AstroWatch

*Any times indicated are for the Pacific Time Zone.

*Refer to “AstroCast” by Kimberly Maxwell for more detailed information as these events unfold.

*Remember, these are just transits and they too, like a kidney stone, shall pass.

Forecast for December

December starts with the 9 Sagittarius 33’ New Moon in the Eastern and Central time zones in the US.  On the 3rd, Venus returns in-bounds.  On the 4th, things should amp up as there will be seven exact major aspects including the second Mercury mutual reception opposition Jupiter.  This will be followed by the Sun square Saturn and then the Moon will conjunct Venus after which both go void-of-course.  On the 5th, we have retrograde Mercury inferior conjunction Sun followed by Mars stationing retrograde on the 6th.  On the 7th, Venus will enter Aquarius then conjunct Pluto, after which the Sun will oppose Jupiter, Neptune will station direct, and a new Moon Wobble will begin.  There will be five exact major aspects on the 9th and three on the 10th, ending with a long (almost 20 hours) Moon void-of-course.

12/01/24 – 1:21 am EST/12:21 CST – Accelerating (OOBs) New Moon mutable conjunction Sun

Normally all of my postings are based on Pacific Time Zone; however, today is unique in that this New Moon was last night in the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones which also happens to be today in the Central and Eastern Time Zones.

This New Moon is at 9 Sagittarius 33’.  The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “A stage with a scene symbolizing the Goddess of Opportunity.”  All conjunctions represent the opportunity to begin something new.  The New Moon is the strongest of them.  What new thing do you want to begin now as November ends and December begins?  Think BIG!  New opportunities may be coming your way in the month ahead.  You will need to be prepared to take advantage of them.  Consider them carefully, for things may not always be what they seem as the New Moon is also a “dark” time, when there is less light to see your way in the night.

12/01/24 – 4:49 am (all future times are PST) accelerating (OOBs) Moon waning mutable square shadow Saturn

This early Sunday morning crisis of consciousness square may help remind you of things you didn’t get finished in November.  Start December, with the new thing you want to start, then switch to any older things in progress that you didn’t get finished in November.

12/01/24 – 12:45 pm – accelerating (OOBs) Moon mutable opposition retrograde Jupiter

This is the midpoint in their current cycle.  The opposition is about finding balance but is also like a full Moon, when ideas or things that you have been working on should be fully formed, though they may still need some details to be filled in and finishing touches applied.  This is also the point where things shift from waxing expanding to waning contracting, completing.

12/01/24 – 5:29 pm – accelerating (OOBs) Moon mutable conjunction retrograde Mercury

This is the beginning of their new cycle.  Coming on the day of the New Moon, this could be just the sign you need to start that new writing project or idea that you have been thinking about.  With Mercury retrograde and closer to the earth, their energy will be stronger.  Avoid unnecessary or risky commitments as Mercury will cross this point again after going direct.  This conjunction is at 19 Sagittarius 34’.  Mercury previously crossed this point on November 18, 2024.  What do you recall about that date?  Mercury will station direct on December 15 and cross this point again on December 31, 2024.  That is your time frame for putting your ideas into action.  The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “People cutting through ice for summer use.”  This is about planning ahead.  Being prepared for what you know is coming, but also for what you don’t know.

12/02/24 – 6:43 am – (OOBs)  Venus waning earth trine retrograde Uranus

This is the pause and plan your next actions trine, ideally, for the crisis of consciousness square that is coming up in one hour.  For now, your focus should be on older work in progress or those things that need to be completed soonest.

Over 3 1/2 hours earlier (3:02 am) the Moon made a waning inconjunct/quincunx to retrograde Uranus to set up this trine.  This is the first aspect after the opposition and is your opportunity to review where you are, what you have done and what still needs to be done.  Coming in the middle of the night, something may wake you, perhaps a dream, a sudden insight or memory, a noise, smell, or thought.  Whatever it may be, if you do wake, not the time and as much information about what woke you.  Details are important.

12/02/24 – 7:47 am – accelerating (OOBs) Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a waning mutable crisis of consciousness square to retrograde Neptune, the Moon goes void-of-course for over five hours, entering Capricorn at 1:09 pm.  This is the pare down square, time to eliminate those things that don’t add to value to whatever you are working on, or just aren’t working for you.

12/03/24 – 12:45 am – Venus returns In-Bounds

As She crosses 25 Capricorn 29’, Venus slips back into the comforting embrace of the Sun.  Now back in-bounds, She must once again follow the rules set for Her.  Some things may feel more “normal.”  Some interactions with others may also seem “like they used to be.”  Be sure to note any dreams you may have in the night or anything that disturbs your sleep.

Fifteen minutes earlier, the Moon made a waxing inconjunct/quincunx to stationing Mars.  This is the last aspect before their opposition and suggests taking time to review things that you think may be ready to be completed or anything that feels out of balance.

12/03/24 – 1:17 pm – average (OOBs) Moon waning sextile shadow Saturn

This is their last aspect before their conjunction which is in about 4 1/2 days.  This is the get things finished aspect; but allow time to consider what “new thing” you want to or should start at their conjunction. 

Almost seven hours later (8:13 pm), the Moon will make a waning inconjunct/quincunx to retrograde Jupiter.  This is their first aspect since their opposition on December 1.  Now in their waning phase, it is time to focus on completing things as the end of the year is nigh.

12/04/24 – 2:16 am – retrograde Mercury mutable opposition retrograde Jupiter

This is their second of three mutual reception oppositions and the first of seven exact major aspects today, only four of them by the Moon.  When the day is done, all but Mars will have been in one or more of the aspects so this could be a very active, emotional, even upsetting day for some.

Just like this one, their first mutual reception opposition on November 18, 2024, was in the early morning when Jupiter was retrograde, and Mercury was in their shadow.  Now with both retrograde things from around that date may come up again.  Something that may have been unclear may now become clear.  Both are in signs opposite the ones that they rule and so are in signs of their detriment, making them weaker.  However, with each in the sign ruled by the other, they may gain some strength through mutual reception, a form of astrological cooperation.  This aspect could yield enhanced dreams, mental acuity, or both.  If things or you feel off balance at any time, be sure to note as much about it as you can.  Note anything that seems to be out of the ordinary during the night, morning, and throughout the day.  What about today relates back to or resonates with November 18?  That is your theme which will come up again on December 31, 2024, when once again they are in opposition.

12/04/24 – 8:18 am – Sun waning mutable square shadow Saturn

This crisis of consciousness square is the second aspect of the day.  With both in mutable signs, deciding what, if anything, to let go of, remove, delete, or set aside may be more challenging as you may find yourself doubting every decision.  The Sun illuminates what Saturn wants you to see, and that is the part that you know.  Time to trust your instincts, knowledge, and abilities and make the decision.

12/04/24 – 10:24 , am – average (OOBs) Moon waning earth trine retrograde Uranus

This is the third aspect, and the third of five that are waning types today.  For the most part, you should be focusing on older work in progress and any other work that needs to be completed soon, by the end of the month at the latest.  This is the plan your next actions trine.  With both in grounded earth signs, be realistic in your planning and choices.  With retrograde Uranus involved, you may want to look back at unique ways you handled similar situations in the past.  Utilize your strengths. 

Just 28 minutes later, almost imperceptible in Universe time, Venus will make a waning sextile to retrograde Neptune for the fourth aspect of the day.  This is the time to get things finished and begin making plans for what new thing to start aspect.  Venus is moving at just over one degree per day, and since the sextile is a 60 degree aspect, you have a couple of months before their conjunction when this cycle will end, and their new one will begin.

12/04/24 – 3:09 pm – average (OOBs) Moon waning sextile retrograde Neptune

This is the fifth aspect today and the Moon’s turn to connect with retrograde Neptune.  Pay attention to any “daydreams” you may have.  Those “flights of fancy” that occur when your brain wanders away from your daily routine can be very illuminating.  Should you have one …, or more, be sure to note the time and as much detail as you can about each of them.

12/04/24 – 3:34 pm -average (OOBs) Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following the sixth aspect of the day, a cardinal earth conjunction with Venus, both the Moon and Venus go void-of-course.  The Moon’s will last almost five hours until entering Aquarius at 8:21 pm.  Avoid starting anything new until after that, continue to focus on work in progress.  What new thing do you want to start?  Perhaps something to strengthen your relationships or something that your soul or heart desires.

Moving much slower than the Moon, Venus will be void-of-course for almost 55 hours.  Avoid making any long term or high priced financial commitments and don’t start any new relationships while you are at it.  Venus’ void-of-course will end Friday night; however, that doesn’t mean you should try to start a new relationship then.  Keep reading for some thoughts on what you might consider doing instead.

12/04/24 – 8:56 pm – average (OOBs) Moon fixed air conjunction Pluto

This is the seventh and final aspect of the day, and what a day it has been as Mars is the only planet that seems to have sat this day out.  This is the beginning of a new Moon Pluto cycle.  Pluto can be a very difficult taskmaster so choose carefully what new idea or thing you want to start now.  Pluto wants and expects us to strive to become the very best version of ourselves that we can be.  Who would the ideal you be?  Make that your goal and create a plan of doable actions to achieve it.  It doesn’t have to be something that you can do quickly, but rather something that may require time and patience as Pluto moves very slowly and takes a long time to orbit the Sun (248 years).

12/05/24 – 3:52 am – average Moon returns In-Bounds

The Moon is at 4 Aquarius 10’ as She returns into the bounds of the Sun.  Coming at this time of night, most will probably sleep through it and may find that the day has a different, more controlled feel to it as all planets are now comfortably within the boundaries of the Sun.

12/05/24 – 7:28 am – average Moon fixed opposition stationing Mars

As if to make up for being left out of yesterday’s action (aspects), Mars comes up first today.  Fixed and Mars don’t work well together.  His energy tends to be more “I want what I want, and I want it now!”  if anyone is going to challenge you to find balance in your life, He is the one.  While Mars has a natural get out of my way energy, the Moon is more predictable, more instinctive in behavior creating a challenge of wills.  Trust your instincts to know what to do and how to do it today.  Then tap into Mars “do it” energy to get it done.  This is a “decide, do, decide, do,” kind of day as the next aspect isn’t until this evening.

12/05/24 – 6:18 pm – retrograde Mercury mutable Inferior Conjunction Sun

This is the beginning of a new Sun Mercury cycle.  What new thing do you want to start?  This meeting is at 14 Sagittarius 07’.  Mercury previously crossed this point in the afternoon of November 13, 2024.  What do you remember about that day?  What were you doing?  It is possible that something you were working on, writing, or someone you met may come up again.  The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “The groundhog looking for its shadow.”  This time of the year, it is already dark in most of the US and so the only shadows will be cast by artificial lights, which may be confusing as they could cast several shadows.  If you are out and about, watch for any shadows that aren’t yours as they may be clues or warnings.  Proceed with caution as you may be called on to accept responsibility for whatever you may do.

12/05/24 – 9:56 pm – accelerating Moon waxing sextile Mercury

This is their first aspect since their conjunction on December 1.  Did you start something new that day or perhaps the day before or after?  If so, how is it developing?  New things need regular care and attention to keep them moving forward.  Now is the time to consider what you should do next as their next aspect will be the crisis of action square on December 7.

Just 42 minutes later, the Moon will make another waxing sextile, this time to the Sun.  Did you start something new around the time of the New Moon on December 1?  What came up when the Sun and Mercury had their conjunction earlier?  This could be a continuation, or it may be some new aspect or idea dealing with something from earlier today or since the New Moon.

12/06/24 – 1:53 am – accelerating Moon waning air trine retrograde Jupiter

This is another pause and plan your next actions trine.  Note any dreams you may have as they might provide some insight into what you should be working on and what actions to take to keep it moving forward to completion.

12/06/24 – 3:33 pm – Mars stations retrograde

Mars may appear to pause at 6 Leo 10’ in His nightly transit as He prepares to go retrograde and retrace His steps back to 17 Cancer 01’, and October 4, 2024, when He first crossed that point.  How good is your memory or are your notes?  Things that happened, people you met, things that you did or didn’t do, any of them may come up again as Mars, God of War and the ancient lesser malefic retraces His steps as if to finish, change, or repeat something He did or left undone.  Those with planets or sensitive points between 17 Cancer and 6 Leo are the most likely to “feel” this Mars retrograde.  Those with planets or sensitive points between mid-degrees of the other cardinal signs, Aries, Libra, or Capricorn and the early degrees of the following fixed signs, Taurus, Scorpio, or Aquarius may also feel this more strongly.

12/06/24 – 4:01 pm – accelerating Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a waning fixed crisis of consciousness square to retrograde Uranus, the Moon goes void-of-course for almost ten hours.  Maybe it is a good thing that it is Friday evening, at least for some.  This is the let go of things, trim things down, eliminate the unnecessary aspect as you focus on completing things.  Embellishing for the sake of trying to impress someone may not be the best use of your time or energy.  Keep it real and keep it necessary.  Avoid starting anything new until after the Moon enters Pisces early tomorrow morning.  This also applies to going out and expecting to meet Mr. or Ms. Right as they may turn out to be Mr. or Ms. Wrong or at best, probably just Mr. or Ms. “Right now,” and not the “right one.”  Avoid the shadows, stick with your friends and watch out for each other.

12/06/24 – 5:53 pm – retrograde Mercury waning mutable square shadow Saturn

This is another crisis of consciousness square.  You know what is right for you.  Don’t go against your better judgment.  It is always better to be safe, than sorry.  Somethings can’t be undone and may be best left undone to start with, especially when Saturn is involved.

12/06/24 – 10:13 pm – Venus enters Aquarius

The Venus void-of-course is over.  Now in fixed air Aquarius, you may want to turn your attention to a cause that you are passionate about.  Venus rules relationships so remember, before you can truly love another, you must love yourself.  It is the holiday season, and Venus also loves nice things and rules money so know your limits and stay within your budget.

12/07/24 –  83rd Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor

On the following day, President Franklin Roosevelt addressed the nation on radio and made his famous speech which included the oft quoted phrase, “ a date which will live in infamy!”

“Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it.”  “Only the dead have seen the end of war.”  George Santayana, Spanish-American philosopher.

12/07/24 – 1:49 am – accelerating Moon enters mutable water Pisces

Pisces is considered to be the most sensitive and last of the 12 signs.  Those with planets or sensitive points in Pisces may also feel more sensitive, intuitive, or even apprehensive during the Moon’s transit.  Some may just feel as if something is different, without being able to describe it.  Pisces also represents the point at which we may be closest too and best able to connect with the divine or higher power; however, one explains it.  Those seeking or questioning their faith, religion, or life may find this to be a good opportunity to explore and learn about what they may be seeking.

12/07/24 – 6:08 am – Venus fixed air conjunction Pluto

This is their second conjunction this year.  Their first was on February 17, 2024, at 0 Aquarius 52’ and this one at 0 Aquarius 23’.  The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “An old adobe mission.”  This symbol suggests an opportunity to revisit or learn from and about the past.  It could be your family history, the history of where you live, or perhaps how something came to be.  A key word for Pluto is “purity,” to become the “purest” you that you can be, the you, you are meant to be.

Twenty-two minutes earlier, the Moon will make a waning inconjunct/quincunx to retrograde Mars, their first aspect since their opposition.  Are you feeling any discomfort?  What did you learn around the time of their opposition?  How might you apply that to the waning, contracting aspects that are to come?

12/07/24 – 12:58 pm – Sun mutable opposition retrograde Jupiter

This is their annual “face-off,” when finding balance between the two largest bodies in the Solar System may be most difficult.  Even though retrograde, Jupiter may be felt stronger and appear larger in the night sky as He is now closest to the Earth.  This is the midpoint in their cycle.  The planets that orbit beyond the Earth are always retrograde when they appear to be in opposition to the Sun because the Earth is always between the planet and the Sun.  This can be likened to a Full Moon, when it is time to reassess how things are progressing and what and how to get things finished.

12/07/24 – 3:43 pm – Neptune stations Direct

Still at 27 Pisces 08’, the degree He has been at since late on October 9, 2024, the Lord of the Seas is ready to resume His apparent forward movement.  Things may seem stable at first, as it will take Him until February 1, 2025, to return to 28 Pisces and March 30, 2025, until He steps into Aries for the first time since June 8, 1878, when He moved into Taurus.  That is, He will have spent 115 days at 27 Pisces.  Those with planets or sensitive points at or near this degree may feel it the strongest.  Those with planets or sensitive points at or near this degree of one of the other mutable signs, Gemini, Virgo, or Sagittarius, may also feel this more strongly.  The Sabian Symbol for 27 Pisces is “A fertile garden under the full Moon.”  This represents a time for enjoying what you have.  The times though, they are a changing and you will need to adapt and change as well.

12/07/24 – 6:42 pm – Moon Wobble Begins???

The Sun is now at 16 Sagittarius 30’, and 17 degrees from an exact square to both Lunar nodes.  Moon Wobble is a time when there seems to be more or greater chaos in the world.  There may be more natural or manmade disasters, everything from floods, storms, plane, train, or ship crashes or other disasters.  During this time, it is advisable to pay closer attention to your surroundings, including local and regional weather.  This is also a good time to check your emergency supplies or kit.  Replace anything that is out of date or missing.  Do you have enough …?  Consider how your circumstances may have changed since you last checked your kit.  If you don’t have one, now may be the time to make one.

12/07/24 – 9:58 pm – accelerating Moon waxing mutable square retrograde Mercury

This is their crisis of action square.  Did you make any plans during their waxing sextile on December 5?  Now is the time to implement them.  If you didn’t make any plans, you may have to make some quick critical decisions now.  This may also pertain to anything new that you have started in the past week or so, not just the 5th.

12/08/24 – 12:43 am – accelerating Moon mutable water conjunction shadow Saturn

This is the beginning of a new Moon Saturn cycle and also the end of their previous cycle.  Are there things left from their previous cycle that you still need to complete?  If so, you may want to start with them first thing today or tomorrow.  Saturn expects us to follow the rules, adhere to any policies, and get things done on time.  Did you have any dreams, or did something wake you in the night?  If so, whatever it may have been, be sure to note it, the time and as much detail as you can recall.

12/08/24 – 5:56 am – accelerating Moon waning mutable square retrograde Jupiter

This crisis of consciousness square to start the day may be saying, it is Sunday and a good time to get back to that “fall cleaning” you started a while ago, or maybe never got started.  If it doesn’t work, or you haven’t used it in years, or you don’t or never really needed it, perhaps it is time for that thing to go.  Remember, one person’s trash may be another person’s treasure, so don’t just throw things away.  Consider recycling it or perhaps trade it to someone who wants it and has something you want.

12/08/24 – 7:27 am – accelerating Moon waxing mutable square Sun

Coming just 1 1/2 hours after the waning square, this waxing crisis of action square may have some people off balance.  Perhaps use this time to do something that you have been putting off, instead of putting it off again.  Life may not keep giving you opportunities if you don’t take advantage of them.

12/08/24 – 12:00 pm – Santa Monica Astrology Meetup

It is our annual “Look at the Year Ahead” program as we review some of the major astronomical and astrological events in store for 2025.  For starters, all eight planets that can go retrograde will be retrograde at some time during the year.  There will be four eclipses, two total Lunar eclipses and two partial Solar eclipses, neither of which will be visible in the US.  Neptune will test the fires of Aries before returning to His Pisces home and then return to Aries before the end of 2025.  Meanwhile, Saturn will be chasing Him and will also venture into Aries only to return to Pisces and then finally return to Aires in early 2026 where He will catch up to Neptune for their one meeting during Saturn’s current orbit of the Sun.  Jupiter will join the movement, going from Gemini into Cancer in 2025.  2025 will also be our first full year of Pluto in Aquarius.  All things considered, it looks like an interesting year ahead.

Join us and share your thoughts and ideas about what you think may be the most important events of 2025.

12/08/24 – 8:00 pm – accelerating Moon waning sextile retrograde Uranus

This marks the beginning of the end of their current cycle.  Time to get some things finished and to make plans for what new thing to start at their conjunction.  With retrograde Uranus involved, it may be some unique idea that you had in the past or some new idea that has been trying to form in your brain.  Don’t be afraid to step out or your box.  Even “crazy” ideas have some merit.

12/09/24 – 12:45 am – fast Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following Her conjunction with Neptune, the first of five exact major aspects today by the Moon, She goes void-of-course in mutable water Pisces for almost five hours.  The mix of aspects could make for an unsettling day for some as they try to keep up with the changes around them.  The Moon will enter Aries at 5:38 am this morning before there are any other aspects.  While some will sleep through this, others may start their day before the Moon enters Aries.  It is best not to start anything new while the Moon is void-of-course.  Stick to your routine or whatever you had planned.  Allow your muscle memory and instinct to guide you.  Once the fast Moon is in now oriented Aries, you may want to “hit the ground running” and seize the day.  What new thing does Neptune inspire you to get started on today?  Perhaps something from a dream you had or keep having.  With the Moon now in cardinal fire Aries, emotions and feelings may be more difficult for some to control.  Avoid impulsive decisions and keep your temper in check.

12/09/24 – 6:22 am – fast Moon waxing sextile Pluto

This is the second aspect of the day and their first since their conjunction.  You may want to focus on newer work today.  This is the pause and review of any new things started recently.  How are they progressing?  Are they on track?  What should or do you need to do next to keep them moving forward?  Those are some of the questions to ask.

Just over four hours later (10:33 am), the Moon will make another waxing sextile, this time to Venus for the third aspect of the day.  This seems to suggest that you might want to review any newer work that you have done this morning, just to make sure that you haven’t overlooked or forgotten anything.

12/09/24 – 3:59 pm – fast Moon waning fire trine retrograde Mars

This is the fourth aspect of the day and the only waning one.  This is the pause and plan your next actions to consolidate and pare down whatever you are working on.

12/09/24 – 9:19 pm – fast Moon waxing fire trine retrograde Mercury

This pause and review of any recent actions trine is the fifth and final aspect today.  Did you forget to do something?  Or perhaps there is something that needs to be redone, changed, or set aside for later.  It is late.  If you think of anything, be sure to note it so you can start with it tomorrow.

12/10/24 – 8:24 am – fast Moon waning sextile retrograde Jupiter

The Moon is catching up to retrograde Jupiter.  Time to get things finished so you are ready for the new cycle and new beginning.  Don’t forget to note some ideas for new things to start at their conjunction.

12/10/24 – 2:13 pm – fast Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a waxing fire trine to the Sun, the Moon goes void-of-course for over 17 1/2 hours.  This is the pause and review of any recent actions trine.  This is a longer void-of-course, so not starting anything new during this time may be more of a challenge.  If you must start something new, proceed slowly, checking and rechecking your work frequently.  At the first opportunity, set it aside until tomorrow, after the Moon has entered Taurus when things may feel as if they are calming down.

Forecast for December 11-20

The 11th starts with the Moon entering Taurus, then making three squares and finishing with the Moon quincunx retrograde Mercury.  On the 12th, Venus will oppose retrograde Mars, then on the 13th there will be 7 exact major aspects.  The 15th starts with the Gemini Full Moon followed by Mercury stationing direct.  On the 18th, the Sun will square Neptune, one of five aspects that day and then go void-of-course on the 19th.  The 20th offers just one major and one inconjunct/quincunx aspect to finish off this period.