Astrology Forecast for December 2023
Three planets change direction this month: Mercury turns retrograde, and Neptune and Jupiter turn direct. Despite Mercury Rx, December astro-weather has a lot to offer!
Mercury Retrograde, Online Shopping and Holiday Travel
Finish your online holiday shopping by Dec. 9. Mercury will be slowing down to a crawl after, getting ready to turn retrograde on Dec. 12. We don't want any mishaps with your orders or shipping!
If you're planning to book a trip, finalize your plans by Dec. 9, too. Or wait until the second week of January. And if you're travelling over the holiday season, be prepared for some possible delays.
But, there is also a big upside to this Mercury Retrograde. Mercury will be making many positive planetary connections throughout December. It's a great month for catching up with old friends or co-workers, revisiting important conversations, and renegotiations.
Neptune Turns Direct: Compassion, Spirituality and....
Neptune turns direct on December 6, at 24° Pisces. When Neptune changes direction, it's compassionate, mystic energy is high in the skies. It's the planet of artists, spiritualists, romantics - but also of illusions and deceivers.
The second week of the month, in particular, is not the best for mental clarity and important conversations.
And, if you have any personal planets or angles between 22-28° Pisces, Gemini, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio or Sagittarius, Neptune's change of direction will be important for you on a personal level. From blissful experiences to deceit, Neptune transits are complex and can play out in different ways, depending on your chart - and you! An astrology reading may be of help.
Jupiter Turns Direct: An Extended Stretch of Good Vibes
But, things pick up soon after. Jupiter is stationed in the skies as of December 14, moving very slowly and getting ready to turn direct on December 30, at 5° Taurus. And when Jupiter stations, the energy of expansion and luck is very strong in the skies.
And, it's extra good news for you personally if you have personal planets or angles between 3 - 8° Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio and Capricorn. You're the lucky recipient of an extended stretch of opportunity, that will last throughout December and into mid-February 2024!
December Ends on a High Note!
The lead-up to Christmas and the last week of December bring some amazing, optimistic, positive energies. Venus trines Neptune on Christmas Day, infusing the day with love. (If you're single, spend some time on a dating app!)
And a burst of sparkly and fun energy arrives on December 30 and leading into December 31. How perfect for New Year's Eve!
If you like this forecast so far, don't forget to sign up for my free weekly astro-newsletter!
And, if you're interested to learn what the stars have in store for us in 2024, join me for my annual webinar, "Navigating 2024". A recording will be available if you're unable to attend the live session.
Now let's look at each week in detail
Note the dates I provide are for Pacific to Eastern time. Unless I mention a specific timeframe, the energies peak on these dates, but we’ll feel them for 24-72 hours in advance, and for about 24 hours afterwards (but they will be losing strength with each passing hour).
December 1-3:
The first 3 days of December are great for business dealings and conversations that require clarity and logic. But, it's not the greatest time to meet new people - in real life or through a dating app.
✨ December 1: Mercury enters Capricorn:
This starts a gradual energy shift to more practical and level-headed. Mercury will spend the entire month in Capricorn because it'll be moving slower than usual, preparing to turn retrograde on December 13, at 8° Capricorn.
✨ December 2: Mercury sextile Saturn; the Sun and the Moon form a trine in Fire signs
A very optimistic day. At the same time, the energies are supportive of serious conversations and signing long-term contracts.
December 4 - 10:
Wrap up your online Christmas shopping by mid-week. By the weekend, Mercury starts slowing down to a crawl, getting ready to turn retrograde next week. We don't want any mishaps with your Christmas orders and shipping!
And finalize your travel plans.
✨ December 9 3:32 p.m. PST to December 12 3:32 p.m. PST: Balsamic Moon
This is one of those times in the Lunar Cycle when starting anything new is not to your advantage. Declutter instead. Tie up loose ends. Get an extra hour of rest if you can.
Make some Moon Water on December 10. You won't be able to see the Moon, but it will be in Scorpio on that day, getting ready to be reborn as the New Moon on December 12.. This particular Moon Water will have great cleansing properties, to help you get rid of the unwanted energetic residue (we all accumulate it over time). Use it to wash your hair or add it to your laundry wash. Visualize all unwanted energy leaving your life.
And to boot, an opportunity period arrives from Dec. 10 9:03 a.m. to Dec. 11 12:57 a.m. PST. It's a fantastic time for clearing emotions, decluttering and cleaning, and resting and recharging.
Finally, Mercury enters its Storm on Dec. 9, moving very slowly and getting ready to turn retrograde. Not a favourable time for new projects - just follow through with the items that are already on your plate (holiday prep and last-minute shopping?)
December 11-17:
Not the best week for mental clarity and important conversations. Mercury turns retrograde on December 12 and Neptune - the planet of illusions - is prominent in the skies yet again. Avoid important meetings, negotiations, and signing contracts.
The New Moon's square to Neptune will be felt in the skies throughout the week. Clarify assumptions, proofread important documents, and be aware that it can be more difficult to see things clearly this week.
Even with that, the New Moon in Sagittarius brings a burst of optimism and adventure!
✨ December 11: Mercury sextile Venus.
A good day for catching up with your friends or loved ones.
New Moon in Sagittarius: December 12 3:32 p.m. PST
This is THE day of the year to let the Universe know that you're ready for a boost of optimism, adventure and luck in your life. It's also a great New Moon to ask for success with publishing, being able to freely speak your truth, and to travel or relocate to another country.
You're not limited to these topics. Setting intentions for anything you want to attract into your life is fair game. But, intentions for the matters ruled by Sagittarius get an extra boost on this New Moon.
If you're new to working with the New Moon energy for manifestation, my digital mini-course, Working with the New Moon, is for you.
This New Moon is happening at 20° Sagittarius. Check which House it falls in your natal chart. That's where a brand new fresh start is possible in the 4 weeks that follow.
✨ December 12 11:09 p.m. PST: Mercury turns retrograde...
✨ December 16: the Sun square Neptune
A low-energy day. Sensitivity to drugs (including prescription drugs) and alcohol may be heightened. Don't overdo.
December 18-24:
Don`t forget to register for my webinar `Navigating 2023: What the Stars Have in Store for Us`. Receive practical guidance for the year ahead + learn the key energies and dates that are important for your sign.
Mercury is super busy in the skies this week, and this can translate into a flurry of messages, texts, and communication - and a busy week overall!
Venus opposite Uranus during Mercury retrograde can bring back exes and other people who've disappeared from your life over the past few months.
✨ December 18: Mercury Rx trine Jupiter
A great day for renegotiating a contract or re-pitching a proposal.✨ December 21: Solstice; the Sun enters Capricorn; Mercury Rx sextile Saturn
December 25-31:
The holiday energies are brimming with love and good cheer this week. Full Moon in Cancer: December 26 4:33 p.m. PST
And, after you've basked in the high energy of the Full Moon, set intentions to release what no longer serves you. This is the last Full Moon of this year! Release anything you don't want to take with you into 2024. Disappointments, insecurities, emotional eating (it's a Cancer Full Moon, after all!) - imagine them encapsulated in bubbles, floating away from you and disappearing.
✨ December 27: The Sun trine Jupiter; Mercury Rx conjunct Mars.
One of the luckiest, most positive and optimistic days of the year! Charge a citrine for luck.
✨ December 28: Mars square Neptune; Venus sextile Pluto
A low-energy day. Take it easy if you can. Watch out for passive-aggressive behaviours.
Have a wonderful December!
If you have any comments or would like to report a typo or an omission, please leave a comment below (your email address won't be published).