This Week in Astrology: December 23 to 29, 2018

This Week in Astrology: December 23 to 29, 2018

 

December 23 to 29, 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 LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Saturday, December 29th, 2018, at 4:34 AM EST.

The Last Quarter Moon is exact when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square with the Moon in Libra. 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 a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. What revelations did you have last week? What did they mean for you? What can be done now?

This phase of the Moon occurs at 7 degrees and 36 minutes of Libra, square the Sun at 7 degrees and 36 minutes 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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LAST WEEK: The FULL MOON occurred on Saturday, December 22nd, 2018, at 12:48 PM EST. 

On Saturday, a Full Moon occurred when the Cancer Moon exactly opposed 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 occurred 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 Capricorn; Mercury is in Sagittarius; Venus is in Scorpio; Mars is in Pisces.

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 aligns with Ceres in the sign of Scorpio and harmonizes with Pluto on Wednesday through Friday. It’s a strong period for connecting with others. There may be a breakthrough in a love relationship or a deeper understanding/connection with someone we care about. Our attachments are pronounced now, and we may seek out deeper, richer contact. There could be a stronger sense that we must let something go in order to move forward.

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 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.

Venus trine North Node January 3-4. We are more concerned with harmonizing than usual and we 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 semi-square Saturn January 3-4. 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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, December 24th, from 9:51 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 11:59 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, December 26th, from 10:37 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 12:50 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, December 28th, from 11:27 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Libra at 3:24 PM EST.

December 2018:

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

This week, the Moon is waning this week — a period that is generally considered unfavorable 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 from Tuesday, December 25th, at approximately 5:40 PM, until Wednesday, December 26th, at approximately 10:35 AM EST, while the Moon is in Leo.

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

Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus. We can have flashes of insight, but tend to be scatterbrained. Our ideas and communications may not be well-received because they don’t seem to others to carry weight. Our minds are not peaceful or harmonious under this influence, and irritable tempers, sarcastic speech, and dogmatism are negative expressions of this energy. However, fresh and creative ideas may come to us now.

Mercury square Neptune. We find it hard to follow facts, directions, and instructions. Difficulties concentrating on hard, cold facts are likely; and we may question facts altogether or avoid being pinned down for answers. This is a bad time for signing on the dotted line. Perceptions are confused, unrealistic, or too idealistic to carry weight in the real world. Conversations may be vague.

Venus sextile Pluto. If we seize the opportunity, this is a good time for both finances and relationships. The feelings are impassioned, but not in an offensive or unpleasant way. We are focused and confident, and we appreciate depth of feeling and authenticity in our dealings with others.

Mars conjunct Chiron. We may have the opportunity to take the lead, or to take action, regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching now. This can be a time of a release of suppressed energies. We can feel a sense of mission. There is likely to be a feeling of fearlessness when it comes to addressing problem areas, and self-confidence as well. There is a drive to take positive action, usually to defend or help others (or ourselves).

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 23

The Moon spends the day in nourishing, receptive Cancer, and we can be quite nostalgic, rooted, and domestic. The Moon opposes Saturn and Pluto, and we may be frustrated by the little things that seem to go wrong or that pull us out of our shells or comfort zones. We can feel some tension due to our drives to perform or the demands of our responsibilities. The Cancer Moon seeks familiarity, but events, people, and circumstances seem to demand otherwise. Even so, we can readily adapt and turn tensions into winning situations now as the Moon harmonizes with Neptune and Venus and a Pluto-Juno trine point to an excellent time for sharing power effectively in our relationships, as well as for enjoying increased commitment and intensity or passion.

DECEMBER 24

A Mercury-Uranus aspect in force today can point to difficulties following a schedule. This is a scatterbrain aspect – we might have original ideas but difficulty conveying them or making them work just for now. As well today, Mercury forms a square to Neptune, and we can find it challenging to follow or clearly communicate facts, directions, and instructions. Perceptions may be confused or too idealistic, influenced strongly by wishful thinking and imagination. We may be dealing with deception or self-deception, and it can be difficult to be discriminating. Our minds open to many different possibilities and options, however. We can feel inspired, or we might be thinking in imaginative or possibly impractical ways.

The Moon is void from 9:51 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 11:59 AM EST.

DECEMBER 25

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Leo. Warmth, generosity, pride, and a sense for the dramatic are hallmarks of a Leo Moon. Creativity blossoms and we take pride in our accomplishments. Satisfaction comes from positive feedback from others. The Leo Moon is devoted, affectionate, and generous. We might seek out channels for expressing personal emotional drama or creative potential today, and the Moon’s trines to Jupiter and Mercury can be helpful in this respect. Our moral sense is strong, and we’re motivated to do right by others and to reach out and make connections. The Moon’s square to Venus in Scorpio today can complicate matters with conflicting needs for fun and intimacy and approaches that are light-hearted and serious.

DECEMBER 26

The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 12:50 PM EST, after which it transits detail-oriented Virgo. The Moon in Virgo harmonizes with the Capricorn Sun tonight, encouraging cooperation and focus. We can feel pleasantly motivated to take care of business, to get organized, or to attend to important details. We’re more goal-oriented and disciplined than usual. With Mercury and Pluto parallel today, we’re ready to get to the bottom of a matter. We might watch for pushing an issue too far now. Mars and the North Node are heading towards a trine aspect, and we’re motivated to grow, improve, and pursue our desires.

The Moon is void from 10:37 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 12:50 PM EST.

DECEMBER 27

Venus and Ceres align in the sign of Scorpio this morning, and we may be feeling pleasantly attached to people and pleasures in our lives, finding it natural and easy to nurture and support others. With the Moon in Virgo all day, we’re inclined to pull up our sleeves and get down to work. We crave organization and want to get things accomplished. This Moon transit encourages our desire to learn, acquire skills, excel at our work, pay particular attention to health, and help others. Virgo has to do some battle right now with its opposition to Neptune and squares to Jupiter and Mercury, but we’re likely to eventually see Virgo’s side even if part of us is resisting, and it’s a practical one.

DECEMBER 28

With Venus sextile Pluto, our feelings are intense, and we appreciate depth of emotion and authenticity in our dealings with others. This can be a good time for doing what we love, following our passions, or pursuing a pleasure more heartily than usual. We’re also heading towards a Mars-Chiron alignment in the sign of Pisces, and we may feel a sense of mission or gain increased courage to address problem areas in our lives, particularly related to emotions and attachments. There is a drive to take decisive action, possibly to defend or help others or to better ourselves. This conjunction lends a purposeful feel to the day – we are not only in firm touch with our feelings, but we’re ready to do something about them. Physical healing can assist with inner healing and vice versa. The Moon continues its transit of Virgo until 3:24 PM EST, after which it transits Libra.

The Moon is void from 11:27 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Libra at 3:24 PM EST.

DECEMBER 29

We can feel compelled to uncover something, perhaps a wound or emotional sore point, and to work on first feeling and then healing it. There can be some discomfort involved, but we are also quite drawn in. There can also be anger involved, but Mars in Pisces energy encourages feeling the hurt behind the anger. It’s a good day for really getting to the heart of a matter. Forgiveness can be very much a part of all of this as a way to heal and move forward. The Last Quarter Moon is exact early today with the Capricorn Sun’s square to the Libra Moon and points to a 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. This is in preparation for next week’s New Moon when something new is born once again. It’s not the best time to start a major project, but it’s good for finishing up details and tying up loose ends. The Moon spends the day in the sign of compromising Libra.

 

 

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 2018 – Overview

The Astrology of 2019 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits