This Week in Astrology

This Week in Astrology: December 22-28, 2024

 

December 22nd to 28th, 2024

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On this Page:

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

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The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Sunday, December 22nd 2024, at 5:18 PM EST. 

The Last Quarter Moon is exact when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square with the Moon in Libra on Sunday afternoon.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a mini-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.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes descent into unconsciousness. Still, we have a more mature grasp of our situation. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon.

We might ponder the revelations we may have had last week, considering what they mean to us and what we might do about them.

The Last Quarter Moon Chart:

This phase of the Moon occurs at 1 degree and 34 minutes of Libra square the Sun at the same degree of Capricorn, affecting planets at approximately 0 to 4 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) the most.

NEXT WEEK:

The NEW MOON will occur on Monday, December 30th 2024, at 5:27 PM EST. 

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(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21-January 19. 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 Sagittarius from November 2, 2024-January 8, 2025 [Lengthier than usual due to a Mercury retrograde cycle that occurs entirely in the sign of Sagittarius from November 25th to December 15th]. 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.

Venus is in Aquarius from December 7, 2024-January 2, 2025. We move towards unconventionality, independence, and freedom as themes in our social relationships under this influence. Aquarius can be just as faithful as Capricorn, but it has to be on its own terms! Experimental relationships are more intriguing now.

Being friends as well as lovers is important to us during this cycle. Allowing one another freedom of expression, and treating others fairly, unselfishly, and impartially, are themes now.

We treat people as equals and take our friendships, causes, and interests seriously. We prize intellectual stimulation and companionship. Income boosts come through innovative ideas. We can remake traditions and approach things unconventionally. Being true to ourselves is of the utmost importance in our relationships. Venus-in-Aquarius is a friendly but aloof period.

Mars is in Leo from November 3, 2024, to January 6, 2025, and then April 18-June 17, 2025. [Why so long and in two steps? Mars transits Leo, but then turns retrograde on December 6th, 2024. While retrograde, Mars returns to Cancer (on January 6th, 2025). Mars turns direct on February 23rd and then enters Leo again on April 18th.] In Leo, Mars is proud, self-confident, and grand. We are spirited and have grand goals. We go after what we want in a direct, self-assured manner, desiring dramatic results. We prefer not to worry about details, and take the least complicated route to our goals. The sex drive is strong, and passion for life is high.

Mars in Leo can awaken a competitive spirit or drive. We’re more willing to take risks to get what we want. We also tend to make a splash, and we want to be in the driver’s seat. This transit is passionate, ardent, and dramatic. We seek to appear strong and prefer to be in the lead or the center of attention. We can be particularly angry if we feel disrespected or in an undignified position.

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Jupiter is in Gemini.

Jupiter began its transit of Gemini on May 24th, 2024, and continues its transit of the sign until June 9th, 2025. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Gemini.

Saturn transits Pisces from March 7th, 2023 until May 24th, 2025, and Sep 1st, 2025, to Feb 13th, 2026. Read about Saturn’s transit of Pisces. Saturn will enter Aries on May 24th, 2025.

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.

Pluto is in Aquarius. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Note that Pluto finally completed its journey through Capricorn on November 19th, 2024, from which time Pluto will stay in Aquarius for many years to come.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Aquarius from December 7, 2024, to January 2, 2025. While Venus was in Capricorn, we valued enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We took expressing our feelings seriously, and we also took our sweet time warming up to others! Generally, we kept our “cool” in relationships. With Venus now in Aquarius, we still keep our “cool” in relationships, but in a detached and impersonal sort of way. Unconventional set-ups become more appealing.

Bringing the spirit of friendship into romantic relationships is a positive use of Venus in Aquarius energy. Relationships that fairly scream “alternative” appeal to us now. It’s all about being open-minded and somewhat detached with Aquarius energy dominating the love arena. With Venus in Aquarius, it may be better to approach dating casually, with no expectations and no strings. Melodrama and emotionalism are not in favor. We may also find ourselves attracted to–or attracting–people who are not our usual “type.”

This week: On Monday, we’re letting love in. It’s easy to connect with and embrace our feelings and romantic needs–we’re ready to open up and be more vulnerable.

On Friday, we can be flighty with one another and unsure whether we want to be close to someone or free from ties temporarily. We can experience surprising revelations about our sense of independence. We can be dodging commitments, preferring to keep our options open.

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

Venus in Aquarius A love for the unusual, a distaste for stodgy old rules and conventions, a feeling that you’re above the petty bourgeois stuff and nonsense: that’s what a new cycle brings into your life now. (“I love humanity; it’s people I can’t stand!”) Unconventional romantic and social connections are likely at a time like this.

