Astrology Report for December 2015, Part II: The Yule

*All times are read for Eastern Standard Time; for Pacific Standard Time, subtract 3 hours

​In the last few weeks, violence has ravaged headlines like a tornado. Some of us have almost become numb, while others are rallying, urging lawmakers to make it more difficult to purchase weapons. Many argue that people should take classes and pass tests prior to operating a firearm, much like driving a car.

Oddly enough, Mars, ruler of both weapons and motor vehicles, has been making challenging aspects in the sky above, reflecting our challenges here on Earth.

Mars has been talking to Uranus and Pluto, who are historically responsible for major turning points in cultural evolution. We are in a rebirthing period of humanity. We are evolving from survival-based homo-sapien, to consciousness-based homo-luminus. Birth is never an easy process; it’s raw, cathartic, painful and yet, sublimely beautiful. We are collectively feeling the pains of renewal. This is just a part of the process. We are becoming vastly aware of the violence plaguing society, and at the same time, trying to decide together what to do about it.

Mars also rules yang energy, the outward thrust. The symbol of Mars resembles a phallus. When Mars makes more harmonious aspects, say, to Neptune, we may see a Divine Masculine figure. Conversely, as Mars has made challenging aspects this week, I’ve noticed more archetypes of the emasculated male. These are funny examples, but “Instagram Husband" and “Sad Etsy Boyfriends” found their way onto my feed last week.

Not to worry: Mars’ challenging aspects loosen their grip over the next couple of weeks. It’s also important to remind ourselves during these times that nothing is inherently “good” or “bad,” in the grand scheme of evolution. Remember that “guru” literally translates “from darkness to light.”

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

-Helen Keller

On Thursday, December 17th, we connect with the dream we’ve been working towards. We can feel it and we can visualize it. The only thing standing between then and now is time, and maybe some muscle. There is a baby grand trine today involving Venus, Pluto, Mercury and the Moon; important connections can be established through the workplace or in the community. Magnetic attraction is also possible, so pay attention to who you meet and where your thoughts are directed.

On Friday, December 18th, the Moon is void in Pisces from 10:14 am until entering Aries at 4:26pm. It’s a good day for tying up loose ends. Don’t start anything new or buy anything important until after 4:26 pm (if possible). Venus makes a quincunx with Uranus, creating an element of indecision. Part of us desires the depth of solitude and the other part craves excitement. Strike a balance or choose.

It’s a busy Saturn-day with the Moon in Aries. There is a lot of potential for productivity. Pay attention to what you hear today, as secrets may be revealed. You may even make a discovery within your own self. Mercury conjoins with Pluto, creating a safe space for deep reflection, psychological investigation and/or purging, or even deep meditation. Release and transform outworn thinking patterns, or become aware of subconscious programming that limits you; it comes to light, ready to be altered.

Expect the unexpected this evening when the Moon conjoins unpredictable Uranus. Plans may change last minute. Go with the flow and get out of your comfort zone; you’ll be happy you did! Uranus rules lightning, which strikes the Earth from the heavens. Since light is information, this is akin to receiving a rapid download from the ethers. This is an “aha!” moment. Lightning also releases built up pressure from the atmosphere and illuminating the sky in a new way; similarly, we have to get wild in order to release tension and receive new inspiration. 

The busy-ness carries over into Sunday as the Aries Moon talks to Mars. This isn’t a lazy Sunday at all. There might be a lengthy list of things to do, or maybe we need to hit the gym. There is a possibility for an argument or disagreement here, so try to let of some steam off at the gym or in your yoga practice. If necessary, express your discontent from a place of compassion. We are ready to relax by 5:01 pm, when the Moon goes void. However, it may be tricky quieting mental chatter and falling asleep tonight. ​

The Moon is in loyal Taurus all day on Monday, December 21st. There is potential for grounded creativity today. Imagination manifests into the physical plane. This is a playful, but intentional energy.

Blessed Yule!Today is the WINTER SOLSTICE, the shortest day of the year and the first day of winter. Throughout the solar year, the Sun’s arc across the sky ebbs from its highest arc at the summer solstice, down to its shortest arc at the winter solstice. Here, the Sun (of) God appears to remains on the earthly cross of matter for 3 days, its arc neither growing nor shrinking. The Sun is then “reborn” on December 25th as it begins its ascent towards longer days. The equinoxes are when we have equal amounts of daylight and darkness. It’s the week after the spring equinox, during Ostara or Easter, when we celebrate the victory of the light; and during the fall, when the Sun’s arc literally falls lower each day.

