All Times Pacific: Astrology Report Dec 11–19
Friends, we have before us another relatively quiet week of astrological aspects, but increased danger by contagion is indicated. Mercury remains in Capricorn until Feb 11 due to Mercury retrograde Dec 29 to Jan 18. With Saturn in charge Mercury can be dour, pessimistic and resigned. But that’s a waste of the potential for significant progress by means of learning, practice, simplifying and organizing. Pluto has finally moved out of the degree of its station so we may be filling that life can get moving again. Neptune in the degree of its station indicates a time of imagination, inspiration, dreams, compassion, but also confusion, exhaustion, illness, and inebriation. Let’s take it easy, and let’s take care.
Mon Dec 12 sun sextile Saturn is exact, a good time to get organized, although Neptune may confuse the details. If you find faults in your work or self, study and practice can turn a weakness into a strength. But beware sun square Neptune’s tendency to space out or wallow. As J.R.R. Tolkein wrote, “‘I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.’”
Tue Dec 13 only lunar aspects are exact. Find some time this week to contemplate the amazing details of your life. For example, all the people it took to mine the materials, create the parts, design, manufacture, package, sell and ship the device you are reading this on. An international effort of many thousands if not millions including your ancestors who got you here and the teachers who taught you. Appreciating even the most humble moment we can understand what Walt Whitman meant when he wrote, “To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, every cubic inch of space is a miracle.”
Wed Dec 14 sun square Neptune is exact in the morning, and the Neptune side is emphasized thanks to the recent Neptune station. It could be a another contagion aspect. Often indicating confusion, misunderstandings, doubt there is also the opportunity for inspiration if we can put aside ego and put in the work. In the evening Mercury square Chiron is exact. Some sort of public health news is likely and with Mercury in Capricorn going retrograde Dec 29 it seems likely that mask mandates and further restrictions will be in the news. As Michelangelo said, “Genius is eternal patience.”
Thu Dec 15 Mercury inconjunct Mars is exact in the evening. This is a traditional contagion aspect. We could hear of a more aggressive variant, or simply the tridemic, as they are calling the current virus laden environment, may surge. In our own lives we can avoid putting frustration or irritation into communications. Find somewhere constructive to put that nervous energy so it doesn’t undermine sleep and nourishment.
Fri Dec 16 the dark of the moon arrives just before 1 AM. This is traditionally not a good time for starting new projects. Rest, introspection, and finishing are favored. As Thoreau wrote, “Thought is the sculptor who can create the person you want to be.”
Sat Dec 17 Mercury trine Uranus is exact in the early afternoon, bringing the potential for real change through unexpected conversations, serendipitous information, new tech, and liberating ideas. Tune into something new. For creative people, especially writers, time to let your creativity run wild. With Mercury in Capricorn your editing eye will be strong. Also a good time to look at life and consider where a change of approach could open wider horizons.
Sun Dec 18 only lunar aspects are exact. With moon inconjunct Jupiter don’t over do at Hanukkah dinner, this aspect can indicate indigestion.
Mon Dec 19 we may find health issues in the news. We have over a dozen lunar inconjunctions this week, aspects that can indicate problems in that area. Eat well. Get lots of rest. Obviously not everyone will get sick. It just means the astrological weather makes it a bit more likely, especially if we are careless. This day’s aspects could cast a shadow on the weekend and the week following. Venus square Chiron and Venus inconjunct Mars are exact in the morning. The first can indicate a public health crisis. Both suggest that big social events, especially sports, movies and music, are likely to spread the viruses, so be mindful out there. In the afternoon Mars sextile Chiron is exact. Even though it is a sextile a harmonious aspect we have seen it can be favorable to the virus rather than to us. It suggests that sometime within a few days before or after today we may see a clear turning point where public health is concerned. We do have new variants, including the one in San Diego that evades antibodies. Several vaccine resistant strains continue to circulate. Mindfulness is called for. As Goethe wrote, “Every step of life shows much caution is required.”
Tue Dec 20 Jupiter enters Aries and stays there until May 17 when it enters Taurus. This is the beginning of a new Jupiter cycle. The Jupiter cycle ending now began in 2011. Look back to 2011 and ponder how you have fared in the areas of success, health, wealth, justice, and generosity. Has your definition of success evolved? For Aries folk and people with strong Aries placements, don’t take unnecessary risks, but do think and act as if the universe wants you to succeed. The same may be true of Libra, except there may have to be a realignment between the personal definition of success and the bigger picture. Sagittarius, it’s the start of a new cycle as your ruling planet closes one chapter and opens another. As Dali quipped, “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.”
We are only about 100 days from Pluto’s first dip into Aquarius in spring of 2023. Look back to 2008 when Pluto entered Capricorn. Pluto in Cap is always a challenge for societies and individuals although it is an invaluable opportunity to recalibrate with reality. What have you learned during Pluto in Capricorn? What skills have you developed? Has your definition of responsibility changed? Restrictions, limitations, losses tend to be the Pluto in Capricorn story, though hard work and integrity may be rewarded. Pluto in Aquarius will be asking us to seek liberation. We’ll be updating our tech and expanding our horizons. As Pico Iyer wrote, “it is that enchanted place where space is cleared and time is stayed and the horizon itself expands.”