Venus trine Jupiter December 19. Harmony and good will reign under this influence. Expansive feelings in love, and a feeling that anything is possible if we set our sights high enough, are experienced now. We are friendly, big-hearted, sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to make social contacts under this influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence in love and social matters.

Venus contra-parallel Uranus December 19. Questions of freedom, change, specialness, and experimentation are raised in our relationships.

Venus sextile Chiron December 23. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

Venus square Uranus December 27-28. We might have to deal with issues of freedom versus intimacy during this period. Peculiar or impulsive attractions are exciting, but unlikely to last very long. Treat them as passing fancies, and enjoy them while they last–but try to hold off on making any big decisions with regards to love today.

Venus quincunx Mars January 3. When we attempt to be friendly, we seem to miss the mark. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Our romantic sensibilities and our desires are at odds with one another, and problems (especially misunderstandings) in romantic and sexual relationships may result. This is a less-than-ideal transit under which to begin a new relationship.

 

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, December 22nd, from 8:27 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Neptune), until the Moon enters Libra at 2:08 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, December 24th, from 5:45 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Wednesday, December 25th, at 3:07 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, December 27th, from 9:25 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Neptune), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 2:47 PM EST.

December 2024:

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

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

The Moon is waning this week, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some 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 Sunday, December 22nd, at approximately 6:20 PM EST, until Tuesday, December 24th, at approximately 5:40 AM EST, while the Moon is in Libra. Note that Mars is retrograde during this period.

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:

Nov  2
, 2024, 3:17 PM, Mercury enters Sagittarius
*** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov  3, 2024, 3:35 AM, Juno enters Scorpio
Nov  3, 2024, 11:09 PM, Mars enters Leo
Nov 11, 2024, 1:26 PM, Venus enters Capricorn
Nov 15, 2024, 9:21 AM, Saturn Direct at 12 Pisces 42
Nov 19, 2024, 3:39 PM, Pluto enters Aquarius
Nov 21, 2024, 2:56 PM, Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 25, 2024, 9:42 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 22 Sagittarius 40
Nov 30, 2024, 5:35 PM, Pallas enters Capricorn
Dec  6, 2024, 6:33 PM, Mars Retrograde at  6 Leo 11
Dec  7, 2024, 1:13 AM, Venus enters Aquarius
Dec  7, 2024, 4:13 AM, Ceres enters Aquarius
Dec  7, 2024, 6:43 PM, Neptune Direct at 27 Pisces 08
Dec 15, 2024, 3:56 PM, Mercury Direct at  6 Sag 24
Dec 21, 2024, 4:20 AM, Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 29, 2024, 4:13 PM, Chiron Direct at 19 Ari 00
Jan  2, 2025, 6:09 PM, Vesta enters Scorpio
Jan  2, 2025, 10:24 PM, Venus enters Pisces
Jan  6, 2025, 5:44 AM, Mars Rx enters Cancer
Jan  8, 2025, 5:30 AM, Mercury enters Capricorn
Jan 11, 2025, 6:01 PM, True Node Rx enters Pisces
Jan 19, 2025, 3:00 PM, Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 27, 2025, 9:52 PM, Mercury enters Aquarius
Jan 30, 2025, 11:22 AM, Uranus Direct at 23 Tau 16

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

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview and The Astrology of 2025 – Overview.

Explore more astrological events in my calendar.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Venus sextile Chiron. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are more open to intimacy and commitment, as well as learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships.

Jupiter square Saturn. We’re forced to do things by the book, but may not want to. This is not the time to take shortcuts–they won’t work. When we think in big terms, or if we have the urge to expand, we confront obstacles or we are forced to face reality. Some re-structuring of our lives and of our business goals is now in order. We may be looking for new challenges, sometimes because we are forced to do so (because things are not going exactly as we had planned). We have a desire to grow and expand, but our attitude is tempered with some caution and feelings of restriction. There is no “easy fix” just now. It is best to breathe new life into old plans rather than to strike out with a new plan altogether. Take steps to grow, but don’t overextend yourself at this time or you are bound to face frustrations.

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.”

Mercury opposition Jupiter. In an attempt to attach greater meaning to our thoughts and ideas, we may exaggerate, overstate, or overestimate. We strive to find both meaning and purpose to our lives. However, it is all too easy to miss or neglect important details. Our ideas and plans may be too grandiose just now. Lack of clear mental focus, but we may make measurable progress if we can focus.

Mercury square Saturn. Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge during this transit due to obstacles. Communications may be blocked or delayed, and negative thinking could dominate at this time. Projects we thought were complete may need revision, and others could appear overly critical, insensitive, or sarcastic. It’s difficult to trust our instincts, and we second-guess things automatically under this influence. Avoid signing on the dotted line at this time.

