The month begins with a New Moon in Sagittarius on 1st and ends with a Capricorn New Moon on 31st. The journey through Sagittarius (ruled by jolly Jupiter), into Capricorn (ruled by stern Saturn), may be reflected on many levels. There is the big commercial build-up to Christmas – we are encouraged to be jolly and to celebrate by over-indulging each other and ourselves. But Jupiter is not just about partying; it is about the development of wisdom and “seeing the bigger picture”. The bigger picture that comes to mind for me is that, for all our technological ability to connect to people around the world, we still find it so hard to embrace our differences. Thankfully, channels of communication nearer home are likely to clear somewhat during the first week of December as Mercury turns to forward motion again. News or messages we receive now as well as in-depth conversations could result in far-reaching changes.

On Saturday 3rd December, we can get through a difficult task or overcome obstacles by motivating ourselves early on and pumping up the enthusiasm! You might find out what someone really wants for Christmas late morning. On Sunday 4th, we may be in a hurry to move plans forward, but discuss them first. Someone’s opinions – and indeed feelings – may have changed in the last few days. Sunday evening is the best time to talk feelings. However, neither Sunday 4th nor Monday 5th are good days for buying on impulse or other unconsidered actions. On Monday 5th in the evening, we may still be confused by the same things that have been unclear for the last three weeks. Words seem to confuse matters further – perhaps we are still trying to process new information and we need to wait for the dust to settle. Direct action may still be premature. We might be inspired on the morning of Wednesday 7th. Be receptive and open to looking at things in a new way. On Thursday evening (8th) and Friday morning (9th), let the love and beauty shine through and enjoy yourself.

We may have had to shelve ambitious plans or put our desires on hold earlier in the Autumn when Mars turned retrograde, and by now, we have perhaps given up on “gaining the prize”. Now, Mars is preparing to turn to forward motion again, and on Saturday 10th, we might consider what we have learned from this period of not getting what we wanted. Perhaps we have become more patient and less stubborn? Or maybe we have become even more determined to reach our goal, despite recent setbacks? Our patience and determination may be rewarded soon. Also on Saturday 10th, the evening is great for telling someone how you feel. Doubts or insecurities may arise on Monday 12th when the Moon eclipses Mars. Now that it’s time or nearly time to act, we may be wondering just how much to push, how much pressure to apply or whether we are right to stand our ground.

Just asking ourselves these questions may be enough to bring our energies back into balance. However, it may not be until after the animated discussions and other distractions accompanying the Gemini Full Moon on Thursday 15th December that we can start to focus in on the power or meaning behind our new intentions. Pay attention to dreams overnight/early Friday 16th. Look more deeply into what is really motivating you as well as where your true power lies. Jupiter and Saturn are locked in combat on Saturday 17th. Which side will win – the one that wants to throw caution to the wind or the one that utters the stern warning of dire consequences? (Scorpio and Leo do like to be dramatic!) Aim to balance seasonal exuberance with common sense. We might express our impatience or irritation a little too sharply on Sunday night (18th) or on Monday morning (19th). If this happens for you, ask yourself what’s really bugging you? Gentleness is the key on the night of Monday 19th – give yourself time to unwind and re-centre. Irritation may resurface and we might be accident prone if we just plough on regardless into Tuesday 20th.

At Winter Solstice (December 21st), we pass through the doorway into Capricorn – Saturn’s realm. Where Jupiter has been drunk, Saturn is more sober. Where Jupiter has been expansive and generous, Saturn tends to be more responsible. If we have overdone the Jupiter thing, it might feel like falling to earth with a bump. However, around midday on Wednesday 21st, Saturn gives us the perfect opportunity to discuss our more serious concerns or to resolve a business or financial matter. The Winter Solstice and the next ten days is a great time for sober reflection on our achievements during the past year and for setting ourselves goals for the new year. With Venus slowing down prior to going retrograde from Christmas Eve, some of our reflections may be focussed in the areas of love and money – two areas where there is perhaps greater emphasis at Christmas than at other times of the year. The sort of questions we may want to ask are, “Did I really spend that much on an outfit I’m only going to wear once?” and “Who do I want to put first in my life from now on?” Christmas morning looks magical – it could well be a white one too with Mercury and Neptune in happy aspect.

On Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th, take yourself off into the shed or the office, where you can get on with challenging tasks that are best tackled on your own. Mars and Saturn in this combination favour hard work. If you decide, reluctantly, to go on that “festive family outing”, things could become fraught! Thursday 29th, however, could be a day of happy surprises, especially early on. Be spontaneous! The accent is on activity and communications later on Thursday and into Friday 30th. Practicalities may be the focus at the New Moon on the morning of Saturday 31st, but things may not be as straightforward as they appear on the surface. Our plans for 2006 may include far-reaching changes that need thinking through or discussing in-depth. Pluto and Mercury conspire to give us the space or opening we need for further exploration around midday on the 31st. We are likely to encounter some initial resistance either in ourselves or from others. But isn’t it better to find out about it and tackle it now rather than later?

With love and very best wishes for a Warm and Wise Winter Solstice!

Steph