This Week in Astrology: December 11 to 17, 2022

This Week in Astrology: December 11th to 17th, 2022

 

December 11-17, 2022

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Friday, December 16th, 2022, at 3:56 AM EST.

A Last Quarter Moon occurs early Friday, when the Sun in Sagittarius forms a square with the Moon in Virgo.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort of crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. We might consider recent revelations, what they mean to us, and our next steps. Going forward, it’s a better time to tie up loose ends, take inventory, and let go if necessary. We’re sorting out what does and doesn’t work for us.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 24 degrees and 22 minutes of Virgo square the Sun at the same degree of Sagittarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 22 to 26 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Sagittarius; Mercury is in Capricorn; Venus is in Capricorn; Mars is in Gemini.

The Sun is in Sagittarius from November 22-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 6-February 11. [This transit is longer than usual due to the upcoming Mercury retrograde cycle, occurring entirely in the sign of Capricorn, from December 29, 2022-January 18, 2023.] 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. Our survival instincts are strong–we’re interested in what will benefit us in the long term.

We’re not interested in the fluff, preferring to get right to a point or the bottom line. Communication can be somewhat guarded or cautious, and similarly not very floral or expressive. We gravitate to concrete subjects and information that’s logical, useful, and well-organized. We may prefer a methodical approach to studying. Our fantasies may be well-considered and possible, with realistic overtones.

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. At times, we might lack humor, or we’re inclined toward sarcasm when joking. We can be quite stubborn with our ideas and methods.

We can use this period to make solid, realistic plans and get organized. It’s a favorable time to advise, teach, or guide. Generally, we’re more concerned than usual with our reputation or responsibilities. Our dependability can reap rewards. We love to plan ahead and map out our next steps. Changes of schedule can be most disconcerting during this cycle.

Our reactions are sensible, cool, and level-headed while Mercury is in Capricorn.

Venus is in Capricorn from December 9-January 2. 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 increases.

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. We’re steadfast and seek genuine, perhaps old-fashioned connections. It’s not a time for PDA, and we can be somewhat guarded and reserved with expressing our feelings or revealing our relationships.

The underdog who works hard can have their time in the sun now. We value slow and steady effort and long-term prospects. Reliability in others is most attractive.

This cycle favors getting along well with higher-ups, conservative business goals and ventures, long-term investments, and matters related to pension.

Mars is in Gemini from August 20, 2022-March 25, 2023. [This is much longer than usual due to a Mars retrograde cycle from October 30, 2022-January 12, 2023.]

In Gemini, Mars is versatile and flexible but not especially determined or focused. We should watch for becoming so scattered that we’re ineffective. However, it’s an excellent period for diversifying our interests and understanding the power of our communications.

It’s an excellent time for strategizing and devising useful tactics to achieve our desires and goals. We’re resourceful and clever, and we know how to use words effectively.

Perhaps most notable during this period is our tactical skills. We know how to maneuver things to get our way. We use words to charm and express anger. We’re very talkative, and animatedly so, when passionate and enthusiastic about a topic.

Mars is retrograde from October 30, 2022, to January 12, 2023.

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Jupiter is in Pisces.

Jupiter was in Aries from May 10 to October 28, 2022 before it retreated into Pisces. This was part one of two, with the second and final part upcoming–from December 20, 2022, to May 16, 2023. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Aries.

Jupiter returned to Pisces on October 28th, and will continue in Pisces until December 20, 2022–the final part of three in the Jupiter-in-Pisces transit. Read more about the Jupiter in Pisces transit.

 

Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July 1, 2020, and from December 17th, 2020, until March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

Uranus is in Taurus.

Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. Above all, we’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle.

There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. In general, we’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money, are likely. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Capricorn from December 9-January 2. Venus in Capricorn is a cycle in which security and stability in our relationships are paramount. We are more cautious with our emotions and 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.

This week: On Wednesday, we fear the worst and see the flaws in our relationships temporarily. There can be some emotional distance or blockage, and ideally, it’s a time for reaching a new level of maturity and realism in your relationships.

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 square Jupiter December 8-9. We experience a strong desire for more pleasure in our lives, which can be excessive. Take care not to overstate your feelings or to set up unrealistic expectations in your partnerships. As well, take what your partner says with a grain of salt. There is no malicious intent involved, but feelings of elation can cloud our judgment, and we can promise more than we can deliver.

Venus sesquisquare Uranus December 10. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness. A desire to experiment in the romance department may be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying or frustrating.

Venus semi-square Saturn December 14. 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 square Chiron December 18-19. Not a commitment-friendly transit. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship.

Venus quincunx Mars December 18-19. When we attempt to be friendly, we seem to miss the mark. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Our romantic sensibilities and our desires are at odds with one another, and problems (especially misunderstandings)  in romantic and sexual relationships may result. This is a less-than-ideal transit under which to begin a new relationship.

Venus trine True North Node December 19. We are more concerned about harmonizing and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. We could feel lucky in love, and we could meet someone who is good for us. Fortunate connections might be made now.

Venus parallel Mercury December 19-20. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus trine Uranus December 21-22. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.

Venus parallel the Sun December 23-24. A strong desire for harmony and comfort fill us now. We may be moved to express our affections.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, December 11th, from 1:50 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Leo at 3:10 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, December 13th, from 10:53 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Wednesday, December 14th, at 3:46 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, December 16th, from 2:14 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Libra at 2:50 PM EST.

December 2022:

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

It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).

The Moon is waning this week, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, but with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs on Sunday, December 11th, from approximately 10:15 AM to 1:45 PM EST, while the Moon is in Cancer. Note that Mars is retrograde all week (until January 12th, 2023).

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Oct  5, 2022,
2:13 PM Vesta Direct
Oct  8, 2022, 5:55 PM Pluto Direct
Oct 10, 2022, 7:51 PM Mercury enters Libra
Oct 23, 2022, 12:07 AM Saturn Direct
Oct 23, 2022, 3:52 AM Venus enters Scorpio
Oct 23, 2022, 6:35 AM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 23, 2022, 9:05 AM Juno Direct
Oct 28, 2022, 1:10 AM Jupiter Rx enters Pisces
Oct 29, 2022, 3:22 PM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 30, 2022, 9:26 AM Mars Retrograde
Nov 16, 2022, 1:08 AM Venus enters Sagittarius
Nov 17, 2022, 3:42 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Nov 20, 2022, 4:18 PM Vesta enters Pisces
Nov 22, 2022, 3:20 AM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 23, 2022, 6:02 PM Jupiter Direct
Nov 30, 2022, 3:36 AM Pallas Rx
Dec  3, 2022, 7:15 PM Neptune Direct
Dec  6, 2022, 5:08 PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec  9, 2022, 10:54 PM Venus enters Capricorn
Dec 18, 2022, 6:27 PM Ceres enters Libra
Dec 20, 2022, 9:32 AM Jupiter enters Aries

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).

See also: The Astrology of 2022 – Overview or The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Sun sextile Saturn. We feel grounded and stable. It’s easy to stick to a specific task and make headway. Productivity may be slow, but it’s steady. We are taking into account practical considerations and we are especially aware of the element of time. We are more able to discipline ourselves and put our egos aside in order to get the job done.

Sun square Neptune. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on things that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct your willpower under this influence. It’s also a challenge knowing where you stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

  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.

Mercury square Chiron. Communications may be strained, and possibly hurtful or perceived as such. Misunderstandings are more likely now. Decisions may also be hard to come by, as we tend to doubt ourselves or the effectiveness of our ability to solve problems. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now.

Mercury quincunx Mars. What we do and what we think or say are different. Instead of listening to what others have to say, we end up interrupting them and making assumptions. This is not a good day to make important decisions, as our thinking simply isn’t clear.

Mercury trine Uranus. This is an opportune time to attend meetings and other organized group activities, to communicate online, and to take part in activities involving computers, scientific projects, and metaphysics. Unexpected gains may be realized through such mediums. The intuition is strong, and insights seem to come from “out of the blue”. Original, creative ideas are easy to come by.

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.

See also: The Astrology of 2022 – Overview and The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

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

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

See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

DECEMBER 11

The Moon continues its transit of Cancer until 3:10 PM EST, and we seek familiarity, safety, and quiet. While this mission can clash with our ambitions or calls from the outside world this morning, we quickly discover ways to harmonize and express our needs for nurture. This Moon transit can stir a need to connect with our roots. After 3:10 PM, we can feel more free-spirited but remain friendly and willing to share. We take more pride in our actions and creations. We’re likely to enjoy helping people, teaching, and growing through our connections.

The Moon is void from 1:50 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Leo at 3:10 PM EST.

