Hello and happy holidays!
Are you facing a crossroads with uncertain, possibly bewildering, choices? Join the club! Many of us want to choose a path and start walking, but the conditions are unclear. It’s like trying to build a house on muddy ground. Start with what you know.
- What is your current situation?
- What has worked well?
- What are you grateful for?
It’s time to conserve your resources and think methodically. It’s not time to make a risky move, although impatience may tempt you. This month’s astrological patterns offer two big themes for insight: a surge of Sagittarius energy swayed by Neptune and a back-tracking Mercury.
As Mercury, the Sun, Mars, and Venus gallop through Sagittarius, situations get hotter, faster, and louder. It’s an impulsive, outward-directed influence, and folks tend to get carried away. Stories spread like wildfire. One glass of wine turns into four. Details are exaggerated, and moods are amplified. This can be fun, but, as these planets move through the latter degrees of Sagittarius, they form a 90-degree angle (square) with the Master of Illusions, Neptune. Meanwhile, the slow outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune & Pluto) are creeping along and barely move in December.
Week 1ish (Dec 1-9)
Mercury leaves Sagittarius and moves into Capricorn on December 1 (but he returns in two weeks.) Mercury in Capricorn wants to strategize and plan for material success. Do end-of-year review and contemplate long-term plans, but keep things flexible. Your circumstances and priorities may look different in January.
Venus is busy December 2-6, as she squares Pluto, enters Scorpio and trines Saturn. You might recall that Mercury, the Sun and Mars maneuvered this pothole in October. Venus in Scorpio is a downturn for Venusian topics. Relationship momentum that seemed promising can fall apart, whether interpersonal or between nations. Disappointment leads to re-evaluation.
One of the gifts of Venus in Scorpio, though, is an ability to find pleasure and beauty with unconventional choices. Use your heart and inner truth to judge things, and set societal standards aside. The only person you’re genuinely accountable to is the one you see in the mirror.
Both Mercury and Venus have aspects with Jupiter later in the week. This is often helpful materially and emotionally, but Jupiter can also just amplify things. Good looks better, and bad looks worse.
Nebulous Neptune
Nebulous Neptune is standing still this week (turning from retrograde to direct motion) and that brings a fog of uncertainty. It's easy to make errors due to miscommunication or wrong assumptions, and you may feel confused. I wrote two proverbs in my planner; maybe they will help you.
- All that glitters is not Gold.
- Trust, but verify.
Neptune isn’t all bad! Neptune is great for creative inspiration, daydreaming, getting lost in fantasy, romance, delightful escapism, spiritually-focused activities, and compassionate service. When experiencing a Neptune transit, go to a concert, watch a movie, play a game, or envision your future! Neptune can offer intense beauty and connection.
But it is rarely helpful for material matters and daily routines. Neptune dissolves boundaries, and that can be physical and emotional. You may notice more sensitivity, vulnerability, and susceptibility. Astrologers often associate it with a higher risk of illness and injury. Medications and mind-altering substances can bring stronger-than-usual reactions.
Week 2 (Dec 10-16)
December 9-12 may boost moods and encourage indulgence, with the Venus-Jupiter opposition and the Moon moving from Scorpio to Sagittarius on Monday.
Dec 12-13 is a turning point, with a New Moon at 21 degrees of Sagittarius (square to our friend Neptune) and the beginning of Mercury Retrograde. If New Moon rituals appeal to you, focus on your hopes and dreams for the future and pay homage to your ancestors. It gives me a “looking back and dreaming forward” vibe, with creative and spiritual growth potential.
Week 3 (Dec 17-23)
It’s more of the same until Thursday night, then several interesting celestial events occur. Venus opposes Uranus. The Sun enters Capricorn and crosses paths with Mercury (a cazimi!) just before Mercury slips back into Sagittarius. The Moon acts as a highlighter and connector, passing over Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus, and tying it all together like a ribbon on a package! A fertile, productive minor grand trine forms between planets in Earth and Water signs (see drawing below.)
It’s hard to predict things when Uranus is involved, but I expect something exciting, inspiring, and enjoyable. I think it will be materially and emotionally enriching. Maybe it’s a sudden new interest or a breakthrough in a relationship. It might be the broad release of a brilliant artistic creation, like a song or movie.
Week 4 (Dec 24-31)
Mercury is back in Sagittarius, heading for a collision with Mars and getting muddled by Neptune. Jupiter and Chiron are stationary this week, infusing their influence into the Full Moon at 5 degrees Cancer on December 26.
I have mixed thoughts about this lunation. On one hand, it is a refresh and restart. Jupiter and Chiron moving direct is good news, putting us in position for progress in the new year. Jupiter and Saturn support this lunation cycle.
But Cancer Moons can bring BIG feelings, and this week may be overwhelming. I am a bit concerned about travel from December 26 to 28. Mercury-Mars-Neptune (MMN) aspects often bring storms and transportation issues, and this influence may linger through the weekend.
New Year’s Eve and Day blend grounding, practical aspects (grand trine in Earth) with potential MMN messiness. Mercury and Saturn are joined to important fixed stars (Rasalhague and Fomalhaut) with a Neptunian-like influence, helpful for spiritual life and difficult for mundane reality. Health and safety precautions are wise. Your body won’t be pleased with overindulgence. Small, intimate gatherings might be the best way to bring in the new year.
Golden Hours
All times are CST.
Dec 16, morning hours
Mercury is retrograde, but there is a Moon in Aquarius with aspects from Jupiter and Venus. Review holiday plans and complete any last-minute tasks. You’ll probably find what you’re looking for, but stick to the list and the budget.
Dec 21, 9 pm to Dec 24, 12 am
I wrote about this weekend as part of week 3. It’s suitable for social interactions, cultural events, or creative endeavors. Take advantage of invitations or inspirations that come out of the blue.