December feels lighter and brighter than the past couple of months. Just in time for the winter holidays, the planets support our need to connect and celebrate.
We begin with the Sun, Mercury and Venus in Jupiter’s daytime home (Sagittarius), while Jupiter is strong and jolly in his nighttime home (Pisces). Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. According to NASA, “If Earth were the size of a nickel, Jupiter would be about as big as a basketball.” (Even so, it would take 1,000 Jupiters to match the size of our Sun!)
Ancient astrologers called Jupiter the Greater Benefic, and a strong Jupiter was correlated with qualities like growth, expansion, abundance, optimism, generosity, truth and righteousness. Enjoy Jupiter’s influence in early December, while he finishes his Pisces reign.
Reality checks
The mood turns more sober as Mercury (Dec 6) and Venus (Dec 9) move into Capricorn and the Full Moon (Dec 7) highlights Mars. Mars has been in Gemini since August, and stays until March. He plows backward in the part of your chart containing Gemini all month, and may interfere with your best-laid plans. You’re likely to get a clear look at what he has been digging up around Dec 7.
Pay attention, take notes, but don’t sweat it. We have many more weeks to deal with Martian concerns, and it will be easier to make progress when Mars turns direct in January.
Neptunian pleasures
The planets are relatively quiet for the next ten days, but you may notice the Sun’s square to Neptune on and around Dec 14. The potential negative effects of Sun-Neptune transits are that you may feel tired, listless, or have a strong desire to escape reality. Our physical bodies are more sensitive and susceptible to substances or infections. Addictive behaviors can rage.
You can embrace Neptune’s more positive expressions with movies, music or art. This week is a wonderful time to see a film. Go for a big epic fantasy or a sentimental favorite. Plan to attend a holiday concert or other artistic performance. Give space for your heart to swell with inspiration and devotion. Bathe yourself in love, light, and creative works.
Holiday exuberance
The biggest shifts happen during the final ten days of the month. On Dec 20, Jupiter re-enters Aries.
The following day (Dec 21), the Sun enters Capricorn, marking the formal beginning of Winter in the northern hemisphere. As both planets move into new signs, the Sun King and the Greater Benefic form a 90-degree angle (square) to each other, forcing us to pay attention.
Sun-Jupiter interactions usually bring out the best of Jupiter with warm feelings like joy, hope, goodwill and charitable giving. Life feels rich, and you want to share your blessings. Eat, drink and be merry.
As Oscar Wilde wrote, “Nothing succeeds like excess”. Do be on guard for the “extra” potential that can lead to over-imbibing, arrogance, self-righteousness and entitlement.
On to the New Year
On Dec 29, Mercury and Venus hug goodbye (a conjunction). They’ve been traveling together for weeks, but now Venus moves on to meet Pluto (Dec 31). Mercury stops and turns around, heading back toward the Sun.
Mercury will be retrograde in Capricorn until Jan 18.
Golden Hours
All times are CST.
Thurs, Dec 8 - Sun Dec 10
The Moon gets a nice little boost from Venus and Jupiter Thursday evening, and then she crosses from Gemini and into Cancer early Friday morning. Except for a harsh moment with Pluto on Sunday morning, there are good aspects all weekend. It’s a great time to connect with loved ones, decorate the house, or plan your holiday menus. A sensitive and nurturing atmosphere pervades. If you need to go out and do things, there will be an energetic pick-up on Sunday afternoon when the Moon shifts to Leo.
Thurs, Dec 15 - Fri, Dec 16
If you need to cross tasks off your list, Thursday afternoon to Friday morning looks productive. The last quarter Moon (in Virgo) wants to get it all done before lunchtime on Friday. Friday afternoon and evening are better for socializing, with the Moon now in early Libra. Have fun!
Wed, Dec 21 - Thurs, Dec 22
The Moon in Sagittarius is playing along with the Sun-Jupiter square. Meanwhile, Venus (relationships, pleasure, desire) is trine Uranus (surprises, eccentricities). This would be a fantastic time to try something new and unusual! You may like it more than you expect.
Sat, Dec 31
The Moon in Taurus is fond of sensual pleasures, and accented by Venus conjunct Pluto in Capricorn. Venus-Pluto aspects signify deep, intense passions. The primal urge to merge is hot, and it could definitely be a New Year's Eve to remember.
If you catch yourself stepping into more forceful emotions like possessiveness, jealousy, passive-aggression, or manipulation, take a step back. Take a break, take some deep breaths, and consider the consequences. You always have a choice.
Happy New Year!