DECEMBER 12

Today’s Sun-Saturn sextile supports disciplining ourselves to bring more purpose and practicality to our lives. This time of increased self-awareness leads to realistic plans and goals. This influence keeps our feet on the ground. We’re giving our priorities extra attention and our best efforts. We prefer conservative, safe moves now – slow and steady suits us fine. We feel grounded and stable. It’s easy to stick to a particular task and make headway. Considering the practical side and time/energy limitations make for better planning. Sun-Saturn gives us a sense of rhythm and helps us pace ourselves. It’s also a good time to humble ourselves to sage advice.

DECEMBER 13

The Moon spends the day in Leo, encouraging our honorable, proud, and loving qualities. We might seek channels for expressing personal emotional drama or creative potential. We’re generally confident and prepared to take on whatever comes our way. The Leo Moon’s opposition to Saturn early today points to feeling blocked, however. Rules and limitations come into play, and adjusting our plans may be in order. However, with today’s Sun-Uranus biquintile, we embrace our uniqueness. We more readily find channels for expressing our need for change and progress in creative and unique ways today.

The void Moon occurs from 10:53 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Wednesday, December 14th, at 3:46 AM EST.

DECEMBER 14

With today’s Sun-Neptune square, we can struggle with our direction. If we’ve lacked inspiration or motivation, we can feel it more acutely now. This influence tends to diffuse energy and blur boundaries. We may deal with disorganization, impracticality, or a temporary energy drain. Ideally, we come up with ideas for refueling. This transit challenges us to consider our needs for inspiration and imagination, which might conflict with our plans and goals. We may need to confront the areas of our lives where reality isn’t measuring up to our ideals. Until we find ways to incorporate more spirit into our lives, it’s hard to feel motivated. Still, it can be a time of increased spiritual awareness and vision, even if we initially struggle with this. There may be detours or distractions to deal with now. Sun-Neptune amps up uncertainty, and we can either go with that flow or resist it and feel a little lost temporarily until we regroup.

A Venus-Saturn semi-square is also in play, and there can be some diffidence in our interactions. With this transit, we can be cool with our sentiments and emotionally distant. Anxiety or troubles with our feelings and affections are likely. As the day advances, a Mercury-Chiron square comes into influence, pointing to possibly strained, unnatural communications. We can be more sensitive to criticism than usual. We may doubt ourselves when solving problems or learning and expressing ourselves. Even so, a temporary dip might boost our motivation to improve.

The void Moon continues today until the Moon enters Virgo at 3:46 AM EST.

DECEMBER 15

With a Mercury-Node trine this morning, we might connect with information or people that/who encourage us to grow, improve, or move forward. Mercury and Mars form a quincunx later today, however, and we can experience aggravation if we’re not understood or if we can’t seem to get where we want to go fast enough. What we do and what we think or communicate can be at odds. Listening isn’t our strong suit now–we’re inclined to interrupt and make assumptions. There could be better conditions for making important decisions, and we should watch for impatience.

DECEMBER 16

The Moon transits Virgo until 2:50 PM EST, encouraging our desire to help, sort, analyze, and organize. The Last Quarter Moon is exact as the Sun in Sagittarius forms a square with the Virgo Moon early today, signaling a time to review and sort rather than push something new. Until after next week’s New Moon, it’s a better time to tie up loose ends, take inventory, and let go if necessary. We might consider our recent revelations, what they mean to us, and what’s our possible next step. The Virgo Moon encourages our desire to acquire skills, excel at work, pay special attention to health, and assist others. With the Libra Moon from 2:50 PM forward, we seek to harmonize and balance our lives. This Moon transit helps us see the other side of a story or situation.

The void Moon occurs from 2:14 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Libra at 2:50 PM EST.

DECEMBER 17

Mercury forms a trine to Uranus today, encouraging inventiveness and fresh insights. With this mind-opening aspect, we seek the less obvious answers, and we can get to some exciting places on a mental level. We express ourselves in different or unique ways rather than fall back on old habits of thinking and communicating, and it’s successful. Conversations can be gently provocative, leading to new ideas and perspectives. Insights or creative ideas come suddenly, unexpectedly, and brilliantly. The Moon spends the day in Libra, and we’re finding ways to harmonize, balance, and connect.

 

 

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 Cancer

 The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

When the Moon is in Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

When the Moon is in Libra

Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others' approval is another.

The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2022 – Overview

The Astrology of 2023 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits