December has a New Moon Solar Eclipse at 13 degrees Sagittarius on December 4 at 7.43 am and a Full Moon at 28° Gemini on December 19 at 4.35am.
December comes with many endings and new beginnings. These are not only to do with the annual seasonal themes but several important cycles come to a conclusion and set us up for the year ahead. After the very intense and rapid succession of difficult dynamics through November, the December astrology has a gentler feel but it is still a time of powerful undercurrents and significant transformations.
The New Moon on December 4 brings the last eclipse in the Gemini Sagittarius polarity, which has been with us over the previous eighteen months. It will be about nine years to the next time this duo are the eclipse partners. This means that we move from fluctuating belief systems and information based patterns to the Taurus Scorpio polarity, which offers practical values and emotional authenticity as a theme.
A Solar eclipse takes a long time to complete its energy pattern and is often seen in events on the world stage in the following months. It frequently heralds a change or decline in power or authority as a new one takes its place. The Sun and Moon in Sagittarius connect to Mercury. We may see a system failure from the effect of overreach in the coming months. Information overload could become a problem along the lines of the folk tale ‘cry wolf’ scenario. Some of the best plans and schemes can topple due to over-optimism or failing to take care of some very fundamental details. Too much focus on the long view and not enough attention to ground level practicalities over the last couple of years can mean the path ahead has to be reconsidered.
The month starts with Neptune, the planet of the metaphysical realms, going forwards after being in retrograde phase since late June. This brings us the ability to perceive that what is being presented as reality or fact, is also lies or illusion. After months where personal clarity was lacking and confusion was normal the attention goes towards the outer world and it’s as if the fog or mist clears and we see through the mass deception or collusion that has formed our reality. It may take until late March for many things to become really apparent but meanwhile, we can feel more compassion or empathy for others and grasp a sense of greater meaning from current events.
Mid-month Venus, the planet of sharing and relationship, joins with powerful Pluto, which can bring uncomfortable truth to the surface when social and material values are put under the microscope. Mars the feisty action-orientated planet moves into Sagittarius to join the South Node, which can act as a trigger for the recent eclipse events to unfold. On the same day, December 13, Mercury moves into Capricorn, which can mean negotiations have long-reaching effects and conversations have consequences. Although these dynamics are not cataclysmic and may even go unnoticed, these are powerful undercurrents that will add to the unfolding of events in the New Year.
The Full Moon in Gemini on December 19 is not an eclipse and makes a lovely connection to Jupiter. This gives us a much-needed boost for the last weeks of the month. It’s certainly an easy, optimistic and sociable Moon compared to the last few we had to manage. It coincides with Venus starting a retrograde phase, which will last until late January and keeps the ‘love’ planet in Capricorn until early March. This puts the focus on our material and social requirements. Things of lasting value will have appeal, as this planet retraces its passage through Capricorn. It is not a romantic or frivolous trend we are entering over the festive season. The positive side to this theme is that we can really evaluate what is worth sharing, giving or getting. Hold back from making new investments or commitments and stick with the familiar or tried and tested, the connections and arrangements that have served you well over many months or years.
The final harsh aspect of Saturn and Uranus is on December 24, which finally allows us to turn a corner in 2021. The year ends with a strong and positive move, as Jupiter moves into Pisces for the start of 2022 and many months of this most beneficial planet in its spiritual home sign.
See the January edition for the 2022 yearly overview or contact me directly for your personal year ahead forecast.
Aries: You may find yourself called on by neighbours for help or asked to get involved with community ventures or projects this month. The impulse for new experiences is very strong but avoid hasty commitments. You could feel restless if you don’t find activities that stimulate your mind. Seek out alternative options or try something different. More opportunities are becoming available so build on these during the next few weeks. Try to keep both feet on the ground around mid-month, as heightened emotions may run away with you. It’s a great time for planning or rearranging the way you look at things.
Taurus: December finds you concerned with your material and financial security. It’s time to consider if you are making the best of your natural skills and abilities. Once potential talents are recognised you will aim higher and you’ll want to expand your horizons very soon. The Eclipse on December 4 is a good time to re-evaluate what it is that you pursue, follow or find meaningful. It may turn out that you’ve changed since you last acted so instinctively. If what you seek now is simply following old habits, it may prove extremely dissatisfying in a very short time.
Gemini: Your need for unique self-expression and communicating your personal vitality is a priority. Relationships are meant to be a two-way flow but now you want to take the lead. Your current mood doesn’t favour sharing and you may find a flood of emotional intensity directed at you during the next few weeks. How you respond could largely shape the direction of an important relationship. If you achieve a new closeness or connection now, remember that it’s hard to keep a high level of intensity going all month but the message underneath is sincere and of real value.
Cancer: You can be very productive this month by just quietly working away behind the scenes. Reconnecting with your inner world is important for your sense of equilibrium. Valuable insights and breakthroughs are possible. Enjoy the quiet ‘alone time’ whilst you can, as the demands of your outer world will encroach again very soon. It can be easy to get worried about health matters or everyday responsibilities especially during the New Moon phase this month. Moderation is the key. Make sure you’re not expecting too much of yourself. You don’t want to fall flat after the Full Moon just because you took on more than you can handle in early December
Leo: Your position within your social circle is highlighted this month. What you have to offer is appreciated and you can reap rewards from your past contributions. The phrase ‘what you put in is what you get out’ is the key. Allow time to connect with others and you’ll meet the right people. The astral weather is perfect for creativity and you’ll find that your imagination flows faster and easier than usual from December 4 to mid-month. In fact, anything you do for enjoyment will seem extra special right now. Break out the inner child, drop your self-consciousness and just have fun.
Virgo: Getting recognition for doing your best takes on extra significance this month. Self-acknowledgement is required but now you need approval from those you respect. It may seem like constant hard work recently but this eclipse in early December will bring a much-needed chance to relax with loved ones. If things around the home aren’t quite to your liking you will want to assert your right to peace and harmony. It’s a good time to start new home-related projects as a way to focus this extra energy constructively.
Libra: Travel, higher learning, study and spiritual matters are on your mind during the early days of December. You’ve had enough of the ‘every day’ in life and you want the freedom to explore or invite new experiences into your life. Be prepared to open your mind to new ideas and lifestyles. You’ll likely find your attention and energy go into taking care of details and side issues later in the month. Whatever happens, it will be nothing but action by mid-month with plenty of options. Don’t be too impulsive but just be sure you get your ideas out there in some form whatever it takes.
Scorpio: Your attention is on the patterns that create life’s ups and downs this month. You may find your focus is fully on the negative cycles at the expense of the positive. Pause to consider what is truly worth keeping and what you can dispense with. Re-design what doesn’t flow well in your life and prepare for a more constructive phase after the Full Moon. Take time to consider how you’re shaping up financially. This month may not be as productive as you hoped but don’t worry yourself into a frenzy about things that only time can remedy.
Sagittarius:With the Sun in your sign take the opportunity to smooth over any relationship issues. You know how much you have to give. You’ll experience more freedom when the “give and take” slips back into a healthy balance. Interesting and stimulating people may come into your life around this eclipse so find time for intimate encounters or shared experiences. It’s a time of personal beginnings. If you find yourself in the spotlight, accept that others are waiting to see what you’re going to do next. This may be challenging, but it’s the boost you need right now. Just enjoy the generosity of others.
Capricorn: During the next weeks, you’ll focus your attention on the practical demands of life. Feeling pressured to do better can create some stress but any self-improvement effort pays rewards. If you invest in yourself now you’ll have full confidence to step up to demands later in the month. Regardless of how extrovert or sociable, you might usually feel, the Eclipse and New Moon phase is time to withdraw and spend some time alone. Take a few days to rest and recuperate, mentally, emotionally and physically, as you revitalise your spirit. You will benefit over the following weeks from the extra stamina and focus.
Aquarius: Your creative powers are at a peak. If you don’t take yourself too seriously life will be more enjoyable. You can be surprised at what you come up with by just playing around with ideas or projects. Your romantic feelings are more intense now so try to wear your heart on your sleeve without worrying about the outcome. It can be worth risking upset to get at what you really feel and share it with those that matter the most later this month. You instinctively relate to your friends and very much want them to accept you as you are.
Pisces: Home and family matters occupy your life during the next two weeks. Concentrate your energy on the things that give you a sense of security and wellbeing. Sticking with familiar surroundings and intimate company gives the freedom to nurture what’s really important to you. Expect a phase of new developments in career matters and a welcome reward with a sense of fulfillment to emerge by mid-month. The pressure to produce can be a bit intense but take time to plan ahead before you take on any new commitments. It is important to listen and wait and soon you’ll know when to act.