In astrology, the Winter Solstice marks the 1st degree of Capricorn. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, which to the ancients, was the furthest planet from the Sun, and thus, the coldest planet in our solar system. This is probably why Saturn rules both Capricorn and Aquarius, the first two signs of winter.  

Ambitious, hard-working and loyal, it’s during this time of year that we set our new year’s resolutions and commit to a fitness plan; Saturn is associated with losing the weight that we gained during the Sagittarian party season last month. Now, the party is over and it’s time to commit and work towards something of importance.

Capricorn has high standards of excellence and urges us towards personal accountability. Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign, which translates to steady, grounded, physical action. Said another way, it’s about having a purpose and actually doing the work, not just dreaming about it and waiting for it to happen.

With limited sunlight, we have less vitality, so it’s all about pacing ourselves. Capricorn knows that slow and steady wins the race. Another side effect of lack of sunlight is depression. This isn’t to say that all Capricorn’s are depressed, they aren’t! But it often lends to a more serious tone, even austerity. Capricorn humor is usually sarcastic and dry, like Louis CK, whose Moon is in Capricorn.

Tuesday, December 22nd, we have a beautiful kite formation (which is a grand trine, with another planet opposing one of the corners. Grand trines are lovely, but they aren’t always productive unless another planet joins in to make a kite, lifting the formation into the bustling winds). We have potential to get a lot of work done today, weaving our own creative passion into our work. Things just seem to flow harmoniously today, so go with the flow! That said, the Moon is void in Taurus from 9:26am until entering Gemini at 9:31 pm, so try not to initiate anything really important and hold off on major purchases. Today is best spent continuing ongoing tasks.

Wednesday, December 23rd, the Moon is in Gemini all day, making challenging aspects to Neptune and Saturn. Confusion is in the air. What is the truth? What is my truth? Information may be distorted today, and imagination takes flight. How do we sort through truth, lies, reality and fantasy? Media is the 4th branch of government. In these times, it’s important that we use discernment as we sift through the bulk of information. This same energy also applies on a personal level. We need to strike a balance between dreaming big and remaining realistic.

On Thursday, December 24th, the planets are very busy and so are we! Venus sextiles Jupiter, ready for pleasure and merriment. Good conversation and generosity are in the air. If you are seeing your family today, there is potential to heal some of the harsh words from Thanksgiving. We are feeling more compassionate today and it’s easier to put differences aside and find kinder words.

December 25th, 2015: FULL MOON 3⁰ Cancer::

The Full Moon becomes exact at 6:12 am, highlighting the axis of Cancer/Capricorn.  On Full Moons, we take stock of how each polarity shows up in our lives. Cancer rules emotional growth, the home, family, nurturing, birth, caretaking and caregiving, as well as heredity and the roots of our past. Capricorn is concerned with where we are heading, namely our career, ambitions, setting and achieving goals, receiving recognition for said goals, reputation, as well as maturity and wisdom that comes with age.

The message of this Full Moon may be as simple as balancing your career and home life. If you are working 80 hours a week and missing your family grow up, you may realize that your schedule needs to be adjusted. Conversely, if you are sitting on the couch waiting for your dreams to come true, you may need to get out into the world more and put yourself out there. Cancer likes privacy and Capricorn likes recognition; what is the right balance here for you?

On the other hand, this Full Moon may be about taking responsibility for oneself. Blaming the past (Cancer) and living in the past are going to prevent you from climbing the tallest mountain of your own potential. We were all children once, so it’s easy to fall back onto that role. Children aren’t always great at taking responsibility for their actions and excuses are made. Capricorn has no time for excuses; we all have an allotted amount of time here on Earth and we ought to use it wisely. 

Burning yourself out is just as destructive as apathy. Pace yourself. The Capricorn Sea-Goat steadily climbs his mountain, trusting in his roots of expertise and concentrating on his excellence. He is sure that he will make it because he’s thoroughly prepared himself for this feat. We reap what we sow, which is why the Sea-Goat can also swim to the lowest of low. It’s up to us. Capricorn is where we are recognized for our efforts. If you’ve been dishonest, this is where you get caught! If you have been on a steady weight-loss plan, this is where you reach your goal and finally buy that hot red dress.

If you are celebrating Christmas with your family today, it’s a wonderful opportunity to honor your heritage and appreciate your roots. If you don’t know much about your family tree, you may feel intrigued to ask your grandmother about her grandmothers. On this day, many are honoring their family’s traditional meals and rituals, which happens to align perfectly with today’s Full Moon energy.

Full Moons amplify sensitivity, intuition and sometimes make us hyper. Hopefully our family’s traditions enliven us today and don’t drive us crazy. The word “lunatic,” finds its root in the word “luna,” for the moon.

Anything is truly possible today as Uranus stations direct, ending its retrograde period that began on July 26th. Be ready for surprises! Think back to that time: what were you working on? Did you have any big revelations in regards to your path? This may be another turning point in that story.

On Saturday, December 26th, the Cancer Moon forms a loose grand square with Pluto, Uranus, Mars and Mercury. This is a high tension aspect that requires action to be taken. This square has the potential to be really constructive or even transformational. You’ll definitely feel how and where this energy comes up in your life. Much clarity can be gained today. Pay attention to what you hear from others. On a personal level, we are able to work with these charged transits more consciously; however, on a collective level, they can manifest destructively.  So if the lunatics didn’t come out last night with the Full Moon, we may hear from them today.

December 27th is the first quiet Sunday we’ve had in a while! The planets are relatively chill today, and therefore so are we…. At least until about 5pm when the Leo Moon is in the spotlight. We get a message from the Universe that we must express our truth by taking practical action, infused with our most spectacular vision of our future. We have no choice but to be ourselves! Own it and do more of it!

On Monday, the spotlight is still on that creative Leo Moon. We find that when we come to the world authentically and from our true heart path, that it’s not only healing, but deeply powerful. What if we all removed our masks, and spoke truthfully and lovingly from the heart; what if we were all able to release our anxieties of the future and guilt from our past and live fully in the now from the core of our truest, highest expression of ourselves? What would that world look like? We attract what we exude. Today, we are urged to release whatever is holding us back from living fully in our truth.

“As you begin to love yourself, you will find that pain and suffering are only warning signs that you are living against your truth.”

Continuing with the energy of the last two days, we can smash away obstacles on Tuesday, December 29th. We have a potent configuration known as “Thor’s Hammer.” Venus is at her last degree of Scorpio, and by now, we know very clearly what’s important to us and what we are willing to work towards. We don’t have time for bullshit! We have the courage to walk away from something, knowing full well that it is no longer useful.

The Moon enters industrious Virgo at 1:58 pm, illuminating details and health.

Venus leaves private Scorpio on December 30th at 2:16 am, when she enters jubilant Sagittarius. Suddenly, we feel like getting out of our comfort zone, maybe even meeting new people. This shift comes very timely, as New Year’s Eve is tomorrow. The majority of people should be especially cheerful, and ready to celebrate and enjoy together. Conversations with new people may be inspirational or thought provoking. Venus in Sagittarius is very indulgent. She loves butter, sugar, booze, decadent chocolate mouse and anything exotic. With this in mind, use caution when it comes to excess! Venus will remain in Sag until January 23rd, when she enters conservative Capricorn. If your New Year’s resolutions involve limiting your intake of indulgences, this may prove to be difficult while Venus is in Sag. But knowledge is power! By acknowledging the energy, try to fulfill this energy by expanding in other ways.

Continuing in the indulgent energy, the Moon conjoins excessive and jubilant Jupiter on New Year’s Eve. This is perfect for bringing in the New Year with good company, cheer and delicious treats! Salud!!

Thank you 2015, for a beautiful experience. This has been one of the most exciting and enlightening years of my life. I will never forget you. Thank you. Welcome 2016, and cheers to another excellent year!! Happy New Year to all!

Aho Mitakyue Oyasin. May Mother Earth and all her inhabitants be awakened to our unity, and the highest LOVE of the Universe.

​Love, peace and healing to ALL....

-Catherine

(All images graciously borrowed from google image search)