We begin December with the last of the retrograde energy to deal with. If this year seemed stalled to you, that because it was. At one point we had 6 planets in backward motion. That is a lot of self-reflection for anyone. But before we can launch into a new year, old friend Mercury is having us take one last look at 2018 by re-entering Scorpio on December 1 for the last 7 days of the cycle before turning direct on December 6. Mercury will be retrograde in Scorpio, a sign that has already seen a lot of action this year with the Venus retrograde here. It seems then, as though the universe would like us to spend some time contemplating issues connected to fear, sexuality, intimacy, and deep bonding. Think back to the summer, what changes has circumstances and/or yourself gone through. Mercury direct re-enters Sagittarius on December 12 and once again we are covering ground where we have wandered before but this time we’re likely to feel clearer about our destination.
Venus also re-enters Scorpio on the 2nd, but now Venus us in direct motion. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them. Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is “all or nothing” energy and relationships tend to be somewhat of a roller-coaster ride for the next 6 weeks.
The New Moon in visionary Sagittarius on December 7 asks us to look to the future and begin new adventures however the squares to Mars and Neptune could be like a mirage on the horizon. We need to be certain that we’re not chasing rainbows before we set out. Mars perfects the conjunction to Neptune on the same day encouraging us to have imagination when it comes to our goals but also to let our intuition guide our actions.
The Sun enters Capricorn on December 21, the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. We are motivated by feelings of responsibility, ambition, and respect for law and order. Capricorn derives much satisfaction in completion and accomplishment. Standards, structures, and an appreciation for order are Capricorn themes. Working towards a long-term goal is most satisfying with this influence. There's a serious tone about this time of year because it's when we look for new hope in a time of darkness. Capricorn is an Earth sign ruled by karmic planet Saturn, so when the Sun moves into this sign, we'll all spend a little time contemplating the karmic lessons from the past year.
A Full Moon in Cancer on December 22 emphasizes areas in your life that need nurturing, tender loving care, and emotional tending. As we begin to prepare for Spring, structuring our goals, crafting the year ahead and handling the administrative duties that the Capricorn Sun brings, the Cancer moon reminds you to nurture all that is growing in your life. As we go about organizing our outer life, this Moon reminds us to look to our inner emotional needs.
On Christmas Eve, Mercury squares Neptune and your thinking and communications have a dreamy quality and are very unclear. This may cause considerable confusion. You tend to ignore important details and have difficulty knowing what the motivations of others are. On Christmas itself, the Moon trines Jupiter and you experience a powerful sense of well-being. This transit tends to bring favorable events into your life.
We end the month and the year with Mars entering Aries on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Mars is where Aries is most comfortable since Mars is Aries ruling planet. With Mars moving into the fiery Aries sign, we will all be in a better position to work on the areas of our life that need energy, drive, enthusiasm and passion. Mars in Aries is enterprising, gets things accomplished, a leader, but caution against becoming pushy, impulsive or quick-tempered.