Winter is the season of Saturn, Kronos the god of time, and this year Saturn is supercharged, resplendent in its own sign of Capricorn, and attended by Jupiter, Mercury, Sun and Moon with accompanying eclipses and spooky Pluto, all massed in one 30 degree segment of the 360 degree celestial wheel. Astrologically, this is powerful juju. On a macro level it describes a struggle for power with potentially explosive results, as other dates on the Saturn/Pluto cycle illustrate; 1914’s Great War, 1947’s partition and bloodshed, 1981’s Iran Iraq carnage. Bad things happen all the time, of course, but they appear to happen with particular intensity when the dark gods of Saturn and Pluto meet, when to be forewarned is hopefully to be forearmed.
Even so, Saturn’s season is not all drear and gloom. For the Romans the god of time was a god of the fields, tied in with fertility – deck the halls! – and, of course, Saturnalia, the midwinter festival when social roles were turned upside down. Midwinter day, when the Sun is reborn (and the Son is born) has forever been a sacred time, marking the return of the Light. It’s a cycle etched into our earthly realm by the alignments of standing stone, passage grave, church and cathedral. Celebrate it in your own fashion. As one veteran of the Christmas record once sang, “And in the end the love you make is equal to the love you take. “
I wish all my readers a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.
Major events
New Moon in Sagittarius 26 November
Full Moon in Gemini 12 December (O5.12 GMT)
New Moon in Capricorn 26 December 26 (05.13)
Jupiter into Capricorn 3 December
Mercury into Sagittarius 9 December
Venus into Aquarius 20 December
Mercury into Capricorn 29 December
A Quiver of Archers
William Blake, Jane Austen, C.S. Lewis, Tina Turner, Steven Spielberg, Jane Fonda, Jimi Hendrix, Taylor Swift, Jean Paul Basquiat, Judi Dench, Mark Twain, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Pitt, Edith Piaf, John Milton, Dionne Warwick, Wassily Kandinsky, Bette Midler, Walt Disney, Caroline Myss, Noel Coward.
Sagittarius
On December 2nd you bid sayonara to your ruling planet, Jupiter, for another dozen years but fret not, expansive Jupiter in Capricorn (your cash zone) should keep the wolf from the door through to next birthday – just as well, since the turbulence in the sign of the Goat this month and next suggests a similar churn in your personal finances. Money can be a somewhat vulgar subject for the lofty Centaur but try to keep track of your spread sheet as you head through the holiday season.
Mercury in your skies – from 9th to 29th – should help you do so, as well as bring the inspiration you so value, and the gossip you pretend not to care for. Even without your governing planet December looks lively and rewarding with only the flicker of upset at the full Moon of the 12th, when reserve likely serves you better than exuberance (depends on election results, obviously).
The full Moon picks up an ongoing theme for some Sagittarians, especially birthdays close to the 12th; your domestic situation. The shifting fogs of Neptune bring an indeterminate strand here; juggling with two homes, perhaps, a feeling that your present position is played out. A pair of eclipses over the next six weeks suggest March as a possible target for any move.
There is an element of reflection to be honoured this month (mars in your 12th house fact fans) but you look in capable form right now, Venus, moves onside from the 20th, to stir the pot socially and perhaps romantically, while another goddess, the asteroid Pallas Athene marches in tandem with your Sun, she being the goddess of capability and righteous warfare. Respect!
Happy Birthday
Capricorn
The weeks preceding your birthday season are normally a mixed bag. With the mighty Sun in a reclusive spot in Sagittarius, it can be a waiting game before the mix of Happy Christmas and Happy Returns arrives (a rather annoying fusion, gift wise, for December Goats). This year, you can’t be sitting on your hands for long. The arrival of Jupiter in your skies on December 3 (for the next year) will simply sweep you along into what promises to be a memorable, perhaps pivotal birthday month.
Jupiter is not alone. Venus is already with you until the 20th, urging a spot of retail therapy (for yourself) and shameless self-display. Likewise, Mars, powerful in Scorpio in your networking zone. You may as well take every chance to mingle and self-promote because Capricorn birthdays come with a destiny-laden aura. First there is the solar eclipse accompanying the new Moon of December 26, then its partner, the lunar eclipse at the full Moon of January 10.
Overshadowing both events is the super-rare conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in the Goat’s skies which is exact on January 12 but is in operation now and for months ahead. Though this is a primarily a cosmic event to be weighed in macro terms, along with those eclipses it represents a climactic moment in individual lives. Walk into your birthday month with your eyes wide open and a readiness to do whatever is needed.
The new Moon of the 26th is a cracker of an introduction to what lies down the line. Yes, it’s an eclipse but any lunation with Jupiter at its heart has an ease and swagger built into it. Heaven knows you work hard enough- now’s the time to enjoy the fruits of your labours and share your resources. Capricorn is often painted as a rapacious, ambitious loner, whereas you are frequently the one holding together (not least materially) for a substantial number of others. Be the good king or queen.
Aquarius
S
ocks and panties pulled up and best foot forward is the first order of the month. You are finally free of November’s go-slow and where career decisions are involved, there would seem to be some urgency. Mars marching across the roof of your ‘scope until new year is like that; an impatient, even bullying force. Certain individuals may fit that frame.
However, you, Ms or Mr Fixed sign, are no push-over, and things may not be as urgent as they seem. There are modifying factors in play. The month of Sagittarius is socially obliging and there are few better places for you in December than hanging out with chums and strangers with a cup of good cheer in your hand. Your personal network appears to be in flux; some old sidekicks no longer cut it; new folks arrive to refresh your palate. The month’s opening couple of days, with Luna in your skies, look promising, likewise the full Moon of December 12.
Venus – more sociability with added romantic traction – arrives in the Urn Bearer on the 20th, sweetly timed for the festive season. A cue to make a bit more effort on the glamour front perhaps, or to bury the hatchet with someone from the family/friendship clan, or to impose yourself on unsuspecting ‘hosts’ ha-ha. Put yourself about in a charming way – what have you got to lose? Not much at this point in your astrological cycle.
The swathe of planets now crammed into Capricorn lie in a reclusive zone of your ‘scope, so even as you are swanning around making people wonder why you are being so nice (though you are always nice obviously), one part of your fertile psyche should be cogitating on the Next Big Project: the decisive move into government, the solo album, the self-owned vegan cafe, the moment to sever a long-standing relationship, finally getting the builders in. And if you are not thinking that way you have catch-up to do. Once Saturn moves into your sign in March, taking responsibility for yourself, being in control, gets so much easier. Meanwhile, planets incoming in early 2020 ease your path. Right now, Venus makes you the good fairy atop the Christmas tree.
Pisces
Given the turbulence raging in the heavens this winter, the skies of Pisces are cannily sited aside from the main onslaught of planets in Capricorn, whose earth likes Pisces’ water. Indeed, you look positioned to swim, duck, dive and negotiate your way through whatever tricky times arrive. Though you have been obliged this year to deal with The Man – i.e. Saturn in Cap – chances are you have come out evens. Now your ruler, Jupiter, arrives in The Goat to ease your path through politics, both small and large ‘P’ for the next twelve months. Canny.
In December too, you have Mars in fellow water sign Scorpio; scary for some but not for you. for whom Scorpio is a zone of resources; optimism, internationalism, learning. In your own sign of the Fishes, Neptune has just woken after a few months’ slumber, and makes potent alignments with Mars and the full Moon on the 12th. Neptune’s qualities are slippery and ambiguous, sliding between inspiration/ charisma, and deception/delusion. Some stargazers have Neptune as Pisces’ ruler; your astrologer begs to differ, merely suggesting you opt for the charisma/inspiration part of the package.
Romance? Venus and Jupiter in Capricorn make the pre-Xmas hurly burly a fertile hunting ground for you and your charisma. Your social circle, at its widest, is in flux, however, and given Jupiter’s new position can go wider still. Canny.
Aries
As messenger Mercury finally escapes from the slough of Scorpio, to join the Sun in fellow, fiery Sagittarius, you look nicely hooked-up for the festive season. The weekend of the 6th and 7th finds a waxing Moon in your skies. Later, after the 20th, Venus moves into a highly sociable zone to add bubbles and cheer through to early new year.
The sky darkening above you in Capricorn is another matter. Saturn rarely pulls its punches, as April birthdays have been reminded this autumn, a time of challenge…and achievement! Saturn rewards steady effort (no slacking) and what you achieve under its aegis sticks around for the long term. Stay focussed; Saturn doesn’t care if it’s Christmas or not, as long as the job gets done.
In terms of self-advancement, Jupiter’s arrival in The Goat at the peak of your ‘scope is a power point, full of vision and ambition; qualities that can carry you far over the coming year, when the so-called great and good appear to like your company. However, the skies of Capricorn also hold Venus (for now), Saturn, Pluto and a solar eclipse at new Moon on December 26, also at the peak of your ‘scope. That’s quite a handful.
Your ruler, Mars, is empowered in Scorpio all month, a bright red wild card in your affairs, some of which look jolly secret, clandestine even. Mars in your eighth spells magic, mystery and hot sex. You can do that.
Taurus
Only now, with Mercury completing its epic, nine weeks in opposition, can you reach clarity with one or more members of your intimate circle, your one-on-ones, those all-important Significant Others. Hopefully you have had time to understand more fully where they are coming from, even if adversity has been involved. A supercharged Mars in Scorpio opposite all month means there’s still the chance of a scrap if you are so minded, but as your astrologer suggested last month, take car, Mars can be a wily bruiser.
On the other hand, the red planet can also describe an invigorating partnership, romantic or platonic. As ruler of your solar seventh house, Mars represents ardent lovers. Go forth in hope.
The gathering congregation of planets in Capricorn is broadly favourable, this being a kindred earth sign. Jupiter now arrives there for a twelve month stay and immediately makes a telling aspect to Prometheus in your skies, with a solar eclipse thrown in; a suitable omen for a bolt-from-the-blue solution to a nagging problem, a shower of pennies from heaven, or an invitation to a river cruise. Even if you can conjure up no such thunderbolt, Jupiter resident in Capricorn for twelve months means adding to your resources; new skill sets, more travel, a role as Taurus the Wise. the emphasis is on the acquisition of knowledge rather than materials, and on one your less favourite subjects, change.
Gemini
Only now are you free from the messy retrograde of your ruler, Mercury, the one that left you chasing your own tail for much of November. The messenger planet’s job in December is firstly to tidy up loose-ends and store the guarantees for any fresh infrastructure you have been obliged to purchase, and then to fine tune your relationships with major players in your life; spouse, ex, main squeeze, friend and the like. The full Moon in your skies on the 11th/12th can be a moment of over-excitement (it’s election day of course) but you can forge a deal or a partnership if you keep your head. Or you can just show off a bit.
The congregating planets in Capricorn promise both an examination of your financial resources, and the chance to add to them over the next twelve months, as Jupiter moves through your eighth house. In partnerships, 2 and 2 can make 5 quite easily if you pool your assets wisely. If who-pays-for-what is an issue, this winter is the time for adjustment.
From the 20th Venus occupies your fellow air sign Aquarius; sweet, but not always great shakes. In 2020, however, Aquarius will be playing a major role in your affairs, so what are apparently fleeting contacts may come to greater fruition this spring and summer. International associations are highlighted. So too is knowledge (and knowledge is power). Study, learn and apply new skills sets; you have a sweet, long lead-in over the next three months.
Cancer
December and January represent a climax in your affairs; purely material affairs like property and large amounts of capital, and purely personal affairs like romance and loved ones. Or any combination thereof. A stack of planets in opposition this winter will show you any weaknesses in your set-up and your plans. A pair of eclipses across your partnership axis – solar on the 26th, a lunar eclipse in Cancer in January – suggests a shake-up, maybe a vanishing trick.
Helping to ease your path forwards is the arrival of ‘lucky Jupiter for a twelve month stay in opposition, starting at December 3 and hitting a crucial spot in your ‘scope at the new Moon of December 26, eclipse and all. Under Jupiter, creaky relationships fall away, new contenders for your affection arrive. The festive season offers the perfect time to expand your friendship (and professional) network. Don’t be staid.
Urging you to defy accusations of ‘staidness’ is Mars, super strong in fellow water sign Scorpio; your chance to be magnetic, alluring, impenetrable, pushy – it’s a ‘Mrs Coulter’ transit for the femmes among you. Dress up a bit for Christmas; rich berry red is Mars’ colour. If you’d rather be home writing your next novella, or gaining prowess on the sporting field, that’s also favoured when Mars is in your fifth.
Your ruling planet, Luna, reaches full moon on December 12, a somewhat secretive moment. Immediately after the UK polls close, at 10pm, Luna moves into your skies; a couple of days to see and be seen, regardless of results.
Leo
Your solar sixth house is a place of service and labour, diet and health, practical skills, qualities associated with Virgo, where some Leos will have planets, this being your neighbouring sign. Even if you are a raging royal Leo you can use some of those Virgo tropes as you go through winter. A stunning collection of planets in Capricorn will ease your path through the world of work, good practice and virtue – yup, sigh, you do have to virtuous and abstemious to get the best of this transit.
Big-hearted Jupiter arrives here for 12 months on December 3 to ease career prospects. The new Moon of the 26th, with its sparky aspect to your solar midheaven, looks like a nice kind of wake-up call for July birthdays.
Most of December (and indeed January) is ties up with planets in Sagittarius, fiery like you. Your ruling Sun here until the solstice offers as much party time as you can handle (‘abstemious’ remember). Careful to get your numbers and addresses right at the full Moon of the 12th, when Neptune is involved.
Venus moves into opposition for three weeks from the 20th, a sweet omen to bill and coo with your main squeeze, and for singletons to swoon as they espy a face across a crowded party room. Christmas is time when people bury the hatchet, forgive and forget, which is likewise the business of Venus – make sure there’s peace in the Valley this yuletide. Aquarius is a sign bound up with your fortunes in 2020, when significant others promise to get more significant still.
Virgo
Planetary omens don’t come much sweeter than Jupiter in a fellow earth sign, especially in your fifth house, the place where good times, prosperity, creativity and romance meet and mingle. Jupiter here for the next year hands you the rub of the green. Remarkably and super rarely, Jupiter will in 2020 encounter Saturn and Pluto here in Capricorn. There is no harm in having Great Expectations, of believing that The Force is with you in the year ahead as long as give your main missions your best shot. That way, you don’t get disappointed if you fall short.
Jupiter is not, of course, the only planet in the sign of the Goat; the more formidable pair of Saturn and Pluto are there and, in December, Venus and a new Moon on December 26. Although that’s quite a line-up, it’s Virgo that’s best placed to handle the resultant bundle of energies. The month of Capricorn, from the solstice onwards, is the time to check over your plans and implement them, holidays or not. Venus here until the 19th promises a sociable few weeks prior to Christmas itself, when your ruler Mercury also moves onside.
Mercury has escaped the November go-slow as the month opens, and the channels of communication open accordingly. With Mars strong in your third house, teaching and education have a positive role, including public speaking. The full Moon of the 12th is at the peak of your ‘scope; a high profile is in order, whether it’s small or large ‘P’ politics you are handling.
Romance? All those planets in Capricorn ask questions about your level of commitment – in it for the long term or not? – while encouraging singletons to shop around. The only downside is supplied by Neptune in opposition – especially at the full Moon of the 12th. A touch of mystery is part of a decent romance but don’t let it become deception.
Libra
As one Christmas carol has it, ‘All is calm, all is bright’. Well is it? December is a month when you can make it so. All you have to do is shake your finances into good order, streamline your possessions (ready for new arrivals over the festive tide), and clear your professional commitments. Oh, and keep your social life on track. Simples.
Your horoscope is certainly in a pushy, get-things-done mood. The congregation of planets in Capricorn concerns both your material security – your home – and your professional ambitions. The advent of Jupiter for a year long stay is helpful on both counts, and not least this very month, with the new Moon of the 26th a start-up or restart moment, when you pass ‘Go’ and collect £200 on the Monopoly board. Having old commitments done and dusted is part of the deal.
The feeling of new beginnings is echoed by your Venus ruler, which is in an ideal spot from the solstice onwards, traversing the zone of self-display (i.e. showing off) and romantic attraction (work on it). Three weeks of Venus here, where socially speaking you are writing your own script, will take the edge off the ongoing demands of Saturn, a planet that’s not keen on holidays or frivolity. Just get the job done!
Until the solstice, of course, the Sun is traversing fiery Sagittarius, an obliging position for contacts, deals, blogging and the like. The full Moon of the 12th is in fellow air sign Gemini, when you can sound the trumpet for idealism and liberty but be back at your work post promptly next morning. You appear to have an attentive audience.
Scorpio
Consider December as an extension of your birthday month, complete with parties and gifts, but supplemented with the authority that comes when your ruling planet is in your skies. Mars in Scorpio is a high energy transit, asking only that you apply yourself diligently. Sloppy work and careless words don’t help your cause. The way of the warrior, one of Mars’ guises, is meant to be immaculate, little grasshopper.
Mars (and Scorpio) can be quite hedonist as well, especially with Venus in your sights and particularly around the full Moon of the 12th, when Mars makes an intense aspect to Neptune. A likely moment to have your head turned. The same is true of the new Moon of the 26th, when Jupiter, newly arrived in Capricorn, highlights partnerships and recent crushes, who appear not to have gone away.
The growing aggregation of planets in Capricorn should present you with few intractable issues; the Goat is earth for your water, people with whom you can rub along. Jupiter here for the next twelve months is about travel, communications, the internet, the worlds of media and education, the art of being connected in an information-driven world. That list should supply you with fresh career options. If you are the creative kind, then Neptune in fellow water sign Pisces remains in an inspiring position…if only you can decipher the message, separate mere static from the meaningful. An enjoyable task.