Rahu (North Node) enters Punarvasu
The true north node enters the lunar sign, Punarvasu on December 6, while the mean node enters on January 3, 2019. The end of 2018 and beginning of 2019 marks an important transitional phase as Rahu enters a sign that bridges Gemini and Cancer. Rahu enters Gemini in March 2019; a month that will see many changes. 

Punarvasu is symbolic of a return to light, to clarity. Clarity is distorted by Rahu. Jupiter’s association with this lunar sign signals a period of heightened doubts about our future direction, and a sense of ‘what goes around comes around’ is pronounced due to Rahu's transit here until September 12 (mean node), September 28, 2019 (true node).

Rahu’s transition from Cancer to Gemini in March returns us to themes of 18 years ago when, in 2001, we experienced a massive shift of awareness on the planet due to the conflict between business and a new world order (Gemini and Sagittarius). We are once again returning to these big themes that have shaped our modern world.
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The nodes and subsequent eclipses bring to light more of the dynamics involved, with the first eclipse occurring in sidereal Sagittarius in January 2019, providing a glimpse of the changes to come. 
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Mercury stations Direct Dec. 6
On December 6, Mars is exactly conjunct Neptune, the planet of fantasy, while Mercury stations direct in Mars’ sign, Scorpio. This is also the new Moon phase, as our attention is drawn inward to be able to make sense of what’s going on.

Mercury’s slow turn around in Scorpio is like quicksand. The more you struggle with it, the quicker you sink!

Let go and let God. Jupiter; God in the horoscope, is conjunct Mercury and this is helpful, even if Mars’ conjunction with Neptune adds a layer of uncertainty. Mercury stationing direct always brings a sense of anticipation; of things beginning to turn around. 
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New Moon in Scorpio Dec. 7
Just as Mercury stations direct, the Moon joins the Sun in Scorpio, bringing an intense awareness to this area of the zodiac. This new Moon is placed in the lunar sign, Jyestha which is symbolized by a talisman, worn by those who have been initiated and are experienced. Jyestha means ‘elder’, showing someone who can use this experience in a positive or negative way.

Taking this new Moon as a reset point requires that we leave aside some practical issues, to deal with our emotional needs. The new Moon is weak, as the Moon is without light, while the Moon is also debilitated in Scorpio, creating a vulnerable emotional period by the end of the first week of December, and for the following week, as the Moon joins Saturn, Pluto, the nodes and Mars. Thankfully, Jupiter continues to transit through Scorpio, providing some comfort to the Moon and our emotional state. Jupiter enters Jyestha on December 27 and can bring more insights and guidance to the dynamics involved. 

The Moon is either joined by, or hemmed in by, all of the 'malefic' planets, from December 8th to 16th, leading to emotional vulnerability.

Remember, during this new Moon and for a week after, it's always darker before the dawn. 

Sun in Sagittarius Dec. 16 – Jan. 14
The Sun in Sagittarius shows more of a philosophical focus, closely tied this year with Saturn’s restrictive influence. This can play out in many ways, of course. An example of this would be a strong desire for something meaningful in the lead up to the festivities, while at the same time a feeling of responsibility, to buy all the presents etc. Saturn’s combustion always brings with it a power struggle in one way or another, more obviously expressed through governments having to do the responsible thing, while the public react to things not being done quickly enough. An example of this may be the resources needed to overcome extreme weather events.
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Saturn is in combustion from December 15 due to the Sun’s entry into Sagittarius; exactly combust by January 2. Leave room to conserve energy at this point and into the New Year.

As this occurs in the lunar sign ruled by the goddess of the waters, Apah, we can expect to see something occur in relation to water shortage, contamination or damage, as the competing forces of darkness and light fight it out at Christmas. 

Solstice Dec. 21
If you haven’t already taken your pause by the latter part of 2018, then the Solstice arrives on December 21 to remind you to be still. This change of direction of the Sun, heralds a return to light, to longer days to come for those on the northern hemisphere.

But just as any promise, if we expect to see the results straight away, we will be sorely disappointed.
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Now is a time to make yourself a promise, to plant a seed that will later reap its rewards.
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Full Moon in Gemini Dec. 22
The Moon enters the lunar sign, Ardra just as it becomes completely full, with the Sun in the opposite sign, Mula. These ‘sharp and dreadful’ lunar mansions are highlighted, most likely through destruction of some kind on the planet, as well as through the balance between frivolity (Gemini) and meaningful pursuits (Sagittarius), typically experienced at Christmas. 
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This full Moon phase and Solstice is as good a time as any to take a break from your busy life and to ask important questions about what you need to clear away to move forward into 2019.

Heightened emotional reactions are never far from the surface and point to a depth of understanding once the storms have cleared. 

Mars in Pisces Dec. 23, 2018 – Feb. 6, 2019
Mars leaves the unpredictable and frustrating sign Aquarius, where boundaries, or the lack thereof, formed much of our frustrations.  Fires ravaging the earth are, but one example of the destruction experienced due to the signs’ ruler, Saturn and its last jaunt through Mula in November.

Mars does not do well in Aquarius, just as fire is stoked by winds and does not respect boundaries. This leads to a fallout and a need to conserve energy. 

Thankfully, by December 23 there is a sense of energy and enthusiasm returning, and, if you have paused sufficiently, you can make the most of the exchange between Mars and Jupiter over the holiday period and into the New Year. This lends itself to an increase in positive energy and a generous disposition.

When planets exchange signs there is a power granted to both. In this case, Mars and Jupiter increase energy through taking positive actions. 

And while Jupiter is the archetypal Santa Clause; the biggest planet in our solar system, Mars is full of youthful energy and bravado. As they exchange signs, we can exchange our gifts and give thanks to those who make us feel supported.

Merry Christmas!

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December 2018 Sidereal Transits
Venus opposes Uranus Dec. 1
Mercury leaves Combustion Dec. 2
Mercury stations Direct Dec. 6
Mars conjunct Neptune Dec. 6
New Moon in Scorpio Dec. 7
Jupiter leaves Combustion Dec. 10
Saturn enters Combustion Dec. 15
Sun enters Sagittarius Dec. 16
Mercury conjunct Jupiter Dec. 21
Solstice Dec. 21
Full Moon in Gemini Dec. 22
Mars enters Pisces Dec. 23

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​Jupiter in Anuradha Oct. 27 to Dec. 27
​Placed entirely within sidereal Scorpio, Anuradha shows the soft innards of a sign that has a reputation of being cold and detached, but one that is a deep well of emotions and utterly devoted. 

The question to ask is: What, or who, are you devoted to? 

Jupiter’s transits will now expand on this theme, as if building on a ground that has been dug up by Saturn. Loyalty, devotion, intuition, friendship and co-operation are all emphasized as Jupiter brings more awareness to the dynamics involved.   

Jupiter is combust from November 12 until December 9, a period that will test our devotion, as Jupiter is purified by the Sun. Jupiter represents judges, priests, teachers and advisers of all kinds. Thankfully, the lack of apparent outer strength sends us inward to access deeper reserves of strength within, promoting a more intuitive approach. 
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Mars in Aquarius Nov. 6 – Dec. 23
Mars moves out of its exaltation sign and into an aspect from Saturn, as Saturn continues to transit through the destabilizing sign Mula for one last month. Saturn will leave Mula by the end of November, but for now we must experience the restriction, with the combined influence of a debilitated Sun and a Saturn/Mars combination. 

The fire element is lacking and leaves us feeling less inspired in November, as a result. 

Mars is erratic in Aquarius, but Saturn’s gaze asks for consistent actions, not easily accessed in a sign that is all about innovation and change.

To break the rules, however, we must first know them inside and out. This is the process in November, as we delve into Aquarius with our energy going through the blender, especially as Mars transits Shatabhisak from November 17.

Thankfully, the Sun will have left its sign of debilitation by then, fueling Mars somewhat by transiting Scorpio. But still, we must wait until late December, just before the holidays, the get the energy strongly moving again. When it does, it will be stronger if we have given ourselves the break now. 

Slow down and remind yourself that the shortening days in the northern hemisphere are not for jam-packing, but for editing. Leave out all you can and do what you must. Saturn will require that anyway and you’ll only exhaust yourself with anything more. 

This is especially the case for those with the signs Aries or Scorpio rising. 

​New Moon in Libra Nov. 7 Diwali
The inward journey for the new Moon phase is always more intense at this time of year, as the Sun is weak and the Moon is dark, reflecting a need to overcome the darkness, not just physically for those of us on the northern hemisphere, but energetically as we tackle a sense of lack at this time of year.
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This new Moon occurs at 16.01 GMT on November 7, in the lunar mansion, Vishakha, a sign that is symbolized by a decorated archway, representing a journey through, and a focus of our energy. However, with the new Moon in this lunar sign, the opposite may present itself, i.e., we become unfocused and lose our natural rhythm while the Sun is debilitated during this dark Moon phase. 

Venus stations Direct Nov. 16
Venus stations direct as the Sun leaves Libra, moving deeper into the depths of winter and a call to the hidden side of life. Venus, on the other hand, is in the mood for a show! It is no longer hidden behind the glare of the Sun; instead stepping out as the ‘bright morning star’ in the domain of balance.

This brings us to a turning point in what and who we value and love, but it won’t be until December that we reach a final conclusion after all the reassessment. It's reappearance as the morning star, while still moving retrograde for the first half of the month, is a tricky period in all of the retrograde phase, as the issues involved become more apparent, but not yet fully resolved. This is the last temptation in the cycle before it stations direct. 

Once Venus is direct, we have a guide showing us the way forward in relation to these things. We are clearer about our boundaries.

In November, Venus transits in Chitra, where the shining jewel and brightest star Spica is given a run for its money, by the bright and sometimes garish expression of Venus as the bright morning star.

'All that glitters is not gold’.
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Sun in Scorpio Nov. 17 – Dec. 16
The Sun makes its annual journey through the depths of Scorpio, with the darkness beginning to settle into our psyche, as we catch up with the darkness in nature.

