After November, a month of stressful volatility and frustrating tensions, December will have a more gentle feel. It is certainly a busy month with lots of planet activity but this is mostly between more co-operative planets than in previous weeks. We can still expect shifts and changes to challenge us but these are largely a continuation of what has already been set in motion. The current retrograde season for all planets will end by mid-January with both Neptune and Jupiter moving forwards once more before 2024 begins. This allows the closing month of 2023 to be a time of reflection and reconsideration, as we slow down to tie up loose ends and find time to relax and set the outer world aside for a while. The planet action of December puts the focus back on our personal lives and what matters to us as individuals and family groups. This month it’s time to sort out what is important closer to home.
Mercury takes a prime position for most of the month, as it moves into Capricorn on December 1.
It also makes a positive connection with Saturn on December 2 and again on December 21. This gives some weight to our words and turns our minds to practical matters. We can be very productive this month, as projects, ideas and plans for the longer term are given extra energy. It can be a time of seriousness and focus, as Capricorn prefers to be mature or responsible and is cautious about new or untried options. Traditional values are favoured as we start the month. Mercury makes connections to all the personal planets this month: Venus, Mars Jupiter and Saturn, prompting us to make new connections in all areas of our life. Our romantic life, business and social all get to be enhanced. Our thinking and ideas can be developed in new directions and we may just start to ‘join the dots’ in revealing ways.
The final Mercury retrograde of 2023 gets underway on December 13 through to January 2. Let’s look back over our plans and paperwork before the new year. The retrograde can slow things down and also mean we have to redo or rework transactions, ideas or proposals. Be prepared for plans to change over the holiday period. Mercury will slip back into Sagittarius on December 23 and this sign is notorious for over-subscribing, expecting too much or overdoing things. Keep the arrangements simple, be flexible with alternative options and keep a sense of humour to avoid getting stressed. Use this time wisely for taking time out to reflect and reconsider what you want in life and how you might achieve this when the energy supports ‘fast-forward’ in the New Year.
Mercury in Capricorn will also set the scene for the coming months, as it gives its energy to the Solstice on December 22 when it joins with the Sun at this auspicious time. This theme will play out until the Equinox in mid-March. We can expect to have a more practical focus. This is the time to work on longer-term ideas and plans. It is a good time to consider how you use your power and energy and how to put this into being resourceful. On a global or mundane level, there may be some restrictions or limitations put on communication. This could be through censuring or some actual block on movement or trade around the world. Mercury is the planet of commerce and exchange in business and finances as well as ideas and thoughts.
A big shift can happen now as Neptune turns from its retrograde on December 6 after almost six months. Look to where Pisces is in your birth chart to see where this energy will released for you personally. It may be subtle but it can be powerful. This planet represents the non-physical aspects of our experience. It can create confusion and illusion, as it breaks the rules of our material world. Things are rarely what they seem with Neptune in the mix. For several months the focus has been on personal reactions and responses. Hopes and wishes have been reviewed whilst our spiritual or intuitive connection has been elusive or questionable at times. Now we can begin again to sort out the reality from the fantasy. Neptune allows us to imagine and create. We can use our creative ability to manifest the reality we prefer but we have to imagine it first. This planet helps us to tune in to a world where our physical limitations do not exist. We can use this ‘dream’ world as a template or inspiration for daily living. Neptune travels through a sign approximately every 13 years and has been in Pisces, the most dreamy, creative and otherworldly sign, since 2011. We can use these final months to complete our spiritual awakening before it moves on to the individualistic sign Aries in 2025. The last decade has shown us the shadow side of Neptune. The delusion and the mirage. Political deception and media distraction have worked like a mass hypnosis. It’s time to become alert to our sleepy state and activate the potential of our own mind. As Neptune gains ground once more in the coming months we can utilise the power of mass consensus in a positive way. This is achieved by keeping an unwavering focus on love and compassion as a driving force. We will get more opportunities to practise this in the coming year.
The month, and the year, end with a big burst of positive energy when Jupiter leaves its retrograde in Taurus on December 31. This is a sign that loves the good things in life and Jupiter does this to the extreme. Enjoy the sensual pleasures, the comforts and the delights of home and family. This combination puts the focus on simple and natural things. This is when Jupiter can really express its bountiful energy. An appreciation of the simple things will carry you forward into 2024 with optimism and joy. The cycles of life are relentless, formidable and yet ultimately, dependable.
December has a New Moon in 21 degrees Sagittarius on the 12th at 11.32pm and a Full Moon in 5 degrees Cancer on the 27th at 00.33 am
Aries: Travel, study or spiritual matters have been taking your attention. Not content with anything ‘hum-drum’, you’re likely to want the freedom to explore new ground or invite new experiences into your life. This is a great time to think big and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. An overseas contact may get in touch or new information provides the chance to break out from any restricting routines to try something different. Be prepared to open your mind to new ideas and lifestyles. Life could get hectic around Full Moon so pace yourself whilst you still have some time available.
Taurus: The next three weeks might be a trying period; you may feel anxious and worried about money, health or concern for other people. It will pass. You are simply focused on the negative side of a cycle at the expense of the positive. It’s a great time to acknowledge what doesn’t work well in your life and prepare for the next phase. After the Full Moon on December 27, you begin to acknowledge what you have in terms of real assets and how you can make the best of them. Finances, accounts and money matters can improve when they get your full attention.
Gemini: Personal and professional partnerships will need your attention for the next few weeks. Finding a win-win situation for everyone has to be your goal. Interesting and stimulating people may come into your life now and you’ll want to find more time for intimate encounters or shared experiences. Your personal style and self-expression become the issue later in December. You won’t want to be dictated to by other people’s demands. Being seen and accepted on your own merit becomes a priority. Take time to consider if you are making the best of your natural skills and talents. You may discover you are underestimating yourself!
Cancer: This is a good month to organise your work and routines. You’ll benefit from making adjustments especially if you’ve been overdoing it lately. Focus on the necessary tasks even if they don’t reap obvious rewards. Simple practical concerns about health, money or everyday responsibilities must be given your attention but don’t allow yourself to become over-anxious as a result. Treat yourself with care and pay attention to your practical needs especially up until Full Moon on the 27th. Take a few days mid-month for some solitary or downtime to reflect and restore your spirit and vitality.
Leo: Your imaginative powers are strong and you enjoy a chance to express your creative talents during the next few weeks. Give scope to your originality and get yourself noticed. Your feelings for loved ones are more intense now and children may take an important role in your life at this time. You want to have fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously and taking chances might pay off. You may surprise yourself with what you come up with by just playing around. Expect rewards and acknowledgement for past efforts as we approach the month’s end.
Virgo: During early December you may feel like staying home. Build up your reserves so you have plenty spare for later. Use this time to complete unfinished tasks and don’t expect to get started on anything new until after mid-month. Putting your energy into your domestic life will feel important. You feel some sense of achievement as a result. Your work or social status takes on greater significance in a few weeks when you’ll want to put your best effort into making the most of your situation. The real rewards will become more apparent after the 27th when you can expect some well-deserved recognition.
Libra: Follow the urge to get out and about and make connections over the next three weeks. You may have opportunities to get more involved with your neighbours or local events. This is also a good time to catch up on correspondences or to do some writing. You may feel restless if you don’t find activities that stimulate your mind. Travel, foreign visitors or starting a new study course will likely be a feature by mid-month and you’ll want to seek out more information and expand on what you already know. A boost to your work life or career is likely towards the month’s end.
Scorpio: With last month’s Full Moon opposite your Sun sign the spotlight has been on dealing with any relationship issues in the last couple of weeks. The December New Moon finds you focused on your material security. Actual money isn’t the only source of wealth and you’ll probably find you have abundance in another form. Concerns or anxieties about being dependent on others may trouble you around mid-month. It’s a short-lived phase if you don’t dwell on the negative. Your world will open up with new opportunities after the Full Moon on the 27th. Make plans, think big and remember to include other people in your dreams.
Sagittarius: Everyone wants to see what you’re going to do next during the first weeks of December. This month you’ll need to stand up and display your self-confidence in a way that wasn’t called on before. Make adjustments if you are not representing yourself accurately or in a way that is most true for your character. Relationship matters occupy your mind around the Full Moon on the 27th. What’s important is how these areas of your life are impacting your lifestyle and self-expression. The trick is to handle any tense moments with grace, state your position and move on quickly.
Capricorn: During early December your inclination is to shun the limelight and keep pretty much to yourself. You can be very productive in the next few weeks by just quietly working away behind the scenes in seclusion. 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 soon enough. After the 22nd, when the Sun moves into your own sign, you will get the boost you need, as life throws you some new or exciting challenges and you will be ready for them.
Aquarius: This month it’s who you know rather than what you know that matters. The spotlight is on your position within your community, in group ventures, or in work projects which involve others of like mind. Make the opportunity to meet new people; the benefits will soon follow. It’s also time to move up a gear in your social life. The focus shifts after the Full Moon on the 27th as you get out the party gear or just take some needed leisure time. Having fun is the theme and allowing the inner child some freedom to run loose now brings its rewards.
Pisces: Now is the time to make plans for your future. Personal status or vocational concerns are likely to dominate your thinking through November into late December. If you want to fulfil your ambitions or go a step further then make some positive moves. Getting yourself some recognition for what you do well takes on extra significance. Remember to balance the demands of work or public life with the needs of your home life, especially from mid-month onwards. Family or domestic arrangements need your attention but you get the support you need to create a secure foundation to work from.
