The stars of December are an interesting mix. On the one hand there’s excitement—two New Moons and the Winter Solstice trigger action. Three planets push us to progress: Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter come on strong, impelling us to act, to connect and to expand. Yet on the other hand, in this trio retrogrades prevail, so at the same time as we are prodded forward, we’re also sent back, with the spotlight on things we’ve already acted on, said, or promoted before. And strong Saturn obliges us to look, and to organize, before we leap.
After a somewhat heavy November, we are apt to feel frustrated, blocked and perhaps confused about our direction. Aided by the visionary influences of Sagittarius and forward-thinking Capricorn, we can use the mixed focus on newness and nostalgia to purposefully reconnect with our motivation and retrieve the helm of our journey into the New Year and into the next 20 years of Pluto in Aquarius.
If our purpose has to do with promotion, teaching, coaching, or campaigning, Jupiter retrograde favors review and renewal of these efforts. Jupiter’s retrograde movement, combined with its placement in Gemini, can fuel indecisiveness. This may be OK—it’s month to get our bearings and get our wheels back on the road; actions may be slow.
However, if we can, it’s best to set things in motion soon, as on Friday, December 6, Mars, planet of action, stations and turns retrograde. Action may be more frustrating after this. As the warrior planet sets out to retrace his tracks through early Leo, he begins pushing his opposition to Pluto, an intense aspect. Even though we may feel dubious, the call to empowerment just won’t stop sounding. This retrograde isn’t about calming down. We might take a time out, but it’s so we can reconnect with, refine, and bolster our action plan.
Retrograde Mars triggers questions. How have I been fighting? Has it been working? Is there a way I can do it better, easier, more powerfully? How can I stay in the fray while avoiding burnout?
A look at the red planet’s placement in one’s natal chart, as well as houses, planets and angles ruled by Aries, and triggered by this transit at 5 degrees Leo, can confirm where each of us is being particularly activated.
Mercury sparks similar questions. How have I been using my words? Am I getting the results I want? What options do I have to use them better?
As for retrograde Jupiter, the planet of expansion leads us to review our beliefs, our promotional or persuasive activities, and how we expand into the world and beyond into the cosmos.
Jupiter in Gemini and Mercury in Sagittarius are in mutual reception, so whatever we’re reviewing, reorganizing, and retrieving, communication and broadcasting are important. It may also help to look at our priorities in 2017, the last time Mercury was retrograding in Sagittarius. Were we learning to speak more kindly, with diplomacy and in resonance with our higher vision?
One thing that’s changed since then is Pluto’s entrance in Aquarius. We knew it would be liberating, but that didn’t mean it would be easy. Last time this transit took place, the American Revolution unfolded, a dramatic new beginning that was intensely challenging for those who promoted it. The revolutionaries were obsessed, willing to risk all for their goal of freedom. That was the level of determination needed for their victory.
There have been many social and industrial advances since that time, yet challenge is still part of this transit. And December’s mixed messages from Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter can rub it in. Even as we understand their positive potential, there’s apt to be frustration. Things aren’t just going to suddenly run smoothly. However, we can keep a certain level of detachment and use the sense of waiting or delay to focus on self-care and reconnection with the inner powers of the retrograde trio: motivation, self-dialogue, planning, and faith.
On an encouraging note, Venus will bring support for connections and income that can underpin a new, more empowered direction.
December starts with a New Moon in adventuresome Sagittarius. Taking place on Sunday, December 1, the numerology of 1, ruled by Mars, reinforces the energy of beginnings. In the holiday season, jovial Sag is in her element. But the archer is more than just a party animal. S/he beholds new horizons, and her magical vision activates possibilities, inspiration, and opportunities. The ninth sign takes us on vacation, but it also sends us to the future, onto our path of meaning.
As for the New Moon, she’s energized by a trine to dynamic Mars, pressing us to move forward. Moon’s ruler Jupiter is retrograde, spotlighting horizons we already walked toward in the past. Jupiter is in Gemini, so the forward movement involves communication. However, dispositor Mercury is retrograde, tying all this vision and dynamism to the past. And Moon also squares strict Saturn, who puts on the brakes, reminding us to declutter and get organized before proceeding. So before we speed ahead, we can stop to review the beliefs and horizons we were moving toward previously and decide which of those we wish to retrieve as part of our New Moon intentions. This fiery lunation renews our enthusiasm for these former byways.
Sextiles bring opportunities, but require …
We’re a work in progress this month.
Can we each reclaim the tiller of our own vessel in this time of tumult?
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Crystal Pallas Pomeroy, Maya’s daughter and astrological protégé, offers in-depth astrological consultations from her home in Mexico, in person or via Skype. She is a noted author as well as a regular radio and television commentator on esoteric topics, and leads a spiritual and healing ministry in Mexico City. Crystal offers workshops on astrology, the sacred feminine, indigenous spirituality, and the goddess in beautiful locations throughout Mexico. Her book Angels & Goddesses (Llewellyn, Spring 2022) is available now. Reach Crystal by email here.
Thank you Kathy, for your kind, perceptive and enriching participation. It occurs to me that we could call on those ancestors and the angels and guides that supported their work to guide, strengthen and open our way now.
“Retrieve the helm of our journey.” Really says it. And so does reference to The American Revolution. Those ancestors were fighting certainly but they were also shaping a brand new social arrangement that changed everything worldwide. In some respects they could barely imagine what they saw themselves doing. But do it they did. And now it is our turn 2025. Thanks for posting this.
Thanks, Kathy. I feel the same about those ancestors, their bravery and perspicacity, and our present moment. I hope we can catalyze a positive, momentous, inclusive change too!