Planetary Cycles
Sun Signs For December 2004
Sagittarius reaches for the sky
The sun entered the jovial sign of Sagittarius on November 21, where it will travel until the Winter Solstice on December 21. The symbol for Sagittarius is the archer, half horse, half human with bow aimed toward the sky. Coming out of the Scorpionic depths of healing and inner transformation, Sagittarius rises above the animal, instinctual nature, and reaches toward the higher qualities of self. To develop soul wisdom is the path of Sagittarius.
Sagittarian people bring inspiration to all
People born with the sun, moon, or rising sign in Sagittarius have a lifetime of searching for meaning. The study of philosophy, religion, and spirituality is an essential component for Sagittarius people, who must find a belief system they can embrace. The one aspect of the Sagittarian nature that can be self-limiting, is their unfortunate tendency to hold a rigid set of beliefs that others must also embrace in order to be accepted into friendship. Sagittarians are high-spirited, fun loving people, always open for adventure and new discoveries. Often endowed with a great sense of humor, Sagittarians can be the life of the party, but must watch their tendency to burn the candle at both ends.
Jupiter and Mercury bring spiritual insights
As the sun ventures through Sagittarius in December, we are inspired to seek higher wisdom and a deeper understanding of our purpose, not only individually, but as a part of humanity as a whole. Sagittarius's ruling planet, Jupiter, is in very favorable position in Libra, forming a beneficial triangle with Neptune in Aquarius, bringing us profoundly meaningful higher, spiritual insights. Mercury in Sagittarius gives us the ability to not only receive the higher insights, but also to assimilate them and communicate the wisdom gained in order to benefit others.
Venus and Mars combination brings passion
The planet of love, beauty and romance, Venus, is traveling in conjunction with Mars, the planet of passion, sexuality, and action for the first half of December. This quintessential planetary coupling occurs in Scorpio, which serves to increase the passion and intensity of all romantic encounters. Exactly on December 5, the Venus and Mars coupling can bring new love, or heighten the experience of connection in existing relationships during the first two weeks of the month. Saturn in Cancer assists with a favorable aspect that brings stability and longevity to relationships.
New Moon elevates and transforms our consciousness
While the planet of communication, Mercury, is retrograde (apparent backwards motion) in Sagittarius from December 1 until December 20, we have an opportunity to reflect on what truly has meaning for us. Each month, the new moon signals a new 28-day cycle of experience, and on December 11, we have a new moon in Sagittarius, joined by Mercury and Pluto, making this new moon particularly potent. We can expect the next four weeks to bring deeply inspiring and transformative experiences that elevate our consciousness into higher dimensions of understanding. The retrograde Mercury helps us to complete projects or communication that have been on hold, and brings us wisdom to integrate lessons from the past.
Solstice brings a potent pause in time
On December 21, we have the Winter Solstice as the sun enters Capricorn for the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The Solstice point can be a significant “pause in time” for reflection to gain insight and fathom the depths of soul. Because the planet of thought and communication, Mercury is also standing still at the Solstice, we have increased opportunity to gain spiritual guidance if we will be still and listen. This is a potent time to get inspiration about new creations in our lives.
Full Moon is a good time to set new intentions
As the sun travels through Capricorn in the last ten days of December, it is influenced by favorable aspects from the “great awakener,” Uranus in Pisces. This can be a time of receiving great insights and spiritual inspiration that carry us into the New Year. On December 26, we have a full moon in Cancer, opposite the sun in Capricorn. A full moon brings activities and projects to “full bloom,” or fruition, and also sheds light on next steps. This is a great time to begin to form your vision and create your intention for the coming year.
Mars signals caution as a new cycle opens
One caution during this time, Mars is in difficult aspect with Uranus during the last few days of the year, and especially on December 30-31. This aspect can bring sudden, unexpected events, and could add to the danger of accidents at this busy time of year. It will be especially wise to take precautions to ensure your safety during this aspect. On the other hand, this aspect can indicate coming changes in our work, or in the way we conduct business in the New Year. We enter a cycle of new beginnings on January 1 as the soul-path directions shifts for everyone from Taurus into Aries, indicating a coming year of “getting in motion,” creativity, and inspiration to start new projects. To my dear readers, have a Blessed Holiday Season and a fruitful New Year!
Aries — The new moon in your ninth house mid-month may take you traveling, or offer an educational adventure. Although this theme has been present for several years, transformation of your philosophical beliefs comes to a high point of realization now. Your financial picture is bright, as the last two year's focus on building security is now yielding desirable results.
Taurus — Your love life sizzles this month with Venus and Mars in your house of relationships. For the past two years, you have been working on strengthening your sense of identity and improving how you present yourself to the world. The rewards now come in the form of expansive career opportunities and financial investment returns.
Gemini — A long period of clearing old “karma,” or unwanted behaviors is now complete. Your hard work over the past two years is beginning to reap benefits, both financially, and in terms of lasting satisfaction. Work associations and partnerships are very rewarding this month, and your creativity is at an all-time high.
Cancer — Saturn's long transit through your sign has brought a sober quality to your life, but also added much needed structure to help you build a more rewarding life experience. Now that you are clear who your true friends are, and what future goals are most important, focus this month on what brings you the greatest pleasure. Enjoy children and creative pursuits and put positive attention on new health routines.
Leo — Much career building activity over the past 18 months has resulted in a stronger foundation for you and your family. Old emotional baggage is being cleared out, freeing you to be truly present with family and loved ones. Your special love relationship brings you much pleasure and true, deep fulfillment this month as communication, creativity, and friendship flow with ease.
Virgo — Your recent focus and discipline to establish good religious or spiritual habits has yielded a strong foundation of faith, giving you inner strength. Your home and family life brings much enjoyment this month, and you continue to enjoy financial increase. You have cultivated positive relationships with friends and relatives who bring much joy into your life. This is a month to count your blessings and share your wealth.
Libra — Jupiter sweeping through your sign brings great expansion and feelings of well-being. You have worked long and hard over the past two years to build a solid financial foundation, and to develop and strengthen your career. December is a time for you to reap the benefits of work well done and enjoy the company of family and good friends. Financial increase gives you the opportunity to do some fun things this month.
Scorpio — Be prepared for the spotlight this month, as attention is drawn to you for a job well done and purpose fulfilled. You have been working deeply over the past year to develop your spiritual beliefs and to learn to live your innermost truth, sometimes with nothing but trust and faith to guide you. This month, you are richly rewarded with financial increase from unseen or unexpected sources, and your family life is deeply satisfying.
Sagittarius — You are emerging, with usual Sagittarian flair, from more than a year of deep inner reflection and psychological healing. Transformed and renewed, you once again bring the full force of your personality out for all to see. Friends and relatives are supportive, and you find yourself surrounded by people you truly love and value. Plans to achieve new goals may be born at this time, but wait until after the first of the year to put them in motion.
Capricorn— The rich delights of the inner spiritual realms awaken in you this month, especially when you will devote some time to meditation or quiet contemplation. Friends and associates bring much pleasure and increased opportunities to help you reach many of your goals; remember to express appreciation and gratitude to those who support you. Career expansion and monetary increase are enhanced by the inner clarity that comes from deep contemplation.
Aquarius— After completing much work over the past two years to develop a rich and stable home life, you are free to pursue your goals and dreams. You don't mind putting in extra effort to further your career this month because you find your work deeply satisfying. Higher dimensions of spiritual experience await you, and you find it easy to communicate with friends and also to groups about the nature of spiritual reality.
Pisces — Your blossoming career demands extra attention this month and you find yourself a little stretched to meet all demands and timelines, however, you are having so much fun meeting these challenges, that you really don't mind the extra time involved. Deeply satisfying spiritual experiences nurture your soul, and take you into blissful states of consciousness, which sparks your creativity. The more time you spend in meditation or inner contemplation, the clearer and simpler your life becomes.
Carolina Eastwood provides in-depth personal astrology readings that open the doorway to fulfilling your life-purpose. Offices in Solana Beach and Poway. Call her at 858/259-1590 or visit www.earthstarconsulting.com.
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