wealth and is the
sign that rules big business.
Under Capricorn transits we get
down to the basics that allow personal achievement to occur. Now is the time to
figure out what you really need, as opposed to what you want. What is the most important; taking off for a 2
week cruise or saving to buy that house you have been dreaming of? Chances are the
house will win out during the Capricorn season.
Capricorn is an Earth sign along
with Taurus and Virgo. These are the signs that are considered reliable, stable
and connected to the physical/material world and all it encompasses. Saturn/Capricorn
rules land, buildings, marshes, the earth, teeth and bone structures. It rules the knees, and Capricorn is known to
have trouble in this area. Capricorn also rules authority, work, and quality of
work and honors.
Capricorn isn’t just all about work
though; it is about dedication, success, knowledge and understanding of how
things can actually work, allowing us to get to where we really want to be.
Capricorn takes action which leads to concrete results so we may actually
manifest our dreams.
Famous Capricorns include Michelle Osama,
Diane Sawyer, Sissy Space, Denzel Washington, Seth Meyers, Lebrun James, and
Kate Middleton and Dolly Parton. These are people who reach for the stars and
get things done!
While Capricorn is about
dedication, mastery and achievement, there is also a sensual side as it is
tuned in to the Earth and the material world. Capricorn can be deeply attuned
to the body’s desires and mastery of those desires so Capricorn is not a
totally stodgy sign focused on all work and no play. Capricorn can enjoy life
like everyone else but part of their pleasure in life is connected to
achievement.
Celebrate the Capricorn season by
getting down to business and discovering just how you can actually accomplish
what you want in the material world. This is not limited to work or going to an
office building; maybe you want to climb Mt. Everest, do volunteer work or
explore another culture. Whatever the case the Capricorn season is a chance to
make your hopes and dreams come true irrespective of how wild they may seem. In
the end Capricorn is not really about work and toil, but mastery and success in
the tangible world, whatever your personal idea of success entails. Whatever
your dreams may be Capricorn can help you get there.
Venus enters Sagittarius
Venus enters Sagittarius December 29th
where it will remain until January 23rd, 2024
This energy will be far different from
the Scorpio energy we have become used to over the last number of weeks. While
Scorpio is deep, intense and sometimes brooding, Sagittarius is lighter, more
adventuresome, buoyant and geared toward new experiences, trying new things and
living life to the fullest. This will of course work great for Sagittarius who
may look and feel their best during this time. It will also work well for the
other Fire signs; Aries and Leo.
Venus in Sagittarius has been known to
gallop away quickly if things get too heavy or serious, especially if a new
relationship is involved. Typically, Sagittarius can be the most restless of signs
and cannot stand to be bored! Venus-Sagittarius does not like confrontations or
discord and sometimes likes to wear rose colored glasses.
Venus in Sagittarius is associated
with freedom and experimentation as well as jovial and upbeat times. Serious minded
lovers may find this hard to take or those who a looking for a commitment.
Emotional drama does not typically go
over well with Venus in this sign. Sagittarius is about expanding your outlook
and definition of what pleases you. You may find yourself in a more idealistic
mode over the next few weeks and expect your lover to keep up. This may singe
the wing of the more sensitive types as can the typical Sagittarius blunt
honesty.
During this transit of Venus you may
have to decide if you would rather be totally ‘honest’ in your most intimate
relationships and risk hurt feelings of others that may not be so easy to
repair in the future. Think about what you have to say before you say it as Sag
has a reputation of putting both feet in their mouth!
Venus-Sagittarius is far less focused
than Venus-Scorpio. Sagittarius love begins with friendship and may seem more
like a universal type of love. Romantic adventures, truth and higher meaning
are the qualities that will take priority during our time with Venus in
Sagittarius.
Jupiter turns direct
This year the planetary Gods have
saved the best for last since Jupiter turns direct on December 31st.
Jupiter is the planet of gain and expansion and is the most significant planet
associated with money and finance; the other benefic being Venus. It turns
direct at 5 degrees of Taurus.
Many things that have
been delayed will start to move forward again in the days to come. If you've
been planning a business, new project, or new anything it will be easier to get
started now.
But, as Mercury
is still retrograde until January 2, it is not yet time to move forward with
new plans.
While Jupiter is
retrograde we grow more in an inner way and when the 'great benefic' moves
forward the growth occurs in a more outward manner in the world. We can take
what we have learned and discovered now (or soon) and project it outward.
If Jupiter turns
direct on a personal planet in your chart this can be a positively significant
time, depending on what it is aspecting. Sometimes money can pick up as well,
or you can achieve something you want.
Jupiter or any
other planet that is stationary direct is very powerful so if this aspects a
planet in your chart at this degree, luck could be significant.
Jupiter will
remain in Taurus until May 25th, when it enters Gemini. This should be
a positive year for both Taurus and Gemini, barring some other negative
influences in the chart.
Other aspects of significance;
December 3rd,
Venus squares Pluto-This is a powerful aspect that can affect love, money and
personal or collective values. This aspect is powerful a few days before and
after it is exact. We should expect this to be a heavy news day and on an
individual level this can create chaos in relationships, money or anywhere else
this falls in the natal chart.
Love matters may
become obsessive or some relationships might end. Pluto has an obsessive
quality about it which can translate into jealousy or bring up deep seated emotions.
Pluto deals with sex and control so these may be issues that are front and
center. At times this can connect us with issues or others from the past.
December 9th,
Venus conjuncts Jupiter-You may not feel very ambitious today as this aspect is
better geared toward relaxation and social activity. Things may become blown
out of proportion and this can include your diet!
December 16th,
the Sun squares Neptune-With any Neptune transit new information can be
revealed. This is prone toward compassion, creativity, confusion and lack of
clarity.
December 20th, Venus
opposes Uranus-This will be a day with unexpected surprises and events. Don’t
cling to structure too much with this aspect as it will change something
unexpectedly. Typically, this can be an exciting time if you just roll with the
changes today.
December 27th, Mercury
conjuncts Mars-This aspect is prone to irritation and arguments. Too much
togetherness over the holidays-it happens. Otherwise this is accident prone so
use caution and know this will pass within 24 hours. The Sun will trine Jupiter
which is positive and upbeat, so go with this energy.
December 28th, Mars squares
Neptune-This is a tiring if not confusing transit. Gaslighting may be a common
theme at this time and Neptune always leans toward confusion. Neptune rules
water and gasses. Don’t be surprised to see news stories about same sex couples.
Happy holidays and best wishes to you
and yours!
Happy New Year, and may 2024 be the best!
