Guest article By Dorene Carrel

December is a dynamic month, highlighted by Uranus in Aries turning direct the same day as the December 25 Full Moon. This cycle begins with energetic Mars aspects to Uranus and Pluto from December 6-10, just before the December 11 New Moon. All of the above can lead to volatility, breakdowns or breakthroughs. As it all means increased change, it’s best to take a “look before you leap” approach, with more flexibility. The two lunations encourage us to expand our horizons, as well as look at how we nurture ourselves and others.

On December 6 Mars in Libra forms a challenging square to Pluto in Capricorn. Relationship issues will tend to center around power and control issues and long-standing problems can come to a head at this time. The Sun trine to Uranus in Aries on December 8 encourages detachment and need for independence. Mars opposing Uranus on December 10 can bring further sparks and unexpected occurrences. Compromise seems challenging, but can be essential. On the other hand, what isn’t functional anymore can be finally released. Be more cautious when driving, as these aspects tend to correlate with accidents. Venus in trine to Neptune on this same day brings compassion, while facilitating surrender and release.

The New Moon occurs on December 11 at 19 Sagittarius. This lunation forms a mutable t-square with Jupiter in Virgo and Chiron in Pisces. As Jupiter is the natural ruler of Sagittarius, there is expanded potential for a greater perspective this month. We can more easily discern which beliefs, ideas and actions will lead us to greater fulfillment and which ones may be keeping us headed in a nonproductive direction. Chiron in Pisces can bring up past wounds, but also healing, forgiveness and compassion for ourselves and others. The trine to Uranus helps us stay attuned to our higher intuition. The mutable energies may make it hard to stay focused, so it is best to keep a simpler schedule and not be too overextended. The Sabian symbol keynote for this degree, “The foresighted use of natural resources to supply future human needs,” suggests our ability to mobilize our own inner resources to answer our highest calling that takes us into an expanded future of greater potentials.

A critical time for communication occurs December 19-20 when Mercury aligns with Pluto in Capricorn and forms a square to Uranus in Aries. Be aware of possible misunderstandings and strive for greater clarity this week. December 20 is also the beginning of the Mercury retrograde shadow period, when communications and travel tend to be challenged. Take a day off from holiday busyness on the December 21 Solstice, which is favorable for meditation and inner work.

On December 25 the Full Moon occurs at 3 Cancer. The focus is on the home, family and our need for security and nurturing, which needs to be balanced with our career/life path and need for recognition. The harmonious trine to Neptune makes this a good day to visualize how we can manifest our ideals in the world. On this same day, Uranus turns stationary direct at 16 Aries, which greatly amplifies this lunation. We can now receive guidance on the specific actions we can take to manifest our goals or to take that first step, however small it may be. Mercury in trine to Jupiter on this same day brings inspired thinking and creative ideas. The Sabian symbols for these degree areas, “A cat arguing with a mouse; an attempt at self-justification,” and “A group of people outfitting a large canoe at the start of a journey by water; the ability to use natural resources and basic skills in order to achieve a group-purpose,” suggests the importance of forming alliances with others who have similar talents/goals and who support our dreams and ideals.

January brings a Mercury retrograde (January 5-25). Best wishes for a joyous and peaceful holiday season!

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Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience. Donations towards this column are appreciated. Paypal accepted. Please use my email, dorenea5@yahoo.com as reference.

Check out my astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events.

All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar.