December 25 - 31

 

Monday, December 25th ~ Happy Yule and Merry Christmas! This very active final week of the year begins with Mars trining the North Node of the Moon at 2:01am on Monday, December 25th, and Venus trining Neptune at 12:14pm EST. The transit between Mars and the North Node pushes us to action. We could feel compelled to take a risk that catapults us out of our comfort zone. It may seem like there is no other choice, or if we put off taking this chance that there could be dire consequences. We will need to rely on our courage to get us through, as we are truly entering uncharted territory.
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Venus and Neptune contact one another in a pleasant meeting, and soften the heart to become more compassionate and forgiving of self and others. There is a blurring of edges that allows us to feel into the energy patterns of others. We also receive creative impressions and inspirations that open us up to new ways to express the self. This is a gentle transit that can definitely make many more fluid and receptive. We are also building up to tomorrow's Full Moon in Cancer, which is a very open-hearted and emotional full moon.

Tuesday, December 26th ~ The Full Moon in Cancer perfects on Tuesday, December 26th at 7:33pm EST. This full moon opens the heart and spills it over. It becomes near impossible to keep emotions inside. We will need to share feelings and affection with others, or could feel stagnant and strange if we cannot. This is a tender and sentimental moon that requires close contact. Themes of nurturance and care are strong, either as we feel compelled to care for others or need to surrender ourselves to let someone else care for us. A wave of nostalgia comes down upon us as we connect to dreams and wishes of the past. All of this is intensified as Chiron stations direct shortly after at 10:09pm EST. Chiron's retrograde can create some fixation on internal wounds or areas of shame and guilt. As Chiron resumes its direct motion at 15 degrees Aries, there is more of a need to unveil this pain and find a resolution for it. It is not feasible to keep it buried at the same level we previously did. Whether this means having a talk with someone, revealing a secret, or pushing ourselves to go for something we really want, this week is the time to go for it. Emotions can't be kept inside. Let them out and let them flow.

Wednesday, December 27th ~ Wednesday, December 27th is a very active day in the cosmos. As we come off from last night's Full Moon in Cancer, hearts are still open and emotions run high. The day begins with retrograde Mercury squaring Neptune at 2:42am EST. This transit can exaggerate mental confusion and make it difficult to focus and concentrate. This foggy feeling can make it easy to run with an untruth; we could even seem to find evidence to support it, even if it is objectively not correct. Get a second opinion and remain open-minded. Later, the Sun trines Jupiter at 10:28am EST. This is a positive and exciting transit which feels larger than life. Optimism blossoms and allows us to see the good in people. This helps to combat the confusion of the Mercury transit, and can help in letting bad feelings roll of our shoulders. We could also be more generous and charitable with others today. Finally, Mercury and Mars meet in conjunction at 7:31pm EST, right after the moon enters Leo. This allows for us to feel more energetic and enthusiastic mentally, and gives us time to ponder deep problems that are more intellectual or logical in nature. However, we may find it challenging to apply this same level of focus to emotional issues.

Thursday, December 28th ~ On Thursday, December 28th at 5:15pm EST, Mars enters a square with Neptune. This transit has been building for the last few days and will be felt over the weekend as well. This transit can sap our energy and leave us feeling a bit foggy and tired. We may not know how to get from point A to point B, and can zig zag all around on our way there. It's a bit like getting lost in a hedge maze, and using up all your energy just to arrive at the same place you were at before. It's important to pace yourself and understand that there is likely to be some confusion arising, particularly on Thursday. We might not be as open and upfront about asking for what we want, and could fall into passive aggressive tendencies. It is best to remove yourself from such interactions, as it can be difficult to cut to the heart of the matter during the thick of this transit. It should be easier tomorrow, as Venus sextiles Pluto and allows for more loving and direct communication.

Friday, December 29th ~ Venus enters the fiery domain of Sagittarius on Friday, December 29th at 3:23am EST. The planet of love and beauty is adventurous in this sign, and invites us to glimpse the possibility inherent in living life from an open-hearted position. Traveling with loved ones and experiencing things together will bring inspiration and ignite passions. While we will be drawn to philosophize with partners, much of this will lean toward the theoretical. It is not the most ideal time for heavy discussions regarding future, commitments, and major life decisions. Any such conversations should remain playful and open for best results.  Once Venus moves into Capricorn on January 23rd, we can get more serious with our intentions. Those with natal Venus in fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) and air signs Libra and Aquarius will find this time to be quite natural and freeing.

Saturday, December 30th ~ On Saturday, December 30th, we have the final major transit of the year. Jupiter stations direct at 9:40pm EST after about three and a half months of retrograde. It begins its forward march again at 5 degrees Taurus. This will usher in good luck and financial blessings for the new year. When Jupiter is retrograde, we have to rely on keeping the faith and wait things out to see how they will shake out. Our confidence can be shaken, as we usually have to be more patient and keep our spirits high without seeing as many direct results. Now that Jupiter is direct once more, our perception shifts and we can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our faith and goodwill pays off. If we tended toward being overly pessimistic over the last few months, we may have an encounter or receive some signs that can help to melt our resistance. Remember that this is only accessible to those who remain open to it. Goodbye 2023, and best wishes to all of you for a beautiful and magical 2024.