Your Guide to the Astrological Weather for December 2014…

December is about celebration and closure as we head towards the end of 2014; and the beginning of 2015. To get the low down on what to expect from the cosmic weather this month, read on…

SOLI-LUNAR PHASES

Over the course of a year, the solstices and equinoxes of the Sun mark out the changing seasons, which affect not only the beginning of different natural cycles, but our moods and choice of activities; whilst on a smaller scale, the Moon’s phases make up the time-span of a month. In fact, the etymology of the word month, comes from the Indo-European word, ‘me(n)ses’, meaning “moon.” ¹

During this period, the Moon also moves through the zodiac, with every progressive full or new moon cycle occurring in the sign more or less following that of the previous month.

Lunar Phases

NEW MOON IN SAGITTARIUS – 22 Nov 2014

The Moon joins the Sun as it ingresses into Sagittarius on the 22nd at 12h32 GMT. Generally speaking, this is a good time to begin new initiatives with regard to foreign travel, further education, philosophy, religion and the law. Saturn will conjunct this New Moon, which will add a more serious overtone to proceedings. The urge to make concrete plans and trust that people will keep their promises now is likely to be fairly strong. Emotionally, you will be attracted to ideas and plans that are solid, practical and make sense, rather than airy fair notions. However, with Mercury also in the mix, it’s possible that you may have trouble focusing or following through, especially given that Jupiter will be square to the planet of intellect and communication at the time of the New Moon. The key will be to try and strike a balance between good intentions and the ability to follow through, avoid grandiose plans or schemes, and avoid exaggerating about your abilities or position because it’s very likely you’ll be asked to put your money where your mouth is in the next month or so.

FULL MOON IN GEMINI – 06 Dec 2014

During December’s first week, we can look forward to a Full Moon in curious and communicative Gemini. As the polar opposite sign to Sagittarius, the area of the zodiac where many planets are located at this time of year, Gemini helps to keep attitudes to learning and communication light, youthful and open. Gemini reminds us that we can sometimes get stuck in attitudes and beliefs that can masquerade as fact, and that it is always good to update our knowledge and views to stay in touch with the times. As an air sign, Gemini prefers emotional detachment, lightheartedness and opportunities to meet, move about and talk to fresh faces. However, over a prolonged period, this can  lead to superficiality, scatteredness and a lack of structure. With the Moon waxing to full here, it is possible that you may wish to change tack if this has become the case. A short trip, political campaign or course could come to an end around now. An article or blog post that you have been working on may also get published around about this time.

NEW MOON IN CAPRICORN – 22 Dec 2014

A day after the Sun ingresses into Capricorn, the Moon follows suit, leading to a Sun-Moon conjunction at 01h36 GMT/UT that presages the start of a brand new lunar cycle – just in time for the New Year! For the next month, you may want to try and be more organised in terms of domestic routines and arrangements – you’ll gain an enormous amount of satisfaction, as well as a sense of security, if your life is structured, and you are making progress in terms of achieving your goals now than if you just ‘freestyle’ and leave things to chance. This is likely to be a period where work is favoured over play, so don’t be surprised if you or loved ones come across as a tad remote, distant or unavailable. Life may present you with lessons or situations in you are forced to act like the grown-up or alternatively, take a step back from certain emotional dramas for the sake of self-preservation. The message then, is to toughen up and get stuck into all those jobs and errands you may have been avoiding over the last few months. The sooner you tackle these, the sooner they will no longer block your progress.

Solar Phases

SUN INTO CAPRICORN – 21 Dec 2014

This year, the winter solstice will take place at 23h03 GMT/UT on December the 21st. This marks the shortest day and officially, is the halfway point between winter and spring. Despite the fact that January and February are often a lot colder than November and December in the northern hemisphere, from the perspective of day versus night, light versus dark, this is the point at which we celebration the gradual return of the sun as it begins to rise in declination, climbing higher and higher in the sky as the days go by and bringing back the light and (eventually) heat that we earthly creatures all crave so much. The Sun’s ingress into the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn will shift our focus towards the responsibilities, problems and obstacles we are likely to face in the New Year, and encourage us to come up with a strategy for how to manage, deal or overcome these. Serious, hardworking and ambitious, Capricorn brings status and worldly position to those willing to shoulder burdens, take responsibility and not shy away from a challenge. As a result, this is likely to be a month during which you are brought face to face with certain troublesome issues or niggly chores so that you can finally lay them to rest and start 2015 with a clean slate. On a more positive note, you may also be given more responsibility in the form of a promotion at work, or via election to public office, so it’s not all doom and gloom where Capricorn is concerned! The upshot: the more you are prepared to own up to anything that has your name on, it, the more credit you’ll get in the public arena.

Planetary Events & Energy Shifts throughout December 2014

RETROGRADES, STATIONS, INGRESSES etc.

Uranus Direct: 21-22 December

There’s a lot going on at the winter solstice this year! Not only so the Sun and Moon ingress into Capricorn around this time, signalling the arrival of the New Moon, but Uranus, planet of change and innovation, is due to change direction. This is likely to mean that there will be plenty of opportunities to make adjustments, reforms and even radical shifts, starting from the 21st. This blast of cardinal energy will encourage people to be independent and self-sufficient when it comes to personal decisions. It also challenges people to take the initiative and find a way to be as inclusive of the viewpoints and needs of different age groups as possible. The old and new guard could clash (again!) otherwise. Overall, if you want to start 2015 coming from a more authentic and truthful place, then Uranus will be on hand to give you the courage to do so. Any setbacks, delays or disruptions to the manufacturing or launch of tech innovations, electrical components or magnetic frequency processes will finally disappear.

Jupiter Retrograde: 9 Dec 2014 – 6 Mar 2015

This month, the great benefic, Jupiter, will begin its annual retrograde spell in the constellation of Leo. Although this is likely to dissipate its expansive and fortunate energy somewhat, it will also be retracing its steps through the degrees of the zodiac that it passed through since its ingress into the sign of the lion in July 2014. For those with a prominent Sun, or important natal placements in this area of the zodiac, it is likely to mean a second chance to make an impact, find fame or simply shine in our chosen field or activity, so all is not lost!

However, in line with David Cameron’s recent predictions about the world economy, I do believe that this will lead to a global financial slowdown, as optimism from the first flush of a global economic recovery begins to wane. It is therefore not a great idea to spend too extravagantly or take big investments risks, especially if you are a luxury brand, a celebrity, country leader or entertainment mogul. This is especially likely to be the case in early February 2015 when the Sun, earth and Jupiter line up for an opposition. This marks the closest point to Earth that Jupiter will reach until June 2019, so promises to be quite important from an astrological point of view. Set ego’s aside and work for the greater good now, and you will reap the benefits of this somewhat muted no less potent energy. Still, on the positive side, it will probably mean more of those wonderful Jupiter trines that we enjoyed so much during 2014, starting with a Sun-Jupiter trine on Dec 14, so hang in there – all is not lost! You just need to focus on making the most of what you already have, or trying to resurrect past/existing projects rather than start new ventures.

PLANETARY INGRESSES

Mars into Aquarius: 4 Dec – 12 Jan 2015

Mars end sits stay in ambitious Capricorn on the 3rd, ingressing into progressive and innovative Aquarius on the 4th. This is will result in a shift of focus and energy away from climbing the corporate ladder or winning influential allies, towards humanitarian pursuits and joining groups of like-minded individuals. You’re likely to feel less of a need to conform, and more of a drive towards being more yourself, warts and all. Living a more authentic life and expressing your unique skills and talents is likely to be a big draw now. You’re also motivated to be more innovative when it comes to sports, and embrace technology or science in the pursuit of health and fitness. Sex could get a little kinky now, so if you’re single, then embrace your wilder side!

Saturn into Sagittarius: 23 Dec 2014 – 22 Dec 2015 

Towards the end of this month, Saturn, the planet of structure, duty and karma, enters optimistic and adventurous Sagittarius where it will remain for the next year or so. This is going to be quite a shift from brooding and harsh Scorpio! Get ready to make more of your spare time, travel for work and perhaps incorporate your beliefs and core values into the way you do business. This is going to be a much more upbeat and less intense transit than the last one, something that is likely to make many of you breathe a sigh of relief. 

However, whenever Saturn is involved in something, we can expect some degree of restriction, contraction or formalisation to occur, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself undergoing a bit of a spring clean with regards to your religious beliefs, cultural traditions and philosophical ideals, especially if they no longer seem relevant to you in practice/real life. Saturn is not interested in maybe’s or possibilities but in facts and actual experiences, so if certain paradigms don’t live up to expectation when put to the test, then they are likely to be cast out.  Cautious optimism, careful expansion and calculated risks are all likely to characterise this 12-month period.

Venus into Capricorn: 10 Dec – 3 Jan 2015

This month, Venus is due to ingress into serious Capricorn, which is likely to result in a somewhat more muted approach to love and romance. Potential suitors could come over all introverted, cautious and shy – or you could find yourself suddenly becoming a little reticent about coming forward when others make approaches. Any kind of romantic courtship is also more likely to follow tradition or convention now, so be prepared to take things slow and act like a lady or gentleman. Also, the old adage about love and money may now become very appropriate – you’re more likely to find someone attractive if they are of good moral and social standing, wealthy or have status in some way. Learning to be more emotionally or financially self-sufficient and able to enjoy your own company may be another lesson of this period, as will be concentrating on what really matters when it comes to relationships. This is not a period for hedonism and casual affairs, but rather a time when qualities such as commitment, loyalty, dependability, pragmatism and economic stability are likely to become important.

Creatively and artistically, this is a period when pragmatism and material success will play an important role in determining the type of objects/paintings or photographs you produce. Art for its own sake is wonderful, but even artists need to eat, so being a little commercially savvy and doing limited edition runs of prints or affordable items for the mass market is not a bad way to subsidise your more esoteric artistic pursuits now. Aesthetically, minimalism is likely to make a comeback, as is a preference for muted colours in earth tones, especially the grey palette.

Mercury into Capricorn: 17 Dec – 5 Jan 2015

Mid-month, Mercury will follow Venus’ example and ingress into sensible, old-fashioned Capricorn. This is likely to result in a period when people will talk less and listen more, so be economical in your speech and careful about what you say now, especially if you want to make an impression. At this time, people will really value your opinion as you will exude a wise and sagelike air, so take your role as adviser seriously and only comment on topics in which you have some expertise or can speak with some authority. Being circumspect and careful in terms of your thinking and style of self-expression will only add to your credibility  – you’ll be seen as someone knowledgeable and experienced – both excellent qualities to exude if you want to win public trust or the admiration of bosses or co-workers.

This is not the time to take risks on new concepts or ideas – instead, stick to what you know and leave the risk-taking until the spring. The same approach to money will help you avoid any potential losses or investment pitfalls. Instead, opt for safer methods of growing your best egg, even if the returns are not as large – safe and secure is no bad thing right now. Putting your intellectual faculties to practical or serious use, such as planning your next move with regards to achieving key personal or career goals in the new year, is a great way to use this energy. If you do have to travel, make contingency plans  – carry a book and make sure you have the contact details of potential hotels – in case of potential delays or cancellations. That way, you won’t be disappointed or frustrated if things end up taking longer than you anticipated.

KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

As my astro-insights are already quite long, I have decided to keep back this section for my daily astro-insights, which I will continue posting to Facebook and Twitter. 

For more details of what to expect from the cosmic weather day by day, be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook page, or follow me on Twitter. 

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