This Week in Astrology: December 16 to 22, 2018

This Week in Astrology: December 16 to 22, 2018

 

December 16 to 22, 2018

 

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and 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 22nd, 2018, at 12:48 PM EST. 

On Saturday, a Full Moon occurs when the Cancer Moon exactly opposes the Capricorn Sun. The Cancer-Capricorn polarity deals with the balance between the private life, domesticity, the need for a home base, and nurturance (represented by Cancer) versus the public life, career, reputation, and accountability (represented by Capricorn).

Attachments and love are ruled by Cancer, while achievements and rewards/punishments are ruled by Capricorn. In some ways, this polarity deals with the balance between unconditional love and conditional love. The Cancer Moon encourages us to value our home base and our roots, while Capricorn persuades us to consider our sense of duty and responsibility along public lines. While Cancer may be content to be dependent, Capricorn urges us to be grown-up and responsible. 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 balancing our commitment to our career and families. 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 time–a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 0 degrees and 49 minutes of Cancer opposite the Sun at 0 degrees and 49 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 27 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and approximately 0 to 5 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 Sagittarius until Friday, the 21st, when it enters Capricorn; Mercury is in Sagittarius; Venus is in Scorpio; Mars is in Pisces.

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.

The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21-January 20. 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.

Mercury is in Sagittarius from December 12, 2018-January 4, 2019. 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. Ideals are sought, 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.

Venus is in Scorpio from December 2, 2018-January 7, 2019. Deeply passionate relations are the focus with Venus in Scorpio. Superficial flirtations and contacts do not satisfy now, as we yearn for “body and soul” contact with someone special–contact that breaks the taboos, that is extreme and intense, and that is unforgettable. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them! Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is an “all or nothing” energy, and relationships tend to be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride as a result. Disdain for mediocrity and superficiality can compel us to create crises in order to feel alive and vital.

Mars is in Pisces from November 15-December 31. We tend to feel less motivated to go after traditional goals, and more motivated to pursue spiritual or emotional drives during this cycle. We dislike confrontation during this trend. Our output is variable rather than straightforward, and our energy is similarly up and down. We may put others’ needs ahead of our own, and our more idealistic side comes to the fore. During this cycle, going after what we want becomes less straightforward and more complicated!

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Saturn transits Capricorn from December 19/20, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here.

Jupiter entered Sagittarius on November 8th, 2018, and transits the sign until December 2nd, 2019. Read more about the Jupiter in Sagittarius transit.

Uranus transited Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6, 2019, to 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn how 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. 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. 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. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Uranus returned to the sign of Aries on November 6th, 2018, for a four-month stay.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011, and continued its transit of Aries until May 15, 2018, and then from November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019. 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 Scorpio from December 2nd, 2018, to January 7, 2019. Deeply passionate relations are the focus with Venus in Scorpio. Superficial flirtations and contacts do not satisfy now, as we yearn for “body and soul” contact with someone special–contact that breaks the taboos, that is extreme and intense, and that is unforgettable. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them! Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is an “all or nothing” energy, and relationships tend to be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride as a result. Disdain for mediocrity and superficiality can compel us to create crises in order to feel alive and vital. If a relationship becomes too settled or predictable, we may crave more intensity and catalytic experience. Jealousies, fears of betrayal, and power games are the shadow side of Venus in Scorpio. We may easily become obsessed with a fear that our partners might be betraying us, or that they are not as consumed and dedicated to the relationship as us. This can lead us to try to uncover the “truth”, reading too many negative possibilities in our partners’ actions and words.

This week: Venus forms a sextile to Saturn on Sunday, the 16th. It’s a great time to show our love through our actions, commitment, and reliability or loyalty. There can be some reluctance to commit or to show our affections on Wednesday, but Thursday and Friday are flowing, easygoing days for love and romance. We see the very best in people now, and this eases our interactions and takes the pressure off in personal relationships.

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

Venus in Scorpio December 2, 2018, to January 7, 2019. This is way beyond love, all the way to obsession – that’s the nature of the cycle that now takes hold in your life. We’re not talking just lukewarm WANT here; we’re talking red-hot GOT TO HAVE! Passion, jealousy, possession: these are the kinds of experiences that can flow from the intensity that courses through you at one level or another now – voracious.

Venus sextile Saturn December 15-16. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor.

Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron December 19-20. 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.

Venus trine Neptune December 20-21. We perceive romantic situations as if they were “designed” just for us. A magical, romantic time. The pleasures of life are experienced fully. Romance is highly favored. We see the very best in people now, and this eases our interactions and takes the pressure off in personal relationships.

Venus conjunct Ceres December 26-27. We can be feeling pleasantly attached, finding it natural and easy to nurture and support people in our lives, although we may take this a little too far.

Venus sextile Pluto December 28. Subtly powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Tuesday, December 18th, from 2:21 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus at 4:37 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, December 19th, from 7:42 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Thursday, December 20th, at 9:35 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, December 22nd, from 9:21 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 11:28 AM EST.

