December 2011

I wish you peace, love, and joy for the holidays – Blessings, Rose

Forecast Overview for Dec 2011

Feeling bombarded? Scrambling to catch up? Join the crowd; it’s the same for everyone. Mercury retrograde continues to Dec 13, so stay present and keep alert, especially over these first few days of the month when the propensity for accident, error, and over-shooting-the-mark is higher than average.

Mercury’s alignment with the sun in Sagittarius in the early morning of Dec 4 brings the cycle to its peak. This is when the message reaches the full light of day. Mercury retrograde is informing and educating. It pulls back the curtain on a misconception or truth that must be faced.  We find ourselves sifting through the story-lines and party-lines, through the contradictions and dualities, through the truths and half-truths. When Mercury in Sagittarius travels retrograde, we learn the folly of our tunnel vision. Our faith, beliefs, knowledge, and envisioning comes under question.

Dec 10 delivers the final lunar eclipse of the year. An average year will have a total of four eclipses; we’ve had six this year (four lunar, two solar.) No wonder we have had such an intense year.

The lunar eclipse of Dec 10 is particularly hot-wired. This is due to the trigger Uranus which stations direct and ends a five month retrograde cycle, on just before midnight PST on Dec 9. Expect circumstances to accelerate and intensify. Eruptions and disruptions are to be expected. The European Union is expected to meet to discuss unification measures, Dec 9. Egyptians may hear the results of recent elections. Syria and the growing situation between England and Iran are currently building steam. The daily news continues to churn out big headlines.

A full moon polarizes and illuminates. Occurring across the Gemini/Sagittarius axis, this lunar eclipse brings communications to a critical peak. Are we saying one thing and demonstrating something else? Are we speaking the same language? How do we get on the same page? Among the possible issues for this eclipse: the many against the one; compromising tomorrow for today; going the distance, too many opinions or variables, how to keep everyone on board and happy. Also on topic: currency measures and money exchanges, religious differences, alienation, isolation, language barriers, immigration, import/export, travel, transport, social networks, the media.

Mars in Virgo and Ceres in Pisces also flavour this eclipse. Mars in Virgo suggests a major complaint can be that of “not enough and not fast enough”. When Mars is in Virgo, more fixing, improving and refining becomes necessary. Positively, Mars in Virgo intensifies the drive to keep plugging away for better solutions. Head-on and with both feet on the ground is the only way to face the moment. It speeds the way to correction.

The influence of Ceres in Pisces suggests we are all in it together. No one is immune. Nothing remains in isolation. Collective consciousness is a lively breeding pool now. Will there be more disillusionment, confusion, and loss, or will resurrected hope find its safe harbour? In its positive application, Ceres in Pisces can be unifying and operate as merger or synthesis point for the eclipse. It offers a potential for currently polarized worlds or differing viewpoints to live side by side, to put aside differences long enough to find a workable and productive accord.

The new moon in Capricorn on Dec 24 and Jupiter’s return to direct motion on Dec 25 suggest Christmas/Hanukkah will meet with expectations for less spending and toned down holiday observance. Make it about the food, the company, and the relaxation, not the dollars you can’t afford to spend.

The moon is in Aries for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many of us may ring in the New Year alone, but those of us who are out in the crowds will make enough noise for all of us.

Dec 10: Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse: 6:36 am (18:11 Gemini)

Dec 24: New Moon: 10:06 am (2:34 Capricorn)

Dec 9: Uranus stations direct: 11:05 pm (0 Aries 38)

Dec 13: Mercury stations direct: 5:43 pm (3 Sagittarius 51)

Dec 20: Venus enters Aquarius: 10:26 am

Dec 21: Winter Solstice; Sun enters Capricorn: 9:30 pm

Dec 25: Jupiter stations direct: 2:09 pm (0 Taurus 21)

• Note all times are PST, please check your local listings

ARIES (March 20- April 19)

Mercury’s retrograde cycle keeps “what’s next” as the top subject du jour.  What you expected was just around the corner may be taking a lot longer or call for more planning and pruning. On the other hand, things you hoped would still be a long way off can require you hop-to-it now. Such is the nature of the trickster cycle.

Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius can bring big news and/or put you back in touch with those who live a long distance away. While the upcoming holidays are obviously on your mind, you can also have your hands full with a legal matter, a publication project, marketing, educational or vocational prospects, or travel plans. Too, restlessness can get the better of you.

The lunar eclipse on Dec 10 is preceded by Uranus stationing direct. Those born on or around March 20 can feel the jolting influence of Uranus and this eclipse the strongest, but of course we’ll all feel it at one level or another. Once something energizes or erupts, expect a domino effect. There can be service interruptions, communication cut-offs or new fires lit. The eclipse can involve a sibling, friend, teacher or mentor. Departures or arrivals of significance are possible too.

