In December 2024, we see a full lunar cycle, with a new Moon at the start and end of the month.
With many planets, such as Jupiter, Mercury, and Mars, retrograde this month, it seems unclear how to move forward. We need to reflect, catch up, and center ourselves in a world that is intense and moving fast.
The month begins with a new Moon in Scorpio on December 1st.
The new Moon occurs in the heart of Scorpio, in Anuradha Nakshatra. The name Anuradha suggests that Radha, a deep devotee of Krishna, is connected to this nakshatra. Mitra, the deity of friendship, rules it.
This nakshatra’s symbol is a lotus flower. A lotus flower is beautiful and can grow under challenging circumstances. This is a time to hold on to and honor your love and devotion to that which is meaningful and beautiful.
Two weeks later, the full Moon on December 15 occurs in the last degree of Taurus, in Mrigashira Nakshatra. Mrigashira suggests a search for a new direction.
The Moon is exalted in Taurus, but the transiting Sun is Gandanta between Scorpio and Sagittarius. This is not an easy time for the world’s leadership; it is a time of tumultuous transformation of power (and interestingly, the full Moon occurs at the same degree as Donald Trump’s natal Sun).
The Sun remains in Sagittarius until January 13.
Venus transits Capricorn between December 2 and December 28.
Venus governs our comfort, including relationships and finances. This is a time to examine one’s finances. Capricorn is a sign of structure and organization.
Venus is with Pluto. In Vedic astrology, Pluto is still in Capricorn. Pluto holds intense powers of transformation. Pluto’s presence in Capricorn suggests a profound transformation of structure and organization.
The Venus/Pluto conjunction is exact on December 7.
Mars in Cancer opposes Venus and Pluto. Change and transformation often involve conflict and destruction. Mars turns retrograde on December 6, when the Venus/Pluto conjunction is exact.
Mars is exactly opposite Venus on December 12. This suggests power struggles involving finances and relationships.
A retrograde Mars can delay our ability to act. Sometimes, we need to shift the approach and revise our strategy. Mars will be retrograde until February 23, 2025, when he turns direct at 23 degrees Gemini.
Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio but turns direct at the time of the full Moon on December 15.
The winter solstice is the year's shortest day, with the least light.
This is a time of profound transformation and rebirth (read more in my article on the winter solstice).
The New Moon takes place in Purva Ashadha on December 30th. This nakshatra can bring victory because it can separate the essential from the non-essential.
Hopefully, this ability will guide us as we enter 2025.
Peace and Harmony this Christmas and always,
Lina
November 2024 is, not unexpectedly, a very intense month. We will see that Mars in Cancer is a major contributor to the drama.