December 2018 Forecasts

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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