December 2022 Forecast
December is marked by glittering Sagittarius gatherings and practical traditions of Capricorn. Capitalize on parties and social occasions the first two weeks. Say yes to all invitations. There will be a shift into the practical flurry of activity this time of year can bring, especially after the 13th. The elements of air and water will be noticeably absent that third week of December making everyone less sentimental and more attuned to practical matters. Try to live in the moment while you are making your list and checking it twice. The last week of December brings a time of thoughtful review as Mercury retrogrades in Capricorn. It’s a perfect time to contemplate goal achievement and lofty future ambition.
Monthly Themes
Jupiter’s Farewell from Domicile
On December 20th, Jupiter ingresses back into Aries leaving his home sign of Pisces. He won’t be back in his domicile until 2030, when he heads back into Sagittarius. For the first three weeks of December, all of Jupiter’s glittery goodness will sparkle a little brighter. Parties will feel a bit more glamorous and social connections will have sentimental meaning. That being said, watch the levels of self-control and over-doing things that weekend of the 16th – 18th as the Sun will square Jupiter, giving that feeling of self-indulgence. Boisterous behaviors and overextending oneself can lead to an energy crash on Monday. Be flexible with your plans that weekend.
USA’s Final Pluto Return Pass
2022 was one of rebalancing power in the United States as the Declaration of Independence experienced its first Pluto return. It made its first pass in February and its second pass in July. The third exact hit happens on December 28th. Pluto is synonymous with change, transformation, and embodying self-possessed power. Assumed inalienable rights and authority were challenged at each pass.The first hit in February brought Russia invasion of Ukraine. This confronted the US’s reach and involvement overseas. The summer brought social friction when the courts overturned Rowe v. Wade. And recently legislative power was affirmed when the Senate historically worked to codify protection of same-sex and interracial marriages.Keep your eye on the news as December unfolds. Themes of power, wealth, and secrets will surface.
Reviewing Ambition: Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn
Right before New Year’s Day, when resolutions become fashionable, Mercury begins his journey backwards. In order to set effective goals, one must review what was accomplished first. That is the theme of this particular retrograde. It’s time to take stock of your goals and be realistic about the effort you can dedicate. What needs to be abandoned before you take on more? Do your mental and physical resources match your ambitions? Take the time to dream a bit about your intentions for the upcoming year during the New Moon in Capricorn on December 23rd, but take a hard look at what worked and what didn’t during this Mercury retrograde starting on December 29th. On a practical level, miscommunication at work, being too self-critical, or being inflexible with your standards can be pronounced for the next three weeks.
Dates of Note:
December 1: Mercury squares Neptune + Venus sextiles Saturn. Be careful of not being able to recall facts and events correctly. Make sure you seek clarification. Be as receptive as possible and hold your position politely without compromising your values.
December 3: Neptune stations direct. The planet of imagination and seduction changes direction today. Alternate worlds, romantic notions, and mysticism become themes of the day. It’s a good day to follow your hunches enthusiastically.
December 4: Venus squares Neptune. Relationships take on a dreamlike quality where you could wonder what is real. Are you over idealizing the potential of someone or are you grounded? Watch the impulsivity of the Aries moon and acting too quickly. Get out and do some physical activity or appreciate the fine arts to get centered.
December 6: Mercury squares Jupiter + Mercury ingresses into Capricorn. Watch the budget today. Justification of expenses is still overspending. This evening, you will have a better grasp of the bottom line as the planet governing commerce moves into Capricorn business mode. Realistic expectations and practical solutions come to the forefront for the rest of the month.
December 7: Full Moon in Gemini + Sun opposes Mars. Today’s full moon is punctuated by the halfway mark for this Mars retrograde. Mercury in Capricorn rules this tension filled full moon. Being direct is good, but being blunt can be painful. Mars in Gemini hits the Moon, showing how words can wound others. My grandmother used to ask, “Are you sure you want to know what I’m thinking? Cause I’ll tell you if you really want to know”. Watch the gossip today as well.
December 9: Venus ingresses to Capricorn. I believe the kids call the holidays “cuffing season” for good reason! Right around the holidays, relationships get evaluated on a practical level: Is this someone I can invest in? Can I bring this individual to family gatherings, give presents to, and ring in the New Year? Romance can be almost a business arrangement under this practical sign. For the next 6 weeks, social conventions and traditional values take the helm.
December 12: Sun sextiles Saturn. Today is about exploring your ambitions and the quest you embrace. Where are you set to revolutionize your industry and make your mark? Identify your desired legacy and set the wheels in motion.
December 14: Sun squares Neptune. If there is a day to make a difference and give back to others, this is it. The moon is in Virgo adds to the mix with being of service. Being useful and donating your time to a favorite charity is extremely rewarding.
