This month has quite a few planetary shifts that will be helpful as we close out this last chapter of 2023 and move into the new energy of 2024.
The first one is Neptune going into direct motion on December at 24 degrees 53’. Since Neptune is an outer planet, its vibration is more of a big picture shift as Neptune moves through the last degrees of Pisces over the next 15 months. Water issues in particular, and new solutions to the crisis, will emerge as viable to pursue into 2025 and beyond.
Mercury, our favorite little dude, will begin its last retrograde cycle of the year on December 13th, stationing at 8 degrees 27’ of Capricorn and moving back to 22 degrees of Sagittarius on January 2nd of the new year.
What will be very interesting about this cycle is Mars will be joining up with Mercury Rx during the last week of December so there’s lots of exciting talk and actions being discussed at that already busy time of year. They both engage with the Galactic Center of 26 degrees of Sagittarius during that week, Mercury Rx on the 25th and Mars on the 30th, so for those who like to connect with the cosmos for wisdom, it’s a great time to engage! However, don’t take action until Mercury clears that degree in its direct phase on January 11, 2024.
Venus is now separating from its recent conjunction with the south node on December 5th so it may take the next 3 weeks to get clear on your motivations and desires that took hold at the end of November. Venus doesn’t function all that well in Scorpio so allow yourself to take a step back to see where you might be obsessive or fixed in your opinions and be open to change.
Mars will move through most of Sagittarius this month, from 4 degrees 41’ to 27 degrees 31’ by New Year’s Eve. Mars will be in a better place to take action after December 5th when it is 5 degrees away from the Sun’s position and is no longer combust. Mars likes to be in the sign of Sagittarius as he is friends with Jupiter, the ruler of Sagittarius, and therefore feels comfortable to express his true nature. It can bring out some wanderlust in many as the idea of adventure and discovery beckons exploration.
Jupiter is retrograde all month, moving from 7 degrees of Taurus back to 5 degrees 35’ on December 31st where he stations to go into direct motion for the new year. I see this a positive omen for the new year’s vibration in general as Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus will be in direct motion for the first day of the new year. And after Mercury goes direct on January 2nd, all planets visible to the naked eye will be in direct motion and able to perform to the best of their energies. At that time, Venus will be in Jupiter’s sign of Sagittarius and Jupiter will be in Venus’s sign of Taurus, making for a mutual reception which can bring in harmony, expansion and prosperity moving forward.
Saturn continues its forward motion and picks up speed in the sign of Pisces, from 1 degree 7’ to 3 degrees 9’ by month’s end. This will lend support and a reality check to Neptune’s unfolding vibration for the next 15 months. Saturn likes disciplined action and has a slow pace as it likes its plans to unfold in a measured action so it can self- correct along the way. All good there.
Uranus is still in its retrograde cycle at 20 degrees 20’ of Taurus and moves back to 19 degrees 24’. Though it can be disruptive to the status quo, it can also reveal some genius insights and solutions if one is stuck in a rut of their own making. It will be quite powerful in the first two months of the new year as it goes direct at the end of January at 19 degrees 5’ of Taurus.
Pluto moves forward at its slow pace from 28 degrees 30’ of Capricorn to 29 degrees 19’ by the end of the month where he will not pass again for about 247 years! Whew, it feels like he has spent an eternity in Capricorn. “The times, they are a- changin’” to quote the bard, Bob Dylan.
Read your Sun sign and Rising sign for best results:
Aries — March 21-April 19: With Mars now separating from the Sun’s position, the stagnation, blockage or ennui you’ve been experiencing the last month will start lifting as you move through Jupiter’s sign of Sagittarius, a friendly place for you. You are also moving away from a difficult square from Saturn, which can feel depressing, and that separation of energies will also give a lift. Take a pause from responsibility and have a little adventure this month, it will do your mind and body immense good. Best days to do this are the 20th and 21st.
Taurus — April 20-May 20: The murkiness of the past two weeks will start lifting as Venus moves away from the transiting south node and that unique fog clears. However, her transit through Scorpio will still be a bit challenging as she is likely to obsess and demand in this sign. It only lasts about 26 days thankfully so you’ll snap out of it in the new year where you’ll have the support of Jupiter in your sign to help put you back on track. Venus loves beauty, stability, luxury and comfort so make sure you take care of your needs this month. Best days to do that are the 22nd and 23rd.
Gemini — May 21-June 21: With Mercury about to do its retrograde dance on the 13th, you will have some challenges regarding joint finances, taxes, inheritance and wills coming up. The retrograde period is good for going back through unresolved issues and projects so use the coming retrograde cycle to handle these issues. Saturn is sitting right at the top of your chart so you must be responsible, prudent and mature at this time. Take time to care for your mate as well as there’s some kind of internal struggle they are dealing with. Have some festive fun around Christmas as your lucky days this month are the 24th, 25th and AM hours of the 26th.
Cancer — June 22-July 23: With the Sun and Mars currently moving through your solar 6th house of health, habits and work, you may still be experiencing some challenges but improvement is around the corner as Mars does well in this house. It is separating from its recent 5 week period of combustion with the Sun and so regaining its strength and power. Also, Mercury will retrograde back into this house on December 24the so there’s something you missed that will be revealed to get back on a healthy track. Don’t give up, Jupiter and Venus will provide support for your attitude and wellbeing very soon. Your stellar days are the PM hours of the 26th, the 27th and 28th.
Leo — July 24-August 23: With Mars and the Sun in fellow fire sign, Sagittarius, you can receive their supportive vibrations in your life drama at present and will soon be excited about some upcoming event or relationship opportunity this month. Jupiter and Uranus add a bit of spice, change and luck to the unusual nature of certain areas of life right now so just make the best of it and enjoy what comes up when it comes up. Venus entering your solar 4th house of home and family could mean some celebration is in order this month so make it so! Your best days are the 29th, 30th and AM hours of the 31st.
Virgo — August 24-September 22: Mercury will retrograde in your solar 5th house but go back into your 4th house of home, family and roots during its upcoming retrograde cycle midmonth. Stay close to home this holiday season and make your intentions for holiday celebrations to be quiet, family oriented and without strife. That may be hard to do with the Mars/Mercury conjunction right around Xmas but just let any real or perceived offenses pass you by. Good days to take a break are the 4th, 5th, AM hours of the 6th and PM hours of the 31st.
Libra — September 23-October 22: With Venus still in your sign and finally moving away from its conjunction with the south node, things may not feel quite so nebulous or out of control. Still, Venus will be in Scorpio from the 5th through the 29th and not at all comfortable in that sign. It has an intensity and compulsivity all its own and makes her feel demanding and maybe a bit obsessive. This holiday season may not be as cozy or festive as usual so just operate in a lowkey mode to get through it. Saturn moves into your solar 6th house of health so there’s a new regime for healing to employ to protect your health and wellbeing. Saturn is slow and its remedies takes time so be patient with the process. Jupiter and Venus are in good positions to lift your spirits and be forces for good at the beginning of the new year!
Scorpio — October 23-November 22: Mars starts to separate from its recent 5 week combustion journey with the Sun so things will improve for you after the first week. Around the same time Venus enters your sign and that is usually enjoyable even if Venus isn’t all that comfy in your intense sign. In any event, you will feel lighter in spirit and more energized in the physical this month as Saturn moves out of your 4th house and you are freed from some burden, obligation or responsibility regarding the family. Money may be a bit tight as there looks to be additional expenses coming in but it will be manageable. Take time off to enjoy yourself on the 9th, 10th and AM hours of the 11th as these are you best days.
Sagittarius — November 23-December 20: With three planets in your sign right now, you should be energized and looking for some social attention and invitations to holiday events. The only thing possibly stopping you from getting out there could be some unusual health issue with Uranus in your 6th house or family obligation as Saturn has entered your solar 4th house of home, ancestors and family. This transit tends to keep people out of the public eye, a point of maximum obscurity in a sense. So it’s up to you how much energy you want to extend out in the world. Take it slowly, just don’t be a hermit as Jupiter, your ruling planet, likes to expand and light up the world! Good days to do just that are the PM hours of the 11th the 12th and the AM hours of the 13th.
Capricorn — December 21-January 20: With Saturn, your ruling planet, going into your solar 3rd house of communication, short trips and siblings, it appears you will get more serious about what you say, where you go and who in your family, you spend your time with for the next 2 years. The upcoming Mercury retrograde happens in your 1st house but dips back into your 12th so there’s some kind of karmic completion going on at the end of this year and into the first 2 weeks of 2024. Mars and the Sun are also transiting that house so there is abundant energetic support for your efforts on clearing something from the past. Great days to just be and enjoy life are the PM hours of the 13th, the 14th and the 15th.
Aquarius — January 21-February 19: There is still some kind of intense situation going on with transiting Pluto in the last couple of degrees of your solar 12th house. Try to be somewhat stoic about the situation as a breakthrough is coming in 2024 when Pluto gets into your sign in your 1st house and stops lurking in the recesses of your subconscious mind at the end of the 12th. The new year will feel better when Jupiter is direct in your solar 4th house and you get optimistic about life and your role in it. Use the positive lunar vibrations on the 16th and 17th to enjoy life.
Pisces — February 20-March 20: Things start to shift in your life as Saturn is moving forward in your solar 1st house and will occupy that domain for about 2 more years. This transit can make you feel old and give you some kind of limitation to deal with. There’s an old astrology adage that says a Saturn transit will make you limp. That may or may not be the case but you should exercise caution in how fast you move around in the world during this period. Venus entering Scorpio can give you a bit of comfort, if only a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to, somethings that is just what the doctor ordered. Jupiter will be going direct in the new year so you’ll be excited about something new very soon. Your stellar days are the 18th and 19th.
Namaste,
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December 2023 Monthly Horoscopes