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Author: Nadia Gilchrist
December 22nd: Buildup to Today’s Full Moon
Photo by Katii Bishop from Pexels
Moon in Gemini square Mars in Pisces (23 deg)
Moon in Gemini square Chiron in Pisces (27 deg)
Moon in Gemini sextile Uranus Rx in Aries (28 deg)
Moon Void of Course in Gemini (28 deg at 9:20 AM EST)
Moon enters Cancer and VOC ends (11:27 AM EST)
Full Moon at 0 deg Cancer (12:48 PM EST)
The Gemini Moon makes some awkward squares to Mars (actions) and Chiron (wounds), signalling painful choices driven by impatience. The mood may be edgy and confused. Note that this is the buildup to today’s Full Moon, so everything will feel more intense. There may be a push choose or communicate, but use some caution- the square to Chiron suggests any choice will be uncomfortable.
The Moon’s last aspect before it goes VOC is an easier sextile to Uranus – there could be a minor breakthrough and a sense of relief as you move forward. Despite the earlier discord, once you choose you’ll have more freedom.
As the Moon enters Cancer, watch for a shift into intense emotional territory. You’ll be moving from Gemini’s intellect to Cancer’s instinct, so logic will take a backseat to what feels right/urgent/essential. Go with the mood and be prepared for feelings involving parent/child dynamics (whether or not an actual child is involved).
Capricorn Season and the Climb
Capricorn season begins again on December 21st, bringing us to the Winter Solstice and the turning point that marks a new year for many. On the shortest day, we become aware of the cycle of the year and patterns related to rules, traditions and structures (Capricorn). Which structures support us and which ones limit us?
The awareness of dark and the light that follows (as the days become longer) draws our attention to what’s being reborn in our future. It’s a time to acknowledge what’s ending and what we have to look forward to.
Today’s Mercury/Jupiter and Venus/Neptune aspects (described in my other post) give this turning point a hopeful, open feel- certainly a moment to look up and out.
Capricorn itself is a sign of focus, authority and maturity. It’s about discipline and consequences – you do the work and see the results. Or you avoid your responsibilities and reap those results. This year, there’s more at stake because Saturn (ruler of Capricorn) is in its home sign, so the consequences of the burdens you shoulder or ignore will be heavier. There are things that must be taken seriously and work that must be done. The rewards can be greater if you do what you have to do, but certain burdens will also be much greater (and will not feel rewarding in the short term). While this doesn’t seem to blend with “hopeful” know that work and responsibilities form the foundation of the steps you ascend.
Here are the aspects the Sun in Capricorn will make:
Dec 22nd: Full Moon in Cancer (0 deg)
Jan 2nd: conjunct Saturn (11 deg)
Jan 4th: sextile Neptune in Pisces (14 deg)
Jan 5th: New Moon eclipse (15 deg)
Jan 11th: conjunct Pluto (20 deg)
Jan 12th: trine Juno in Taurus (22 deg)
Jan 15th: square Pallas in Libra (25 deg)
Jan 16th: conjunct the South Node (26 deg)
Jan 17th: sextile Ceres in Scorpio (27 deg)
Jan 18th: sextile Chiron in Pisces (28 deg)
Jan 18th: square Uranus in Aries (28 deg)
Jan 20th: Aquarius ingress
December 21st, 2018: A Day for More
Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels
Mercury conjunct Jupiter in Sagittarius (9 deg)
Mercury/Jupiter in Sagittarius sextile Vesta in Aquarius (9 deg)
Venus in Scorpio trine Neptune in Pisces (13 deg)
A day for more, with energies that encourage you to rise above anything petty or restrictive. Note that these influences are given extra oomph by today’s Winter Solstice (the Sun’s Capricorn ingress).
Mercury/Jupiter
Mercury/Jupiter can be a high point for wisdom, insight, the sales pitch or good news. Mercury’s info and communication are expanded by Jupiter, blending facts with ideals and details with optimism.
Excellent for learning, delivering a message (especially one that features new information) or seeing the whole story along with the details. This is all powered up by Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius, for extra expansion. This conjunction previously occurred on November 27th (at 4 deg) when Mercury was Rx. At that time, you may have encountered the same issue but had to deal with questions or delays. Now the questions have been answered and the delay has been lifted – you can surge ahead with what you know.
Note the sextile to Vesta (devotion) which adds focus on an unusual or innovative (Aquarius) area. This can truly be a moment where you break through a mental/verbal barrier or experience a leap of understanding.
Venus/Neptune
Venus/Neptune continues the theme of openness, as relationships/money/self-esteem/values harmonize with Neptune’s compassion and dreams. What you want/love has depth (Scorpio) and transcendence (Neptune) for an intensely romantic, creative or giving influence. There’s more of what you want to go around, although it’s not all about you (and you’ll be fine with that). Neptune increases Venus in Scorpio’s flow of love/value/desire while adding a touch of refined creativity or selflessness – the trine gives it a natural flow (what you want or want to give will unfold easily, if it’s meant to be).
In certain cases, if this energy is distorted, Neptune might enable the slide into something addictive or unhealthy (you want it even though it’s bad for you). Use the Mercury/Jupiter conjunction to get a full understanding of what’s going on – there will be no excuses.
December 20th, 2018: Pause and Confirm
Waxing Inconjunct between the Taurus Moon and Sagittarius Sun (28 deg)
Sagittarius Sun trine Uranus Rx in Aries (28 deg)
The Waxing Inconjunct can bring up some frustrating blocks to forward momentum. Money, security or the need to take stock of an existing situation will be incompatible with an ideal, hope or area of expansion. And yet both must be integrated – you’re still moving towards something new (or broadening your reach) while stabilizing what you already have. Perhaps your foundation needs attention; this will enable you to move forward from a place of greater assurance.
Fortunately, the Sun’s trine to Uranus can help as you’re encouraged to keep putting energy into that new/innovative/liberating development. While this is not entirely new (Uranus was previously at this sign and deg around April 2018) it’s still a bit of a risk – there’s excitement and trepidation. Trust that you can work with this, even as you briefly slow down today in order to secure material resources or establish your values (there could be some core issues that need to be reaffirmed before you move on).
Patreon Post: The 2020 Saturn/Pluto Conjunction Preview, Next Month
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A new Patreon post (for $1 Patrons) is up – Jan/Feb 2019 brings hints about the Jan 2020 Saturn/Pl…
December 19th, 2018: Sagittarius Sun Square Chiron
Sun in Sagittarius square Chiron in Pisces (27 deg)
The drive for expansion, truths, hope and exploration may be undercut today, as a painful square to Chiron reminds you of where you’re vulnerable. Fear of the unknown could be an issue, or perhaps the mere thought of being optimistic raises fears. What if you’re disappointed?
As always with Chiron, the best approach is to acknowledge what hurts. Before you can make any progress, it’s essential that you deal with this, and it’s not a new issue. Chiron was previously at this degree of Pisces around March 2018 and there was an applying square from Mars in Sag (exact on March 14th at 18 deg). Back then, actions (a leap of faith?) triggered doubts. Or perhaps you stumbled as you ventured into new territory. The bruise you received has not fully healed, and it’s an opportunity to learn more about where you place your faith and how you handle new experiences.
If the pain makes you question what you believe in, those are worthwhile questions – beliefs and future expansion must be able to stand up to crises. If they can’t, then it’s time to adjust your compass.
In general, travel, education, legal matters, publishing, exploration or ideals can be trouble areas today. Slow down and watch for a repeat of issues from March.
December 18th, 2018: Sagittarius Sun Inconjunct the North Node
Sun in Sagittarius inconjunct the Cancer North Node (27 deg)
Sagittarius is about exploring. The North Node marks the path forward. Both of these energies are about moving ahead and yet today they are incompatible. Sag wants to leap into something new and expansive while Cancer is about the development of inner needs and security.
You may feel the tension between wanting to surge ahead versus feeling uncomfortable. Both sides must be honoured (the new adventure and your feelings). When the Sun is at odds with the North Node, forward movement in general may be difficult, and yet it’s necessary. Step out but don’t ignore your needs while you do so. The entire point of the transiting North Node in Cancer is to tune into what you feel.
You can learn something new/broaden your horizons (Sagittarius) gradually, in a way that makes you comfortable (Cancer North Node). Align external truths with the inner truth that resonates in your gut.
December 18th, 2018: Sagittarius Sun Inconjunct the North Node
Sun in Sagittarius inconjunct the Cancer North Node (27 deg)
Sagittarius is about exploring. The North Node marks the path forward. Both of these energies are about moving ahead and yet today they are incompatible. Sag wants to leap into something new and expansive while Cancer is about the development of inner needs and security.
You may feel the tension between wanting to surge ahead versus feeling uncomfortable. Both sides must be honoured (the new adventure and your feelings). When the Sun is at odds with the North Node, forward movement in general may be difficult, and yet it’s necessary. Step out but don’t ignore your needs while you do so. The entire point of the transiting North Node in Cancer is to tune into what you feel.
You can learn something new/broaden your horizons (Sagittarius) gradually, in a way that makes you comfortable (Cancer North Node). Align external truths with the inner truth that resonates in your gut.
December 17th, 2018: Day of Empowerment
Photo by Chevanon Photography from Pexels
Waxing Trine between the Aries Moon and Sagittarius Sun (26 deg)
Mars in Pisces sextile Pluto in Capricorn (20 deg)
Mars in Pisces sextile Juno Rx in Taurus (20 deg)
Aries courage and force blends with Sagittarius’ expansive outlook for a gutsy, optimistic vibe. This is the time to roll forward – there should be a path of least resistance and a natural flow of adventure that encourages you to go for it. Great for starting something that requires extra energy.
Fortunately, you’ve also got a Mars/Pluto sextle happening. Mars (ruler of Aries) is empowered by Pluto so there’s extra force behind those actions. But Mars in Pisces flows rather than pushes and – intuitive effort can make a huge impact. Try stepping back and watching what unfolds, then act on that, rather than trying to control events. Loosening your grip can actually intensify your efforts.
Mars also makes a sextile to Juno Rx so we know the above involves a relationship (business or personal) agreement. Right now it’s under review and Mars’ sextile activates energetic progress. You’re not just sitting and pondering the terms of the agreement, you and another are taking action to revise it.
Note that Juno will trine Pluto two times:
Dec 23rd (Juno Rx)
Dec 31st (Juno direct)
Juno/Pluto is the profound commitment that harmonizes with slow change and empowers both parties as it evolves. The process has started now (the trine is within orb) and the Mars sextile suggests following the route of intuitive action to make it happen. Don’t force it – go with what’s unfolding and drift forward. It may not seem like you’re making progress but trust that you are.
Agreements that are in the works today can see lucrative, constructive developments.