December 17: Mercury trines Uranus. Progressive thinking and new ideas shine. There are unexpected joyful surprises trying new solutions, working with technology, and saying yes to the road less traveled.
December 18/Hanukkah: Sun sextiles Moon + Moon trines Saturn. Tonight, traditions are highlighted. Socialization around faith is a fantastic direct expression of the Sagittarius season with this Libra Moon.
December 20: Jupiter ingresses to Aries. The planet of blessings sets his sights on the horizon and seeks new possibilities. Visionary drive becomes the focus as you entertain novel ideas and avenues of expansion. This is an echoing of May 10 – October 28. Whatever themes that percolated during that time are ready to be enacted. It’s time to pick up those threads and carry them to the finish line. You have 5 months to seize this initiation energy. On your mark, get set, go!
December 21/Winter Solstice: Sun squares Jupiter + Sun ingresses to Capricorn. Although daylight hours are scarce in the northern hemisphere today, warmth and joy radiate with Jupiter aspecting the Sun. Hope infuses the day. One word of caution: watch the motor mouth today. Listening skills could be underdeveloped with a Sagittarius Moon and Jupiter’s rays so prominent. Over-sharing could be a theme.
Today also marks the Season of Capricorn. These Cardinal Earth individuals are truly talented in putting the resources to use and producing results. Capricorns are practical, ambitious, and aren’t afraid of a little hard work. When rewarded, they want to make sure it is for a job well done vs. just being lucky. They value achievements and are masters at being goal-oriented. Often they can be mistaken for being older than they are simply because they are usually born with “an old soul.” They are wise beyond their years and will often be asked to function as little adults from a young age. Don’t mistake their all work attitude, because Capricorns have a quiet humor that bites with the ridiculousness of reality. Sarcasm and cynicism are hallmarks of these Sea Goats. They value tradition and time. Don’t think for a minute they are as put together as they would have you believe. Behind that poker face is someone with a pure case of “imposter syndrome.” They are so afraid they will be revealed as a fraud who doesn’t know what they are doing. But trust me, Capricorns are their own worst enemy. What they really need is a best friend who will stick by them who they can really open their heart and be vulnerable. Over the next four weeks, mobilize your ambition, sense of tradition, and set goals into motion.
December 22: Venus trines Uranus. Unexpected gifts and friends pepper the day. With the Moon still in Sagittarius, the bounty of the season can produce little reminders of how you have made a difference for others. Friendships get strengthened today. This is one of my favorite days of the month.
December 23: New Moon in Capricorn + Chiron stations direct in Aries. An unaspected Saturn in Aquarius rules this lunation. Lonely feelings and awareness of your wounds can echo today. It is a good time to take stock of how far you have come, where you’ve learned about self-reliance, and plan on where you’d like to go next. Saturn in Aquarius is one for pushing the boundaries, translating pain into useful direction, and making sense of alienation. Giving structure to your darker feelings and asking the tougher questions can be helpful. Of note, this is the only Capricorn New Moon until 2024.
December 24/Christmas Eve: Mercury sextiles Neptune. Today makes everyone very nostalgic and it makes the magic of the season sparkle. Neptune leans into the imaginative and the stories that connect us.
December 25/Christmas: Moon in Aquarius. Group traditions take the helm today. Saturn can make us reflect on what held value in the past and what structures we want to create that will infuse meaning.
December 28: Pluto Return for the USA + Venus sextiles Neptune. This year has been one that exposed cracks in the foundation of the United States. The pressure points of institutions, financial power, and injustice came to the forefront. The downfall of Pluto is when he clings to what he thinks he can control. Whatever gifts you think you got from the underworld vanish the minute you reach the surface. Today, values take on a sense of idealism. Dissolving and dismantling your control issues is favored.
December 29: Venus conjoins Mercury + Mercury stations retrograde. Business networking takes the helm. If there are contacts you’ve lost touch with, reach out to them today. Mercury retrograde can favor reworking deals or missed opportunities. For the next three weeks, Mercury will travel backwards through Capricorn. It is fortuitous to reassess goals before you set new ones. Capricorn is known for his ability to examine reality with a calculated eye and match his ambition to his effort. Judge your past efforts fairly and aim for the summit.
December 31/New Year’s Eve: Venus conjoins Pluto. Today has an all or nothing feel to it. You may feel up for adventure and excitement in the morning, but by mid-day the Moon moves into Taurus, shifting the mood. Overt enthusiasm wanes in the sign of the bull. Maybe a night of cuddles on the couch by the fire may suit tonight’s tone more. If you head out on the town, any social connections you make will serve as power moves. Circulate the party scene with purpose.