Empresses, welcome to the final month of 2018. With Mercury, the planet of communication, currently retrograde until December 6th, take time at the start of December to complete a thorough deep-dive and cosmically review what this last year has brought to fruition for you. Acknowledge your growth, your children’s growth, and what went well this year. What months were your best? What were your biggest wins? Then consider the challenging stuff, too. What months were the hardest? What felt hard?
As the month begins, the Sun in Sagittarius forms an awkward angle to Mars, the planet of action, meaning it’s a robust astrological moment to look at what you feel most compelled to accomplish and simultaneously reconcile and surrender what you no longer need. This transit perfects on December 2nd and December 3rd, making the first week of the month a potent time to reconcile the past emotionally. Add into the mix that the Moon also wanes dark, and it’s essential to consider carving out time to review the last twelve months. Use this as a jumping off point to create your 2019 goals.
Come December 5th, with the Moon in its balsamic phase, the daylight becoming even more sparse, the Sun in Sagittarius makes another tough angle, this time to Neptune in Pisces. This can create a very groggy atmosphere, ripe with both confusion and disillusionment. Fear not and instead take the time to rest. Prioritize your meditation practice and create space for a heartfelt connection with your children and family. Pay close attention to your dreams and intuition, too.
Come December 6th, Mercury stations direct. Having been retrograde since November 16th, Mercury may herald a broader sense of intuitive knowing, so slow down, and tune inward.
On December 7th, we have the New Moon in Sagittarius. Initiating a new cycle in the sign of Sag, this New Moon occurs in the wee hours of the morning (2:20 am Eastern) and happens very close to the Great Attractor– a vast hole at the center of the Milky Way (14 degrees of Sag). The Great Attractor magnifies truth. So, consider this New Moon in say-it-like-it-is, bold, and blunt Sagittarius to be even more illuminative. I mean, it’s happening as Mercury stations direct and at this sacred point—a black hole in the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Further, at the time of the New Moon, Mars (which represents our tenacity, drive, and determination) conjoins Neptune, the planet of dreams, spirituality, and intuition—in Pisces!
The desire to escape might feel strong, but stay with it. Don’t push. Take some quiet time. Have faith that all will be well. With Mercury making a healing trine to Chiron on December 9th, you can expect some powerful healing to make its way towards you. Use this New Moon to claim your most sacred desires concretely.
Come December 15th, the waxing Quarter Moon occurs at 23 degrees of Pisces, marking the halfway point between the recent New Moon and the upcoming Full Moon. Check in with your intentions, desires, and goals! Ask yourself this: What’s working? What’s not? What changes do you most want to make?
On December 16th, Venus in Scorpio makes a harmonious angle to Saturn in Capricorn. Use this moment to tune in to your inner world. Venus helps us to connect to our values while Saturn connects us to our purpose. So, during this transit, see what comes up for you as you consider your value-driven mission.
Similarly, one day later on the 17th, Mars (the planet of action) travels in Pisces and makes a strong connection to the powerhouse Pluto, amplifying drive and determination. With the Moon waxing gibbous, this fierce combo might push you to want to explore your sexuality. If so, enjoy. Remember, orgasms are important self-care. Don’t neglect pleasure.
As the Sun gets closer and closer to the Solstice, it makes a sharp angle to Chiron. This Sun-square-Chiron aspect perfects on the 19th. In the words of Rumi, “The cure for the pain is in the pain.” With the year coming to a close, with a perfect mix of darkness, nostalgia, and stress, have compassion for the tough moments. Remember, you’ve got this. If you need support, use the Facebook Group. We are all in this together!
On the 21st, the Sun moves into Capricorn—and at the same time, we have the Winter Solstice! Honor this sacred moment however you feel fit. In the days that we will begin to gain sunlight here in the Northern Hemisphere—or lose light for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere—this sacred astrological moment is an important turning point in the year and offers a deep time to pray, set intentions and align your goals for the new year ahead. On this same day, Venus makes a beautiful and harmonious angle to Neptune, while Mercury conjoins Jupiter. This day has magic written all over it. Earmark this gold star day, and use it to regenerate your power, a connection to your purpose, and a sense of commitment to your magic.
Then on December 22nd, we have the final Full Moon of the year. This Full Moon happens in the sensual and feminine sign of Cancer, the sign most connected to the archetype of the mother, empress, and woman.
Empresses, with yesterday’s magic still in play today, please carve out time for yourself and luscious self-care now. If you feel called to perform some moon magic, consider conducting a Full Moon ritual. But with so many other things on your mind with the year-end holiday season in full roar, consider a massage. Consider a long bath. Maybe today is a great day to have a luncheon with your besties. Whatever you do, and however you spend your time, make it special. Should emotions feel strong and challenging (either yours or your children’s), stay patient. While this Full Moon boasts powerful aspects, a Full Moon in Cancer can bring emotions to the surface—big time. Marry this with the fact that we are in the midst of year-end madness, and SO much may percolate. Stay in your power and be patient, kind, and caring. If you need to, have a cathartic cleansing cry. It’s so important.
On December 24th, Mercury makes a sharp angle to Neptune, meaning details might feel blurry. Please don’t drink and drive. Wear your seatbelts while traveling. Trust your intuition.
On the 29th, we have the last Quarter Moon of the year, a waning Quarter Moon in Libra. At the same time, Mars conjoins Chiron, indicating that a tremendous amount of healing becomes possible today. Consider what you are leaving behind in 2018. And ready yourself for the new year. It’s almost here!
The year ends with Saturn and the Sun moving towards a close alignment. Take good care of your health and rest.
From the bottom of my heart to yours, happy New Year! I’ll see you in 2019.
