If you'd like to know what's happening next, become a Premium Subscriber! You'll receive: (1) Maya's full month of daily guidance before the 1st of each month, (2) the complete General Astological Influences for each month, AND (3) you'll also receive Maya's free Premium bonus astrological Travel Advisory to help you plan fast, fun and successful jouneys, wherever you're going!


MONDAY DECEMBER 1. We begin our push-to-action of the expansive Sagittarius New Moon on Monday, the Moon’s day, with Moon in the celestial sign of Pisces. Our vision is grand and universal, and our urge is to do. We do need action, but what kind may not be exactly clear. Put your right and left brains together today, and let your course arise from an intuitive-rational synthesis. Both functions are in high gear now. In fact, we may have a hard time sleeping once we get the wheels rolling.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 2. Moon enters Aries, and we’re on the march. This is truly a wonderful day to begin anything new. This afternoon Mercury enters Capricorn, and we can be quite efficient, as we focus on the usefulness of our activities. Business and government may be high on the mental priority list of many. Again, we may be wakeful tonight.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 3. We have, again, a great combination of intuitive and rational encouragement. Moon continues in enthusiastic Aries, to speed us on our way. This is a super-creative day. It combines the imagination of Neptune with the reality of Saturn, which makes it possible to put something new into form. We can work hard and successfully.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 4. Moon continues in lively Aries, and our creative impulses flow freely. Today we especially appreciate Aries’ ability to go after what it wants. Before the Moon goes VOC at 3:52 p.m. EST, we can complete a project. And if we don’t, we’ll have more chances to be productive after Moon enters Taurus at 5:30 p.m. We can continue to do a lot of good thinking and communicating tonight, and it will be practical.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5. This is a day of emotional fulfillment, particularly with our partners. Love and receptivity are in abundant supply. Juno conjoins Sun in Sagittarius to begin a 14-month cycle of relationship. This indicates that shared beliefs and philosophies will be very important in all of our partnerships for the next year. This conjunction occurs on the U.S. Ascendant, personalizing it for the U.S.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6. Moon continues in steady Taurus on this important day. It is important because Strategist Pallas Athena turns direct in Aries today, and because Venus in Capricorn opposes Saturn in Cancer. These three bodies—Pallas, Venus, and Saturn—form a cardinal T-square in the heavens which will 1) want action, and 2) have difficulty with proper timing. This day could be confusing, especially in regard to relationships of all kinds. Saturn in opposition tends to thwart a planet’s action. In the case of Venus, love and values may be blocked. However, Saturn with Venus can also indicate a lasting commitment. Taurus Moon can lubricate by softening and stabilizing problematic situations. This may be a restless night.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7. Moon is in exciting Gemini, and we want to be on the go, connecting with the world in one way or another. Explore, be spontaneous, do things that are fun. Gemini is irrepressible.

MONDAY DECEMBER 8. Full Moon at 17 Gemini occurs at 3:37 p.m. EST. Sag is the big philosopher. Gemini makes all those little connections which add up to the information which Sag then puts together into grand ideas and moral codes. This is a mental polarity, and our minds are buzzing. Sag also likes meetings of important people, who try to solve the problems of the world.

Jupiter, especially associated with Sagittarius, is the Big Guy with this Moon. Jupiter is traveling rapidly in Virgo, and both Sun and Moon are about to square it within the next 36 hours. Jupiter expands it all—the information (or pseudoinformation), the philosophizing, the discussing, the visualizing and the planning for the future. We feel good now, and we can make big plans.

At the same time, with Moon in Gemini, and Jupiter in Virgo, we will be overloaded with details. However, by the same token, information which can change our attitudes may be forthcoming.

Degrees now are sensitive to the difficult Saturn-Pluto opposition of 2000-2002, and we may repeat echoes of those challenging situations. However, Jupiter can give us help in dealing with problems. At the same time, Jupiter can contribute to unrealistic planning by over-optimism.

This is the Full Moon for the Solar Eclipse of June 10, 2002. Events seeded then have a kind of culmination now. For instance, that was when the Loya Jirga met in Afghanistan to choose a government, and the U.S. prevented democracy, which was about to occur. Because of U.S. interference, there was a huge walkout at that meeting. Now competing warlords, paid by the U.S., are still in charge in Afghanistan. June 10 represented the U.S. political takeover of Afghanistan. Let’s see what happens in Iraq.

June 10 was when an American citizen, Jose Padilla, was picked up by the FBI and immediately transferred to military custody, where he has been incommunicado ever since. There are no charges against him—but at the time he was picked up, the government said he been viewing a "dirty bomb site" on the Internet. The government has since "detained" perhaps 4000 (nobody knows) registered aliens and also is holding them uncharged and incommunicado, unable to contact family, friends, attorneys, or anyone. Libraries? Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft says they haven’t been bothered, but that’s not true. The fact is that there have been many invasions of libraries by FBI agents under the aegis of the "Patriot Act." Again, nobody knows exactly how many, because it’s a felony for the librarian to tell someone about it.

On June 10 the World Food Summit opened in Rome. At the same time at the Biotechnology Conference in Toronto, the U.S. said it would not label genetically engineered food. (The U.S. produces 70% of GE food.) Food—quality, trade, and distribution—is a very live subject now.

Other important events of that day include a visit to Bush by Ariel Sharon, the Washington Post saying that the government was restricting information on missile defense, and families who suffered 9-11 losses rallying on Capitol Hill to demand an investigation. And Japan hinted that they have nuclear weapons.

In Washington, Neptune is overhead. We can see that oil is the subject of discussion. Neptune also makes for fuzzy thinking and head-in-the-sand attitudes. Moon is rising, showing that emotions rule now—probably overoptimistic ones.

This moon is a special time to pay attention to information, and to enlarge our understanding of life.

The Sabian Symbol for 17 Gemini is:

"THE HEAD OF A ROBUST YOUTH CHANGES INTO THAT OF A MATURE THINKER. We see the transformation of emotions into mind, of instinct into thought. MENTAL METAMORPHOSIS."

Let’s hope!

This Full Moon is especially active through Iran, Iraq, and Russia.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 9. Moon continues in fast-moving Gemini, and this an energetic, social day. Watch out for excess sensitivity late this morning. And open to brilliant ideas this afternoon. At 5:48 p.m. Moon goes VOC. At 7:11 p.m. Moon enters Cancer to encourage a quiet evening at home. Sun squares Jupiter early tomorrow morning, and we may have a restless night.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10. We want to reach out in a positive way today. But at the same time we feel a strong caution signal. Chiron conjoins Venus to start a new cycle of priorities. Perhaps something shakes us into embracing more spiritual values. We are sensitive and emotional, with Moon in Cancer.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 11. Moon continues in nurturing Cancer, with lovely, loving aspects. Enjoy sharing your abundance today. At the same time, power and transformation are in the air. Powerful loving is possible.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 12. What do you want? How can you achieve it? Last night started us on a new track of desire. Moon in Leo helps us dramatize our yearnings.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 13. Moon may be in fun-loving Leo, but nevertheless this is a serious day. A problem insists on our focus. It relates to security, and may include aggression. Saturn in Cancer opposes Mercury in Capricorn, and requires concentration. Whatever is on our minds today will be the major subject which we carry inwards for reflection when Mercury turns retrograde in a few days. This transit will repeat again on December 21, with Mercury traveling retrograde, and for the final time on February 21. This is a Capricorn issue, and Capricorn is about governance and authority. Neptune is prominent today, and it may be hard to get a handle on what is worrying us. Again, both the intuitive and rational minds are strong. Let them work in harmony. We may want to stay out late tonight.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 14. This is a day to do what feels good. We will probably feel quite independent, perhaps rebellious. Moon goes VOC at 3:05 p.m. EST, and enters Virgo an hour later. We might like a mind puzzle, or something analytical, tonight.

