This Week in Astrology: December 12 to 18, 2021

This Week in Astrology: December 12-18, 2021

 

December 12 to 18, 2021

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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 FULL MOON occurs on Saturday, December 18th, 2021, at 11:35 PM EST.

Saturday night, the Full Moon occurs as the Sun in Sagittarius forms an opposition to the Moon in Gemini.

The Gemini-Sagittarius polarity is a mental axis, where Gemini represents the “lower mind” and Sagittarius represents the “higher mind.” A Gemini Moon encourages us to think logically, while Sagittarius persuades us to think in a far broader manner. Sagittarius symbolizes the quest for meaning and ideas that expand upon the here and now. Gemini is quite comfortable in its immediate environment or neighborhood, while Sagittarius stimulates us to venture beyond. Gemini takes care to communicate tactfully and to extend friendly gestures, while Sagittarius can ignore these elements while seeking higher truths.

Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do. This Full Moon is about communication, attitude, and sense of adventure. Something has been building inside of us, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them.

The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional period–a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic illumination occurs in our own lives. However, these feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems.

Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is not particularly rational as yet.

The Full Moon in Gemini is curious and hungry for ideas and information. It can bring sudden awareness to our lives and a rather urgent “need to know,” to get an important message across, to finish a communications project, or to make an announcement. Travel and communications are in sharp focus.

This Full Moon is widely square Neptune and tightly in harmony with Jupiter, suggesting our ideals are strongly stimulated. While we may wrestle with expectations in spots, it’s a time for believing in what we’re doing. It’s a good time to see progress or a turning point on recent new beginnings.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 27 degrees and 29 minutes of Gemini opposite the Sun at 27 degrees 29 minutes of Sagittarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 23 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and 0 to 1 degree of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Above is a chart wheel of the same Full Moon chart with additional points.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Sagittarius; Mercury is in Sagittarius to the 13th, after which Mercury is in Capricorn; Venus is in Capricorn; Mars is in Scorpio until the 13th, after which Mars is in Sagittarius.

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 Sagittarius from November 24-December 13. When Mercury is in Sagittarius, our thinking shifts from a need to plumb the depths of any given situation to the desire to learn about a wide range of topics. We seek ideals, our thinking is more optimistic, and our faith increases. We are more equipped to believe and to persuade. What is fair and unfair concerns us most now. However, we are not always very precise under this influence.

We’re more inclined to ask questions and seek answers during this forward-looking cycle. We might often wax philosophical, and we enjoy wrapping our minds around new concepts and ideas. Still, the details are not as interesting to us now, as we prefer to envision the big picture.

On the downside, we can be inconsistent and lack attention to details. While frank and open, we can also be tactless during this period. We’re generous with our communications and input, and we’re humorous and friendly at this time.

Mercury is in Capricorn from December 13, 2021-January 2nd, 2022. 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 November 5, 2021-March 6, 2022. [This is longer than usual due to the Venus retrograde, occurring entirely in the sign of Capricorn, from December 19, 2021-January 29, 2022.] 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 Scorpio from October 30-December 13. In Scorpio, Mars is driven and focused on getting what it wants. We are persevering, single-minded, and strong. The desire to experience our emotional depths, as well as the urge to penetrate the surface of life in order to explore deeper levels of existence, is powerful. We are fascinated with what others tend to repress, and are drawn to experiencing and understanding these things.

We are less inclined to avoid important issues now. In some ways, we are attracted to crisis, as we see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting. We would rather feel extreme emotions than nothing at all, as mediocrity or the “middle road” is felt to be unsatisfying.

Mars is in Sagittarius from December 13, 2021, to January 24, 2022. With a Sagittarius Mars, our actions are motivated by our ideals. We are bothered by routine, quickly becoming restless if we feel confined. We have a love of adventure, and of conquest–this is the position of wanderlust. We start projects or challenges with gusto, although we may tend to abandon them rather quickly. This may be because we set our sights too high!

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Jupiter is in Aquarius from December 19th, 2020, to May 13, 2021, and then from July 28 to December 28, 2021. Read more about the Jupiter in Aquarius transit. Jupiter is in Pisces from May 13th to July 28th, when it retreats into Aquarius. Jupiter returns to Pisces on December 28th, 2021. There will be another part to this 3-part act in 2022! 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 November 5, 2021, to March 6, 2022. 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 Saturday, the 18th, Venus and Mars head toward a parallel aspect, animating our feelings and affections. It’s the day before Venus turns retrograde, however, and it’s a good idea to avoid pushing ourselves or others in the love department.

