December Highlights
We start off the month of December under the solar energy of the Sun in Sagittarius, the 9th sign of the zodiac and the only Mutable Fire sign, until December 21st. Sagittarius brings optimism, generosity and expansion into our lives, often through education or travel. It is concerned with freedom and truth and will go above and beyond in the pursuit of both. Therein lies the potential for downfall, because Sag’s fiery drive can create instances of excessive optimism or overindulgence. Once they see the bigger picture, and depending on the planetary placement and alignment in the birth chart, these natives can set a course for the adventurous pursuit of their goals. Sagittarians also want to pull others up and help them find the Light at the end of the tunnel, often sharing a story or a joke at their own expense, to bring laughter or joy to difficult situations. They can be prophetic, philosophical and very trusting. Think Peter Pan and the children sprinkled with fairy dust, saying “I do believe, I do believe” and you’ll have an idea of a Sagittarian’s eternal belief in the power of positive thinking.
The New Moon Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius culminates at 12° 22’ Sagittarius on December 4th at 2:43am EST. Please see my post about that on my Blog page.
On December 6th, the initiator known as Mars, wants to jump into action and make a difference in the world. Mars isn’t only a scout or entrepreneur, he also acts as a protector or defender, kind of like a personal super-hero with lots of energy! An exact alignment with Pluto today, makes for an opportunity to be assertive and get something done, especially with projects that need a redo. The only caveat here is to be considerate of others and what they need or desire. Mars is getting help in that department from harmonious alignments with both charming Venus and compassionate Neptune, but a square to giant Jupiter can cause individuals to go to excess in getting what they want. This is where self-restraint and consideration can make a big difference in achieving one’s goals.
On December 13th, both Mercury and Mars changed signs, with Mars leaving Scorpio, one of the signs he rules, and moving into Sagittarius until January 24, 2022 when he enters Capricorn, the sign of his exaltation. Mercury leaves Sagittarius on the 13th also, entering Capricorn for a brief 3 weeks, before it moves into Aquarius on January 3rd, goes Retrograde on the 14th… etc… more on Mercury Rx later. The important thing about active Mars in Sagittarius for the rest of 2021, is that energy is ramped up for sports, travel. education, politics and religion.
People can get very excited when they’re passionate about something and this position can either help you reach a goal or see you going too far and burning down some bridges. Positive attributes here are drive and enthusiasm, while negative qualities are becoming fanatical and/or overly zealous, with little to no regard for the well-being of others. I would advise staying away from sharing opinions with overtly self-appointed authority figures if at all possible.
The archetypal energy of Venus relates to beauty, comfort, pleasure and finances. Hers is an attracting quality that learns what it likes through the senses and then values what is of worth to the self. Venus stations retrograde at 26 degrees of Capricorn on Dec.19th, at first slowly moving back in degrees, until she gets into a rhythm of spending between 3, then 2 days in each degree back to 11°s of Capricorn, slowing down there for two weeks to station direct at the end of January and move forward on the 29th. Venus stays in Capricorn until March 6th when she finally enters Aquarius.
What I'm trying to point out here is just how long financial and personal relationship matters may be on hold this winter! Whatever needs your attention is very obvious to you by now. If you decide to give a particular relationship the attention it deserves or needs, much could be accomplished. If on the other hand, the other party in the pairing, decides they aren't willing or able to meet you there, your efforts could be frustratingly hampered. Pay attention to your intuition and recognize the signs of when to pull back or when to proceed with caution. Not all relationships can be resurrected, nor should they be. You'll know what is worth it to you by how you feel when working on these issues. In the meantime, slow down, be true to yourself, try not to squander your resources or affections.
We are experiencing a big shift in Solar energy, from outgoing Sagittarian Fire to more focused and responsible Capricorn Earth. The Winter Solstice on December 21st is when the Suns ends it's yearly travels through the expansive 9th sign of the zodiac and starts building solid foundations in the businesslike 10th sign, Capricorn. It is the time of year when we get down to business, go into work mode, and set up a plan for how we want the year ahead to unfold. While the light starts to creep back in slowly and days begin to lengthen in the Northern Hemisphere, it will take months before experience a renewal of growth. So we tend to pull in to our homes and workspaces, becoming more pragmatic with our time and resources.
Some people take time out to regroup and get away from the daily grind of the previous months. What they are doing is re-charging their batteries and awaiting the return of Aries energy in the Spring. It's important to remember that Capricorn is a physical vibration and has to do with structures that need care and refurbishing. That can be anything from homes, bridges and workplaces to the body. Don't neglect your health... make doctors and dentists appointments to maintain or restore equilibrium in the body.