Astrology for December
The Lunar Eclipse Full Moon and Astrology for December 2020
Join Susan on Saturday, January 16th, 6 pm to 8:30pm, for her yearly astrology talk, on Zoom, “The Arc of Imagination, 2021, challenges and renewal ahead”. Sign up here, $15 sliding scale.
For a moment, step into the mystery with me. Imagine looking up to the night skies, to the galaxy in which we live and spin and travel, feeling into the living presence of the stars and planets that our ancestors experienced so deeply. The constellation Orion is glittering in its beauty in the East.
Let’s for a moment leave behind, the polarizing politics, the gas lighting, and the drama of Trump.
Let’s honor the moment we are in with the pandemic, and all that it has delivered to us this year.
Let’s honor what began at the beginning of 2020, the alignment of the Saturn Pluto Jupiter conjunction that has dominated the year; the need to dramatically transform (Pluto) all the structuring forces of our systems, governments, and economies (Saturn), the enlarging (Jupiter) of the hidden, toxic and suppressed ways (Pluto) of humanity. Let’s honor this year with its need to utterly confront, in a stripped down, essential way, (Saturn), the hidden influences of our conditioning, our assumptions, our prejudices, (Pluto). This great process, like a snake that has wound through the year, now culminates in tremendous labor (Saturn) to birth something anew (Pluto). So the story continues, a dramatic symphony into December and 2021.
In the early hours of November 30th, the Moon will be eclipsed with the faint outer ring of the Earth’s shadow. It will appear dusky in color and peak around 1:30 am PST. Here we are in this mystery of perfect alignment of the Sun, the Earth and Moon. How could they be just the right shape, just the right distance apart, to create this astronomical phenomena? These eclipses represent something extra-ordinary. We can think of the Sun as the bright sense of ourselves, the Earth as our body in the material world, and the Moon as the unconscious that lives in our cells and mind, that enters our dreams. The eclipses symbolize that, periodically, we are vulnerable to the exposing and the highlighting of something in the unconscious, a part of our shadow, (that which lives within us but we have no awareness of, though others see it in our behaviors). The eclipse gives us the opportunity for greater awareness, healing, and new levels of integration with the brightness of our deeper self. They highlight situations we are called to recognize, and if we choose not to, the universe will shake us out of our compliancy, activating change.This eclipse is taking place at the full Moon in Gemini and (like all air signs) speaks of our connections with others. It is exposing us to the drama of polarization and fragmentation. What does it mean to be twinned? What does it mean to feel and experience profound differences and polarization? (For the twins were of polar opposites, one mortal, one immortal, one the warrior, the other, the artist).
In our personal lives, this lunar eclipse offers us insight into our dualities, our reactive natures, and brings us to the potent moment of realization that we are all profoundly related. It offers us a time to re-access how we cause separations. It offers us the opportunity for integration, and for seeing each other as humans walking our paths. Our intention might be, under the Gemini lunar eclipse, to reflect on our communications, the words we use, our attitudes toward each other, how we express ourselves, and how we share information.
Collectively this eclipse triggers the USA Uranus, calling forth an unexpected event, highlighting the country’s individualism and rebelliousness, setting us up for the Solar Eclipse on the 14th, 23 degrees Sagittarius, on both the USA Mars and Donald Trump’s Moon, and Sun. Don’t be surprised if a sudden change takes place with Trump or the presidency. The Sun is blotted out by the passage of the dark Moon, something that was hidden is now seen, the greater expanse of universe is seen and experienced. This offers us the possibility of powerful new beginnings as we have the courage and perseverance to peer into what covers the light our new beginnings.
On December 14th, a total Solar Eclipse takes place in Sagittarius, (not visible in USA)
During a solar eclipse the body of the Moon blocks the light of the Sun. Astrologically, the Sun is our vital life force, now, the Moon, our unconscious, brings out the consequences of our past actions and reactions. This is particularly so if this Solar Eclipse at 24 Sagittarius aspects any of your planets. Events coinciding with solar eclipses can be sudden and unexpected, even shocking. In general, a solar eclipse is a powerful time of force, and uncertain events that propel one affected by the eclipse to be faced with their own denials and assertions. For others, it can mark powerful new beginnings aligned with deeper wisdom and awakened responsiveness. The Sagittarius theme asks us to consider the beliefs and values that shape our lives. It offers us an opportunity to begin anew, with a fresh sense of reflection upon the values and philosophies that we choose to live our lives by. This is a potent time to consciously state what has meaning and truth for you.
Marking a dramatic end to a dramatic year, Jupiter conjuncts Saturn in Aquarius, on the auspicious day of December 21, the Winter Solstice, marking a cultural shift and new trajectory that will end an era and begin a new 240-year cycle. We take note of these celestial events coinciding as a kind of celestial poetry, conveying something of great importance, something alchemical and transformational, propelling us into this new era ahead of us.
As the triple conjunction of Saturn Pluto Jupiter took place in Capricorn, we were asked to travel through the dark, through that which was held in the collective and individual unconscious, the underbelly of our society, to come to terms with those values of old that no longer serve the growth of a new era and a new world. In the air sign of Aquarius, this Saturn Jupiter conjunction marks new understanding of our interrelatedness and values for future sustainability, rather than that of the old conservative tradition. Now the new, the visionary possibilities of community, collaboration, and honoring of our diversity will surge to the forefront. (More on this in Susan’s 2021 talk, January 16th, sign up here)
Celestial events for December
Nov 30 –Lunar Eclipse, Full Moon at 8 degrees Gemini, opposite the Sun in Sagittarius- Eclipses act as “wild cards”. They signify dramatic events when transiting our charts, getting us to pay attention to areas in our life that need to change. Eclipses expose things that need to be seen. They move us out of compliancy and habit, offering us the opportunity to broaden our awareness, deal with denial, and integrate into a higher state of self-awareness. When eclipses are exact they bring about change! This eclipse highlights areas of communication, relations to others, especially siblings and relatives, and the challenge to harmonize polarities within ourselves or with others. Our intention for healing can be powerful for us during this eclipse.
Dec 14 – Total solar eclipse, 23 Sagittarius, (see above)
The lunar eclipse is followed on December 14th by a very important solar eclipse, falling on Donald Trump’s natal Moon in Sagittarius.
Dec 16 – Saturn enters Aquarius
Dec 19 – Jupiter enters Aquarius
Dec 21 – Winter Solstice, Sun enters Capricorn – On the Winter Solstice, the Sun has reached its furthest point South on the horizon at dawn, It stands still (solstice) for 3 days as it then starts its journey back to rising at Dawn due East on the Spring Equinox.
Dec 21 – Jupiter conjuncts Saturn at 1 Aquarius, the Great Mutation (see above)
Dec 23 – Mars at 23 Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn, powerful and intense energy, to react, to dominate, or to take apart what no longer serves its purpose.
Dec 26 – The Sun at 4 Capricorn squares Chiron in Aries, at a threshold for potential healing
Dec 27 – The Sun at 6 Capricorn trines Uranus in Taurus, breaking through to ground something new.
Dec 29 – Full Moon at 8 Cancer, Sun in Capricorn, balancing inner and outer worlds
January 6 – Mars finally leaves warrior Aries and enters steady Taurus. We begin to feel the transition of energy to something more steady, grounded, and predictable.
The Twelve signs and opportunities for December 2020: For Sun and Rising Signs
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Dear Aries, this full Moon Eclipse highlights your communications and connections with others. There are two situations to watch for, and one to be celebrated. This eclipsed Moon will highlight old communication patterns that are no longer sustainable. Your thoughtful observance brings much insight and wisdom. With the extroverted energies of Gemini and Sagittarius of this Sun Moon pair, don’t stretch yourself too thin with your commitments. Mark out a time in your schedule to study, learn, or experience something new. Your soul will so appreciate it!
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Time to rebalance your life and your self, dear Taurus. Where do you find yourself exhausted or giving too much? Step away from the deep engagement you feel with others, or through your work, to ask yourself what is it you need to feel grounded, renewed, and whole? Taurus always needs space. Give that to yourself as you gather yourself up from this long journey of 2020.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Wow, Gemini, this Eclipse is for you, dear one. Often aware of the differing needs and desires within your life, within your self, I suggest you carve out some time to be quiet and reflective during this full Moon eclipse. The Gemini twins, Castor and Pollex, came to a collaborative agreement in how to integrate their lives. So, like them, feel into your many and various desires and parts, and find a grounding point of calm. From there organize this next period of time with the things you want to engage with. Something will be revealed that is essential.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): Dear Cancer, with this full Moon eclipse highlighting your house of the deep unconscious and your connection to the spiritual, archetypal realms, create for yourself a womb of privacy and comfort. Things may be arising that call your attention. First, you must gather yourself, and settle those feelings. Then you proceed with an activated imagination for the holiday season.
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): Dear Leo, with the eclipsed Moon traveling through your house of friendship and future possibilities, be thoughtful to unexpected events arising in groups and with friends. Keep your balance between your own luminous self and the needs of others that call your attention. If you schedule in the time you may find that this is a creative month for you!
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Dear Virgo, this eclipse may find you stretched between your aspirations and your commitments to family and home. Or you may find that you have a renewed aspiration suddenly calling to you, and you would so love to fully immerse yourself into its study. There’s a decision to be made, a choice to navigate. And because of that decision, you will begin to feel moved by inspiration.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Dear Libra, the eclipsed Moon traverses your house of philosophy and beliefs. Something may come up unexpectedly. You are able to see and observe that a certain belief no longer serves you, or is true. You may find it doesn’t resonate with who you have become. You can imagine yourself clearing out your library, letting go of stories that no longer hold any interest. Something is churning and shaking around the shape of your thoughts. Now thoughtful reflection leads to new perspectives and creativity.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Dear Scorpio, have you been feeling the intensity of Mercury, (your thoughts and communications) traveling through Scorpio, pulling up your deeper anxieties or greater insights? Perhaps you are aware of where you get yourself stuck in old ways of viewing things that are not enjoyable! On December 1st Mercury moves into Sagittarius and your thoughts have more room to roam. This eclipsed Moon travels through your house of healing and intimacy with another. Be alert to learning and gaining greater understanding in your relationships while you refrain from reacting. A deeper listening takes place.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): Happy birthday, dear Sagittarius!!! I hope you get to party and share your joyful spirit with those you love! This eclipsed Moon travels through your house of partnership. Be alert to an unexpected event that shines a light on a way of relating that no longer serves you or your partner. See if you can catch it in the act of manifesting itself between the two of you. And then take it in the other room, and have a talk with it. Ask it, what is motivating it into action? It then becomes your teacher and gives you wisdom.
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): Dear Capricorn, by December 19th both Saturn and Jupiter will have moved out of Capricorn. All the intense work you have been doing the last 2 ½ years will move into a new phase, more creative possibilities before you, and new beginnings to unfold. The eclipsed Moon is traveling through your house of habits, work, and health. Something unexpected comes up at work that gives you the opportunity to see what’s taking place with new eyes and to communicate differently. Get good rest, nutrition, and exercise to set the stage for the New Year.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Dear Aquarius, a momentous event is soon to take place. Jupiter and Saturn will conjunct in Aquarius, marking an auspicious new beginning for you. They set the stage for seeding a visionary, future oriented trajectory! Reflect on what has been culminating in your life and what new beginning is ready to be born. Great timing!
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Dear Pisces, with the Full Moon Eclipse in your house of home, family, and your inner, deeper self, unexpected events bring you inward. There are things to accomplish and errands to take care of, but there is a great need for quiet and deep reflection. Perhaps for some, it becomes the need to really clean the whole house and make a fresh beginning. Perhaps for others, there is an honoring of ancestors, and a story that needs to be told. In doing so doors will open to something profound in you.
Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 38 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.