Astrological update for the week of December 11-18, 2023

The Macro picture. In life, it seems, there is always a macro view as well as the micro view and the same is true for astrological forecasts. For example, this week the planetary influences are pretty mild and benign, and yet the global situation is rather treacherous. Global conflicts are on the rise, and here in the U.S. we are bracing for a particularly contentious election.

Every time Pluto changes signs (every 15-20 years) there is a dramatic global change of some kind. Pluto in Scorpio brought AIDS, repressed memories and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Pluto in Sagittarius brought social media and use of the Internet for entertainment. Pluto in Capricorn brought economic crisis and income inequality. With Pluto in Aquarius over the past year we’ve not only seen the explosion of AI but also a steep increase in the number of global conflicts. Add to this the likely shift between the Piscean Age and the Aquarian Age, and this is a relatively cataclysmic time.

As I’ve written before, the planetary influences over the past few months and into 2024 are relatively mild which helps keep our day to day lives on a relatively even keel. But we are still dealing with the global level of reorganization and world crisis from climate change as well as political forces and these will not be altered by a few lucky Venus transits. Life on Earth as a human is a dance, and we are faced with thunderstorms and tornadoes as well as sunny days. Finding our center in the midst of chaos is the ultimate goal. 💖

Sagittarius New Moon December 12. Tuesday’s Sagittarius New Moon is really a bounty of good vibes. the Jupiter-ruled Moon urges us to find a new adventure. The influence of Jupiter makes it easier to find that broader perspective which we need these days, and a [wide] conjunction of the New Moon to Mars, also in Sagittarius, helps to energize this burst of positivity. Hope and optimism prevails under this influence, making it easier to release patterns of negativity and doubt, especially with a happy trine from the New Moon to the North Node which points the way to our future fate.

Jupiter dominates the New Moon chart, with strong aspects to Mercury and Venus. All types of communication is favored, but we may find ourselves in some minor conflict with important relationships, especially if we feel tied down or limited in some way. Jupiter urges us to stretch our wings and fly, and this is not always possible in our situation. A tense square from Neptune won’t help as it will amplify the desire to find a rosy truth which may be more illusion than fact.

It’s a big help that we have Chiron, planet of wounding and healing, harmonizing with the New Moon and Mars. Supportive Chiron aspects assist us in clearing the energies of what Eckhart Tolle calls the “pain body” – the old wounded memories in energy form which can keep us stuck until released.

Mercury turns retrograde. I wrote about this last week, but it’s official! Mercury turns retrograde on the 13th. Retrograde Mercury puts the spotlight on communication and small machinery, and Mercury is in Capricorn right now where we are pressed to think practically and diligently plan for the future. Throughout the week Mercury will be practically stationary, so make anything regarding information or messaging a priority and take care with planning, making appointments, scheduling, or even just talking with friends or family.

Mercury will retrograde back into Sagittarius in early January and that’s another story. Until then, try to remember that practical thinking is the name of the game right now.

My monthly forecast along with random notes and inspiration are now available on Substack at the link above or here. 

Here’s what else you need to know this week (Dates and times are for the Eastern time zone, here is a time zone converter to adjust for your locality.)

Monday December 11. Communication comes easily today, especially with loved ones. The Sagittarius Moon facilitates optimism and an eagerness to find a way out of difficult situations. Watch for a few hours of potential tension in the morning, and then the coast will be clear. (Moon sextile Pluto 3:57 am, Moon enters Sagittarius 6:10 am, square Saturn 9:13 am, Mercury sextile Venus 2:16 pm.)

Tuesday December 12. The New Moon is today! See the introduction section for all the details.

Wednesday December 13. Mercury turns retrograde Wednesday. You likely won’t notice anything, but the stationary period this week calls attention to communication and equipment malfunctions. It’s a good time to practice the art of presence.

The Moon enters Capricorn in the late morning EST and assists us in that Capricornian focus of practicality and achieving something important. The energies of the New Moon ebb more quickly once the Moon changes signs, but the Moon is pretty happy in the afternoon and evening Wednesday. (Moon square Neptune 1:48 am, Moon enters Capricorn 10:31 am, sextile Saturn 1:38 pm, trine Jupiter 8:50 pm.)

Thursday December 14. Thursday is a great day to get things done. Set up your to do list, look at your long range goals, and imagine a successful future. There is a short time around noon when feelings can be more easily hurt and we may be more reactive, but that will soon pass as a Mars aspect to Chiron is building today to culminate on Friday which helps us to energize and facilitate the healing of a place where we might feel stuck. (Moon conjunct Mercury 12:46 am, sextile Venus 5:55 am, square Chiron 12:44 pm, trine Uranus 7:59 pm.)

Friday December 15. Sometimes we come to a crossroads when a decision must be made and Friday is one of those days. This could be a big decision or it could be a choice which seems small but may have lasting impact. Friday’s lunar aspect to Pluto can help to push confusion out of the way and reveal the truth of the matter.

The Moon enters Aquarius at 12:55 pm and awakens and inspires new ways of thinking. Meanwhile the harmonious Mars/Chiron aspect culminates today and fosters healing and release of stuck tension. (Sun trine North Node 12:35 am, Moon sextile Neptune 4:26 am, Moon conjunct Pluto 11:03 am, Moon conjunct Aquarius 12:55 pm, Mars trine Chiron 5:54 pm, Moon square Jupiter 10:52 pm.)

Saturday December 16. Creativity and inspiration rule the day on Saturday but sometimes the magic of imagination can lead down the road to illusion. Fortunately the Aquarius Moon is generally harmonious for most of the day and aids us in seeing through the mist.  Conflicting energies in the evening could cause some agitation or anxiety and some meditation or relaxation techniques may be called for. (Moon square Venus 12:32 pm, sextile Chiron 2:44 pm, sextile Mars 3:52 pm, square Uranus 9:53 pm, Sun square Venus 10:43 pm.)

Sunday December 17. Today’s astrology offers a river of calm and tranquility, which can be supported by doing something which facilitates a peaceful feeling. Walking in the woods, sitting by a river or stream – the Moon enters flowy Pisces in the afternoon and makes it easier to tap into the Universal stream of wonder.

Monday we will have a new post but meanwhile this flow slips into the early part of Monday until the Moon enters Aries in the early evening, making Sunday and Monday beautiful days to settle into ourselves and find that center and heal the chaos. (Moon sextile Sun 7:03 am, Moon enters Pisces 2:58 pm, conjunct Saturn 6:31 pm.)

It looks like a nice week with lots of great potential. I hope you have a good one! 💖

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