December 2009 Astrocast

Key Events:  

Full Moon (10:15 Gemini):  December 2, 2009

New Moon (24:40 Sagittarius):   December 16, 2009

Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse (10:15 Cancer): December 31, 2009

Retrograde Planets: 

Mars:  December 20, 2009 - March 10, 2010

Mercury:  December 26, 2009 - January 14, 2010

Moon Void of Course Table

Lunations and Long-term Aspects

This month there are a couple long-term aspects worth noting.  These are going to be in force so several months so you should mark your calendars accordingly since I'll avoid being redundant by going over them each month they're in effect.  You might also want to be sure to save the "printer friendly" version at the link below.  So, moving right along, that Saturn - Pluto square actually started a month or so ago and was exact on November 15 as touched on briefly in your November Horoscope.  Since these two outer planets move slowly and have upcoming retrograde cycles as well, this aspect will be exact again on January 31, 2010 with the square continuing until mid-March, then resuming again between July 22 - September 16, 2010, giving you plenty of time to "git 'r' dun" according to what the Universe is trying to convey.

Saturn is in Libra, your 9th House of beliefs, expectations, higher learning, legal matters, cultural interactions, long-distance travel and relocation.  Since Saturn's function is to provide structure, discipline, responsibility and wisdom, expect some tutoring and experiences to that end in this part of your life.  Saturn is not above using guilt and any number of other stern methods in the event you're denser than he thinks you should be.  He is undoubtedly the originator of such motivators as corporal punishment.  In case you've forgotten Saturn's (a.k.a. Cronos') capabilities and think he's joined the ranks of all those politically correct, understanding, liberal and disgustingly lenient tutors out there these days, let me remind you that he consumed his own young because he had learned through prophecy that one of them was going to kill him.  So wasn't he surprised when Zeus evaded his tactics and did just that? 

But I digress.  As planets go, Saturn is considered one of the "bad boys" and he can make you feel as if you're hauling around the entire weight of the world itself, particularly if his lesson plan is something you're resisting.  Thus, if you have any self-defeating behaviors that relate to this part of your life, be on the lookout for some hard lessons during this transit through Libra, which is going to last until October 2012, before he's gone completely.  If you cooperate or have your life in order as far as the 9th House in concerned, you have little to worry about.  On the other hand, if it's a bit of a trainwreck, help is on the way (if you want to call it that.)

And then there's Pluto, god of the Underworld, who's fairly recently arrived to stay in Capricorn for probably longer than you even care to know, i.e. it will be November 2024 before he's gone entirely from that sign.  Capricorn is your 12th House of enlightenment, dreams, inspiration, spirituality, confinement, seclusion, the collective consciousness, institutions (such as hospitals and prisons), hidden enemies, self-undoing, and large animals.  So, how's that for variety?  Pluto is another astrological "bad boy" who doesn't mess around with niceties, either.  Again, let me remind you that these heavy transits are only as heavy as they need to be to get you to take care of business.  We can attain "astrological immunity" when the inherent lessons don't apply to our lives.  One way of doing this is to cooperate and use the energy in a positive, productive way.  Fighting against a planet is pretty futile, especially one like Pluto who is still pissed off about being demoted to a "minor planet."  He's still bigger than any of us humans are, so on that scale size simply doesn't matter, and you need to respect the fact that he has a cosmic Napoleonic Complex from Hell.

So, what does Pluto do?  Those of you that have been reading these horoscopes for a while have undoubtedly raised your hands to respond that he is what I unaffectionately call the "zodiacal roto-rooter."  For example, let's say that the FBI gets wind that you have a variety of contraband buried in your backyard.  If you think they're going to send in a handful of agents with shovels you are sadly mistaken; they are going to send in backhoes.  On a more common scale, if you've ever had clogged sewer pipes, you have already figured out where I'm going with this.  If there is anything hidden or buried that needs attention, he is going to root it out.  Of course there is a positive side to this.  There will undoubtedly be some things that you really don't want to know, but on the other hand, if you go back to the sewer line analogy, once he finds the problem and you effect appropriate repairs, the dirt goes back in place, the grass grows back and everything is better than ever.  In reality, Pluto is about death AND regeneration, albeit healing.  However, if you have skeletons in the closet (or the backyard) you may as well admit it now and avoid additional trouble from those dark figures who call Hades home.

Pluto in the 12th House will be an interesting experience as he has his way with your spiritual side.  If you have a Pollyanna attitude that does not conform to reality, you can expect to be enlightened.  If you've been duped regarding anything in this venue, which could include spending too much time in Lalaland, you will be awakened accordingly.  If you have closed your eyes to the darker side of life, whether it's crime, illness, suffering or the corruption that surrounds us, you'll be getting a wake-up call.  Pluto is not necessarily out to make you miserable, but he does want you to face reality.  Again, these are only as painful as you make them by your refusal to listen.

When you put Saturn and Pluto in cahoots with one another through a hard aspect such as a square, you can expect that your faith is about to be tried.  One obvious example where the 9th and 12th House overlap to some degree is the area of religion versus spirituality.  Like they say, going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage makes you a car.  The 9th House includes such things as religion and politics as part of your beliefs while spirituality resides in the 12th.  Get the picture?  Thus, if you consider yourself "religious" but your spiritual side is lacking, a wake-up call is on the way.  Another place to look for these influences will be regarding any experience you have with other cultures, higher learning, legal matters, or even moving a long distance where you are likely to encounter hidden truths, covert motives, and underhanded people, particularly if you have closed your eyes to these things in the past.  If you use these experiences properly, you will find enlightenment and positive spiritual experiences along with inspiration, but burying you head in the sand is not going to work.  This also goes for any weaknesses you have that are self-defeating and require attention.  So the bottom line is that on and off for nearly the next year, this is on your plate so you may as well deal with it.  Resistance is futile and the sooner you get onboard, the easier it will go.  Really.

Another influence to contend with over the next few months is a Mars retrograde cycle.  This only happens about every two years and two months.  The retrograde cycle itself will last from December 20, 2009 until March 10, 2010, but the "shadow period" will last until May 17, 2010, which is when Mars reaches the zodiacal degree where he first went retrograde.  Mars is in Leo, your 7th House of relationships.  Mars retrograde tends to make us more reactive versus active and also tends to flush out unresolved conflict.  Your 7th House includes your significant other, close friends and relatives, business partners including professionals you interact with one on one such as your attorney, accountant, hairdresser, or physician and your cliental if you're in business for yourself.  It also includes open enemies, those people who are your competitors or opponents and make no secret of it.  This will be a time when you can examine your various relationships and how you handle them.  If you tend to let people walk on you, you'll be more aware of this than in the past which will allow you to think about your own behavior and how to rectify it.  You can also bet that this transit will work hand-in-hand with Saturn and Pluto to help resolve any issues that overlap into all three houses.  This is not a bad thing!  Look upon it as an astrological enema of sorts that will help flush out any old crap you've been toting around for years and years.  This may not sound like a good idea but the Cosmos knows best and a year from now you'll be better off.  Really.

So now that I'm sure you're in a wonderful mood, if you're still even reading this at all, let's take a look at this month's lunations.  We even get a bonus being as there are three of them instead of the usual two and the last one is an eclipse, which has even more punch.  We are definitely ending this year with a bang!

The Full Moon on December 2 is in Gemini, your 5th House of ego definition, self-expression, children, romance, entertainment, speculation and creativity.  A Full Moon typically heralds an ending or shifting to a different level, so look for something in one of those areas to culminate.   One aspect that may provide a few hints of what this may be is a square between Mercury and Uranus, your Sign Ruler.  Mercury is in your 11th House of friends, group affiliations, organizations, and goals, which will be facilitating information in that area.  Uranus is the planet of surprises, unexpected events, disruptions, freedom and rebellion and he's in your 2nd House of finances, possessions, needs and pleasures.  Thus, you can expect something unexpected and potentially disruptive in the material part of your life to create a challenge of some sort with regard to your goals or group interactions.  Mercury is also sextile Neptune, however, which may provide some inspiration regarding how to handle the situation.  This may even come in the form of someone lending a helping hand, but the implication is that you'll find a way to deal with it.  Those of you born right around January 31, give or take a few days, will feel this the strongest, but the good news is that your Natal Sun creates a Triangle of Potential with the Sun - Moon opposition that defines a Full Moon.  This puts you in the driver's seat, so to speak, to use these influences in a beneficial manner.  There will be opportunities for you inherent in any related situation that will bring you benefits and satisfaction.

The New Moon on December 16 is in Sagittarius, your 11th House of friends, organizations, group associations, and goals.  This is the house that Aquarius rules in the Zodiac so this is a part of your life that is important to you, so something new in this area is likely to please you.  The effects will be strongest for those of you born roughly between February 11 - 15.  Just a quick reminder that Jupiter, the asteroid, Chiron, and Neptune are camped out in Aquarius.  Those of you born between February 9 - 13 will be feeling the effects of these transits this month as they contact your Natal Sun.  These effects will range from over-confidence, setting yourself up for potential problems, and not quite seeing reality as it really is.  However, if you use this New Moon properly, you can probably mitigate any of these negative effects and turn them to your advantage.  The New Moon is squaring Uranus, however, which could stir up some unexpected financial challenge, but again, there should be ways around it.  Mars is in your 7th House of relationships and he's trining Venus in your 11th House of friends.  This could bring someone from your circle of friends closer and at the least bodes well for interactions with those of the opposite sex.  There are various opportunities to take a new direction with your life.  As a Fixed Sign, you have difficulty letting go of old habits, but remember if you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got so if you don't like whatever that has been, now's your chance to effect a positive change.

The Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse on December 31 occurs in Cancer, your 6th House of work, health and pets.  At least it's on New Year's Eve for those of you who live in North or South America.  If you live somewhere like Australia, it will be on New Years Day but the effects will be the same.  This eclipse is a member of the group known as 12 North in the Saros Series.  According to eclipse guru, Bernadette Brady, the general character of this eclipse series involves the arrival of an unexpected opportunity to assume more responsibility, usually because someone else is no longer to do so.  Since the eclipse is occurring in your house of work, this is very likely to show up there.  Perhaps someone will go out on leave, quit or retire, providing you with an opportunity for a promotion.  The specific aspects associated with it have a message as well.  Most obvious is the fact that on December 31 both Mars and Mercury are retrograde.   Mars retrograde is discussed above and will be directed at your relationships while Mercury retrograde is another message to rethink, re-plan, reconsider, revise and so forth.  Mercury is in your 12th House, the same location as Pluto, so this should help you start figuring out anything in this part of your life that you need to rethink for whatever reason.  Mars is also quincunx Mercury and the Lunar North Node, implying adjustments and course changes are needed; watch for opportunities to do so. 

Short-term Aspects

December 1:  Venus goes into Sagittarius, your 11th House of friends, group affiliations, organizations and goals, which should bring good fortune to this part of your life.  Look for a conversation or other form of information from that venue that will bring you considerable inspiration.

December 2:  Full Moon today as described above.

December 4:  Someone from one of your group affiliations or perhaps a female friend will provide you with an interesting concept to consider that could have a strong impact on your beliefs and expectations or something you're currently considering.  If something strikes you as important, it probably is, so give it due consideration.

December 5:  Mercury goes into Capricorn today, facilitating your ability to gather information of an esoterical or spiritual nature.  Someone close to you will provide some interesting information that could pertain to your beliefs or some significant event coming up.  However, bear in mind that the forcefulness with which they deliver their message doesn't necessarily mean they're correct.  Make your own decisions.

December 7:  The ability to uncover hidden facts or insights is enhanced today, making it an excellent time to consider things you don't understand.  If there are any conflicts between what you believe and who and what you are, they're likely to come.

December 8:  If someone close to you is trying to undermine you or your interests, you are likely to figure that out today.

December 10:  Deep insights into your beliefs, particularly those related to ethics or religion, are possible today.  Be wary of any promises from friends that are over-stated or overly ambitious because they're unlikely to make good on their promise.  Make sure you aren't guilty of the same.

December 11:  Examine your thoughts as well as your behavior for any self-delusions.  Do you represent yourself as being a deeper, more spiritual individual than you really are?

December 14:  Brace yourself for something unexpected that may involve your friends or one of the groups you hang with.  Even if you don't like it, be honest in appraising it for accuracy.  There are opportunities out there for you to look good; don't pass them by.  Hang on tight to you wallet as well. 

December 15:  Don't believe everything you hear today.  If it's inspiring, use it as such, but don't mistake it for absolute truth or a done deal.

December 16:  New Moon today as described above.

December 17:  An excellent day for interactions with the opposite sex.  Someone you know casually could step inside your inner circle.

December 19:  A female friend may ask for a loan, or one of your financial goals may encounter an unexpected obstacle.

December 20:  Mars goes retrograde today, which will make you more inclined to be passive aggressive.  It will also help you examine how you interact with those close to you for ways you can improve your communications.  You will be well-received by your friends today, but be careful not to exaggerate, especially if it involves money. 

December 21:  The Sun goes into Capricorn today, marking the winter solstice.  It's a great day to enjoy a movie, good book, or other escape from the dark and dreary world.  Take a look at how honest you are with those close to you as well and how honest you are about sharing your deepest feelings.  Don't expect them to meet your emotional needs if they don't know what they are.

December 24:  Another great day for uncovering hidden information or discovering your spiritual depths.  A spiritual approach to the day will serve you best.

December 25:  Venus goes into Capricorn, a cosmic Christmas gift for your spiritual yearnings.  If your religious or core beliefs aren't serving your spiritual nature, give it some thought why that is the case.  Are those closest to you keep you from what you really believe in some way?  To thine own self be true.

December 26:  Mercury goes retrograde today, giving you exactly the energy you need to start rethinking your beliefs and spiritual health.

December 27:  Someone close to you, perhaps of the male persuasion, has some suggestions that apply to your belief system.  Even if the presentation irritates you, examine the content for anything of value.

December 28:  A deep, spiritual union of some sort is very possible today.  Getting in touch with another dimension or some form of transcendence is very possible.  This will come from deep within yourself though someone close to you could be involved.

December 29:  What you're discovering spiritually may clash with your existing beliefs.  Take a good hard look to determine which one is out of line.

December 30:  Spiritual enlightenment is a very real possibility today.  If you're paying attention, you could be well on your way for the journey in 2010 which the planets have mapped out for you.  The path will only be as rocky as you make it.

December 31:  Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse as described above.

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