This Week in Astrology: December 25 to 31, 2022

This Week in Astrology: December 25th to 31st, 2022

 

December 25-31, 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 FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Thursday, December 29th, 2022, at 8:20 PM EST.

On Thursday, a First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square with the Moon in Aries.

There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we become 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 8 degrees and 18 minutes of Aries, square the Sun at the same degree of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 6 to 10 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21-January 20. While the Sun is in Capricorn, we are motivated by feelings of responsibility, ambition, and respect for law and order. Capricorn derives much satisfaction in completion and accomplishment. Standards, structures, and an appreciation for order are Capricorn themes.

Capricorn wants tangible results, knows what is feasible and what is not, and is most comfortable working within an established framework and known boundaries or limits. Working towards a long-term goal is most satisfying with this influence.

We take a conservative approach to most matters during this month-long transit. Taking risks or making impulsive moves doesn’t suit us. We move ahead gradually but steadily and prosper by playing the long game–patiently working toward our objectives and taking care of our future. It’s a time when we expect eventual success by embracing step-by-step methods.

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 Aries.

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 occurring from December 20, 2022, to May 16, 2023. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Aries.

 

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 Tuesday to Thursday, there’s pleasant intensity and a strong desire to connect deeply, but we’re also open to romance. We can be quite sensitive to others’ needs and backstories. We’re also inclined to analyze our relationships or verbalize our affections.

Note that Venus aligns with Mercury shortly after Mercury turns retrograde, and with our tendency to communicate our feelings, we may misrepresent ourselves. We’re more expressive, although we may be living more in our heads than our hearts. Someone may be pushy or crude when we crave something more refined or subtle, or someone is being subtle when we crave a more straightforward approach.  There can be some minor missteps or restlessness.

On Saturday, our desires are complex and deep. We demand more from our relationships and pleasures, perhaps wanting to take them to a new level. Feelings are intense, insistent, and motivating.

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

Venus parallel Pluto December 27. 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 sextile Neptune December 27-28. Unusual attractions that add imagination, inspiration, and emotional “color” to our lives may occur now. We are attuned to the subtleties of human interaction, and we are more inclined to naturally cooperate with others. An imaginative, romantic time.

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

Venus sesquiquadrate Mars December 28-29. Tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging.

Venus conjunct Pluto December 31-January 1. 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 sextile Jupiter January 3-4. This aspect generates a happy, friendly, and optimistic attitude. People are a little more outgoing and sociable. Favors travel, education, and culture. Romantic opportunities. Harmony and good will.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Saturday, December 24th, from 10:12 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Sunday, December 25th, at 2:15 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Monday, December 26th, from 1:21 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Saturn), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Tuesday, December 27th, at 2:35 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, December 29th, from 1:21 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries at 5:37 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, December 31st, from 7:45 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 12:10 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 waxing this week, which is generally considered favorable 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 from Tuesday, December 27th, at approximately 9 PM EST, to Thursday, December 29th, at approximately 1:15 AM EST. 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 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
Dec 21, 2022, 4:48 PM Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 23, 2022, 4:31 AM Chiron Direct
Dec 29, 2022, 4:32 AM Mercury Rx
Jan  2, 2023, 9:09 PM, Venus enters Aquarius
Jan 12, 2023, 3:56 PM, Mars Direct
Jan 13, 2023, 1:31 AM, Juno enters Aries
Jan 18, 2023, 8:12 AM, Mercury Direct
Jan 20, 2023, 3:29 AM, Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 22, 2023, 5:58 PM, Uranus Direct
Jan 26, 2023, 9:33 PM, Venus 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 2022 – Overview or The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Venus sextile Neptune. We are more imaginative and attuned to the world of beauty and romance today. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level is possible now.

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.

Mercury conjunct Venus. Lighthearted conversations, sociability, humor, cooperation. Good time for socializing and for communicating with ease, telling others how we feel, and negotiating. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. Generally favorable for commerce.

Venus sesquiquadrate Mars. Potential tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating and invigorating.

Sun quincunx Mars. A tendency to fly off the handle easily characterizes this transit, due to inner tension between the will and performance. It’s hard to find satisfaction or a sense of peace at this time. We may feel decidedly “out of sorts.”

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 25

The Moon moves out of Capricorn and enters Aquarius at 2:15 AM EST, encouraging our progressive, inventive, and innovative side. We’re more intellectual and strive toward greater honesty and a broader viewpoint. Friends, community, groups, causes, and happiness goals can be in stronger focus now. We’re drawing upon our inner wisdom or sixth sense and intuition to understand what’s happening around us today. Previously hidden or unacknowledged talents may emerge.

The Moon is void until it enters Aquarius today at 2:15 AM EST.

DECEMBER 26

The Moon spends the day in fair-minded Aquarius. We see all sides of a matter, and we can be more invested in our friendships, connections, and community. This is a good time to put in effort towards progressive causes and projects or bring new, unique, and exciting elements to our work. New techniques or options can emerge. Still, there’s a serious, responsible, and ambitious tone to the day as the Moon aligns with Saturn early afternoon. Situations that require us to keep a cool head work best under this influence since we’re not easily swept away by our feelings. We’re inclined to buckle down and work, organize, and plan.

The Moon is void from 1:21 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Saturn), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Tuesday, December 27th, at 2:35 AM EST.

DECEMBER 27

The Moon moves into Pisces early today, at 2:35 AM EST, and the day is influenced by a Venus-Neptune sextile, exact very early tomorrow. We might open our hearts and connect with spiritual energies, compassion, and concern for others. These energies encourage us to find the best in people and our relationships or pleasures. We approach one another more gently and sensitively than usual. As we see the spiritual dimensions of our relationships, we embrace loving, non-possessive feelings. Ideally, this is a time for decompressing, winding down, and tapping into our intuition. We might put our faith into a cause, loved ones, or a pet project.

The void Moon continues today until the Moon enters Pisces at 2:35 AM EST.

DECEMBER 28

With the Venus-Neptune sextile early today, we’re more imaginative and attuned to the world of beauty. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. We are more sensitive to others’ needs and especially desirous of harmony, love, beauty, and balance. We are generous, compassionate, open, and vulnerable. However, the Sun’s semi-square to Saturn this afternoon can tune us into our sense of duty and desire to protect, control, and build. We’re cautious and serious-minded as the day progresses, 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. It’s also best to keep in mind that Mercury is about to station and turn retrograde (tomorrow morning), and wires can get crossed with our communications.

DECEMBER 29

Mercury stations and turns retrograde today in the sign of Capricorn, and it will continue its retrograde journey until January 18th. Some delays or information clogs are possible. With Mercury retrograde in Capricorn for the whole cycle, we may have little tolerance for small talk and tend to express ourselves after much deliberation. Plans may be considered and then reconsidered. We are in a good position to reevaluate professional or life path plans and goals. It’s also a fine time to explore what ambition or our reputation means to us. During this cycle, our thinking turns inward as we review and reassess matters. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness–times when meditation, journaling, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored more than usual. Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication and transportation can reconnect us to other, possibly more meaningful, means of connecting. The more difficult times are the periods of the shifts themselves (the days surrounding the stations — today and January 18th), after which we grow more and more accustomed to the motion.

Retrograde Mercury aligns with Venus today, and there can be a focus on analyzing feelings or relationships. We are inclined to chat, socialize, and flatter when Mercury and Venus meet, and with Mercury retrograde, we may be looking back and clarifying feelings or connections. It’s a cooperative influence that stimulates our desire for harmony and balance, and as a result, we may not dig too deeply. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, preferring to chat with others and to think about pleasant things. It’s a sociable time, but it’s also a time for looking back at old issues in a new, although possibly glossed-over, way. Whether or not glossing over is helpful may be the question — some things belong in the past. We can feel as if we are starting fresh, and indeed, our ideas feel new and exciting, even if we are doing some recycling of old perspectives.

We can experience uncomfortable feelings about others, possibly revolving around our values and tastes, or we find others too aggressive or brusque. Still, it can also be a time for recognizing the needs and desires that we’ve suppressed. Getting into a healthier relationship with these buried needs can help, but we must first unpack issues stirring now.

A First Quarter Moon occurs today at 8:21 PM EST when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square to the Moon in Aries. There can be stress, clashing, and discord, but also great energy, motivation, and growth. We can feel more ambitious and competitive. We want to get something going, but we may not know the next step or the exact direction we want it/us to take. The Aries Moon from 5:37 AM forward can be impatient but enterprising and straightforward.

The void Moon occurs from 1:21 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries at 5:37 AM EST.

DECEMBER 30

The Moon spends the day in direct, assertive Aries. However, the Sun forms a quincunx to retrograde Mars today, presenting some mild challenges and disrupting the flow. There can be a dilemma between what we want and what we think we should do. Tension is possible due to divergent needs or desires. Desires can be compelling, but we may be on the fence about how–or whether–to fulfill them. We may feel a little out of sorts, which can ultimately prompt us to make some useful edits.

DECEMBER 31

The Moon continues its transit of impulsive Aries until 12:10 PM EST, when it moves into earthy, stubborn Taurus. The Taurus Moon is steady and uncomplicated. However, we close the year and begin the new one with Venus-Pluto energy. Venus and Pluto align in Capricorn shortly into the day tomorrow, and we want to grow, change, or intensify our relationships, money, pleasures, or social lives–or grow ourselves through these things. It’s a time of intense feelings and a stronger connection with our more profound wants. However, we might try to sway, coerce, and manipulate others or demand more from our relationships or pastimes. This is a time when we can be incredibly focused and perhaps obsessed, especially when handling business and finances or in love and partnership. There is a tendency to want–and demand–more than usual from a partnership or friendship.

The void Moon occurs from 7:45 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 12:10 PM 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 Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

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 may not 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 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.

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