December's Astrology: Solstice Light
Astrology Forecast for December 2023
Greetings dear Astrology friends,
Welcome to generous and warm-hearted Sagittarius season!
With so much intensity going on in the world, it becomes increasingly important to align with ourselves each morning. Regardless of the weather outside our window or the global climate streaming in through our phone, there is a Sun inside each of us which shines down on our lives and is unaffected by external circumstances.
Hold this image in your mind’s eye each morning before you step out into action. Picture the Sun in your chart shining forth and guiding you throughout your day, no matter what your mood (Moon) or mindset (Mercury); no matter your social interactions (Venus) or activities (Mars). Let the light of your Sun, which sees all, but does not judge, shine brightly on your path.
New Moon, December 12
We have a bold New Moon in Sagittarius on December 12. The Moon and Sun are in aspect with fairy-godfather Neptune, allowing us to create our own magic for the season. Whether we celebrate the Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or another holy day, let’s imbue our space with golden light, warmth and joy.
The tense Mars-Saturn square of late November has passed, bringing relief to many. Neptune will have moved direct on December 6, gaining in strength. (Some of you may wish to observe oil prices during the week of Neptune’s station.) With Venus and Jupiter in opposition, we are asked to moderate our expectations with regards to social interactions. ‘Quality over quantity’ may be a helpful catchphrase this season.
Mercury Retrograde Period
When Mercury appears to move backwards in the sky as seen from earth, it is a favored time to clear the decks. We may finally tackle those projects which have been awaiting our attention for a long time! It is also an opportune moment to catch up with old friends and to relax by the fireside.
Mercury will be retrograde from December 14, 2023 until January 3, 2024, just in time for the festive season! We are encouraged to complete our holiday shopping before this period begins and to plan our travels wisely. It may be prudent to build in some time for travel delays between December 4 and January 16. This is not to say that there will be travel delays wherever we are — rather, it is to encourage an attitude of patience during these weeks, should communications slow down or lines seem extra long. Hermes needs to take some time off too!
Winter Solstice and Full Moon
The Sun leaves fiery Sagittarius and enters into the realm of Capricorn on December 21 (10:27 pm Eastern Time, New York), heralding in the Winter Solstice.
The Winter Solstice is the original holy day of the winter season (which mutated from the Midwinter Hunt and Yuletide into Christmas over time). After experiencing the longest night in the northern hemisphere, the days begin to increase in length, and we gather together to worship the light of our Sun, giver of Life, a ritual as old as the Stone age.
Let us gather round with loved ones, drink a cup of cheer, light a candle, and send a prayer of gratitude for all that we have.
Full Moon, December 26
An abundant Full Moon in Cancer helps to shine a light on where we may be out of balance in our lives, in particular juggling work and family. Are we able to nurture ourselves as well as our families, and to engage in fulfilling work? When last did we nourish the child within? This is the time to pause and take stock. The Cancer Moon calls us to manifest extra care in the food we prepare for ourselves and for others, food which nourishes us on so many levels.
The Neptune contact to Mercury-Mars promises us time to digest the year and to daydream a little – if we allow room for this. Perhaps we are able to let go for a moment and begin to understand the power of this sacred time of year.
The year ends with a harmonious Sun-Jupiter trine on December 27 in earth signs. This is a wonderful day for sharing a meal with family, or cooking for friends, as the Cancer Full Moon unwinds its nurturing energies. With Venus at the last few degrees of intense Scorpio and Mars in opinionated Sagittarius, be mindful of getting caught up in heated debate. Instead, put your energy to good use around your home or neighborhood. Much can be accomplished now as you prepare for the New Year.
Wishing you Light and Reflection this December!
May the Sun shine upon you,
Catherine