The new moon in Capricorn on Dec 24 and Jupiter’s return to direct motion on Dec 25 suggest Christmas will transpire pretty much as you plan it, and that is likely to on a minimum of expense or fuss. There’s no reason to spend beyond your means. Make it relaxing instead. Enjoy the food, the company, the quiet time.

The moon switches into Aries for New Year’s Eve. Whether you plan to get out and celebrate or you choose to be alone, you’ll find yourself well entertained.

TAURUS (April 20 -May 20)

You seem to be acclimatizing well to a new way of being, seeing, and functioning. Progressively, your resistance is being replaced with acceptance, and this is a major turning point.

The lunar eclipse is polarizing. It can prompt a breakthrough or break-up. You may have to face something you have known all along but did not want to accept. There may be more than one factor, option, story, or person to reconcile with. A debt or promise may come due; an added expense can put the squeeze on you too. Conversely, the eclipse can bring the return of something or someone long lost. If Mercury retrograde puts you on a backtrack, past Dec 13, you should find yourself on the upswing again.

Dec 18 can pile on pressure or bring you to an end of the road. Once you get it sorted out, you are over a major hump. Dec 20 through 22 can be especially busy, demanding, on the go days. The new moon in Capricorn on Dec 24 and the end of Jupiter retrograde on Dec 25 brings the holidays to a soft, everything-is-in-order, landing. On your own, or with your lover, a quiet hideaway is ideal for your New Year Eve celebrations.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

Destiny plays a stronger hand now, thanks not only to Mercury retrograde, but also the Dec 10 eclipse in Gemini. Those of you born June 4, 8 – 10 can feel the blast-off effect more fully, but of course the tides will crest for each of us in one way or another. Remember that an eclipse is energized over an extended period of time. With or without your conscious awareness, it is likely that something has been accelerating since the last week or so of November. The involvement of Ceres in this eclipse can bring a sense of loss or a lack of control or restraint. To, that which has been stuffed, snuffed, or covered up could make an untimely entrance. You can be subjected to forces beyond your control. Some times things just don’t make sense, some times it is especially hard to forgive and forget. Once you can get your head and your heart around these facts, you can speed up your healing and repair process.

Venus in Aquarius, Dec 20 to Jan 13, will help you to enjoy and entertain more; to accept more and to worry a little less. The new moon in Capricorn on Dec 24 and Jupiter’s return to direct motion on Dec 25 suggest you feel you have a good handle on yourself and that you have made the right choices, for the holidays and regarding self-honouring too. When it comes to ringing in the New Year, something unfettered or different than your usual will hold the most appeal.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

While the approaching holidays seem to be upon us far too soon, Venus aligned with Pluto at month’s start suggests you are at a personal time is ripe moment. Your new outer life trajectory has been in the works for quite some time. Of course while Mercury continues in Sagittarius through Jan 7, you’ll still have more deciphering to do.

The lunar eclipse on Dec 10 is likely to expose what you haven’t put your finger on yet. Too, you’ll move out of “if”, “maybe” or “someday” into “here it goes/here we go” much quicker than you may feel prepared for. There can be confusion, contradiction, misinterpretation, a misstep or a loss of opportunity. Emotions or fears can get the better of you. Make sure you pay close attention to details and travel matters. Don’t drink or dial when you drive, and take extra caution with medications. Accidents can happen.

The now can be a budding time for your career and creative development. When faced with the dilemma of trading up, make sure you are choosing that which offers you something solid and real. The influence of Uranus on this eclipse suggests a time of major restructuring, not only actually, but also within your consciousness too. Stay courageous and do what you know is right/best for you. You can’t fall back on the way it was. It’s time to invent/embrace something new. You are at a point where you can handle change and independence better now than you could have only a short time ago. You are stronger and more seasoned than you may fully recognize.

Dec 20 to 22 delivers a significant energy shift. The new moon Dec 24 puts the emphasis on obligations to others, but of course, given the holidays, it is par for the course. You may find you are simply going through the motions, like you are “here, but not really here”. Looking back, you’ll probably say it all worked just fine. Minimize expectations for New Year’s Eve and take it as is comes.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Start of the month can find you off in your own bubble. Put to good use, Mercury retrograde can be a creative cycle. Stay career and financially ambitious, and also put maximum attention toward where you want to be physically and emotionally.

The lunar eclipse on Dec 10 gives you plenty more to consider. You may feel the need to scramble quick, to retrace steps or to backtrack on a promise or to explain yourself further. There can be an unexpected communiqué, exchange, news or expense. Someone could extend an invitation, provide an opportunity, or make things more complicated for you. Remember there is always a story behind a story. Positively, a new financial or career prospect could open up. On another note, the eclipse could simply deliver a fun social opportunity and the chance to reconnect.

Just in time for the holidays, Venus in Aquarius, Dec 20 (through Jan 13) refreshes your social life. The new moon in Capricorn on Dec 24 and Jupiter’s return to direct motion on Dec 24 suggest minimizing on the extras and playing it down this holiday. Of course, we’ll all be doing the same. Quality over quantity does it best. Don’t let yourself feel obligated to do what you think others expect from you. This new moon offers belt-tightening reinforcement for your health regimes too. You should be able to stay on track with your all-good-things-in-moderation program.

New Year’s eve, the moon in Aries finds you ready for action. It may be up to you to get a party happening. Get out and make some noise.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Mercury retrograde continues to keep you submerged in your own world. You have a lot on your plate, there’s no choice but to stay on top of things. Nicely, Jupiter in Taurus loans you tenacity and courage – even when you don’t think you have it within you. You know you deserve more. Now is time to take the necessary steps and to force the envelope in whatever way you need to in order to create more abundance for yourself.

Mars will tenant Virgo until July of 2012, so you can expect that life will continue to speed along for sometime yet. Mars and the lunar eclipse on Dec 10 aim to thrust you onto the fast track where it counts the most, i.e.: personal development, health, home, family, social life, and career. (Geez, is there anything left?)

The lunar eclipse can reveal something unexpected. A romantic relationship could resume. Too, you could revisit something long buried or long forgotten.

Venus in Aquarius, Dec 20, offers you more objectivity. The new moon on Dec 24 can be grounding and solidifying. It suggests you’ll have it well under control for Christmas. Jupiter’s return to direct motion on Dec 25 gives you a finer appreciation for your blessings.

New Year’s Eve is best spent away from the crowds, one on one, or on your own.

LIBRA (SEPT 23-OCT 22)

While Mercury retrograde can sidetrack plans or derail communications, for the most part you seem to be moving along just fine. Saturn well aligned with Neptune through February helps you to go with the flow and to manage what’s necessary. So much is falling into place for you now. Venus aligned with Pluto at month’s start begins a new chapter for home, family, real estate career, and financial ambitions. Of course, there can be added pressure and responsibility, but you’ll find you have refined your coping skills. You will and you are, handling it.

Uranus stationing direct is especially influential and stimulating for those born around Sept 23. Uranus in Aries introduces you to new people and a new lifestyle. Expect the unexpected, from yourself and from others too. Along with the lunar eclipse, there can be unexpected news or visitors, perhaps from afar. Too, legal or health matters may be front and center. Noting that Mercury is still in retrograde to Dec 13, there can be added expenses to do with travel, transportation, and the holidays.

Dec 18 can bring you to a finish line. Venus in Aquarius, Dec 20 through Jan 13, increases your sparkle, your creativity, and your social life. Traditional and toned down is ideal for Christmas day. Quality time spent with loved ones is the best gift you can give.

Get out and party New Year’s Eve, enjoy it one on one or alone. Let the mood of the moment dictate how you play it.

SCORPIO (Oct 23~Nov 22)

Overwhelmed? Don’t want to be where you are? You have plenty to ponder and to get through. Survival matters and finances are the main concerns of Mercury’s retrograde cycle. The holidays, travel, and your future weigh heavily on you. The lunar eclipse on Dec 10 is likely to thrust a specific relationship or financial matter onto the next step. There can be critical news, information, talks, negotiations, documents to file, terms to renew, more planning to do, and decisions to be made regarding assets, debts or other legal issues.  Mercury will continue to keep you entrenched and sorting it out through the end of its retrograde cycle and into the beginning of January. Watch for igniting Uranus direct on Dec 9 and the lunar eclipse on Dec 10 to speed you along your way.

Venus in Aquarius, Dec 20 to Jan 13, can keep you busy with family and home related matters. Give yourself time to acclimatize to new circumstances or surroundings. The new moon on Dec 24 and the end of Jupiter retrograde on Dec 25 begin a new get-it-together chapter. You should find you can handle your days and dealings with greater practicality, efficiency, and resourcefulness. Support networks are there for a reason, use them. Put others in charge Christmas Day and let yourself be pampered. New Year’s Eve you may prefer to hang out on your own. If you do celebrate, keep healthy limits in mind.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22~Dec21)

Mercury retrograde will continue to keep you ironing it out through Dec 13. The lunar eclipse Dec 10 could necessitate a complete start over. You may have to scrap something you have put great energy or resource toward. Too, a relationship or relationship issue can reach a breaking point. Once you can get if off your chest or address what has been avoided or overlooked, you’ll speed forward with a clearer conscience. This eclipse makes it impossible to sweep things under the rug, to play both sides, or to sit on the fence, but if there is something to salvage, it can hasten solution finding. Whether it is an object, an ambition, feeling, or a passion, the eclipse catalyst is poised to help you find what you have lost. Creative juices can flow again. Influencing career, social life, private life, home, and health, the eclipse will be particularly intense if your birthday falls or near the eclipse. Expect a sudden switch to flick.

Pressure can build to Dec 18, but once past this point, you are onto a new program. The new moon Dec 24 renews your resolve and helps you to re-establish your boundaries. Jupiter’s return to direct motion on Dec 25 helps you to appreciate the small stuff too. You’ll naturally increase your efforts toward health and other good for you regimes. No matter what you do New Year’s Eve, you’ll make it good for yourself.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22~JAN 19)

Venus aligned with Pluto at month’s start brings you a fresh start, find-yourself-again chapter. It’s time to redefine yourself not only to the world, but to yourself too. You are well seasoned now, trust your instincts to help you to recalibrate.  Mercury retrograde keeps you busy making plans. The transition you are working on is a bigger project than you may fully realize. Place yourself in observation mode and you’ll gain a much broader insight, into yourself and the world around you.

The lunar eclipse is likely to bring extra to juggle or process. It may put you under pressure to make a major decision or be two places at once. It can make you question what you know, cause you to second guess yourself or another. Too you could suddenly have to deal with a health issue, added expense, or communication, equipment, or transportation complications. Someone in your everyday world could suddenly upset your apple cart or they may need your help. The lunar eclipse is in Gemini, so double check the facts, figures, and stories; don’t bank on a promise, get it in writing. Don’t accept gossip or second hand info as gospel and be especially careful when driving, dialling, shopping, or negotiating.

Life can smooth out past Dec 18. The new moon in Capricorn on Dec 24 and Jupiter’s return to direct motion on Dec 25 puts a refreshing spin on things. You should find you are nicely revitalized and back on your game. The holidays should prove predictable. Kick back and take it as it comes. Entertain at home on New Year ’s Eve, or cozy up on your own.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20~Feb 18)

Mercury retrograde finds you thinking and planning well ahead. Stick to what you know best and choose based on gut instincts, not on what you think others expect from you. The lunar eclipse Dec 10 can see you take a couple of steps forward or a couple of steps back. Watch for news, or a departure or arrival of significance. Someone can surprise you by showing another side. Too, a key relationship (a friend, a lover, a child) can occupy your attention. Note an eclipse is influential only if it makes a direct contact to your chart, otherwise you can feel the intensity as you would usually feel a full moon. Either way, the Gemini eclipse will bring extra to juggle. You could be faced with the dilemma of having to choose one over the other. If that happens, try not to let guilt or insecurity rule as the deciding factor. Aim for true value instead.

Venus in Aquarius, Dec 20 to Jan 13, brings you extra shine and attracts people to you. While your popularity is on the gain, aim to groom a higher profile. Venus can enhance creativity, health, career, finances, and romantic prospects.

The new moon Dec 24 and Jupiter’s return to direct motion on Dec 25 suggest quiet observance and quality time with loved ones hits the spot. A getaway can be good too. Join friends for a kick back on New Year’s Eve or get out in the streets and enjoy the energy.

PISCES (Feb 19~March 20)

You can’t escape while Mercury is retrograde, although that is probably exactly what you wish you could do. Responsibilities and pressures can pile up high. Mercury retrograde can also put you on a hunt – for a new career, better pay, more respect and acknowledgement, or for that elusive missing key that will unlock a sense of greater purpose and fulfillment. You can find yourself looking into the rear view mirror. Did you miss the last turn? Could you have done it differently? Is there a way to re-write the past?  How about today’s script? The lunar eclipse can make you even more conscious of what’s missing or what’s out of reach. The eclipse also features the past, home, family, real estate, and parenting issues. A key family member, perhaps a parent, a sibling, or a family member who is a distance away, could have important news to share, or be of sudden concern. For some, it can be time to make a relationship or business partnership official. If a marriage is on shaky ground, the eclipse can hasten a separation. Should this occur, both sides are likely to admit it is best for all.

Venus in Aquarius (Dec 20 to Jan 13) and the new moon in Capricorn Dec 22 finds you ready to disconnect and to slow the pace down to relax mode. If you don’t have to do it, don’t. There’s no place better to be than where you choose to park yourself. Dec 31 you could find yourself out and about during the day, but by evening, you are likely to prefer quite, simple, and no fuss.