December 2010 Forecasts

AstroLink Dec 2010

May you feel a never-ending source of love deepen within you and around you

May your days be filled with peace, joy, and abundance

May compassion for yourself and others grow

May your passion and inspiration glow radiantly for all to see

May you always stand with strength and courage

May truth and sharing always be your blessing

May you feel the continuous support of spirit energizing you

May you always find what you seek, and

May your aspirations lead you through a richly gifted and fulfilling life

May you walk your path in seamless unity with your Divine Self

now and always..

Merry Christmas

With love

Rose

December Forecast Overview:

As has been recently witnessed with Wikileaks classified documents leak forcing the US to do political damage control, nothing is a secure as it appears. By the same token, nothing is written in stone – nor as solid, as final, or as sure-fire as you might want it, need it, or expect it to be. Another Mercury retrograde cycle is upon us, Dec 10 – 29. This time the trickster begins his turnabout in the sign of Capricorn, Dec 10 – 19, and finishes in the sign of Sagittarius (in retrograde Dec 19 – 29.)

Re our personal journeys and out there in the world around us, Mercury in alignment with Pluto through this first half of the month strips it bare so we can see what is really there. Expect a wall or stonewall to come down. Those in charge can feed us all the spin they like, but Mercury in Capricorn, especially when it is retrograde, can be a sobering influence. The cold hard facts of our present day reality is that there are mass numbers of people out there without jobs, without help, without means or reason to celebrate. Every moment is precious. It is a time to stop and observe, to be grateful for what we do have, and to make the most of what we have to work with, as best we can.

While the count-down time grows short, as Mercury goes retrograde, endings or circumstances can drag out for longer. You can get close to finishing off, only to find that suddenly there is more to deal with, or that things have gotten derailed. Someone from your past, or something you have said or done could resurface, plus or minus. You can be put through the paces on a harsh lesson. You may have to come to terms with the fact that if it isn’t there to begin with, you can’t manufacture it, that you can’t force others to take responsibility, show accountability, to pick up the slack, etc. While you may have to take on the brunt or the burden yourself, see it as an opportunity to take the reins back into your own hands. Expect more from yourself and minimize your expectations of others. Do not resist what must be, or must be undertaken. The more arduous path is truly the quickest route to resolution, personal achievement, benefit, and reward.

What is so potent about this particular Mercury retrograde cycle are the added influences, especially that of game changer Pluto, and Mars, the drive planet. The first half of the month can be very intense as Mercury and Pluto keep one thing after another coming at you. Expect to keep continuously challenged, under pressure, and needing to forge ahead. It can be hard to plan too far ahead. In fact, it is wise to make sure you have a back up or back out plan. Make sure you can alter your plans or reservations, save your receipts in case you need to return it later. While it is important not to procrastinate on the things you should take care of, do not force what isn’t coming naturally. If it is not meant to be, pushing will only create more backlash, added liability, or disappointment down the road. On the positive note, if you have felt stuck with no way out, Mercury’s retrograde tour can help you to find a more lucrative solutions or avenues. If you are facing impossible barriers, formidable foes, harsh penalties, pile high pressure, etc., you could find Mercury retrograde turns the tides and provide a window of opportunity for you. (You may see that outside forces can be felled, quelled, squashed or weakened. Let’s hope this is so re North Korea’s aggression.)

The new moon in Sagittarius Dec 5 gains added momentum from the first of three Mercury/Pluto aspects (conjunction) and the end of Uranus retrograde. This intense new moon thrust can force a redirection, uncover/deliver something surprising or unexpected, or bring added urgency to the happenings of the moment.

The winter solstice Dec 21 delivers a full moon Total Lunar eclipse in the very last degree of Gemini/Sagittarius. With Mercury retrograde in aspect to Uranus, stay prepared for interruptions, disruptions, big news, weather extremes, and anything goes. Avoid tight agendas as best you can. Venus regains the degree of her retrograde start (13 Scorpio) on this day. It could be an emotional and eventful day.

The moon tours Virgo on Christmas Day. Overall, the stars suggest simple, minimal, and restful does it best. By evening on Dec 31, the moon will enter Sagittarius, offering a good backdrop for celebration, entertainment, and enjoyments. Still, sobering Mars square Saturn (influential Dec 21 through the end of the month) can tone things down. Expect the police to be out in full force.

Dec 5: NEW MOON: 13 Sagittarius (9:36 am PST)

Dec 21: FULL MOON – LUNAR ECLIPSE: 29 Gemini (0:13 am PST)

Dec   5: Uranus ends retrograde: 26:40 Pisces (5:51 pm)

Dec   7: Mars enters Capricorn (3:49 pm)

Dec 10: Mercury stations retrograde: 5:51 Capricorn (4:06 am)

Dec 18: Mercury retrograde revisits Sagittarius (6:55 am)

Dec 21: Winter Solstice, Sun enters Capricorn ((3:39 pm)

Dec 29: Mercury stations direct: (11:21 pm)

* all times listed are PST.

Dates to watch: Dec 5,10, 13, 17, 19 – 22, 29

ARIES (MARCH 21- APRIL 19)

What comes next? The new moon in Sagittarius Dec 5 finds you preoccupied with the future, both the prospects and the uncertainties. Some of the mapping is designed already, some of it is brewing, and some of it is a blank page waiting to be written. You can expect all of it to grow by leaps and bounds from here. Uranus ends retrograde on this new moon, suggesting a particularly energized forward thrust for projects, ambitions, or circumstances that have been on pause. By late January, Jupiter will advance into Aries; by mid March Uranus will do the same. All Aries will experience Jupiter’s growth and expansion thrust. Working its way through the sign through 2019, Uranus’s awakening influence will be more evident in 2011 for those born March 21 – 24.

Mercury retrograde in Capricorn can put you on backtrack, repeat, or revisit re parents or parenting, authority (issues or dealings with), contracts, banking, or career activities. Positively, Mercury retrograde can breakdown the wall, impasse, or rationalization that has prevented you from gaining necessary and/or desired ground. On the more challenging note, you may find that things fall apart further and that you don’t have the desired control, stamina, recognition, or completion. As stated above, Mercury aligns with Pluto for this first half of the month, so know you will have to stay alert to the ever changing moment. Continuous challenge, modification, and patience are required. Adopt a wait and see, take it one step at a time, relax your rules, do not pre-judge, and do not try to force what is not coming naturally. With all that said, try not to let anything slip by you. Dec 13, 14 can be a particularly dynamic days (especially for those born Mar 25, 26), the alignment of Mars, Pluto and Mercury can deliver a cut-off point or fresh start chapter. Even though Mercury is in retrograde, is a good day to take a definitive step forward – finish off, deliver an ultimatum, take a stand, make a commitment, sign a contract, etc. The influence of Venus in Scorpio can be empowering and transforming where it counts the most. (Bodes well for financial, legal, or estate matters, surgeries, births, etc.; this influence also suggests an appropriate time for good-byes.) Dec 18 to mid Jan, Mercury backs into Sagittarius; you can feel more hopeful, freer, happier, creative, and stimulated. The Lunar eclipse Dec 21 can put the spotlight on a sibling, friend, or relative, perhaps someone a distance away. Transportation, travel and holiday plans are also highlighted. Watch also for big news, an unexpected visit, reconnect, invitation, a significant opportunity, reroute or about face. Dec 25, work with what you have. Dec 31, celebrate with a night out, or let spontaneity dictate your evening’s entertainment.

TAURUS (April 20 -May 20)

How to seize opportunity, make the most of what you have, creative financing, your emotional and material investments, finding what you are missing or missing out on – these thoughts and more are on your mind now. Uranus direct and the new moon Dec 5 can see you make progress. A new perspective launches a new attitude and fresh inspiration too. It is your recipe for success. You can move beyond – far beyond – whatever has plagued you/held you back. Think it, dream it, do it. More and better – it can be yours, all you have to do is aim for it. Serious effort and better due diligence is required of you now and you know it. Mercury retrograde can get you back into a regime and help you to reclaim efficiency and stamina. It is productive for review, processing and necessary upgrades or improvements. If you have been out of work, it can help you to regain employment, even if only temporary. Health is another priority to claim your attention during this Mercury retrograde cycle. Sticking to your usual regime can be challenging during this time of the year. You could pack a bit of extra weight now, but you should regain your stamina by mid January. Still, it is a ripe time to take a hard look at your addiction issues and to hold yourself accountable. Venus in Scorpio (through Jan 7) suggests you have a bit further to go with an unfinished relationship matter. For some, a relationship can resume, for others, it can be time to take your power back. Venus in Scorpio can also animate a financial or legal matter that is not yet complete.

The writing on the wall Lunar eclipse Dec 21 points the way in no uncertain terms. Watch for circumstances to be defining and to remove question marks, doubt, or uncertainty. Whatever falls into place or opens up for you is likely to bring benefit, satisfaction, and pleasure. Of course, this Lunar eclipse can simply signal a departure from your usual grind and the start of your holiday vacation. Less is best, so keep it simple on Christmas day. (Stay health conscious too and know reasonable limits.) Romantic indulgence could be sweet New Year’s Eve, but know that time spent on your own can be good too.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

Wants, needs, desires; the way you relate, the way you evaluate – you appear to be moving in a new direction now. Venus and the rest of the gang continue to prompt redefinition. Jupiter and Uranus have been working for some time to dissolve the old ways and rationalizations. Shortly after the New Year gets underway, both planets will advance into Aries and deliver a fresh energy boost. You can look forward to new options, perspectives, and potentials to ignite and inspire you. Saturn in Libra’s practical voice of reason keeps your awareness on alert, and helps you to steady your gait. Still, once Mercury turns retrograde (Dec 10 – 29) you may find yourself backtracking on surety, security, confidence, resolve, or plans. This trickster cycle can be a particularly draining or depleting. A key relationship, financial matter, or health circumstance could cause you to lose some of the precious ground that has taken so much to build.  Your patience, tolerance, or stamina can be in short supply too. While Mercury retrograde can be disconcerting, it usually topples whatever has been weak or flawed to begin to with, so look at it as a necessary corrections cycle. Added due diligence and preventative measures can minimize some of the rough terrain, but of course it is difficult to circumvent it all, especially when you can’t see what’s coming down the pipe. On the plus side, Mercury retrograde can remove a wall, block, or impasse. You’ll run around or get around more once Mercury backtracks into Sagittarius (Dec 18 – 29). As is typical of the cycle, expect to see plenty of familiar faces. Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius can brighten your holiday cheer. It is an appropriate time to travel or to welcome visitors. Distance may be a double edge sword when Mercury retrograde is in Sagittarius; it is a plus when you can put the past behind you, and a minus when it creates a wider gap. Dec 25, you could have too much on your plate, but you’ll manage the day (and the family politics) well. Dec 31, attend a party or enjoy a night out. Alone works okay, but lively and social entertainment can suit you best.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Feel like you are constantly chasing your tail? The New Moon in Sagittarius puts extra on your plate. Don’t procrastinate or you’ll feel even more burdened once Mercury turns retrograde in Capricorn (Dec 10.) Then again, if you find yourself lost or in a quandary at the start of the month, know that Mercury retrograde will be defining. Venus in Scorpio (through Jan 7) is empowering for your sign, so know no matter what challenges you face, when you put will toward right use and appropriate effort is applied, you can get yourself to where you need to/want to go. Believe in yourself, yes you deserve more. Mercury retrograde will dip back into Sagittarius from Dec. 18 through 29, so you may find you are even more overwhelmed by the necessities of the moment. Conversely, if you are alone and on your own for the holidays, Mercury in Sagittarius can increase your sense of odd man out. If so, try to not to let the consumer hype get to you (it’s only another day.) The Lunar eclipse Dec 21 could deliver something unexpected. Among the wide range: a reoccurrence or repeat, a loss or misplaced item, a misguided action, transportation, health, equipment or technology problems, schedule snafus, news, visitors, an opportune moment, etc. The Virgo moon Dec 25 suggests there is more to take away from the day besides the commercial end of things. Simple pleasures do it best. Same goes for New Year’s Eve; indulge quietly, let spontaneity set the tone.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Uranus direct (end of retrograde) on the new moon Dec 5 could open things up for you in some unexpected way. This is a particularly vibrant, creative and celebratory new moon sure to thrust you full tilt into the festivities, abundance and overload of the holiday swing. It also suggests your inspiration, confidence, and opportunity is at a peak, which of course is wonderful for artists, performers, teachers, writers, media notables, and lovers alike. The new moon also puts the featured spotlight on your kids. Mercury retrograde in Capricorn (Dec 10 – 18) can challenge you with extra daily pressures. It may be hard to stay as organized or as up to speed as you want to be, but don’t worry about falling behind, do what you can as you can. Once Mercury retrograde backs up in Sagittarius (Dec 18 – 29) you should find things to move along naturally and without the extra sweat. The lunar eclipse can deliver a sudden spurt, burst, upset, breakdown, or redirection. Be careful when driving, etc.; keep a back-up plan ready. Christmas day, ‘tis better to give than receive; cater to the needs and comfort zones of others. The moon in Sagittarius on the eve of Dec 31 suggests social, romantic, or on your own, you are in for an enjoyable evening.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

A natural progression is occurring for you now; one way or another, the month ahead will put you on the move. Beyond the attention focused on upcoming holidays, the new moon could also signal a significant turning point for family dynamics and home-related matters. Once Mercury turns retrograde, there can be backtracking, revisions, doubt, or second guessing, but ultimately you know what is appropriate and what is in everyone’s best interests. This transit can also find you dropping your guard or your resolve. No matter how much you try to stick to budget or your rules, ‘tis the season, do your best, forgive and forget the rest. As indicated in the intro, Mercury retrograde could see you revisit a chronic health, relationship, legal, or financial matter. You may find you aren’t as settled or done as you thought you were. Even if plane travel or a holiday getaway is not part of your plan, once Mercury retrograde backs into Sagittarius (Dec 18 – 29), you can find yourself (or circumstances) in flight mode yet again. The Lunar eclipse, Dec 21 can signal the start of the final stretch. Extra patience is required; give yourself ample time to navigate the crowds and roads. Know this eclipse can bring unexpected last minute pressure, family strain, suddenly alter your plans, and/or stretch you between family and career obligations. The moon is in Virgo on Dec 25, take it as it comes. Private, intimate, or cozy works best for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

LIBRA (SEPT 22-OCT 22)

The new moon Dec 5 can send you into full steam ahead. In addition to ample creative inspiration, your social life can enjoy a vibrant boost now too. You can be a fascinating conversationalist or speaker. Re actions, words, or deeds, don’t hold back, let your intuition lead the way, and trust that divine timing is on your side. It appears you’ll have more than the usual news or plans to share, or thoughts and feelings to convey. Mercury retrograde can be an ideal time to resume a writing project, an educational upgrade, or other project or goal. Of course, as is typical of the cycle, you can expect to reconnect with friends, acquaintances, and extended family. Also typical of the cycle (especially once Mercury retrograde revisits Sagittarius) are transportation or communication problems, added expenses, plans falling through, expectations not met, etc. etc. Make sure to double check arrangements with others, save your receipts, read all instructions and fine print, and find out what the cancellation policies are in case you need to make changes. The breath of fresh air/window of opportunity Lunar eclipse of Dec 21 can bring news, a social event, visitors, or send you on your way. Keep it simple and December 25 can be a day of needed rest and relaxation. New Year’s Eve, gather friends together and stay in, and or enjoy a night out. Either way, it’s a good celebration.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Venus newly returned to Scorpio, Uranus direct, and the New Moon in Sagittarius, Dec 5 can make you feel like you have a new lease on life. You should feel freshly charged, inspired, ambitious, – perhaps renewed by love too. It is a time when your output can be great, but right now you have a lot to give. Of course, expenditures can pile up quite high now too. Mercury retrograde can put you back in touch with professional contacts as well with friends and family. You may have some unfinished business to attend to with a project or a particular someone. Take your time and know that you can’t push people faster than they are willing or able to go. Still, once Mercury backs into Sagittarius (Dec 18 – 29) you should find you have a more convincing sway. The Lunar eclipse on Dec 21 could open up something important – it could bring information or news, signal a relationship opportunity, deliver the opportunity to discuss or advance an important financial project or prospect, or it can bring a relationship status or family matter out into the open. Circumstances will provide the opportunity to learn more about what’s really going on for others. This Lunar eclipse favors “two heads” or “two hearts” as one.  That same page feel can be quite rewarding. Should it deliver a time to go your separate ways, the lunar eclipse seems to suggest an amicable parting. Dec 25 is a day to make the most of your visit. If you can’t be together, use the day to relax, unwind, and to catch up with yourself. Social, alone, last minute/spontaneous, spiritual observance – it’s all good when it comes to ringing in the New Year.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22~DEC 21)

If your birthday falls on Dec 5, 13, 14, 18, 20, or 21, you are in for a catapulting forward thrust, now and in the coming year ahead. Of course all Sagittarians will feel the energy surge of this month’s dynamic stars. Whether your activities are planned or occur as a sudden or surprise get up and go, it is a time for major initiatives and undertakings. Uprooting or family changes are quite possible too. Mercury begins retrograde in the sign of Capricorn suggesting there is unfinished business to attend to (emotional, financial, official, personal.) You could face another go ‘round with official paperwork, an authority figure, the law, a former business partner or colleague. Be especially vigilant with contracts, banking and borrowing matters, promises, commitments, obligations, etc. Don’t count your chickens too early, or make assumptions. Boundaries or limits may need to be reinforced or reset. When Mercury is in retrograde in Capricorn, you may be forced to renegotiate your position, or revise your plans. On the other hand, you may find that the blocks or challenges are removed and that you can gain ground. Once Mercury backtracks into Sagittarius (Dec 18 – 29) you may have a second opportunity or you may feel propelled to start afresh. Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius can find you with a need or a desire to create more leg room for yourself/and or distance from others. You may choose to put yourself on a sabbatical; health issues can occupy your attention too. The Lunar eclipse Dec 21 can bring the opportunity to let go of someone or something that has plagued or perplexed you for some time. It can also help you to find greater understanding and compassion, to drop you guard, to open up to yourself or to another in some especially poignant way. Dec 25, the moon in Virgo suggests it is a good time to relinquish control and to take it as it comes. Dec 31, you may feel you want to hide out earlier in the day, but by evening you’ll be ready for more action.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22~JAN 19)

It’s the time of the year when you have even more than usual going on behind the scenes. Your body may be one place, but more often than not, your mind is preoccupied and elsewhere. The new moon Dec 5 could bring an inspired, revealing, or synchronistic moment, an invite, an inroad, a surprise visit, connection, or news. While you are always the one to make sure everyone else is well tended to, the influence of Mercury retrograde in Capricorn is likely to turn more of your attention to “what about me, what I am I getting out of this?” (It’s probably a long overdue review.) Usually you’ll shoulder what’s required and more, but this month your tolerance and stamina can be in short supply. You are likely to find you less willing or less able to take on extra work, burden or responsibility. Mercury retrograde prompts a more serious look at where you are at and challenges the excuses and rationales that keep you perpetuating that which does you no justice.  Too, Mercury’s retrograde cycle can make you especially aware of the race against the clock, timing running out, etc. Health is another Mercury retrograde target. Keep up to speed with those good-for-you routines. Once Mercury backs into Sagittarius (Dec 18 – 29) you could feel let off the hook, if only for a temporary reprieve.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20~FEB 18)

This is an ideal influence for vacationing, spiritual replenishment, and holiday indulgence. Stay especially attentive on the Lunar eclipse Dec 20/21. The Lunar eclipse Dec 20 is likely to be especially busy and chaotic. Be especially attentive and don’t take unnecessary chances; things can be lost, forgotten, misplaced, accidentally deleted, etc. People or vehicles can appear out of nowhere too (check your blind-spots carefully before you pull away.) Follow instructions closely (especially when taking or administering medicines) and watch your food allergies too. Dec 25, keep it simple, as best you can. Dec 31, opt for private and cozy with a few close friends.

On the new moon Dec 5, Uranus, your ruler, completes the retrograde cycle it began on July 5. You should feel this as a revitalizing energy surge. If you don’t feel the immediate stimulation, you will soon enough. The new moon suggests it is a time to look forward (even though the view may still be a haze), not back (you already know the score/nothing’s new there), to entertain new possibilities, to reach for new goals, and to envision your future moving in a new direction. Anything and everything is possible now, but you have to make room for it first. Allow yourself to imagine and to aspire beyond the here and now. Your social life is also boosted by the new moon (that is not too surprising, given the time of year.) Mercury retrograde begins in a background position, perhaps on a temporary note, you’ll be less visible too. It is the time for behind the scenes planning, but don’t stick to a tight set plan and by the same token, don’t force yourself beyond what’s reasonable or practical. While you could fall behind your own schedule, once Mercury retrograde backs into Sagittarius, you may find you have more energy, impetuous, and better timing on your side. Last minute might be the way it works best. Watch for the Lunar eclipse (Dec 21) for something or someone to take you by surprise; whatever it is, it could be big. Travel or social plans can keep you excited. Then again, the plans or events of the day call for a sudden switch or plan B. Dec 25, the Virgo moon could find you under the weather, not so well prepared, or needing to make due. Still, in the end you’ll feel that it all worked out just fine. At work or with time to call your own, Dec 31 can be a productive day. By evening the moon in Sagittarius finds you ready to celebrate with friends and/or enjoy a night on the town.

PISCES (FEB 19~MARCH 20)

Isn’t amazing how much you have lived through and how far you have come in a relatively short span of time? The new moon, Dec 5, continues to spur you on. Uranus igniting this new moon can put you on a sudden move or provide a window of opportunity. It can be a time of departures, new found independence and freedom, of distancing yourself from the past, and/or a letting go of someone or something significant. On the other hand, perhaps you’ll feel overwhelmed by debt, deadlines, holiday plans, or other important matters. As is typical of Mercury retrograde, you are sure to bump into people you know. As Mercury begins retrograde in Capricorn, group endeavours, community involvements, volunteer activities, membership requirements, and such can put you under added pressure. You may be asked to step up to the plate, or you may feel the need to take charge/take on more responsibility. On the other hand, you may feel you have come to the end of your term and want to decline, relinquish your position, or find that you simply can’t put any more effort, time, or money into it. Also, you can get disappointed when you can’t get enough support and acknowledgement from the group, or when others don’t hold up their end of the bargain. As Mercury retrograde backtracks into Sagittarius, Dec 18 – 29 you may have to rethink some of your strategies, plans, or ambitions. It is an appropriate time to turn your priority attention away from the world out there, and to focus on the people and things that matter most to you. The Lunar eclipse Dec 20 is particularly potent for those born Mar 19, 20. It could bring something unexpected re home, family, or career. Minimize your expectations of others, don’t sweat the small stuff, and give the best of yourself, Dec 25. You could be a healing balm for someone, perhaps more than you realize. Dec 31, enjoy it your way in the A.M. By evening, the preferences of others can dictate your entertainment. (Start to finish, it’s all good.)