By Dorene Carrel
December is another powerful month, highlighted by a Lunar Eclipse and the three planetary stations of Uranus, Mercury and Jupiter. The Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius remind us to give priority to nurturing our inner spiritual visions and discover what really inspires us. The Winter Solstice on December 21 provides clarity for these new visions.
Due to its retrograde cycle, Mercury will be in Sagittarius until January 7. This will bring us more opportunity to release judgments of self and others, along with cultivating a generosity of spirit during this holiday season. During this retrograde period (November 23-December 13), it is best to allow more time to complete projects and be more flexible with plans, etc.
December 3-5 could bring some challenges for mental activity and communications when a difficult aspect pattern is formed between the Sun, Mercury, Mars and Saturn. During this time there is an increased tendency towards misunderstandings and disagreements. Remember that Mercury is still retrograde for another nine days. It is more favorable to use this energy to break through inner barriers to understanding. On December 5, a Mars/Venus trine in Capricorn/Virgo brings more ease, appreciation and perhaps some romantic meetings.
December 9-13 will likely be the most changeable period of the month. Uranus turns direct at 0 Aries on December 9, encouraging revolutionary or progressive activities that bring greater independence. As this is the World Degree, expect more sudden world events or earth changes. Mercury turns direct at 4 Sagittarius on December 13, which can bring the realization of new directions and possibilities. Now we can move forward with more clarity and confidence.
The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse occurs on December 10 at 18 Gemini. Gemini themes include information, siblings, communication, education and thought. This is a South Node eclipse, which offers an outlet for the release of old energy. The Uranus station and this Gemini eclipse will provide the detachment to let go of old patterns, beliefs and relationships that are no longer useful. It is favorable to be open to new sources of information and guidance that are more in alignment with one’s higher growth. Eclipses are usually in effect for one month before and about six months after they occur. The Sabian symbols for these degrees emphasize the importance of traditional wisdom and seeking safe and wholesome surroundings.
During the Winter Solstice on December 21, the Sun enters Capricorn and makes a harmonious trine to Jupiter in Taurus on December 22. This is an expansive aspect that brings new confidence and opportunities for prosperity on all levels. This is a good time to get in touch with some new visions and intentions for the New Year.
The New Moon occurs on December 24 at 2 Capricorn 34. Capricorn rules business, government, tradition, career and security issues. This lunation aligns with Pluto, Uranus and Jupiter, providing the opportunity to make more meaningful and deeper life changes that will bring greater inner security. In the outer world, this combination awakens revolutionary impulses as people strive for greater equality of resources. A current example is the Occupy Movement now occurring all over the world. This month may provide a heightened preview of the upcoming long-term square between Pluto and Uranus that will occur from 2012-2015. From a higher perspective, Pluto assists us in letting go of fear-based thinking, while Uranus encourages us to be more authentic in expressing our true purpose. Jupiter provides us a broader viewpoint and alignment with our highest visions. The Sabian symbol for this degree speaks to the importance of spiritual community during this time: “A powerful yearning for whatever will increase the scope and depth of one’s contacts with other living beings.”
Jupiter turns stationary direct on December 25 at 0 Taurus 22. This will be a good week to strengthen your faith and trust in life through contact with nature, meditation, visualization, etc. This station heightens the Jupiter energy, which brings an enlivening social atmosphere for the holidays, while Taurus encourages us to strive for simplicity and sustainability in our activities.
On December 28, the Sun aligns with Pluto in Capricorn, which will be a good day for a ceremony to release the past. It is best to be extra careful on New Year’s Eve, as a Mercury/Mars square could lead to conflicts and accidents.
Mars retrograde begins in January. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
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Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience, offering birth chart, transits/progressions and relocation astrology readings. She is certified in Astrocartography. For more information, contact Dorene at dorenea5@yahoo.com. Paypal accepted.
Background and previous columns can be found at www.alcseattle.com. Donations also gratefully accepted. Send to P.O. Box 432, Seahurst, WA 98062
All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar.
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