Hi Friends,
Here we are at the end of 2024. The year seems to have flown by so quickly with many rapid changes. December 2024 is packed with significant astrological events, creating a mix of intense and transformative energies. As the year comes to an end we will have one more look at past thanks to Mercury and Mars in retrograde. We will also have two New Moons this month which will make things even more interesting.

Besides all that, we have the second Jupiter square Saturn alignment which is sure to bring in a little more tension between expansion and restriction, optimism and caution. No matter how you slice it, December 2024 will force us to reevaluate everything in our lives no matter how big or small they may be.

Here’s an overview of the major alignments this month:

• New Moon in Sagittarius (December 1)
• Mars goes Retrograde in Leo (December 6)
• Venus enters Aquarius (December 7)
• Neptune goes Direct in Pisces (December 7)
• Full Moon in Gemini (December 15)
• Mercury goes Direct in Sagittarius (December 15)
• Sun enters Capricorn (December 21) – Winter Solstice (NH)
• Jupiter in Gemini Square Saturn in Pisces (December 24
• New Moon in Capricorn (December 30)

On the very first day of December 2024 we have a New Moon in Sagittarius. This new lunar cycle brings a fresh wave of optimism, curiosity, and a desire for exploration. Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, is all about expanding horizons—whether through travel, learning, or new experiences. This New Moon may inspire us to set intentions that reflect growth, freedom, and adventure.

Given Sagittarius’ philosophical bent, it’s an excellent time to reflect on personal beliefs, broaden perspectives, or commit to learning something new. The energy of this New Moon also encourages us to take bold, positive steps toward our dreams with a hopeful spirit, trusting that the universe has our back. If there are areas in your life where you’ve felt constrained, this could be a time to set intentions around breaking free, taking risks, and stepping out of your comfort zone.

As we advance, we can focus on goals that will increase our understanding and awareness, give us the courage to expand our horizons, and gain confidence and optimism from a broader perspective. All too easily, we can get lost in the details of mundane existence. With this potent Sagittarius energy, however, we can find ways to transcend these details of day-to-day life and nurture our faith, hope, and vision.

Because Sagittarius thinks in big terms, we may have a tendency to overdo our expectations – something to watch for. We are setting the stage for reaping the rewards from our courage, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs. This New Moon forms a trine with Mars, supporting our energy and motivation levels, and a square with Saturn, suggesting hard work is needed to begin anew.

Our motivation quickly starts to slow down on December 6 when Mars goes Retrograde in Leo. Mars retrograde periods can be a powerful, introspective time. Mars, the planet of action, ambition, and assertiveness, tends to decelerate and turn its energy inward during retrograde phases. When in Leo—a sign associated with confidence, creativity, and leadership—this retrograde encourages us to reevaluate our personal expression, passions, and the ways we seek recognition.

During this reversal, you might feel a shift in motivation or a need to reassess how you pursue your goals, especially those that involve expressing your unique talents. It could also be a period of reflecting on where you feel blocked in expressing yourself or whether you’re fully aligned with your heart’s desires. Old conflicts or power struggles may resurface, giving you a chance to approach them from a fresh perspective and, ideally, to heal or resolve them.

While Mars retrograde often slows down external progress, it’s an excellent time to reexamine your relationship with courage and authenticity. If you find yourself frustrated, this can also be a cue to explore creative or constructive outlets, channeling that energy in ways that support long-term growth and self-expression.

This retrograde could stir up unresolved issues around leadership, and confidence, asking us to confront where we might be holding us back or, conversely, acting too impulsively. With Leo’s connection to the heart and creative self, it’s an opportunity to realign our motivations and ensure that our actions are authentically aligned with our inner desires, rather than driven by ego. This retrograde period will last until February 23, 2025, giving us ample time to reassess and make meaningful changes.

Our relationships take on a progressive role on December 7 when Venus enters Aquarius. When Venus enters Aquarius relationships, aesthetics, and values take on a more unconventional and forward-thinking flavor. Aquarius is known for its broad-minded, independent, and humanitarian spirit, and Venus in this sign may encourage us to break away from traditional relationship patterns and embrace greater freedom and authenticity in how we connect with others. It’s a time when we’re likely to appreciate unique perspectives and diverse ways of expressing love and attraction.

This period could spark a desire to explore friendships and partnerships that celebrate individuality and intellectual connection. Venus in Aquarius also inspires us to support collective causes or look at our values from a broader, social lens, aligning with ideals that benefit the community as a whole. This transit lasts until January 3, 2025, giving us a chance to experiment with new approaches in love, beauty, and personal values, and financial matters.

Later on December 7, Neptune begins to go direct in Pisces. When Neptune goes direct in Pisces, the dreamy, spiritual, and intuitive energies associated with Neptune become more outwardly focused. Neptune has been retrograde since July, a period that often brings internal reflection, illusions being stripped away, and a deeper connection with subconscious truths. As it moves direct, there may be a gentle shift toward outwardly manifesting our dreams, compassion, and creative visions.

In Pisces, Neptune’s influence is especially strong, enhancing our intuition, empathy, and connection to the unseen. This direct motion can make it easier to trust our instincts, connect with our spirituality, and feel inspired in creative endeavors. It’s a great time to revisit any dreams or artistic projects that may have felt stalled during the retrograde, and to align more fully with our ideals and sense of compassion for others. This forward movement helps us integrate the lessons learned during Neptune’s retrograde, allowing us to bring a sense of flow and inspiration back into our lives.

This month’s Full Moon in Gemini on December 15, 2024, brings heightened energy to communication, curiosity, and intellectual pursuits. Full Moons are times of culmination and illumination, so with Gemini’s influence, this one shines a light on our thoughts, ideas, and social interactions. It’s a chance to reflect on how effectively we’re expressing ourselves and whether we’re truly connecting with others in meaningful ways.

Gemini’s adaptable, quick-thinking nature encourages us to remain open-minded and flexible, making it an ideal time to clear up misunderstandings, share insights, or finish writing projects. We may feel an urge to socialize more or engage in stimulating conversations, but with a need for balance between speaking and listening. This Full Moon can also highlight the importance of balancing our intellectual and emotional sides, especially if we’ve been overly focused on the facts while neglecting our feelings.

If you’ve set intentions around communication, learning, or networking during the previous New Moon in Sagittarius, this is a powerful time to see those intentions come to fruition. Use this lunar energy to gain clarity and release any thoughts or habits that no longer serve your personal growth.
The Gemini Moon exactly opposes the Sagittarius Sun and will square Neptune in Pisces. The Gemini-Sagittarius polarity is a mental axis, where Gemini represents the “lower mind” and Sagittarius represents the “higher mind”. A Gemini Moon encourages us to think logically, while Sagittarius persuades us to think in a far broader manner.

The square to Neptune adds an element of confusion, idealism, or even illusion to this Full Moon. Neptune’s influence can blur boundaries and create uncertainty, making it harder to see situations clearly. There could be a heightened sensitivity to others’ emotions, making it easy to get lost in daydreams or fall prey to misunderstandings. While the Full Moon encourages clarity, Neptune may challenge this with distractions or unrealistic expectations.

Later in day of December 15, Mercury moves forward once again in Sagittarius. When Mercury goes direct in Sagittarius, clarity and momentum return to our thoughts, communications, and travel plans. During the retrograde period, Mercury in Sagittarius may have caused misunderstandings or delays, especially around big-picture plans, learning, or beliefs. Now that it’s direct, ideas and projects that have felt stalled can move forward with renewed energy and focus.

Sagittarius is a sign associated with optimism, exploration, and broad-minded thinking, so this shift can bring a fresh perspective on how we approach our goals and communicate our visions. It’s an ideal time to revisit any plans or conversations that may have been challenging in the past few weeks, especially those related to travel, education, or philosophical pursuits. With Mercury moving forward in this adventurous sign, we’re encouraged to think expansively, open up to new possibilities, and share our ideas with confidence.

The Sun enters Capricorn on December 21, marking the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere; we enter a season of grounding, responsibility, and ambition. Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, encourages discipline, long-term planning, and a practical approach to achieving our goals. This transit shifts our focus from the expansive energy of Sagittarius to a more serious, goal-oriented mindset, making it an excellent time to set intentions for the future.

With Capricorn’s influence, we’re more likely to assess our progress realistically and commit to steady, sustained efforts. It’s a time to consider what structures and foundations need to be put in place to support long-term success. This energy supports building resilience and determination, encouraging us to take calculated steps toward our ambitions. The Sun’s transit through Capricorn lasts until January 20, 2025, providing an ideal period for setting goals, refining strategies, and embracing our responsibilities.

However, on December 24, Capricorn’s ruler (Saturn) will square-off once again with Jupiter. This Jupiter square Saturn aspect brings in tension between expansion and restriction, optimism and caution. Jupiter, the planet of growth and opportunity, in a challenging square with Saturn, the planet of structure and discipline, creates a push-pull dynamic.

This aspect can feel like trying to move forward with new ideas or projects while facing obstacles or the need to adhere to limitations and responsibilities. It may ask us to balance our aspirations with realistic plans, adjusting our goals to be both ambitious and achievable. This energy is ideal for refining long-term plans, reconsidering commitments, and finding grounded paths to personal growth and success.

With Jupiter and Saturn involved, themes around career, finances, and personal philosophy might surface. Although the square can feel like a block, it ultimately supports building something sustainable, helping us work through challenges to achieve more stable and meaningful growth.

The ending to 2024 brings in one more surprise, another New Moon on December 30. This final New Moon of the year is also a Black Moon, marking the second New Moon in a single month—a rare occurrence that amplifies its energy. A Black Moon is not an official astronomical term but there are two common definitions for the term:

1. The second new moon in a single calendar month.
2. The third new moon in a season of four new moons.

While a full moon refers to the moon phase when the moon’s Earth-facing side is fully illuminated by sunlight, a new moon refers to the moon phase when the moon’s Earth-facing side is fully in shadow. Unfortunately, that means the Black Moon will be more or less invisible.

In Capricorn, this New Moon emphasizes themes of discipline, ambition, and structure, inviting us to set intentions aligned with our long-term goals and personal responsibilities. Capricorn’s grounded, practical nature encourages us to take a sober look at our plans, letting go of what isn’t working and building foundations that will support us well into the future.

Since Capricorn is associated with career, legacy, and personal achievements, this Blue Moon is a powerful time for manifesting growth in these areas. We may feel motivated to define our professional goals more clearly or establish routines that support our well-being. The New Moon energy also offers an opportunity to reflect on our relationships with authority, responsibility, and self-discipline, encouraging us to take ownership of our actions and approach our goals with resilience.

This Black Moon can add an extra layer of significance to your intentions, especially if you’re focused on long-term projects or substantial life changes. As we approach the New Year, it’s a potent moment to set realistic goals and commit to the steps that will bring them to fruition in 2025.

December 2024 Monthly Aspects:
Dec 01 – New Moon in Sagittarius
Dec 02– Venus trine Uranus
Dec 04 – Mercury Rx opposite Jupiter
Dec 04 – Sun square Saturn
Dec 04 – Venus sextile Neptune
Dec 05 – Sun conjunct Mercury Rx
Dec 06 – Mars retrograde in Leo
Dec 06 – Mercury Rx square Saturn
Dec 07 – Venus enters Aquarius
Dec 07 – Venus conjunct Pluto
Dec 07 – Sun opposite Jupiter
Dec 07 – Neptune direct in Pisces
Dec 12 – Venus opposite Mars
Dec 13 – Mercury Rx sextile Venus
Dec 15 – Full Moon December in Gemini
Dec 15 – Mercury direct in Sagittarius
Dec 18 – Sun square Neptune
Dec 19 – Venus trine Jupiter
Dec 21 – Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 24 – Jupiter square Saturn
Dec 26 – Mercury opposite Jupiter
Dec 27 – Mercury square Saturn
Dec 28 – Venus square Uranus
Dec 30 – New Moon in Capricorn (Black Moon)

 

December 2024 Video Horoscopes

Have a Good Month, Folks!
Joseph P. Anthony