Solar Eclipse
This month starts out with the planets on pretty good terms. By December 4th the New Moon closes out the 2021 Eclipse season with a total Solar Eclipse deep in the southern hemisphere. Eclipses tend to be markers of karmic change in the status quo, and their impact can last for up to 6 months. This will be the final “truth-teller” eclipse in Sagittarius for 9 years to come. So speak truth to power, no matter the consequences!
The lunation (Sun and Moon) conjuncts Mercury and trines Chiron while Mars trines Neptune, squares Jupiter, and sextiles Venus/Pluto, which along with a positive Sabian reading for this eclipse, is all pretty tame news. But by the 5th, Mercury, then the Sun, square Neptune, scrambling our thoughts and communications while fostering deceptive lies and betrayals. Keep it REAL and don’t get discouraged as the solar square lasts for several days. NOTE: The first quarter Moon on the 10th-11th are good days to take small steps toward realizing your dreams.
Saturn/Uranus
The Saturn/Uranus square is building in intensity towards the holiday season, further stirring up social conflict between the Establishment trying to maintain control, and the disgruntled masses seeking revolutionary change and the destruction of systems, be they governmental, corporate, health, education, justice, racial inequality, etc. The over-reaching lack of cooperation, supply chain disruptions, rumblings of the earth and heavens, winter storms and electrical blackouts may make it hard to celebrate, especially with bare shelves where popular items should be, compounded by bad weather impeding travel plans. Christmas cheer may be somewhat lack-luster this year, so try to keep a smile on your face and definitely keep things simple.
Venus
Money-magnet Venus left jolly Sagittarius for serious Capricorn in early November, so our thoughts may have been quite sober of late as we seek clarity about what is important, which skills we should work on, what is our life purpose, how we make and spend money, how can we succeed into the future, and so on. This is especially true in December as Venus-in-Capricorn turns retrograde on December 19th, and becomes pensive while conjunct Pluto all month long.
It’s also time for a reality check around our financial systems, which are showing signs of stress. This includes digital finance and cryptocurrencies, as well as investments, pensions, inflation, taxes, etc. We need an upgrade!
On December 14th Mercury joins Venus and Pluto in Capricorn – which is all about conservation and respect (and don’t forget self-respect!) As Venus impacts finance and Pluto destroys structures that are not stable, big economic changes are on the horizon and the future looks uncertain.
Saturn/Chiron
Saturn has been sextile Chiron all year, quietly in the background, but it has been opening us to deeper awareness of our wounds, as we gradually acknowledge them, accept them in ourselves, and attempt to heal them. Saturn in Aquarius has been supportive here, teaching us new skill sets, developing our independence, and enhancing our ability to take care of ourselves, including accepting our wounded selves and healing our shame.
Full Moon
The Moon will be full on December 18th at 27 degrees Gemini, opposite the happy Sagittarius Sun on the Galactic Center (!) the Moon will trine Jupiter, sesquisquare Saturn, and inconjunct Venus/Pluto, which can arouse your emotions erratically. Chiron is sextile Saturn, square Mercury, and trine Mars. Be careful not to hurt others with thoughtless words. Give support and inspiration instead. On the 19th, Venus goes retrograde, working on her self-worth issues. Overwhelmed by her unusually long proximity to abusive Pluto, she’ll need to! Watch out for obsession or jealousy in love relationships this month.
Winter Solstice
Emotions run high on the December 21st Solstice with the Moon triggering Venus/Pluto by opposition. Mercury trines Uranus for lively chats, Mars trines Chiron for physical vitality, and the Sun sextiles Jupiter for some good fun. But the Saturn/Uranus exact square on December 23-24th could put a damper on the holidays. Definitely don’t try anything dangerous this season!
Sibley Chart
There will be lots more talk about the US Pluto Return, exact in February, July and December 2022, and the Neptune opposition in March, June and December accompanying Pluto, but the Sibley aspect that is exact this month is transiting Pluto opposing Mercury in the US National chart, exact on Dec 30th, practically New Years Eve, setting the tone for January to be quite contentious. These three aspects – Pluto conjunct US Pluto, Neptune opposed US Neptune (both fog and spirituality) will strongly impact the 2022 scene. Pluto opposes Mercury natally too, so obsessive thinking is a national pastime, but it’s especially strong right now.
Communication breakdowns are at an all-time high and they probably won’t settle down completely for years due to Pluto’s slow movement! Since fanatical ideas are on the rise and government coercion provokes resistance, perhaps the extreme partisan nature of the current political situation can be blamed on this aspect in the National Chart. On December 13th, transiting Jupiter will join the Sibley Moon at 27 degrees Aquarius, which could arouse some extra patriotic fervor, hopefully not involving any violence.
Christmas
Saturn in Aquarius distinguishes between what’s working and what’s not, and ALOT is not working right now. But can we fix it?
Retrograde Venus in Capricorn conjunct Pluto is quite intense emotionally, so try not to trigger arguments at the Christmas dinner table. But the Moon opposite Neptune makes this holiday a good time to dream. Your future awaits! Just remember to share your love with others as we approach the conclusion of 2021!
Merry Christmas and New Years!
