Week in Astrology Archive December 2016

Last Week in Astrology

December 4 to 10, 2016

A FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Wednesday, December 7th, 2016, at 4:03 AM EST. The First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Sagittarius forms a square with the Moon in Pisces. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 15 degrees and 42 minutes of Pisces square the Sun at 15 degrees and 42 minutes of Sagittarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 14 to 18 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

New Moon Chart – November 29, 2016, New Moon in Sagittarius

This phase of the Moon occurred on November 29th at 7 degrees and 43 minutes of Sagittarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 4 to 12 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Nov 29, 2016 7:18 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Dec 7, 2016 4:03 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Dec 13, 2016 7:05 PM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Dec 20, 2016 8:56 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Dec 29, 2016 1:53 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Sagittarius; Mercury is in Capricorn; Venus is in Capricorn until December 7th, when Venus enters Aquarius; Mars is in Aquarius.

The Sun is in Sagittarius from November 21-December 21. With the Sun in Sagittarius, our focus shifts from the need for an intimate connection with a person and with ourselves, to the desire to reach out to the world and connect with something larger than ourselves. While the Sun moves through this fiery, mutable sign, we can take steps to increase our understanding and awareness of the world around us. We are more able to muster up the courage to expand our horizons and branch out into new ways of thinking. We can gain more confidence and optimism by focusing on the “big picture” as we move away from our focus on the details of mundane existence. Although we may be prone to overdoing our expectations, we have the opportunity to nurture our faith, hope, and vision under this influence.

Mercury is in Capricorn from December 2-January 4. When Mercury is in Capricorn, our thinking is methodical and our focus is sober and practical. It is easier to concentrate on the task at hand under this influence. Our conversations may be quite realistic or focused on business/practical matters. Our thought patterns and communication styles become more logical, orderly, and organized. We are more able to sort out what is relevant and essential. Realism enters the picture, our speech is no-nonsense, and precision becomes important to us. We need to be wary of becoming too rigid in our thinking. We may come across as cold or harsh. For some, there is a fine line between realism and pessimism.

Venus is in Capricorn from November 11-December 7. Getting serious about our finances and boosting our relations with business partners and/or co-workers will be easier than usual under this influence. Our talents for creating artistic structure and form are enhanced, and our ability to form connections with people who support our ambitions is increased. We value enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We take expressing our feelings seriously, and we take our time to warm up to others. We generally keep our “cool” in relationships.

Venus is in Aquarius from December 7-January 3. We move towards unconventionality, independence, and freedom as themes in our social relationships under this influence. Aquarius can be just as faithful as Capricorn, but it has to be on his own terms! Experimental relationships are more intriguing now. Being friends as well as lovers is important to us during this cycle. Allowing one another freedom of expression, and treating others fairly, unselfishly, and impartially, are themes now.

Mars is in Aquarius from November 9-December 19. Dynamic yet erratic energy levels, achieving our goals through hit-or-miss tactics, and impersonal expression of anger are characteristics of Mars in Aquarius. We are team players–cooperative and less concerned about personal power. We are attracted to unconventional methods and tend to approach problems from an intellectual, detached perspective.

Saturn transits Sagittarius from December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, and then from September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017. Read about Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius here.

Jupiter entered Libra on September 9th and will transit Libra until October 10, 2017. Read about Jupiter in Libra here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Capricorn from November 11-December 7. Venus in Capricorn is a cycle in which security and stability in our relationships are paramount. We are more cautious with our emotions, and we’re somewhat skeptical of both our own feelings and others’ expressions of affection. Longevity is important to us under this influence. There is a formality to Capricorn that can make personal expressions seem awkward and forced. However, this cycle offers us the opportunity to consider some of the practical issues of our relations and to work on making our partnerships work in the real world. A dose of realism in our personal lives can help us to feel more grounded and secure in the long run.

Venus is in Aquarius from December 7-January 3. While Venus was in Capricorn, we valued enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We took expressing our feelings seriously, and we also took our sweet time warming up to others! Generally, we kept our “cool” in relationships. With Venus now in Aquarius, we still keep our “cool” in relationships, but in a detached and impersonal sort of way, however. Unconventional set-ups become more appealing. Bringing the spirit of friendship into romantic relationships is a positive use of Venus in Aquarius energy. Relationships that fairly scream “alternative” appeal to us now. It’s all about being open-minded and somewhat detached with Aquarius energy dominating the love arena. With Venus in Aquarius, it’s best to go into dates with new people casually, with no expectations and no strings. Melodrama and emotionalism simply won’t work. We may also find ourselves attracted to, or attracting, people who are not our “type”.

