In December 2023we have a Record number of planets changing direction: Neptune, Chiron and Jupiter go direct and Mercury goes retrograde!
December is the time of year when we have Capricorn Solstice – The The sun also changes direction.
There will also be one in December 2023 beautiful Christmas full moon in Cancer on December 26th sextile Jupiter and trine Saturn! This supportive full moon is truly the highlight of the month.
But let’s take a look at the most important transits in December:
December 1, 2023 – Mercury enters Capricorn
On December 1, 2023, Mercury enters Capricorn. After philosophizing and coming up with all these ideas while Mercury was in Sagittarius, now it’s time to put things into action. What do we want to focus on?
The energy shifts from exploration to strategic thinking. Mercury in Capricorn urges us to prioritize, organize, and develop a practical plan of action.
December 4, 2023 – Venus enters Scorpio
On December 4, 2023, Venus enters Scorpio and things suddenly become more intense.
Venus begins its journey in Scorpio with a trine to Saturn in Pisces and a sextile to Mercury in Capricorn. Things get a little more exciting later this month when Venus opposes Uranus, and it all culminates in a sextile to Pluto, the ruler of Scorpio.
Venus in Scorpio brings a mix of depth, stability, unexpected turns and transformative energies, encouraging us to explore the complexities of our relationships and values.
December 6, 2023 – Neptune goes direct
On December 6, 2023, Neptune goes direct at 24° fish. There are different angles to interpret planetary direction changes.
First, when a planet changes direction, its energy is amplified. Everything is becoming a little more Neptunian – this is a general influence, we are all affected, regardless of our birth chart.
Another angle of interpretation is more personal. Neptune rules a specific area of your life (represented by the house where you have Pisces on the cusp).
When Neptune changes direction, the affairs of that particular house come into greater focus. There is a shift. Something may become loose or change focus, providing an opportunity for greater clarity, understanding, or spiritual growth in related areas of life.
December 12, 2023 – New Moon in Sagittarius
We have one on December 12, 2023 New moon at 20° Sagittarius. The new moon is conjunct Mars, square Neptune and quincunx Uranus.
The Mars conjunction encourages us to pursue our goals with the proverbial optimism and enthusiasm of Sagittarius. However, the square to Neptune urges us to be wary of unrealistic expectations.
The quincunx to Uranus adds an element of unpredictability; at the new moon in Sagittarius. It’s important to keep your options open and not try to force anything.
December 13, 2023 – Mercury goes retrograde
On December 13, 2023, Mercury goes retrograde at 8° Capricorn. On December 23, 2023, Mercury re-enters Sagittarius, and on January 2, Mercury goes direct again at 22° Sagittarius.
Mercury retrograde is one of those “dreaded” times of the year. We all have a story to tell about Mercury retrograde (or two, or more). But as you may have noticed, not all Mercury retrogrades are the same. Some of them seem to influence us more than others.
What makes the difference? If you have a Gemini or Virgo ascendant, you are by default sensitive to Mercury retrograde because Mercury is your chart ruler. Additionally, if you have planets or angles between 22° Sagittarius and 8° Capricorn, this particular Mercury retrograde will be of greater significance.
Then we also have the general impression of Mercury retrograde. This particular Mercury retrograde squares Neptune, causing confusion and possible misunderstandings.
It’s time to be extra careful in our communications, double-check details and be aware of the possibility of misunderstandings.
However, this alignment also brings opportunities to refine our goals and dreams in the Sagittarius and Pisces zodiac signs. Maybe we dreamed too big. Maybe we dreamed too small. Maybe we have directed our energy towards wrong goals and dreams.
It’s time to reevaluate, realign and focus on the aspirations that are truly aligned with our authentic selves.
December 21, 2023 – Sun enters Capricorn
On December 21, 2023, the Sun enters Capricorn.
The Sun in Capricorn marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, a crucial moment when the sun changes direction and the day is at its shortest (or longest).
The solstice is a shift in the balance of light and darkness, connecting us to the cyclical rhythms of nature. This is the time to change your perspective, start something new, or simply reflect on your journey ahead.
December 26, 2023 – Full Moon in Cancer
On December 26, 2023 we have a wonderful one Full Moon at 4° Cancer. This is one of the most beautiful full moons of the year and just perfect for a post-Christmas gathering or reflection.
The full moon sextiles Jupiter and trines Saturn, creating an atmosphere in which we feel safe and relaxed in our small – or large – social circle.
Whether you’re spending time with family, friends, or alone, you’ll likely feel a sense of community and belonging.
Your community is everywhere! Reach out to a friend or someone you care about. Friendship and belonging are at the forefront during this time of connection and celebration.
December 27, 2023 – Chiron goes direct
On December 27, 2023 – Chiron goes straight at 15° Aries. Chiron changes direction shortly after the emotional Full Moon in Cancer.
In the safe container created by the Full Moon in Cancer, we may find it easier to explore our vulnerabilities and be more intimate with others. When we are vulnerable, intimacy arises.
December 27, 2023 – Mercury conjunct Mars
But wait, there’s more! On December 27, 2023, Mercury is conjunct Mars at 24° Sagittarius. This is a bit of a tricky aspect since it is square Neptune AND Mercury is retrograde.
Personally, I like Neptune-Mercury aspects – even the difficult aspects – because they offer the opportunity to use heightened intuition and explore things from different perspectives.
However, a Neptune square is a Neptune square, and with Mercury retrograde playing the trickster, it is crucial that we distinguish the profound insights from possible illusions and ensure that our actions (Mars) are based on a clear understanding of reality.
December 29, 2023 – Venus enters Sagittarius
On December 29, 2023, Venus enters Sagittarius. The lively charisma of Venus in Sagittarius is a blessing after a period of sometimes over-exploring the deeper realms of relationships and personal values.
Venus in Sagittarius brings a refreshing energy that encourages a more open-minded approach. We are now more open to exploring different values and approaches to love and relationships.
December 30, 2023 – Jupiter turns direct
More good news! On December 30, 2023, Jupiter goes direct at 5° Taurus.
Jupiter now officially applies a sign-based conjunction with Uranus. The Jupiter-Uranus conjunction is one of the most anticipated astrological events of 2024, and for good reasons.
There is so much to look forward to in 2024! More on this in a blog on astrology in 2024 – coming soon.