Astrology for December 2004 by Susan Heinz, Astrologer
In Sagittarius we move forward in expectation of the return of the light, an expansive fire sign devoted to a goal or purpose. The Sagittarian challenge is to maintain balance. Jupiter, the planet of Sagittarius is now in Libra, so there is an acceleration of growth for Sagittarius because karma, balance and relationship are so highlighted.
With Mercury going retrograde at the end of the November in Sagittarius, we are to review our belief systems. Be aware of communications and computers breaking down and delay in travel. As Mercury conjuncts Pluto three times during it’s retrograde sojourn, issues from the past can return for transformation to occur. This is exact on Dec 7. Be aware of intense discussions, disagreements and the revealing of hidden corruption. Mercury goes direct on Dec 19th.
The United States is in a time of testing. With Pluto, the energy of death, and destruction opposite the U.S. Mars, the planet of war, competition, and soldiers, we have seen fighting intensify in November. Ultimately this transit can lead to a transformation of our way of relating to the world and our use of force. This process continues for another year. Linked to this in the U.S. chart is a religious devotional quality. The planet involved is Neptune. On the densest level of manifestation, Neptune brings illusion of truth which acts as escapism from taking responsibility. Neptune’s placement in the U.S. chart says that there can be fanaticism about morals, with an intense attacking quality aligned with it. This aspect of the U.S. is also under the Plutonian influence of intensification, destruction and transformation.
On a higher level of manifestation, Neptune represents our true source of being, oneness from which the creativity of the universe unfolds, the life force that centers itself through each of us. In the time of the Aquarian age true knowledge replaces blind faith, people realize the power of group consciousness to create a unified world. As the transition happens between the Piscean and Aquarian Ages, the old power structures and consciousnesses make a defensive last stand. One of the characteristics of this transition is people giving their power to think and act responsively over to a big father image that can protect and punish, whether in the image of George Bush or the God.
With the energetic force of Pluto now demanding a transformation of this way of being, things will not go forward as planned from that kind of consciousness.
Venus and Mars now conjoin in Scorpio, exactly on Dec 5th. Relationships intensify. Passions increase, battles between those that seek diplomacy and those that seek to dominate, those that are passive and those that are active take place. Look into the heart of the relationship and take time to renew it by clearing the ground of resentment and unresolved issues. The time is for cleaning, clearing, and forgiving, like the winds that sweep the leaves off the branches and into the ground for renewal.
The new moon aligns with Pluto in Sagittarius on Dec 11. Situations in Iraq and other foreign relations intensify. The winter solstice takes place as the Sun moves into Capricorn, on December 21st. The return of the light is an ancient sacred experience for humanity and the planet earth. Ancient wisdom teaches us that we come from light, we are light. It is our sacred heritage. By the full moon of Dec 5th, Mars, Venus, Mercury and Pluto all align in Sagittarius, propelling us toward goals. As we move into the New Year with the 1st new moon of the year on January 5th, much more serious discussion and consideration takes place in terms of the governmental structures that we are building in our country. (Chiron opposite Saturn)
The Twelve Opportunities:
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): As the month begins you experience powerful encounters with another or others. There may be something you specifically want, be willing to let go of it in order to perceive the best action to take. At the end of the month your energy increases, enjoy yourself, movement, travel physical endeavors is highlighted.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): A significant relationship has challenged you. But you have opened to a deeper level of interacting because of it. You are in the process of transforming your day to day life through the clarity of seeing who you are, who they are. You now take risks to learn, to grow, to travel beyond the known.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): This is a very important time for you. You have experienced strong feelings. Past situations have come up for review, new ways of communicating are open to you. Deeply consider your beliefs about your life purpose and contribution and be willing to take the risks to creatively express yourself. The power is available to you to accomplish what you wish, but you must be aware that every thought and word contribute to the reality that you are creating.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): The mantra this month is to surrender as much as possible to walking the middle path. Don’t let extremes of judgment overwhelm your clarity. A deep psychic cleansing is taking place and if you listen carefully you will understand where your personality gets in the way of your heart’s direction. The December full moon brings surprises and revelations. Change is afoot. You truly begin to practice what you preach.
Leo (Jul 22- Aug 22): Aug 22): December brings powerful family experiences to which you must bring deep attentiveness. There is a transition happening this month. You show your ability to take hold of situations with grace and strength. A gift of love is experienced. Be sure and have that good book or solitary surfing experience to feed your psyche.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): It’s so important that you carve out time for yourself this month and retreat to where you can be with yourself. A deep change is occurring in your life. Clear old resentments, unforgiven situations and make way for a renewal. Be thoughtful of unconscious patterns and communications. You have the choice to hit the repeating ruts of your life or dip into this energy of rebirth. At the end of the month insights and movement come.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): You may be surprised at the intensity that you have felt lately. From the depths of you feelings, truths are being expressed. Be aware that this continues through December and shifts on December 18th. If people ask your opinion you are going to really give it! This could lead to transformations or hurt feelings. You have such a need now to move into your creative, dreaming self. When Mercury goes direct plans move forward.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): You are keyed into a strong direction right now, strong intention and strong desires. The challenge or the blessings is whether they are aligned or not. Your talents and/or your money are highlighted this month and you feel a call to service. At Christmas you feel a release of inner pressure and the ability to move forward with plans. You feel infused with new hope and enthusiasm and people around you benefit from it.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): As December roles in you are reflecting on the best way to go about things. Your life has been changing over the last number of years, but this month you feel the transformation happening. There are lots of social and group events happening with very positive results. At the end of the year and into January things really start moving for you. You are very aligned with your purpose.
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): The new moon of December 11 is an important clearing and seeding time for you. Retreat for a bit and release some of the “burdens” or responsibilities you carry. You are going through tremendous lessons around relationships and acceptance. Under the full moon in December you feel a strong connection with what and who you love.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Dynamics with friends and family is very interesting this month. An intense communication arises. Take your time before responding because it may be triggering an old issue that carries more weight than the situation merits. You are inspired to create change.
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): This is the time to reflect on your goals and purpose or to review where you now want to go. This can be a very fruitful creative month for you and in fact this continues through the spring of next year. This month you will be inspired through a dream, a meditation or a long walk and begin a new project. A gift is being given to you.
Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer & teacher in Santa Cruz for 20 years. She brings together traditional & esoteric astrology, Indian Vedic astrology, tarot and Qabalah in her integration of astrological wisdom. For info on her astrology classes and personal consultations, call 831 476-5787.