This week: We take more pride in our relationships on Monday and Tuesday and may put in more effort to maintain and improve your connections. On Saturday, we’re more aware of our responsibilities to others and within relationships. This can feel constraining or limiting for the time being until we recognize its merits.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Capricorn Marry for money and then learn to love ’em: that’s what your heart tells you now, as a new cycle gets underway in your life. Does that sound cynical? Maybe so – but it does reflect the yearning you feel for security and stability now, and it suggests the kind of compromises you may be willing to make to accomplish these objectives.

Venus in Aquarius A love for the unusual, a distaste for stodgy old rules and conventions, a feeling that you’re above the petty-bourgeois stuff and nonsense: that’s what a new cycle brings into your life now. (“I love humanity; it’s people I can’t stand!”) Unconventional romantic and social connections are likely at a time like this.

Venus semi-square Neptune December 2. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deception may come to light now.

Venus parallel the Sun December 5-6. A strong desire for harmony and comfort fill us now. We may be moved to express our affections.

Venus parallel Saturn December 9-10. We may express our affection sparingly, but also responsibly and in practical ways. Relationships begun under this influence often feel burdensome over time, but they may last longer than most.

Venus semi-square Saturn December 10. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.

Venus parallel Pluto December 10-11. The desire for drama and intensity in relationships is with us. Love feelings and relationship issues can be all-consuming now, assuming more importance in our lives than usual. Interactions with others are intense now, and themes of sharing and trust dominate in relationships.

Venus semi-square Chiron December 11-12. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.

The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, December 5th, from 6:24 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 11:32 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, December 7th, from 9:06 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Aries the next day, Thursday, December 8th, at 5:17 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, December 9th, from 8:07 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Saturday, December 10th, at 7:42 AM EST.

Void of Course Moon – December 2016

Void of Course Moon Table - December 2016

Void of Course Tables – December 2016

Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

The Moon is waxing this week — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, there are no clear windows of opportunity this week, with the possible exception of December 9th from approximately 1 PM to 8 PM EST, while the Moon is in Aries.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Sep 9, 2016 7:18 AM   Jupiter enters
Libra
Sep 22, 2016 1:30 AM   Mercury Direct
Sep 22, 2016 10:21 AM   Sun enters Libra
Sep 23, 2016 10:51 AM   Venus enters Scorpio
Sep 26, 2016 11:02 AM   Pluto Direct
Sep 27, 2016 4:07 AM Mars enters Capricorn
Oct 7, 2016 3:55 AM   Mercury enters Libra
Oct 18, 2016 3:01 AM   Venus enters Sagittarius
Oct 22, 2016 7:45 PM   Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 24, 2016 4:46 PM   Mercury enters Scorpio
*** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov 9, 2016 12:51 AM   Mars enters Aquarius
Nov 11, 2016 11:54 PM   Venus enters Capricorn
Nov 12, 2016 9:39 AM   Mercury enters Sagittarius
Nov 19, 2016 11:38 PM   Neptune Direct
Nov 21, 2016 4:22 PM   Sun enters Sagittarius
Dec 1, 2016 4:53 AM   Chiron Direct
Dec 2, 2016 4:18 PM   Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec 7, 2016 9:51 AM   Venus enters Aquarius
Dec 19, 2016 4:23 AM   Mars enters Pisces
Dec 19, 2016 5:55 AM   Mercury Retrograde
Dec 21, 2016 5:44 AM   Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 29, 2016 4:29 AM   Uranus Direct
Jan 3, 2017 2:46 AM   Venus enters Pisces
Jan 4, 2017 9:17 AM   Mercury Rx enters Sagittarius
Jan 8, 2017 4:42 AM   Mercury Direct
Jan 12, 2017 9:03 AM   Mercury enters Capricorn

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2016 – Overview and The Astrology of 2017 – Overview.

Note: Times given Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Astrology Calendar – December 4 to 10, 2016

This Week’s Aspects

Mars sextile Uranus. This is a period in which we are more willing than usual to take risks and to make necessary changes in our lives. We are naturally bold and assertive, willing to experiment, and conscious of a need to act independently. Our ideas may be ground-breaking, and at the very least progressive. A strong desire to make things happen is with us now.

Mercury semi-square Mars. We are quick-witted and ready to argue under this influence. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions, as we feel pressure to get things done quickly. We are inclined to be snappy and irritable, and we may too easily interrupt others rather than listen. Conflicts of interest are likely.

Sun sextile Jupiter. This transit can bring hopefulness, good will, and increased influence into our lives. It’s favorable for marketing, publishing, and advertising, as well as any self-promotion activities. We may be especially sociable, tolerant, and generous under this influence. Confidence comes from a stronger sense of who we are and the principles we represent. Some form of recognition or distinction is possible now. We are more able to grasp the “big picture” which expands our perspective.

Mercury sextile Neptune. Intuition runs high; we are more sensitive artistically; imagination is stirred; and we have an increased appreciation for subtleties. We are inspired and we are able to inspire others with our words.

Sun conjunct Saturn. This is a time when we are called upon to “get real”. We feel the constraints of time and are motivated by the desire to manifest tangible results. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. We may feel overworked; alternatively, we welcome some discipline into our lives. Avoid launching new projects, particularly financial ones. Instead, work on a new plan for creating order in your life, or on an old project that requires a new commitment. Emotional energy is not enough to fuel us for the time being; thus we could feel sapped on a physical level. However, making new commitments to old goals, shouldering responsibilities, and making careful use of our resources could feed our need for structure and order in our lives.

Venus semi-square Saturn. There may be difficulties relating to others under this influence. People may be cool with their affections and emotionally distant. Avoid new financial undertakings, as they may prove to be “money pits” as time passes. There may be anxiety or troubles with regards to matters concerned with the feelings. Romantic disappointments, unrequited love, separations, and broken engagements are the more negative manifestations. We tend to lack social confidence at this time and adopt a shy, formal, or reserved social manner. This transit is best used for reflection.

Last Week

This Week

Next Week

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on our site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

DECEMBER 4

The Moon is in Aquarius all day, and we have an emotional need for freedom and independence. We thrive on intellectual stimulation, change, and unusual or unconventional experiences. We are independent and idealistic with a stronger than usual social awareness. There is increased clarity derived from a feeling that what we want and what we need are in harmony with the Sagittarius Sun in sextile to the Aquarius Moon. We are cooperative and supportive.

DECEMBER 5

The Moon continues its transit of Aquarius until 11:32 PM EST, moving into alignment with Mars in Aquarius this morning and then into sextile with Uranus, stimulating our progressive, inventive, and innovative side. Mars will form a sextile to Uranus tomorrow night, but we can feel some of the excitement today. We’re in the mood to experiment and make things happen, and we can be very creative about it. The Moon enters Pisces late today, at 11:32 PM. Decisions or commitments may not be easy under this influence, but trusting in our intuition is.

A void of course Moon occurs from 6:24 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 11:32 PM EST.

DECEMBER 6

The Moon is in Pisces all day, encouraging us to get in touch with our imaginative, compassionate side. Mars is not far from the midpoint of Saturn and Uranus as these two planets move towards a trine aspect, exact on the 24th, and we’re finding ways to take action on matters in both progressive and practical ways. A sextile between Mars and Uranus today points to greater willingness to take risks and make necessary changes in our lives. We are naturally bold and assertive, willing to experiment, and conscious of a need to act independently. It’s easy and natural to break through obstacles, to find alternative methods of going after what we want, and to take progressive action or to take the lead. There is more courage, confidence, and energy available to us. We embrace change, progress, and new methods.

DECEMBER 7

There can be some impatience, insensitive communications, and rushing things through with a semi-square between Mercury and Mars this morning. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions, as we feel pressure to get things done quickly. We are inclined to be snappy and irritable, and we may too quickly interrupt others rather than listen. Conflicts of interest are likely. However, this is a generally good time to take steps towards making ourselves feel more secure and safe, and for family or domestic activities. Venus enters Aquarius today, where it will transit until January 3rd. We move towards unconventionality, independence, and freedom as themes in our social relationships under this influence. Experimental relationships, entertainment, purchases, and pursuits are more intriguing now. Allowing one another freedom of expression, and treating others fairly, unselfishly, and impartially, are themes now. This influence also affects our tastes, interests, and pleasures, which can incline towards the avant-garde.

A void of course Moon occurs from 9:06 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Aries the next day, Thursday, December 8th, at 5:17 AM EST.

DECEMBER 8

The romantic, dreamy period of the Pisces Moon gives way to a pioneering Aries Moon this morning at 5:17 AM EST. We instinctively start a new cycle when the Moon enters the first sign of the zodiac. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive during this short Moon sign cycle. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity. The Aries Moon values authenticity over tact and is energized by independent, enterprising efforts.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Aries at 5:17 AM EST.

DECEMBER 9

The Moon is in pioneering Aries all day and picks up dynamic aspects that encourage new pursuits and ideas. The Sun forms a sextile with Jupiter, and this influence can bring hopefulness, tolerance, and goodwill into our lives. We may discover opportunities for increased influence, get a “yes” or go-ahead for a project, and gain cooperation from others. We can be especially sociable and generous under this influence. Confidence comes from a stronger sense of who we are and the principles we represent. Some form of recognition or distinction is possible now. We are more able to grasp the “big picture” which expands our perspective.

A void of course Moon occurs from 8:07 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Saturday, December 10th, at 7:42 AM EST.

DECEMBER 10

Mercury’s sextile to Neptune early into the day is creative and imaginative but may be overshadowed by the Sun’s alignment with Saturn this morning, which asks us to get serious. This is a time when we are called upon to “get real”. We feel the constraints of time and are motivated by the desire to manifest tangible results. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. We may feel overworked; alternatively, we welcome some discipline into our lives. Avoid launching new projects, particularly financial ones. Instead, work on a new plan for creating order in your life, or on an old project that requires a new commitment. Emotional energy is not enough to fuel us for the time being; thus we could feel sapped on a physical level. However, making new commitments to old goals, shouldering responsibilities, and making careful use of our resources could feed our need for structure and order in our lives. The Moon transits Aries until 7:42 AM EST when it moves into Taurus. A Venus-Saturn semi-square occurs this evening and points to some coolness, reserve, or guardedness in our interactions.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Taurus at 7:42 AM EST.

If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.

Moon Signs This Week:

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

When the Moon is in Pisces

We are not inclined to want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It’s a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

When the Moon is in Aries

We’re motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

When the Moon is in Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and “stop to smell the roses”. Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

This Week’s Planetary Positions By Sign (General Trends)

Sun in Sagittarius You’re now embarking on a trek into a land of dreams – not passive daydreams, but vibrant visions of what may be. The time has come to stop looking at the world as it is and asking why. Now’s the time to imagine the world as it could be, and the question has become: “Why not?” You also cannot do everything you imagine now, but you cannot do anything you don’t KNOW you can do – so believe, and dare to make it happen! This means expanding your mind, your belief system, your whole base of knowledge and experience. Time’s a wastin’ – let no grass grow between your toes!

Mercury in Sagittarius A time of expanding your mental horizons is at hand. Religion, philosophy, law, and education are some of the things that may have special importance for you now. Being in touch with faraway people and places satisfies an intellectual yearning – curiosity will take you anywhere and maybe everywhere.

Mercury in Capricorn Figuring out how to organize projects and people is apt to become a topic of special interest – and a challenge – at a time like this. Opinions are not enough for you now: they must be backed by authority or evidence, and above all they must have practical worth and application. A period of intense study and thought.

Venus in Aquarius A love for the unusual, a distaste for stodgy old rules and conventions, a feeling that you’re above the petty bourgeois stuff and nonsense: that’s what a new cycle brings into your life now. (“I love humanity; it’s people I can’t stand!”) Unconventional romantic and social connections are likely at a time like this.

Mars in Aquarius The reformer, the inventor, the engineer, the revolutionary – these are important archetypes for you as a new cycle gets underway in your life. They are icons of the ambitions that stir you at a time like this. Independence, freedom from past patterns, and a daring readiness to innovate: such are the paths of achievement for you now.

Jupiter in Libra The ties that bind, the harmonious integration of opposites, the perfect balance: these are the keys to your greatest opportunities now. Marriage and other close personal relationships tend to offer bright prospects, and you have a deep yearning to experience the fulfillment they can bring.

Saturn in Sagittarius The new phase now beginning in your life brings a need to break out of narrow concepts and legalistic philosophical or religious ideas. Remember: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” Opportunities to broaden your mental horizons may not come with ease, but they are essential if you are to avoid a kind of spiritual stagnation.

Uranus in Aries A clean break with the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and originality set you apart.

Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?

Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place…

The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.

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Last Week in Astrology – December 4 to 10, 2016