Astrological overview for December 2011

1^st – Venus/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn

2^nd – Mars in Virgo square Sun in Sagittarius

4^th – Sun/Mercury square Mars

5^th – Mars trine Venus in Capricorn

10^th – FULL MOON in Gemini (total lunar eclipse); Uranus direct

13^th – Mercury direct

19^th – Venus square Saturn in Libra

21^st – Venus into Aquarius

22^nd – Sun into Capricorn

24^th – NEW MOON in Capricorn, conjunct Pluto, trine Jupiter (stationary to direct), square Uranus in Aries

30^th – Mercury square Mars

On the 1^st there’s a sexy meeting between Venus and Pluto in Capricorn. A conjunction like this (conjunction = sharing the same degree or space in the zodiac) tends to indicate passion or power struggles in love; maybe a bit of both, but whatever, it’s deep and meaningful dynamics for sure, and in the sign of Cap it’s going to be linked to the very structure or foundation of the relationship itself.

The 2^nd sees a square (challenge) between sun in Sagittarius and mars in virgo. This can mean a sort of obsession with details to the extent it interferes with our latest adventures… this in itself can fire up resolve to not allow the little things to get in the way of moving forward however on the 4^th communication planet Mercury joins in here by aligning with the sun, and as Mercury is retrograde in Sagittarius, it could mean tempoary frustrations or delays around arrangements or messaging that Mars cannot combat, no matter how much struggle and effort.

The keyword is temporary however, so it’s good to let go and find distraction with a beautiful trine between Mars and Venus on the 5^th… trines indicate harmony, and between these two planets it holds a special promise for all relationships, especially romantic ones, as levels of appreciation for others soar and it’s so easy to find and feel the sweetness of a relationship and the best in each other.

Between the 10^th and 13^th is an important period of change and movement for this month, beginning with a full moon eclipse in Gemini on the 10^th. Eclipses can hold powerful energy that often triggers events that have relevance for months to come, and in Gemini, it’s all revolving around communication and dialogue.

On the same day Uranus ends its retrograde phase that has lasted for months, indicating a new level of freedom and independence suddenly springs forth from out of the blue, related somehow to eclipse events… release and liberation is what it’s all about.

And on the 13^th, Mercury, ruler of Gemini, also ends its retrograde phase. This is another powerful indication of things moving forward that haven’t been moving forward so well (perhaps events around the Sun/Mars square on the 2^nd reach resolutuion at this time).

On the 19^th there’s a square between Venus in Capricorn and Saturn in Libra. Venus/Saturn in challenge mode usually means a temporary loss of confidence or fear of failure when it comes to relationships (and relationship with self), so don’t take seriously any setbacks in love, or feelings of injustice around agreements and contracts with others. There’s something about this combo of planets that makes it hard not to be hard on yourself or others, so awareness of this tendancy can take the sting out of anyone’s lack of awareness at this time.

Again, it’s temporary; as on the 21^st Venus moves into the live and live sign of Aquarius. It’s the fun and freedom of friendship that is the Aquarius Venus focus, which lightens the mood and opens the mind for new experiences.

On the 22^nd the sun switches signs to earthy and practical Capricorn (indicating it’s the winter solstice in northern latitudes, summer solstice for those south of the equator), and builds energy towards a most powerful new moon on the 24^th. This new moon sits close to potent Pluto, planet of the unknown and unfamiliar territory; which means there’s deep and meaningful change afoot…

Pluto, planet of transformation, demands ultimate trust and a willingness to let go of the past and move into new places in ourselves and with others, and this new moon makes it easier to do so as there’s a beautiful trine aspect to lucky Jupiter in Taurus.

Added to that, Jupiter is ending it’s retrograde phase on this day, which means it’s moving forward again after months of looking to the past; it’s a fabulous omen for days, weeks and even months ahead for positive opportunities to appear.

Uranus in Aries squares this new moon, which can make new starts of any kind feel a bit highly charged and unpredictable, but a bit of turbulence is worth the ride when Jupiter is on board in such a stable way. Good to remember around the 30^th, when Mercury and Mars challenge each other in square aspect, indicating sharp words and sharp tongues causing a few sparks to fly…