During this time of year - before the bright lights and festivities of the holidays - we spend more time in the darkness. This year, a sense of looking for more meaning is emphasized because of Jupiter’s transit in Scorpio, combust from November 12 until December 9.

We may struggle to find meaning while Jupiter is in combustion, burnt out and feeling less than jovial before the holidays, perhaps even a little stressed; financially and morally, especially when we see the state of the world, but… well, perhaps we just need to face our demons! 

The Sun in Scorpio shines a light on these dark corners. 

Mercury Retrograde Nov. 17 – Dec. 6
Mercury stations retrograde in the sign Jyestha and returns to Anuradha. These signs represent devotion and obsession, showing the fine line we walk when committing ourselves to something or someone.

Mercury's retrograde back through these signs requires us to review our loyalties. 

Mercury is in combustion (Nov. 21 to Dec. 2), and conjuncts Jupiter on November 27, during the mid-point of the retrograde cycle; a turning point during this process of review.

Mercury’s retrograde in Scorpio is dark and brooding, as we seek to find cohorts to help us deal with our own demons; sometimes projecting them on others, denying ourselves the value of such introspection.

As usual, pay attention to the more detail-oriented aspects of life, as the intensity of thoughts and feelings in Scorpio is not conducive to clarity. Double check important details and travel arrangements, while paying more attention to communication. 

Thankfully, Jupiter helps Mercury out in Scorpio, leading to more insights, although Rahu's aspect from Cancer adds emotional manipulations, further confusing matters. 

​Full Moon in Taurus Nov. 23
The Moon is exalted and full by November 23, at 05.39 GMT; a period of the month we are impassioned by the full Moon, along with Mars’ aspect, and an opposition from Jupiter.

This is a powerful full Moon phase. How you use this power is another matter!

This full Moon occurs in the lunar mansion, Krittika, a soft AND sharp lunar sign, representing the ability to cut out negativity, and the harshness that requires, as well as the tenderness and caring nature of anyone who can think more positively. It then moves into Rohini, 'the red one' the passionate lunar sign in sidereal Taurus, with an aspect from Mars and Jupiter. 

We must be conscious of these aspects, leading to a lot of passion, which needs an outlet. ​

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​Neptune stations Direct Nov. 24
Neptune can make us feel detached and unrealistic about the area of our life it is transiting. However, Saturn is the planet which rules where Neptune is currently placed, and aspects it from Sagittarius. So, turning away from reality is not really an option.

Neptune in sidereal Aquarius represents a blurring of lines in issues affecting humanity. Borders become porous when Neptune is involved. Saturn adds fear around the destruction due to its transit in Mula, whether this is the destruction of borders, or of ethics. The perfect recipe for 'national populism'. 

Neptune’s direct station in Aquarius, and the lunar sign Shatabhisak, reminds us that borders are changeable, even between life and death. Neptune returns to Purva Bhadrapada by New Year’s Day; the ‘scorching star sign’ at the end of Aquarius, as a vision of unity is evoked to create more meaningful change.

As we continue to move away from the traditional approach, thanks to Saturn and Pluto in Sagittarius, Neptune's transit adds to the confusion of doing so; the veiling of truth, as we realize the price we pay for innovative technologies and 'progress' is greater than we had envisioned. 

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Saturn in Purva Asadha Nov. 27, 2018 - Dec. 26, 2019
Saturn enters Purva Asadha (13° 20' and 26° 40’ of sidereal Sagittarius) by November 27 and for the following year​. Purva means 'former' and Asadha means 'invincible', a sign that represents the power to reinvigorate after a clearing that has taken place in the previous sign, Mula.

Using the analogy of gardening to represent our beliefs and ethics (Sagittarius), we could say that Saturn's transit in Mula was a period to remove the weeds, while it's time in Purva Asadha will be about purifying and nurturing what remains. 

The beliefs we now have about this area of life, i.e., house position, as well as the houses Saturn rules in our birth chart, will be very different by the time Saturn leaves Sagittarius in 2020.

Unethical behaviour has increased since Saturn moved into Sagittarius in 2017, however, Pluto has been transiting here since 2005, working quietly in the background. This has more obviously been apparent in those in righteous positions; people who have shown us clearly the deep-seated dysfunctions in institutions of faith, for example.

Saturn and Pluto now transit the same sign, coming into an exact conjunction in the next sign Uttara Asadha, the 'latter victorious' by January 2020. Saturn's entry into Purva Asadha will bring more purification, but only by bringing out more impurities. 

Purva Asadha is associated with Jupiter, as well as Venus; two of the greatest 'benefics'. This lunar sign ordinarily grants us more optimism, exuberance and joy; the traits we associate with Sagittarius. However, Saturn's transit through the sign requires more realism.

Practically, we will likely see more issues relating to water depletion and contamination. We've already seen this when Saturn briefly moved into the sign in the Spring/Summer of 2018.

The clarity we often associate with Sagittarius; the ability to cut through all of the information (Gemini) and have faith, can be a good or bad thing, of course. ​Saturn's transit will make it obvious that those digging their heels in with faulty thinking must be called out. 

Read an article I wrote about Saturn in Sagittarius.
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