Astrology for December
As the clear cold Sagittarian nights huddle us together, we experience the dominating lineup of Saturn squaring Neptune, fear or compassion. Saturn contracts, and controls, bringing out authoritarian approaches, as well as commandingly focusing our attention to the reality before us. Neptune is boundary less, all inclusive, imaginative, and compassionate. Neptune’s shadow manifestation is denial, deception, and becoming immersed in delusion.
In these times of great shift, where the underpinnings of societies erupt and chaos takes place, we are the ones walking the bridge between the old paradigm and birthing the new. Our vision, our consciousness, our actions matter. We create the bridge with our consciousness. The Pluto Uranus square, as well, still holds sway over the breakdown and reveals that which has been repressed arising and erupting, throwing off and reacting to the great imbalance of forces which exists in the old paradigm. Each of us works with this conditioning within our own psyches. During this bridge time we must remind ourselves that we have the power to create new realities that are life enhancing.
The Saturn Neptune square brings us an opportunity to steady our vision through attunement to the great 
imaginative forces that are the soul’s foundation. Saturn will test our visions. Saturn aligned with Neptune will confront deception and seek truth. It is a time when we will come up against our own escapism, denial, and procrastination. We walk a precarious edge of being overwhelmed by disillusionment, despair, or denial, the negative manifestation of these energies, to being able to steadily build new realities, step by step, with patience and perseverance from the imaginative potential within each of us. Collectively we witness these forces battling out what will define our realities.
Personally, you may fine yourself stretched between the pressures of responsibilities, harsh self evaluation, even shame, versus going with the flow, being accepting, while embracing new imaginative possibilities. We are stressed between an old way of being, and the possibility of manifesting a new ideal. We weave this bridge through staying mindful to these forces during the uncertainties of these times. Invite in Saturn to assist in organizing, grounding, and scheduling how to build a new reality for yourself.
This is Saturn’s great gift. It creates limits and focus, it brings on, and sustains the labor to birth new forms in our lives. We are walking the bridge, crossing into the new paradigm, re-envisioning a new order on Earth. Each of us participates in this recreation based on the quality of our consciousness.
The beginning of December carries the intensity, potential violence, and reactivity of Mars aligning with Pluto 
and Uranus until the 20th. During this time we witness it around us, feel it within. Instead of reacting, take actions that clear out the old, change our environments, move our bodies to feel the vitality of life. Be mindful in relationship. Many situations are in volatile states, financial markets, and society, in general.
The New moon takes place on Dec 11th in Sagittarius, highlighting the need for change and taking action on those changes. The Sun enters Capricorn on the Winter Solstice, December 21st, as the light begins to grow. This brings us to the New Year with grounded positive growth. Previously hidden issues are now brought forth. The Full moon graces Christmas day, enjoy its beauty and mystery on Christmas Eve. This is an excellent time to hold our vision for renewed life, peace, and honoring the dreams each of us wish to manifest.
Twelve opportunities for December 2015: For Sun and Rising Signs
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Now is a time of examining your beliefs. Unconscious expectations, ideals, and dreams are brought out to be seen in the light. You are sorting and asking yourself what is realistic, what is it that I want to manifest? This will unfold over the next year. Be patient. Be aware that a surprise may come from another that unsettles you. Let yourself witness how their energy is manifesting. Know that you can respond when the time is right, while breaking old patterns.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): You are in transition, trying to give form to that which is not yet ready to manifest. Friends are important at this time to support the possibilities that are trying to come into being. They can support and ground your hopes and goals for the future. You feel deeply this month and sense the fragileness of life. The Solstice time changes the energy for you and brings fullness within your heart.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): This month you focus on relationship. There is a need to simplify and spend time reflecting on how the relationship is working. Where do you see eye to eye, and how can you achieve some practical necessities. You are looking at your ideals versus the truth of what is manifesting. It is time for straight talk.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): This is the month to get organized! You feel the largeness of what you would like to accomplish, or the ideal of that big adventure. But you must now deal with some practical realities. It will serve you well to keep focused on how to daily implement your projects. It is an excellent time to attend to your own self-care and health matters. Christmas brings a sense of well-being and deep enjoyment, especially as you refrain from sharing your opinions.
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): This month you stand out! You give your insight and knowledge to others. People may not realize the great sensitivity you have toward others and how you would like to help. You may feel caught between taking charge versus not being sure what to do. Change things up. Whatever you do, do it differently. Trust your insights.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): You experience imaginative possibilities. A realm of creative insight has returned and calls you in. You may wish that you could totally let yourself go to this world of nature and art, but at the same time you continue to be pulled to family and home responsibilities. You are entering a time of changing what your foundation has been! For some, that is dynamics in the family, for others it is the rhythm they live by.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Venus enters Scorpio and your engagement with others becomes more intense, with great depth of feeling. It is, as well, a time of great affection and endearment. There is a reassessment of your own value as well as the need for unstructured time. Be kind to yourself as your mind may now easily see what is wrong or negative. Use the Saturnian energy to your advantage by choosing what you will let yourself think about. Completion of projects is uplifting now.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): You experience a lot of love in your life right now. There is a sweetness that is manifesting. If you take your time you can deeply experience that a dream is manifesting in your life and it feels good. Enjoy! At the same time it is good to watch your finances. Take time to get grounded and reflect on how to step by step proceed.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): In your home you are manifesting a dream come true, a sweetness of love or a surge of creative expression. You have been working hard to come to this place and you are arriving. You feel yourself in a balancing act between your financial responsibilities and the dreams you want to manifest. Whatever you are doing, change and being innovative, thinking outside the box is working for you!!!
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): This is an excellent time for you to begin a project that will develop over the next 6 months. As you take time to refuel yourself by retreating, something new enters your life. Writing, speaking, and communication, in general, becomes a theme for December. It is an excellent time to communicate the love and appreciation you feel. It becomes a foundation for your journey through this time.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): You are known as a teacher. Whether you do it through an established structure or through your personal contact with people, you are deeply valued for your insight and perspectives. This month this quality is prominent and you feel the freedom to enjoy what you have created in your life and family. You feel both great freedom and responsibility. Now the two are intertwined and flow together.
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): You are particularly aware of the transformative energies in all of our lives. Everything grows, evolves, and changes. You are especially alert to tracking energy, feelings, and nuances. Something is changing in your life or around you. It is allowing something new to appear, a new seed has been planted and fruition will come. To prepare for this you are letting go of something.
Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 33 years, bringing together traditional & esoteric astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. For info on her Friday monthly astrology groups, her Qabalah, astrology and or, painting classes, and for personal consultations, call (831) 479-3751, or go to www.susanheinz.com.