DECEMBER 2008 ASTROLOGICAL UPDATE

Welcome to what feels like the busiest month of the year….not only because it is the holiday season, but also due to the myriad of planetary configurations we are experiencing at this time!
PLANETARY PICTURES:
December began with a lively and “upbeat” New Moon in Sagittarius  a fire sign; and with the Sun, Mars and Mercury  ALL in tight conjunction and ALL  in Sagittarius, there is an overabundance of fiery energy right now.  Those of us who have planets in fire signs (especially Sagittarians) are really feeling the urge to find expression through ideals and beliefs in a way that defies old boundaries.  In other words, this is a time of monumental “breakthroughs” in conventional belief systems whether we are looking at politics, religion, or our own personal philosophy of life.
Venus and Jupiter were exactly conjunct on December 1, in the practical and responsible sign of Capricorn, which signifies an open and optimistic way of looking at the world, but also desires a firmly “grounded” material base.  Saturn   rules the sign of Capricorn; and since Saturn is making a very beneficial aspect to both Venus and Jupiter in Capricorn, this is a "double whammy”! The expansive principle of this New Moon (along with the above mentioned Sagittarius planets) needs to be balanced with the Saturn’s urge for restriction and solid material values.   We have seen this unfolding in the “bailout” controversies surrounding the three major American auto companies and Congress. (As of this writing late night Dec 12th, the “bail-out” bill was killed on the Congress floor!)
This is also another ramification of Pluto’s re-entry in to Capricorn (Nov 27th) where it will remain until 2023!  We can rest assured that the question of government funding big business is not over. There will be a complete overhaul of the way we do “business” in this country over the next 15 years. We may even see a totally new monetary system come into play, as Uranus, which represents sudden change and surprises, has also just changed direction (moving forward) and will more than likely shatter the old system into bits. Saturn and Uranus are still in opposition to each other, creating a tension between a radical pressure for change (Uranus) and the need to maintain stability and retain the structures which solidify our lives (Saturn). Interestingly enough, this opposition was exact on Election Day (Nov 4th) and will continue until the next exact conjunction which occurs in early Feb 2009, about the same time that President Obama will be implementing his program for change.
The influence of Saturn will be powerful throughout the month since it is nearly at a standstill (stationary) right now, but leading up to the Capricorn New Moon on December 27th. At that time, there will be six planets in Capricorn (ruled by Saturn) meaning that the Universe is asking us to face reality fearlessly and without the gloss of illusion or self-deception. It is time for each individual (as well as government and corporate leaders) to accept self-responsibility.

FULL MOON IN GEMINI DECEMBER 12, 2008
There is a multitude of planetary alignments contributing to the essence of the Full Moon on December 12th. This Full Moon is at 21 Gemini and occurs at 11:38 ET on December 12. The Full Moon occurs when the Moon (now in Gemini) is exactly opposite or 180 degrees from the Sun (now in Sagittarius). This Full Moon emphasizes our need for communicating our Truth and examining our belief systems. The Grand Cross will expose all our assumptions about reality and really ask us to question our belief systems. What worked for us yesterday, my not be working today, and definitely will not work tomorrow…we are being asked to create new paradigms in consciousness….and there is no rule book to follow!
This is also the fifth and final ”Super Moon” of 2008 (where the moon is closest to the Earth). Gravitational pulls are intensified around a Super Moon and impact our psyches more intensely than usual. There is something very “karmic” with this Full Moon as it is pulls all the psychic garbage up to be released!
This Full Moon forms a Grand Cross in the sky with the Saturn/Uranus opposition (Saturn represents the physical limits of the material world and Uranus represents lightning-bolt changes and breakthroughs in consciousness). The Grand Cross is a challenging aspect, as we have come to a “crossroads”.  The stress/ conflict between the planets builds up to a crisis point which necessitates release, and ultimately, transformative change. A quantum leap becomes possible, but not before surmounting great challenges. In the sign of Pisces, Uranus represents the need for a spiritual revolution, the signal that the Age of Pisces is about to end. The ability to wake up to which we really are is here!
Our self-expression and need for autonomy and will be paramount with a square from the Sun and Mars to Uranus which is in effect until after December 12th.  It is useful to be more cautious than usual under these transits, as we can be more accident prone and more inclined towards arguments and other kinds of battles, particularly against authority. You may notice this in your children as well! The Sun is square Saturn on the 12th as well, and Saturn’s energy may drain some of your self-confidence, as well as your physical energy, at this time. Stay focused on the positive and  attend to your personal responsibilities and Saturn will offer his rewards: strength and success. It is a good weekend to “chill”, and to stay out of the “holiday madness” if possible. It’s always best to spend as much time in nature as you can during a full moon, as it calms down the heightened electromagnetic currents in the body.
Mercury also enters practical Capricorn on December 12th and conjuncts Pluto. The combination of Mercury (mind) with Pluto (death/regeneration and power) offers us with a laser-like mental focus that can aid us in manifesting our thoughts and desires. Use this time wisely! It only lasts for a day or two. Journal, make your list of New Year’s Resolutions ahead of time and start implementing them on the New Moon on the 27th…..the true seeding time!
 Mars is activated on the 15th and 16th with a challenging aspect to Saturn and a harmonious aspect to Neptune. Mars is pure physical energy: our drive, desires and aggression. When squared by Saturn, the principle of restriction, we can become frustrated as the avenues to express our drive become limited. Saturn/Mars periods can be tremendously productive, if we use Saturn's discipline to help focus our energy (Mars) in a positive way, as Saturn never rewards escapist behavior. However, this period only lasts for a few days and by the 17th things will seem clearer.
The Sabian Symbols for this Full Moon emphasize the importance of community and cooperation. For the Moon at 22 Degrees Gemini: “Dancing couples in a harvest festival; the wholesome enjoyment of organic processes and emotional drives”.

WINTER SOLSTICE DECEMBER 21, 2008
The Sun enters Capricorn at the Winter Solstice on December 21st at 7:04 am. The Winter Solstice marks the end of the dark period in the Northern hemisphere: the days have been getting shorter and shorter and at the Solstice the “Light” begins to return. The astrological chart for the four cardinal points (the Solstices and the Equinoxes) are often used to predict the flavor of the coming season, and with this Solstice chart including an exact conjunction of the Solstice Sun and Pluto (the planet of transformation and “restoration”). The next three months are sure to be a period of intense adjustments and readjustments. The good news is that Pluto will not destroy anything that does not need to be eliminated. While we are assimilating Pluto’s energy, it is helpful to maintain a sense of faith that the Universal Consciousness/Spirit is really in charge, and that the changes that occur now will be for the highest good of all concerned. “Change we can all believe in”!

CAPRICORN NEW MOON DECEMBER 27, 2008
As mentioned earlier, the influence of Saturn will be powerful during this New Moon on December 27th.  Saturn rules “time”, especially in regard to history and the past. It will be interesting to see if historical themes or news items relating to new historical discoveries, such as finding lost relics, “missing links” or lost civilizations come to light.
Also, on this Capricorn New Moon, Venus conjuncts Neptune, which aligns individual love with the compassion of divine consciousness. Capricorn is an Earth sign that has both feet firmly planted in the material world. It is especially interesting to note that this Capricorn New Moon occurs at a time when the material world is breaking down under the influence of Pluto in Capricorn! The positive side is that there may be an increase in spirituality as people realize material values cannot be counted on anymore. People may really reach out and help one another during this holiday season.
Capricorn is the sign that symbolizes Nature in all Her bounty and abundance. Capricorn represents the Mastery of Time, as well as Materiality.  It is time for humanity to “renew its contract” with Mother Earth and become responsible Earth Stewards. We must get on the “fast track” for becoming a “Green” planet once again, as fossil fuels and excess consumption becomes a thing of the past. It is time to grow up as responsible Galactic Citizens!
 Emphasizing this point, Mars will be in Capricorn at the time of the New Moon and exactly aligned with Pluto. The combination of Mars and Pluto links the will of the individual self to the will of the higher self, as Pluto represents the “higher” octave of Mars. This is a powerful planetary dynamic for change; however, if an individual (or society) is resisting the change that Pluto brings, it can be an extremely difficult time. As the mythic Lord of the Underworld, Pluto is associated with power and wealth, and the power of the Shadow. In this sense, the shadow side of masculine domination/ greed and  destruction, rather than protection and preservation. It is time for a new archetype of masculine energy to emerge, empowered by the heart, not just the intellect or brute force.
A total of six planets will be in Capricorn on Dec 27th: Mars, Pluto, Sun and Moon, Mercury and Jupiter, “Doing the right thing” become the highlighted theme.
 The New Moon is always a time of new beginnings and under this dominant Capricorn theme; we can easily make new plans for the future. We will be aided in this by the Venus/Neptune combination which will bring in a personal experience of the Divine and help us to maintain a more expanded perspective. This conjunction is very feminine in nature; the presence of the Goddess, and a collective initiation of the heart will be felt by those who are not afraid to make peace with their past.
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, no planets are retrograding for the first time in 2008.. a cosmic “green light”, for sure.
Finally, Mercury fully aligns with Jupiter on the 31st just in time for the New Year. Mercury rules our thought processes, as well as our social and communication skills; and together with the abundance and optimism of Jupiter, it is possible to set intentions for the New Year with joy and grace. Go out and have fun….let the New Year in with a diamond sparkle!
The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon at 7 Degrees Capricorn: “ A veiled prophet speaks, seized by the power of a god; the ability to act as a mouthpiece for the revelations of a transcendent will and  truth  determining future action.”

Posted by Mary Lomando at Monday November 03, 2008 I comments I