December 2023 brings a potent collection of transits, promising both challenges and opportunities for personal growth. As the final month of the year progresses, some of these aspects (like Mercury Retrograde) can feel frustrating, while others, like Neptune and Jupiter Direct, will feel more liberating!
Yes, Mercury Retrograde is BACK. No, it doesn’t have to feel difficult. It’s all about how you USE the energy.
If you know things might feel a bit more frustrating and slow during Mercury Retrograde, give yourself more time. You might just learn a thing or two about where you could cultivate more patience in your daily life.
Note, these are not all of the transits that are happening this month, but the ones I believe will be most impactful on us.
Neptune Direct in Pisces - December 6
When Neptune goes direct in Pisces, we begin a period of heightened spiritual insight and expansion. As Neptune moves forward, the ethereal energy of Pisces is amplified, offering a unique opportunity for connection to the mystical (as Neptune is the ruler of Pisces!)
This transit encourages us to trust our intuition, contemplate our dreams, and explore our creative consciousness. Neptune in Pisces dissolves boundaries, inviting us to embrace compassion, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
It’s a time to surrender to the flow of life, allowing inspiration to guide us and encouraging a deeper connection to God/Universal Consciousness/Source (or whatever other word you’d like to use). As Neptune moves forward, the waters of Pisces invite us to navigate the waves of our inner world with grace and openness, which in turn builds a sense of unity and spiritual growth.
New Moon in Sagittarius – December 12
The New Moon in Sagittarius on December 12 invites us to take a journey of exploration and self-discovery through the house where Sagittarius lies in our natal Astrology chart. This new moon brings a surge of optimism and a desire for freedom. Under its influence, we’re encouraged to set intentions that align with our most audacious aspirations.
Sagittarius (ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion) amplifies our desire for knowledge and understanding. It’s a time to embrace new perspectives, broaden our horizons, and step out of our comfort zones.
The energy of this New Moon fuels our sense of adventure, urging us to seek truth, embrace spontaneity, and manifest the visions that fuel our inner fire. As the lunar cycle begins once again, we’re prompted to shoot our arrows of intention into the future, trusting that the Universe will guide us toward the fulfillment of our biggest, brightest dreams.
Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn and Sagittarius – December 13 - January 1
Mercury, the planet of communication and connection, goes retrograde in the pragmatic sign of Capricorn and the eccentric sign of Sagittarius to end the year. This retrograde period encourages us to reevaluate our long-term goals and to focus our spiritual learning inward. It’s a time to reflect on our professional pursuits and our spiritual path.
While Mercury retrograde is often associated with communication hiccups and technological glitches, embracing the slow and steady energy of Capricorn, and then the optimistic energy of Sagittarius, can help us navigate this period with resilience.
Winter Solstice – December 21
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. As the sun enters Capricorn, the energy encourages us to turn inward, reflect on the past year, and set intentions for the coming months. It’s a potent time for inner reflection, acknowledging our achievements, and preparing for the rebirth of the sun and the return of the light
Full Moon in Cancer – December 26
As the moon reaches its fullness in the intuitive sign of Cancer, it illuminates the realms of home, family, and deep-seated emotions. This full moon asks us to reflect on our roots, seeking a balance between the need for security and the desire for growth.
Cancer, ruled by the moon, amplifies our connection to our emotional core, encouraging us to honor our feelings and find consolation in the comforts of home. It’s a potent time for releasing emotional baggage and fostering a sense of stability within ourselves.
Under the light of this full moon, we may find ourselves drawn to strengthening bonds with loved ones and creating a sacred space for healing. As the energy reaches its peak, we are reminded to embrace the rise and fall of our emotions, acknowledging their transformative power and allowing the gentle nature of the Cancer Full Moon to guide us toward a deeper understanding of our innermost selves.
Jupiter Direct in Taurus – December 30
When Jupiter goes direct in Taurus, it marks a shift that brings an earthy and stabilizing energy to our collective energy. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and abundance, amplifies the grounded qualities of Taurus, cultivating a period of tangible growth and prosperity.
As Jupiter begins to move forward again, the emphasis is on material well-being, financial stability, and a deep connection to the natural world. This transit encourages us to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the tangible blessings in our lives, to invest in sustainable endeavors, and to seek growth in the realms of practicality and resourcefulness.
Under this influence, opportunities for financial abundance may appear more frequently, and a steadfast, patient approach to our goals can yield fantastic results. Jupiter’s direct motion in Taurus invites us to ground our visions, embrace the beauty of simplicity, and build a solid foundation for lasting prosperity and fulfillment.
(*Note: This is a longer transit that will be available to us until March 2025)
As December unfolds, these transits invite us to reflect, dream, and embrace change. Whether we’re navigating the challenges of Mercury Retrograde, harnessing the transformative energy of a Winter Solstice, or expanding our horizons with Neptune direct in Pisces, the energy of December 2023 encourages us to evolve and align with the natural rhythms of the universe.
We may we carry the lessons of these transits as we step into the new year. Use them as guides on your journey of self-discovery and growth.