December 2018:

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

This week, the Moon is waxing until the Full Moon on the 22nd — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings with exceptions, after which the Moon is waning, which is generally considered unfavorable for brand new beginnings, again 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 from December 17th at 9:30 PM to December 18th at 2:20 AM EST, while the Moon is in Aries. Another window occurs on December 19th from approximately 3:00 AM to 7:40 PM EST while the Moon is in Taurus.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Oct 31, 2018
12:38 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Oct 31, 2018     3:42 PM Venus Retrograde enters Libra
*** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov  4, 2018     8:27 PM Pallas enters Libra
Nov  6, 2018     1:09 PM True Node Retrograde enters Cancer
Nov  6, 2018     1:59 PM Uranus Retrograde enters Aries
Nov  8, 2018     7:38 AM Jupiter enters Sagittarius
Nov 11, 2018     4:34 PM Ceres enters Scorpio
Nov 15, 2018     5:21 PM Mars enters Pisces
Nov 16, 2018     5:51 AM Venus Direct
Nov 16, 2018     8:33 PM Mercury Retrograde
Nov 22, 2018     4:01 AM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 24, 2018     8:08 PM Neptune Direct
Dec  1, 2018     6:12 AM Mercury Retrograde enters Scorpio
Dec  1, 2018     3:39 PM Vesta enters Aquarius
Dec  2, 2018    12:02 PM Venus enters Scorpio
Dec  6, 2018     4:22 PM Mercury Direct
Dec  9, 2018     2:52 AM Chiron Direct
Dec 12, 2018     6:43 PM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Dec 21, 2018     5:23 PM Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 23, 2018     9:55 PM Juno Direct
Dec 31, 2018     9:20 PM Mars enters Aries
Jan  4, 2019    10:40 PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Jan  6, 2019     3:26 PM  Uranus Direct
Jan  7, 2019     6:18 AM Venus enters Sagittarius
Jan 20, 2019     3:59 AM Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 24, 2019    12:49 AM Mercury enters Aquarius
Jan 25, 2019     1:05 PM Ceres enters Sagittarius
Feb  1, 2019     6:01 AM Vesta enters Pisces
Feb  3, 2019     5:29 PM Venus enters Capricorn
Feb 10, 2019     5:50 AM Mercury enters Pisces
Feb 10, 2019    11:21 PM Juno enters Gemini
Feb 14, 2019     5:51 AM Mars enters Taurus
Feb 18, 2019     4:07 AM Chiron 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 2018 – Overview and The Astrology of 2019 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Venus semi-square Sun. Inner discontent can spill over into our relationships, producing subtle tension. It’s best to get in touch with our needs and yearnings instead of overindulging or procastinating.

Venus sextile Saturn. Affections stabilize and mature. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships comes now. Small advances can be made in business and in partnerships. Support from older people or authority figures may come by way of solid advice or tangible help. Renewed ties to old friends are possible, or a new sense of responsibility in existing friendships.

Mars sextile Pluto. We are able to successfully focus on our goals, to take decisive action, and to go after what we want without stepping on others’ toes under this influence.

Mercury semi-square Pluto. “Suspicious minds” characterize this transit, although if we harness the energy, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of any matter. Mistrust, investigations. Some level of mental stress, trouble, or pressure.

Sun square Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong, but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different. We might experience a lack of faith in our own decisions. We could too easily follow others’ leads due to self-doubt, or simply to please them and out of fear of asserting our own desires.

Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron. Blocks to intimacy are possible now as we focus on differences rather than similarities in our relationships with others. We might have a hard time learning from one another as a result.

Sun trine Uranus. An original, unique approach to life is in order with this transit, and works to our benefit. Flexibility is the key to success at this time, and pleasant changes are in store. We may make some creative changes and discoveries, experiment with new possibilities, or invent a new way of doing things. This is a dynamic and exciting period, one in which taking advantage of unusual or unconventional opportunities may reap rewards.

Venus trine Neptune. We are more attuned to the world of beauty, the arts, and the imagination. Compassion, harmony, kindness, and openness characterize this transit. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. This can be a “magical” time on a romantic and social level. The pleasures of life are experienced fully. We see the very best in people now, and this eases our interactions and takes the pressure off in personal relationships. Romance is highly favored.

Mercury conjunct Jupiter. We can visualize in broader terms and see the “big picture” now. Travel is favored, all things equal. We are optimistic, which can help us attract positive circumstances. This is a good time to submit ideas, applications, and so forth, all things equal. This is a time of thinking on a grand scale and long-range planning. Details and mundane affairs do not interest us as much as the big picture does. We are prone to exaggerating the facts due to enthusiasm. Expressing ourselves verbally comes easily, and public relations and negotiations run especially smoothly. This is a time for making long-range plans, seeing the big picture, and thinking about what is really important to us in the long run.

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 2018 – Overview and The Astrology of 2019 – Overview.

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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 new Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trends overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

DECEMBER 16

A Sun-Venus semi-square this morning can point to some unrest and dissatisfaction that may be difficult to understand. There can be a tendency to overindulge under this influence. Irritations that seem to stem from others could be the reflection of our own inner uneasiness. We might look for a creative solution for our discontent now, and try to worry less about what others may be thinking of us. Helping us along is a Venus-Saturn sextile, which can act to stabilize affections or bring them to a mature, realistic place. We can make some headway by paying attention to tradition and approaching matters in a structured way. Small advances can be made in business and partnerships. We are more responsible with others and with our own feelings and affections. This can be a time for finalizing a matter that first surfaced in September but wasn’t yet clinched or was only teased until now. The Moon spends the day in pioneering Aries, and we can readily tap into its courage as the day advances and Mars, Aries’ ruler, heads towards a sextile to Pluto, exact very early tomorrow. We benefit from a patient and deliberate approach rather than pushing for immediate action. We are intelligent and strategic when it comes to finding ways to pursue our desires and goals. We feel particularly equipped to take decisive action under this influence.

DECEMBER 17

The Moon in Aries all day is good for rediscovering ourselves and reconnecting with our desires. We may want to explore new options as a result of this reawakening or a newfound sense of self. Otherwise, we might feel restless and agitated, particularly around the Moon’s square to Pluto this morning. Later today, the Moon and the Sun form a harmonious trine, and we feel more confident and secure. There can be a satisfying sharing of power and the mutually beneficial pursuit of desires in our relationships. However, a Mercury-Pluto semi-square can find us feeling skeptical. This influence can excite some tension or mental distress and worry. We’re somewhat mistrustful under this influence, although if we harness the energy and use it for good, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of a matter.

DECEMBER 18

The Moon completes its transit of Aries at 4:37 AM EST, after which it makes its way through stable, sensual Taurus. With a Taurus Moon, we crave comfort and predictability, and the Moon’s trine to Saturn today provides these things. Our emotions are steady, and common sense rules when it comes to handling domestic matters, money, and work. We tend to resist change and to fall back on old habits and patterns today, and we’re encouraged to simplify or bring order to our lives now.

The Moon is void from 2:21 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus at 4:37 AM EST.

DECEMBER 19

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Taurus, harmonizing with Neptune, Pluto, and Mars. This transit helps to soothe and calm us down. It’s a good time to savor the moments and enjoy gentle motivation to take care of the things most dear to us. A Sun-Chiron square, however, can point to insecurity or uncertainty about our direction, convictions, or purpose. A dip in confidence or faith in our resolutions or principles can lead to following others’ leads, which can later be regrettable.

The Moon is void from 7:42 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Thursday, December 20th, at 9:35 AM EST.

DECEMBER 20

The Sun’s trine to Uranus today suggests that flexibility is the key to success, and pleasant changes may be in store. This aspect brings out the visionary in us. We may make some creative changes and discoveries, experiment with new possibilities, or invent a new way of doing things. Taking advantage of unusual or unconventional opportunities may reap the rewards. An original, unique approach to life is in order and works to our benefit. This energy serves to detach us just enough to be able to embrace change or to move forward in some manner. There is some tendency to keep our emotional distance in your relationships today with Venus and Chiron in dynamic aspect. The Moon continues its transit of Taurus until 9:35 AM EST when it enters curious, adaptable Gemini.

The Moon ends its void today when it enters Gemini at 9:35 AM EST.

DECEMBER 21

Today’s Moon is in Gemini, and we’re looking for mental stimulation and variety now. The Venus-Neptune trine helps us smooth over rough edges in our relationships today. This is an exceptionally gracious, compassionate, and open energy. We see the very best in people now, and this eases our interactions and takes the pressure off in personal relationships. Romance is highly favored. Mercury and Jupiter align today, and verbal expression flows smoothly. This is an excellent time to come to agreements and resolutions. We see the big picture and think about what is truly important to us in the long run. We’ve seen this aspect two other times, first in late October and then again while Mercury was retrograde in late November. While there may have been false starts, we’re now fully onboard. The Sun enters Capricorn today and will transit the sign until January 20th. We are motivated by feelings of responsibility, ambition, and respect for law and order during this cycle. Capricorn derives much satisfaction in completion and accomplishment. Standards, structures, and an appreciation for order are Capricorn themes. We seek tangible results, and we know what is feasible and what is not. We’re most comfortable working within an established framework and known boundaries or limits. Working towards a long-term goal is most satisfying with this influence.

DECEMBER 22

The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 11:28 AM EST, and a Full Moon occurs shortly after that as the Cancer Moon exactly opposes the Capricorn Sun. The Cancer-Capricorn polarity deals with the balance between the private life, domesticity, the need for a home base, and nurturance (represented by Cancer) versus the public life, career, reputation, and accountability (represented by Capricorn). Balancing these themes is the goal now. While our ambitions are stimulated, we’re also called upon to consider how we feel about our goals. 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. We can feel compelled to express our feelings. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which began at the New Moon. It is an emotional time–a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

The Moon is void from 9:21 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 11:28 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 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.

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.

 

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 2018 – Overview

The Astrology of 2019 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits