December astrology with the winter solstice and a lunar eclipse
The art and science of astrology is an amazing mirror for our individual and collective journey. Following astrology is a way to delve deeply into your human nature and your evolutionary process. Who are you and where are you in your life? A reading with a skillful astrologer is a mirror for you into hidden aspects of your soul and gives you more awareness and better options because of it.
If you learn the language of astrology for yourself, it is a never-ending process of deepening your understanding of yourself in relation to actualization through the transits in your birth chart. There are endless techniques that you can learn and use as mirrors and new perspectives on yourself and all the different areas of your life.
Having an astrological reading from time to time is a good start to broaden your perspective and get out of the box of your own habitual thinking. It is also a great gift for Christmas. Even after 32 years of my astrological practice, I like to do one or two readings a year with another person to get that unique feeling. “other perspectives”.
This month of December is intense and more dramatic than usual and depending on where it hits you, you might consider a reading to support your process. If you look at the highlights, it will give you an idea of many winter sensations that we associate with Capricorn and this time of year.
The astrological highlights of December 2010
- Mars enters Capricorn on December 7
- Mars conjunct the North Node and Pluto in Capricorn December 11-13
- Mercury turns retrograde December 10-30
- Lunar Eclipse December 21 at the end of Gemini squared with Uranus
- Winter Solstice with the Sun entering Capricorn
March March into Capricorn on December 7
Mars, the warrior god, has his spotlight this month with lots of action and high tides of energy. Mars represents our life force energy, our decision, application of will and focus. He symbolizes our resilience in the face of challenge with strength and courage. He corresponds to our inner capacity to be a hero and inspires us to apply ourselves with courage.
And we could say especially this month that we have to face a variety of obstacles. All the action seems to be happening in Capricorn with Mars conjunct Mercury retrograde, Pluto and the North Node. There is also a square of Mars to Uranus on December 3, as well as Saturn on December 29. Even without going into details, this month seems to be fraught with friction or affliction with the energy of Mars that could turn into hostile or even violent actions or accidents. This can play out for us individually or on a larger, more global scale.
Mars conjunct the North Node and Pluto in Capricorn December 11-13
You must prepare yourself mentally by focusing on the higher possibilities and using the potentially volatile energy of Mars like a surfer is using the waves here in Hawaii. A surfer does not fight against the flow of the wave, but intuitively becomes familiar with the specific nature and shape of the particular wave and then rides it with all the euphoria of the moment enjoying every part of it.
Pluto adds a touch of deep intensity to the Martian energy and with the North Node points us towards a deeper reality of life and death, the realization of the preciousness of each moment of life and where we really want to go with it. It is a wake up call to your deep inner truth of being that eternal soul, spirit embodied in a human body and experience. You will be motivated to take charge and responsibility of your life no matter what happens, in any way you can. And you could learn to surrender to life in the areas and experiences over which you have no real control. And that could be the most challenging process imaginable.
Mercury in Capricorn turns retrograde December 10-30
Once again we are facing Mercury retrograde which is not usually our most favorable time of year. We are being challenged with failing communications, malfunctioning computers, automobiles and electrical devices, confusion and the potential for misunderstandings and things that just don’t turn out the way we expected. At least we’re having a good excuse. But it’s also a good time to go back and deal with unfinished projects and thoughts, especially while Mercury is still in Capricorn. When it returns to Sagittarius on December 18, we will feel a little more energy in motion and inspiration for action.
Full moon lunar eclipse on December 21 at the end of Gemini square Uranus
Lunar eclipses disrupt the magnetic flux between our planet, the Sun, and the Moon. These are great opportunities for transformation as old energy grids dissolve and recharge to a new level of convenience. Gemini is the sign that cares about everything related to communication, small trips, writing, teaching, speaking, ideas and knowledge. Uranus carries the spark of the unexpected, as well as the invitation to individuate and grow beyond the confines of socially agreed upon reality. Uranus is the rebel and leader of a new era with new rules and hopefully better and more humane ways to support each other in like-minded groups and visions.
Following in the wake of this opportunity to enter a new dimension of emotional presence, maturity and walking, our talk is the Winter Solstice.
Winter solstice December 21 with the Sun entering Capricorn the next day
Winter is here. It’s cold and dark, we’d like to stay home and cozy up with a blanket, a cup of tea and a good book or movie in the evening. Have you ever seen the movie? penguin gaityes? In Antarctica, the harshest place on earth, life survives and the moment when the Sun reappears on the horizon after the long and extremely cold winter is truly magical. It is a moving and heart-opening film. You can get it on Netflix if you’re into that show.
We are heading into the coldest and darkest part of the year and consequently the orientation of our inner soul is inward. We need more physical comforts like hot food and drinks, enjoying getting together with friends, snuggling with each other. When I watch my German TV with my girlfriend, we sit under a big blanket on the sofa.
Capricorn is the sign of that work and inner dimension, focusing on what really matters to us and acting accordingly. We take responsibility, work harder and do what we can. Saturn and Capricorn are associated with the “Great Work” that we have committed to carry out, which costs a lot of effort, time and work. With all the action in Capricorn this month, here’s what the energy is aligned with.
Ask yourself the question, where do you need to dig deeper and pay more attention in your life? What needs to be completed this year so that you feel ready for the New Year with new aspirations and goals? Where have you procrastinated and dragged your feet? Use the energy of Mars in Capricorn and just get started and the momentum will build. For support with the appropriate gemstones, please read my article on Capricorn birthstones and how you can use quartz for your inner journey.
I hope you have a splendid winter solstice in the company of your friends and kindred souls. Use the power of this quality of time to set your intentions for your personal life, as well as your prayers for Mother Earth and an easy transition into the new level of rising consciousness.
Aloha and many blessings on your journey, Shakti.