MONDAY DECEMBER 15. It doesn’t happen often in the sky, but this is the perfect Monday. We’re happy to return to work, have lots of ambition, and can accomplish a great deal. Again, we may have a restless night.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 16. Fourth Quarter Moon at 25 Virgo occurs at 12:42 p.m. EST. At fourth quarter, we reflect on what we’ve learned, and let go of what we don’t need. Sagittarius is the moon of big ideas and big adventures. Now in Virgo we take a look at the actual details, and trim our sails a bit.

The sky is extremely active during the night, and we may be so as well. At 8:24 a.m. Mars enters Aries. This is a very big shift. Mars has been traveling for six months in the subtle, imaginative sign of Pisces. When it entered Pisces in June, the U.S. began its Desert Scorpion in Iraq, announced as a campaign to root out Iraqi arms and militants. Now in Aries, Mars is released to do what it wants, and we will see a shift in this strategy. We are all apt to feel a surge of energy.

Moon now carries Jupiterian energy, and the enthusiasm and optimism of Jupiter will be at a peak. We will be eager to widen our horizons.

This is an important chart for a number of reasons. Featured is the stationary Mercury opposed by retrograde Saturn. This effect is quite opposite from the quarter moon itself. It’s like the thinking and movement of Mercury is stopped still in a bubble of time, and there is no place to go but back.

There is a dilemma here. Most likely Mars in rambunctious Aries will jump in with a solution, which may or may not help.

This is the fourth quarter of the moon family which began with the New Moon in Virgo on September 17, 2001. That was when the Bush administration rolled out its long-prepared plans to create a world-dominating super-militaristic state, including suspension of civil liberties on the home front. At the first quarter moon in June 2002, U.S. troops were expanding influence throughout the world, and at Full Moon in March 2003, the U.S. invaded Iraq. Virgo is a sign of the military—"services"—and Jupiter now with Moon indicates a military expansion.

Moon trines Venus in Capricorn, a practical and harmonious aspect, and then goes VOC at 12:49 p.m.

Moon remains VOC for the rest of the day. Finally, at 10:45 p.m., it enters Libra. Those who are still awake are apt to feel the jolt of Mars’ energy then. A renewed courage infuses us.

The Sabian Symbol for 25 Virgo (and this whole moon family which began in September 2001) is:

"A FLAG AT HALF-MAST IN FRONT OF A PUBLIC BUILDING. The social acknowledgment of a job well done and a destiny fulfilled. PUBLIC RECOGNITION."

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 17. Moon is in social Libra. Our usual plethora of Libran connections will be restricted, however. Mercury turns retrograde, opposing Saturn, and Moon highlights both of those reluctant planets. Although we will be mixing with others, we may feel isolated and alone, with lots on our minds. Watching an inspirational film tonight would be relaxing.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 18. Libra’s job is to harmonize and balance. It may be that today this delicate juggling act is involved with balancing past and future. We are—again—on the crest of change, and Mercury retrograde gives us a chance to regather and re-sort our resources. Retrograde Mercury will be with us throughout the holidays. It will turn direct again just as the holiday season ends, January 6. Volcanic Pluto enters a new degree today—21 Sagittarius. Every degree bring a new scenario, which is worked over for a couple of years. Pluto travels slowly, so it is about 250 years since it has traversed this degree.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 19. Moon in intense Scorpio will help us get to the depth of our feelings, and sweep away the chaff. Mercury retrograde will help us focus on things that are of real importance to us, like home, friends, family, compassion, and service. Today is inner-oriented, but tonight we are apt to seek company, particularly those people who have special meaning in our lives.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 20. The aspects are perfect for Hanukkah’s beginning today—intense, spare, remembering the past, and also hopeful for the future. This morning Vesta moves into Capricorn, where she will fiercely protect her own. And tonight Venus moves into the friendly sign of Aquarius, nice for the holidays.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 21. We are into the powergate of Winter Solstice, and this is an action day. We have two more sign changes, and will feel a noticeable energy shift. Moon enters ebullient Sagittarius early this morning, and around midnight tonight, Sun enters focused Capricorn. The changes of the last two days heighten our energies in both freedom and in control signs. Today the freedom side will dominate, and life moves along relatively easily, although retrograde Mercury will surely slow us down. This is a difficult Mercury, and communication will have problems for all of us. Returning to past situations is favored. Late tonight the Ursids meteor showers stream from the Bear constellations.

MONDAY DECEMBER 22. Winter Solstice occurs at 2:04 a.m. EST, when the Sun enters Capricorn. The Sun in the Northern Hemisphere is now at its lowest point, and it has nowhere to go but up. The Sun is reborn, and we rejoice in the sacred birth. Days begin now to lengthen. In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. This is the moment of high Sun, Summer Solstice, below the equator.

Sun conjoins Vesta, to give us the theme of the year: protecting physical and financial security, particularly in regard to business and government. Capricorn needs to be the best, on top of the heap, and Vesta’s laser-like focus can help with this endeavor. There can be a paranoia here, for anybody or anything which is perceived to threaten Capricorn’s control is considered dangerous. This does not bode well for international relations, or even harmonious domestic conditions.

Sun-Vesta now has the clout to enforce its control, for Mars in Aries squares that pair, egging them to action, likely martial action. The Sun’s New Year begins with a storm.

And yet, we have the diffident pair, retrograde Mercury opposing retrograde Saturn, slowing everything down, and rethinking the scenario. The starting gate is being jiggled, but it is not apt to open until Mercury turns direct on January 6.

This will be a very significant year for all of us. And it is now, with Mercury retrograde, that we are reviewing our options. This day, in particular, is a power day.

Sun has just come from a conjunction with Pluto, and is filled with power urges. This will be the case in every Solstice for the next five years. We will see the same power drives being acted out until Pluto moves into Capricorn in 2008, beginning a new Pluto cycle and readying for the U.S. Pluto Return in 2023.

The retrograde Mercury-Saturn opposition is squared by Pallas in Aries. Pallas says to these holdouts, Do something! Make a move! The challenge is to harmonize caution and impetuousness in a strategic way so that they support one another.

Moon in Sagittarius is in balsamic phase. It is a very old moon, wise and experienced. It is time to let the past go. Moon conjoins Juno and Pluto, and this release will mean pain for many. With Juno in this key position, the propaganda about terrorism will be overwhelming. Jupiter squaring Juno only enhances this misinformation. In addition, Juno sits on Black Hole Ereshkigal, where all is surrendered.

Moon is on the U.S. Ascendant, and this nation will be very emotional about its foreign involvements. Saturn is still on the U.S. Sun, putting the squeeze on the Administration. It will have good reason to be paranoid.

In summary, the year will bring a focus on struggling for control and security and a caution which can support that drive. At the same time there is an almost uncontrollable urge for action, perhaps martial action. The key to 2004 is to hold instincts in check, and to plan wise and strategic action.

The Sabian Symbol, as always for Winter Solstice, is:

"AN INDIAN CHIEF CLAIMS POWER FROM THE ASSEMBLED TRIBE. The power and responsibility implied in any claim for leadership. It refers to the power latent in every individual to claim and assume AUTHORITY in a vital group situation."

The Sabian Symbol for the Moon at 15 Sagittarius is:

"THE GROUND HOG LOOKING FOR ITS SHADOW ON GROUND-HOG DAY, FEBRUARY 2. The value of anticipating new turns of events and ascertaining future prospects. In its highest form the knowledge required is "cosmic consciousness"—in modern terms the new science of PROSPECTIVE."