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 conjunct Pluto December 10-11. An extraordinarily passionate time for relationships. We are focused and confident. There is a tendency to want–and to demand–a lot from a partnership or friendship. Powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions. Relationships begun under this influence are intense and passionate, deep and far from superficial, and can be quite possessive as well.

Venus parallel Mars December 18-19. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

Venus conjunct Pluto December 24-25. An extraordinarily passionate time for relationships. We are focused and confident. There is a tendency to want–and to demand–a lot from a partnership or friendship. Powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions. Relationships begun under this influence are intense and passionate, deep and far from superficial, and can be quite possessive as well.

Venus semi-square Mars December 26-27. Tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging.

Venus conjunct Mercury December 28-29. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, December 13th, from 9:52 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Tuesday, December 14th, at 3:11 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, December 16th, from 11:08 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Gemini at 3:43 PM EST.

December 2021:

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 waxing this week, which 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, a window of opportunity occurs this week on Monday, December 13th, from approximately 8:00 PM to 9:50 PM EST, while the Moon is in Aries.

The next window will occur on December 19th, from approximately 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM EST. However, Venus is stationing as it’s about to turn retrograde.

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 23,
2021 12:51 AM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 30, 2021 10:21 AM Mars enters Scorpio
Nov  5, 2021 6:44 AM Venus enters Capricorn
Nov  5, 2021 6:35 PM Mercury enters Scorpio
Nov  8, 2021 4:24 AM Pallas Direct
Nov 14, 2021 3:23 PM Juno enters Capricorn
Nov 16, 2021 9:04 AM Vesta enters Sagittarius
Nov 21, 2021 9:34 PM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 24, 2021 10:36 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Dec  1, 2021 8:22 AM Neptune Direct
Dec 13, 2021 4:53 AM Mars enters Sagittarius
Dec 13, 2021 12:52 PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec 19, 2021 5:36 AM Venus Retrograde
Dec 19, 2021 11:32 AM Chiron Direct
Dec 21, 2021 5:52 AM Ceres Retrograde enters Taurus
Dec 21, 2021 10:59 AM Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 28, 2021 11:09 PM Jupiter enters Pisces

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

See also: The Astrology of 2021 – Overview and The Astrology of 2022 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

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.

Sun semi-square Saturn. It’s hard to satisfy the ego today. We feel blocked by circumstances or others. It’s too easy to feel discouraged, but discouragement is a time waster. Gratitude isn’t forthcoming right now, so it’s best to wait it out rather than waste energy letting it get to you.

Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus. During this transit, we feel the need for action, but if we don’t know where we’re headed, we might take the wrong turn. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, and we might feel a bit out of control. However, they could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

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.

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 2021 – Overview and The Astrology of 2022 – Overview (in progress).

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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 12

Early today, the Sun-Neptune square perfects, and we can struggle with our direction. If we’ve lacked inspiration or motivation, we can feel it more acutely now. Ideally, we come up with ideas for refueling. The Moon spends the day in Aries, aligning with Chiron and sextile Saturn this morning. We may feel drawn to problem areas so that we can repair them. We’re open to learning and healing, although we prefer these were self-directed. The Aries Moon is bold, action-oriented, and straightforward.

DECEMBER 13

The Moon spends another day in bold Aries. Both Mars and Mercury change signs and then form a semi-sextile. First, Mars moves into Sagittarius for a stay until January 24th. During this transit, our actions are heavily motivated by our ideals. We are bothered by routine, quickly becoming restless if we feel confined. We have a stronger love of adventure and conquest–this is the position of wanderlust. We start projects or challenges with enthusiasm, although we may abandon them quickly if they fail to hold our interest, perhaps if we’ve set our sights too high! Mars in Sagittarius defends its principles and sometimes takes it personally when others disagree.

On the other hand, Mercury leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricorn today, where it will transit until January 2nd. Our thinking is systematic, and our focus is sober and practical while Mercury transits Capricorn. It’s 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 are more logical, orderly, and organized. We’re especially skilled at sorting out what is relevant and essential. Realism more often enters the picture, our speech is no-nonsense, and precision becomes most valuable to us. We should be wary of becoming too rigid in our thinking and coming across as cold or harsh during this cycle. The difference between these two planetary influences is more pronounced today with the semi-sextile between Mercury and Mars. We either feel undecided or feel a need to rush decisions. We may not have an easy time putting our ideas into action just for now.

The void Moon occurs from 9:52 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Tuesday, December 14th, at 3:11 AM EST.

DECEMBER 14

The Moon moves out of Aries and into Taurus at 3:11 AM EST. The Taurus Moon helps moderate our pace and shield us from external pressures. Finances, belongings, comfort, and security can come into focus now. It’s a steady position of the Moon that encourages us to enjoy ourselves and what we have going for us. There can be a slowing down with this transit – a stabilizing of our feelings and considerably less urgency. We instinctively know that patience is required for matters to move forward naturally. Later today, with the Moon’s square to Saturn, our responsibilities to others can seem to clash with the pursuit of this stability or peace of mind.

The void Moon continues until the Moon enters Taurus today at 3:11 AM EST.

DECEMBER 15

The Moon spends the day in Taurus. The Moon in Taurus is stabilizing and practical. Its sextile to Neptune this evening ensures we’re also attending to our spiritual, emotional, or mental health needs. Mars aligns with the South Node of the Moon today, and we should watch for stubbornly holding onto or defending something that no longer supports our growth. However, if we can tap into our desire to make progress, changes we make now can create fresh opportunities that add to our feelings of joy and freedom. It can be a time of dynamic, positive group activities.

DECEMBER 16

The Moon continues its transit of Taurus until 3:43 PM EST, after which it moves through Gemini. We’re cooperative and focused in the first part of the day, but later, with the Moon’s opposition to Mars, we could find it difficult to see eye to eye with one another. The Sun forms a semi-square to Saturn, casting a serious tone to the day. We’re tuning into our sense of duty and desire to protect, control, and build. We’re cautious and serious-minded, and we could face challenges to self-expression. Responsibilities can weigh heavily on our minds. Gaining what we want is challenging under this influence, possibly due to negative expectations or a tendency to need more than what is currently possible.

The void Moon occurs from 11:08 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Gemini at 3:43 PM EST.

DECEMBER 17

The Moon spends the day in Gemini, and we seek more variety or mental engagement today. We’re communicative, connected, and curious with a Gemini Moon. The Sun forms a sesquiquadrate with Uranus, suggesting we want to make a move, but we may not know where to begin or where to go with our intentions just for now. While unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, they might also bring on new approaches, leading to useful, instructive, or interesting detours. With the Sun also semi-sextile Venus, we may feel that our quest for pleasure, affection, love, or comfort is at odds with what we think we should be doing, which can lead to mild tension or feelings of guilt, and perhaps some indecision. Seeking to fulfill both needs without doing so at the expense of the other can help resolve these problems.

DECEMBER 18

The Moon spends the day in Gemini, and it reaches full tonight at 11:35 PM EST, bringing information to light. It’s a time to release, reveal, or announce something, particularly communications or learning-related, to which you want others to catch on. It’s not ideal, however, for revealing a matter that you want to downplay since whatever comes to light now is likely to have some fanfare surrounding it. There can be a lot of information coming in today. We should aim to take it in and process everything before making important decisions. The coming days are powerful for new ideas, but they’re genuinely new and require more time to develop and mature. The Full Moon in Gemini is curious and hungry for ideas and information. It can bring sudden awareness to our lives and a rather urgent “need to know,” to get an important message across, to finish a communications project, or to make an announcement. Travel and communications are in sharp focus. However, Mercury forms a square to Chiron this evening, which can point to strained, unnatural communications, as well as a time when we can be a little more sensitive to criticism. We may doubt ourselves when solving problems or learning and expressing ourselves. Ideally, a temporary dip will boost our motivation to improve.

 

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 Aries

We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to begin 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.

People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.

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.

While the Moon is in Taurus, people can be emotionally constant but inflexible. It's a time of stronger focus on personal needs and comfort levels, and a period of more common sense and attention to practical matters.

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.

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

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 2021 – Overview

The Astrology of 2022 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits