In General: The theme this month is one of personal organization again, with a focus on the ability to make the most of our personal skills. With Saturn moving into Capricorn this month, we should become more focused on our career goals and our personal social status. Self-discipline becomes one of the most applicable qualities throughout December.
December 3rd Full Moon in Gemini can show us just how words can be one of the most powerful weapons we have, for good or ill. This full moon is the only super moon of the year, when the moon is closest to the earth at full phase and will appear larger than normal. This can intensify the energies we are feeling.At this time it’s important for each of us to choose our words wisely and think before we speak! Concurrent with the Full Moon is Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, adding its own brand of communication delay and confusion. Travel is particularly highlighted here and delays can be expected!
On the 18th a New Moon in Sagittarius will expand our awareness of the world, our horizons and often our goals too! Many of us will feel the urge to explore our ideals and beliefs in a way that defies our old boundaries. On December 20th, Saturn enters Capricorn, after a three year transit through Sagittarius, and we will all be a little more aware of our career goals and what we need to do in order to achieve them. If you have a birthday this month then the coming year will put you well on track to achieving your dreams, but you have to be prepared to work hard and focus. On the world scene this month a retrograde Mercury can bring about chaos and misunderstanding in travel, foreign communications and religious issues. However this is also a month of monumental “breakthroughs” in conventional belief systems like politics and religion. Locally it's a time to think before you speak and double check the details before you act!
Quote of the month: ‘Make it thy business to know thyself, which is the most difficult lesson in the world’ Miguel De Cervantes
Aries
Your energetic nature isn’t afraid to take on an adventure or to conquer new situations, so when Venus moves into Sagittarius on December 1st, you’re in your element and ready for some excitement. You may not be sure of where you’re going, but you’re ready for a new journey.
Taurus
People close to you are important sources of information this month, so forging friendly alliances with others will guide you on the way to your success. If you can keep your patience and see the value of even the most unlikely people in your world, then you will reap the benefits of their friendship.
Gemini
Jupiter is hitting all the right spots for you, and opportunities for self-improvement and happiness will abound. Your present blend of optimism and willpower make all the difference. It is important however that you trust your intuition and yourself, go with the flow more and avoid trying to manufacture good times.
Cancer
This is a strong month where you can get back into a sensible routine. You might particularly want to look at your diet and exercise. Early December is about staying close to home and nurturing yourself. After December 22nd its time to reconnect with friends and family again.
Leo
You can look forward to a month of happiness and pleasure in general. The temptation to spend time away from your work or other serious commitments will be very strong however. You feel more than usually attached to those you love and to your close friends now! On the other hand, someone may ask too much of you.
Virgo
This is a time for research and learning as your mind is hungry for new projects. There is much running around due to running errands and getting things in order for the festive season. It feels like you need to ground yourself again and get closer to your roots, either by connecting with family or just by walking barefoot in the garden.
Libra
Big changes are coming into the life of someone close and your role as confidant and counselor for them will increase. Following your intuition now will help you to attain your desires and aid the improvement of your finances too! It’s time to write that journal or book, teach or step forward into the new career you have been considering.
Scorpio
Positive emotions flow between you and your significant other this month Scorpio, and your wants and needs become clearer to you both. Finances are improving and if you choose, now is a very good time for long term investments or organizing a new way of managing your finances.
Sagittarius
You guys have been working harder than usual, laying the ground plans, for future financial stability. You’ve been the go-between and the support person, for friends, family and employers. Now it is time for you to step back and begin to set boundaries and create new personal limits. It’s time to get organized and be sure to make some changes that truly support you.
Capricorn
This is a big month for opportunities, making new plans or creating a new direction for your future overall security. It’s a good time for research, looking up facts and pursuing your inquiries for a special project. You may even win a prize or receive an accolade when you least expect it.
Aquarius
This month should bring a traditional and loving family experience your way. You will have the powerful support of a female friend or family member as you move forward with plans to make changes in your home or career. It’s important to be in touch with your emotions and to be clear about your end goal.
Pisces
This month’s full moon might bring out your emotions more intensely than usual. You should use this opportunity to focus upon your emotional needs. An old friend may leave your life at this time, but it’s likely that you weren’t as invested I them as you originally thought.
Astral Meditations: How to stay relaxed during the Holiday season.
The holidays are upon us, including all the chaos and stresses of this time of year. Following are some ideas to help you take the tension out of your day! 1. Look after your Body
Do the things that you know are good for you, sleep well, eat healthy foods, cut back on sugars and coffee, be smart about alcohol intake and get some regular exercise.
2. Remember to Breathe
Check in and see how your body is feeling. Breathe into tight places; stretch and move when your back or neck feels stiff; look out the window when your eyes are straining at the computer screen; sigh and let your shoulders drop. Breathe more deeply and slowly.
3. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Start and end the day with guided imagery, yoga, meditation, relaxation, deep breathing or a massage!
4. Know Your Limits
Work smart. This is especially important around holiday time, when trying too hard to do too much creates the exact opposite of the holiday feeling you’re striving for. Try not to over-commit. If you do, make a list and prioritize.
5. Ask Yourself If You’d Rather be Happy or Right
A lot of stress is generated by a need to be right. We can choose to let go of an issue and move on.
6. Practice Staying in the Moment
Place your awareness into what you are doing at the moment, you will be using even mundane, everyday activities as the focus of meditation, and you will be able to maintain your inner balance. Practicing gratitude for bits and pieces of daily life is also a potent way to de-stress.
Astral meanders: Mid-Summer 22nd December Northern Hemisphere.
The solstice has remained a special moment of the annual cycle of the year since Neolithic times. December 21st marks the beginning of the Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. This means that we will be observing our longest day of sunlight.
The gardens are flourishing, and summer is in full swing. Also called Litha, summer solstice focuses on celebrating the supremacy of the sun. It's the time of year when the crops are growing vigorously and the earth has warmed up. We can spend long sunlit afternoons appreciating the outdoors, and getting back to nature. The word “Solstice” comes from the Latin words, sol sistere – “sun stand still”.
Midsummer is one of the four solar holidays. For many years it's been a day to celebrate the sun, the harvest, and the many benefits of summer's bounty. Here in the heat of the summer, the crops are transformed as are our actions, thoughts and plans. Blossoming and maturing of our works are manifested, or they wither and expire in the heat. It is a time for love, healing, protection, and purification. It is a time for the Earth to ripen the seeds for harvest and similarly it is a time for us to ripen the seeds we have sown in our lives.
If you feel energetic then try making a small sun wheel garden, either indoors or out using the flowering herbs of vervain and St John’s Wort and Sun herbs such as frankincense, juniper, rosemary and saffron and all yellow or golden flowers. Arrange them in the form of a wheel and fill in the centre with tiny golden crystals or glass nuggets. You can breathe in the golden light from your living sun wheel.