Venus square Uranus. Values and tastes may clash, and group activities may suffer as a result. Impulsive attractions to both people and material goods can lead us astray. Avoid impulse buys at this time. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness is probable in romantic relationships. We may not see eye to eye, and we might be taken off guard by unexpected events. This is not a favorable aspect for beauty treatments because they could have unexpected results. We may struggle with freedom versus intimacy issues at this time. Hold off on decision-making with regards to finances.

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.

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. Explore Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview and The Astrology of 2025 – 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 22

The Moon continues in the sign of conscientious Virgo until 2:08 PM EST, when it heads into balanced Libra. The Last Quarter Moon occurs at 10:31 PM in Libra, and this phase of the Moon points to a possible 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 begin to see what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon when something new is born again. It’s not the best time to start a significant project, but we might begin to finish up the details of whatever we conceived at the last New Moon. Ideally, we’re arriving at a more mature view of a project or situation. The Sun heads toward a quintile with Saturn, and a responsible theme emerges. We tend to sort, categorize, and create order now. There can be a willingness to make sacrifices if it seems the best way to make improvements.

The Moon is void from 8:27 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Neptune), until the Moon enters Libra at 2:08 PM EST.

DECEMBER 23

The Sun forms a square to the North Node of the Moon this morning, pointing to dissatisfaction and disagreement. We could be moving in directions counter to our growth, perhaps allowing matters of ego to work against us. Circumstances may take us out of our comfort zone, which feels disruptive and counter-productive at first glance, but might ultimately redirect us in helpful ways.

Today’s Venus-Chiron sextile is forgiving. We’re open to learning to overcome our insecurities. We more easily identify the needs and desires we’ve suppressed, and getting into a healthier relationship with these buried needs can help. We’re more inclined toward intimacy and sharing and see beauty in our imperfections. As we learn what we genuinely value, our choices and decisions about relationships and finances improve. Today’s Libra Moon is accommodating, and its harmony with Mercury and Jupiter promotes cooperation and communication.

DECEMBER 24

Jupiter forms a square with Saturn today, and this is the second of three perfections of this outer-planet transit with longer-term influence. The previous perfection was on August 19th, and the next and final one is on June 15th, 2025, although the third perfection will occur while Jupiter is in Cancer and Saturn is in Aries. Currently, Jupiter is in Gemini, and Saturn is in Pisces. With this transit, circumstances present us with an opportunity for personal or professional growth, although the rewards may be delayed. We must restructure our lives or plans in accordance with rules, laws, limits, and the demands of reality. Ultimately, this process can lead to a stronger, more resilient version of ourselves or our projects.

This can be a time of temporary fluctuating finances, increased personal commitments, sudden obstacles to our goals, energy dips, or ups and downs with our faith/outlook. We might ask ourselves, “Why am I doing this?” What for?” or “What’s the point?” more frequently. There can be a sense that we’re not in the right place at the right time. During this period, it’s crucial to breathe new life into old plans rather than strike out with a new plan altogether. We may need to make sacrifices in one area of our lives to grow in another. It’s important not to overextend ourselves now and to avoid attempting easy fixes or shortcuts. The need to adjust our expectations is a natural part of the process, and with patience and perseverance, we can confidently navigate current obstacles and challenges.

As the day advances, the Sun approaches a quincunx with retrograde Mars, presenting some mild challenges and disrupting the flow. There can be a dilemma as what we want and what we think we should do are quite different. Tension is possible due to divergent needs or desires. Desires can be compelling, but we may be unsure how–or whether–to fulfill them. We may feel a little out of sorts, which can ultimately prompt us to make some valuable edits.

The Moon is void from 5:45 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Wednesday, December 25th, at 3:07 AM EST.

DECEMBER 25

The Moon continues its transit of Libra but soon enters Scorpio today at 3:07 AM EST. The Scorpio Moon encourages us to uncover the hidden layers of any given situation. With the Moon forming squares with Pluto and Mars this morning, we could be stubbornly sticking with issues or activities to our disadvantage. Defensiveness is possible. There can be changes or breaks in schedules or conditions. We should watch for emotional pressures or manipulations, as we tend to act out, take unnecessary risks, or seek extra stimulation. However, the Moon’s sextile to the Sun can help us find adequate and even beneficial channels for self-expression and release of emotions. We’re reasonable and resourceful under this transit.

The Moon is void until it enters Scorpio today at 3:07 AM EST.

DECEMBER 26

 

DECEMBER 27

 

The Moon is void from 9:25 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Neptune), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 2:47 PM EST.

DECEMBER 28

 

 

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 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.

When the Moon is in Scorpio

 Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won't work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

 The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

 

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 2024 – Overview

The Astrology of 2025 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits