Astrology for December

Saturn moves into Capricorn on December 19^th. As Saturn enters wintry Capricorn, these four qualities are worth remembering (and if you have Saturn in Capricorn in your birth chart). The first quality is contraction and focus, going down deep inside to find your own voice and inner knowing. If we stay outwardly busy, the contraction and focus turns to limitation and depression. The 2^nd quality with Saturn in Capricorn is seeking a renewal of light, a return of light, light being what is life sustaining. Seeking light means that through the darkness, or we might say through the not knowing of this wintry sign, we strive for what lights up, what brings possibility, cultivating a faith of return of the light. Without this faith we can feel that we are burdened with an unending task. The 3^rd quality of this transit is the power to expose the bones, the deeper structure or patterns, getting right down to that structure that shapes our consciousness and our patterns of reaction. Behind and beyond that structure, (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto), is a greater reality that we can tap into. We enter that greater reality when we learn how to be comfortable with uncertainty, within which are our gifts and revelation, hearing that quiet voice that leads. And the 4th quality is illustrated astrologically when we say, “Mars is exalted in Capricorn”. This means that action is at its best with the qualities inherent in Capricorn, the power of determination, patience and endurance. Our faith in this renewal lays the tracks for our rebirth and integration.

 Mercury goes retrograde at 29 Sagittarius on the 2^nd until December 22^nd when it goes direct. As always, Mercury retrograde wants us to slow down, to review and contemplate, to edit and fine tune. With Mercury in Sagittarius we are encouraged to review our assumed attitudes of rightness, our belief systems in general. This review helps us as Saturn enters Capricorn so we can see how we may have limited ourselves.

 Jupiter in Scorpio harmoniously aligns with Neptune in Pisces. Be sure to access this imaginative, poetic, and creative space. Imagine the possibilities. Turn to the studio for your art or music, or gather at your writing desk. Dance to the music. Let your heart open to love. How interesting it is that as Jupiter moved into Scorpio, the sign of that which is hidden, and rules sex, vulnerability, power and powerlessness, suddenly sexual harassment and violation that is so pervasive in our society, is erupting and a movement for transformation is stimulated. This will continue into next year.

 The full Moon in Gemini takes place on the 3^rd, stressing our busyness. The New Moon on the 17^th helps us to seed the Solstice with intention. At the last degrees of Sagittarius we can set our intention toward a vision we hold, and consciously affirm letting go of limiting beliefs. We can affirm with gratitude, the goodness around us, creating a magnetizing force field for well being. The Winter Solstice, when the Sun enters Capricorn, takes place on December 21^st.

(Painting by Ceil Kellogg, 2013)

 The Twelve signs: For Sun and Rising Signs

 Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): This month you stretch and grow. It’s a breakthrough month, dear Aries. One in which your imagination can dream up a transformation in your life. Hold a daily contemplation to review where you have been, and envision where imagined possibility could take you. Leaving behind an old story or identity is the doorway to renewed life. Saturn is calling to you. Move with patience and determination toward your goal. You’re able to show up in the world in ways you haven’t before.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Tap into your power this month, Taurus. Ask yourself, “What does that mean, what is power to me?” What is powerlessness? This is a month of getting down to deeper layers of meaning, getting to a deeper essence of being and embodying it. There are those around you who want to help and support you. In fact those helpers have existed for quite a while. The difference is learning how to see them and ask. All is collaboration in this day and age. Sometimes, you, dear Taurus, push on with a solitary determination not considering how to reach out. Reach our now. Life becomes easier and more enjoyable.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Dear Gemini, over the last period of time it appears that you have been working hard to understand relatedness in new ways. You may have felt a great desire to be committed and true to a love, or struggled with how do I do all the things I’m interested in and still cultivate an intimate relationship. Situations start to shift for you. You’ve completed a task and are ready to engage on the next level of collaboration and intimacy. So many things begin to be seen.

Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): Feeling a new confidence supports your creativity and the ability to be engaged with life. At the same time you, dear Cancer, are ready to renew and refine how you walk through life. You seek more knowledge in how to care for your body and how to align yourself through all your levels of experience. For some Cancers your sensitivity will open to more subtle areas of experience that you can share through service to others. Cherish this sensitivity now as gift, and let it continually surprise you. Let it show you the wonders of being human.

Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): Dear Leo with the Sun in Sagittarius you can enjoy some time to really shine, to create, to host, to enjoy your children. Your generous heart opens and you are in a position to share your love. There is a focus on taking time for yourself to go through things, to recycle, and to make changes in your home. Perhaps there are family issues that are revealed, and you can be a force to help transform old situations. In this turning of the year, gather yourself up by reviewing and putting things in place, expressing your creativity.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Dear Virgo, as Mercury the planet that rules your sign, slows down to turn retrograde next to disciplined Saturn, you take this month to focus in on what is near and dear to you. Perhaps with your skill for writing and editing, you turn toward reviewing and putting together a project that you have postponed. Now is your time to create space for yourself. Your home is important to you at this time. You feel the need to make changes so that you can more efficiently tend to those things that call to you. The family gathers round.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Have you been thinking about money? What a good time to imagine how best to use your talents. Your communication skills are highlighted and your ability to discipline yourself and your busy mind is supported. As Saturn conjuncts Mercury and the new moon dawns on the 17^th, slow yourself down to take time to review and listen to the deeper voice that calls to you. By pass harsh judgment that undermines your confidence. Imagine it to be the weather as a cloud obscures the sun. So take the opportunity to become still, trusting your intuition. Situations are changing. A relationship is highlighted to support something new.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Dear Scorpio, have you felt Jupiter move into your sign and open up the emotional gates? It’s as if a good rain has had time to refresh the soil and clear the air. Being a fixed sign you can persevere and hold on to things longer that others. You can also achieve your goals holding steady to a vision that can be richly rewarding during Jupiter’s sojourn in Scorpio. Now your planet Mars enters Scorpio and activates your motion. Set your course. The winds are with you.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): Happy Birthday, dear Sagittarius! Already you are feeling the shift of all that planning and hard work you’ve been doing! Now as Venus enters your enthusiastic sign you are ready to share and enjoy what you have created, (and to rein in your spending with a budget for the next year). The New Moon in Sagittarius on the 17^th is the time to make your birthday wish! (Perhaps again!) Step into the early evening and look east to the magnificent starry constellation of Orion with his Dog. This is the time for you to set your intention for the year ahead.

Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): Take an in-breath and gather yourself as you complete your yearly cycle before moving into the New Year and new situations. Befriend your ruling planet, Saturn. You might ask how does one do that, when Saturn tests and initiates us through endurance and introspection? Saturn can feel like pressure from the outside to do things “right.” That sense of rightness as defined by an outer authority is an illusionary “veil” that you, dear Capricorn, will part and go beyond. Saturn requires solitude to listen deeply, honoring that sometimes-subtle inner voice, cultivating faith, and moving with steadiness into the unknown to give birth to new structures, patterns, and conditions in your life.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Family and joining with friends of like-mind fills this month. Such a natural for you! To be surrounded by other visionary and innovative thinkers, those that think outside the box. In your heart of hearts you have a seed to bring forth and share. The more you share the more it flowers. Your planet, Uranus, now activates the next level of break-through and transmission. This New Moon on the 17^th aligns with Uranus and is hugged by Venus on one side and Saturn on the other, finding what you love, harmonizes with what is deeply valuable to you, giving it solid form. Set your intention for the year ahead!

Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Again this month, as Jupiter in watery Scorpio aligns with your ruling planet Neptune, there is an openness that can be overwhelming. So many possibilities! Give yourself a routine to write, paint, play music, to dream and envision new situations. As Saturn moves into Capricorn it will assist you with perseverance, the tethering down and shaping of those dreams. Be thoughtful of heightened sensitivities and perceptions. This month focuses in on your goals and objectives, and so can you, for the best results. Hold them as a navigating point to steer your ship through the next six months.

Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 35 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.