Astrology for December 2023
SUN, MOON & PLANETS THIS MONTH
note: all dates and times in this article are based on Universal Time Zone (UT)
© Pauline Gerosa Astrology Oracle 2023 Images & Text
Your Zodiac Sign This Month
The strongest influences to your birth sign will come from:
- planets passing through your Zodiac Sign
- New and Full Moons affecting your section of the Zodiac
- the current placement of your Ruling Planet and the connections it creates
- your Ruling Planet moving retrograde or direct
(see the list of ruling planets at the end of this post)
Movement of the Moon
The Moon passes through your Zodiac Sign 1-2 times per month. Because La Luna affects your moods and emotions you may find that your feelings are more sensitive when she is in your sector of the zodiac. Your instincts are intensified at this time, and you are at your most intuitive and imaginative. Read more about the Movement of the Moon
MOON VOID OF COURSE phases are when the Moon makes no more astrological connections to any planet before it moves into the next zodiac sign. Traditional astrology believes that anything important which is initiated during these times is unlikely to come to full fruition or reap the results that are anticipated, or hoped for.
THIS MONTH’S PLANETARY PLACEMENTS & PATTERNS
This article looks at highlights in December’s astrological cycles. Invite them to guide and empower your manifestation projects and ask for their assistance when you struggle to cope with the harsher aspects of life on Planet Earth.
Sagittarius Season began on 22nd November and ends on 22nd of this month when the Sun moves into third earth sign Capricorn at the December solstice. A solar blend of fire and earth elements creates an energy combination that is optimistic yet realistic. The sky is the limit so far as opportunities are concerned, so long as we are super diligent about accounting for the potential risks involved in achieving successful outcomes.
29 November-1 December Moon in Cancer square Chiron, North Node & Eris in Aries, trine Neptune in Pisces, square Venus in Libra, opposing Pluto in Capricorn. 1 December UT 13:05 Moon goes void of course until UT 16:00 when Moon moves into Leo.
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL no matter what is going on in the world around you, your fertile imagination provides you with a safe haven from suffering and sorrow.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS try not to allow other people’s heavy energies drag you down. Offer them your caring concern but be careful to ensure that your empathy will not be exploited.
1-4 December Moon in Leo trine Ceres, Mars & Sun in Sagittarius, square Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, trine Chiron, North Node & Eris in Aries. 4 December UT 02:09 Moon goes void of course until UT 03:50 when Moon moves into Virgo
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL Opportunities to express the urge to explore what lies beyond your current level of self awareness encourage you to embark upon a journey into the Unknown, waving a banner with the words “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained” emblazoned on it!
POSSIBLE PITFALLS Your eagerness to meet life head on is admirable, but it might be wise to ensure that you are properly prepared to expect the unexpected before you set out to conquer the world.
1 December PLANET MERCURY MOVES INTO CAPRICORN
Put your mind into planning mode. Use it to create strategies for long-term success. Draw on experience you have gained over time, and look to respected role models for their specialised guidance and instruction. This could be a good time to write your CV. Make sure that everything you put into it is relevant and of interest to authority figures who might be interviewing you in future. It is important to stress the reasoning that guides your decisions, especially if they do not appear to follow conventional routes to achievement. This is a process which requires care and attention as it gives structure and form to your aims, ambitions and prospects.
3-5 December Planetary Placements & Patterns
3 December Venus in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn
4 December VENUS MOVES INTO SCORPIO
5 December Venus in Scorpio trine Saturn in Pisces
Peace-loving Venus is at her most willing to negotiate a fair deal in the just sign of Libra. But she is being persecuted by Pluto’s obsessive need for control in the form of power-mad warmongers who opt for destruction over diplomacy. Vote with Venus to rebalance the scales in favour of peacemakers and against oppressors, whoever they may be.
4 December PLANET VENUS MOVES INTO SCORPIO
Take advantage of Venus travelling through Scorpio, the sign of transformation, to regenerate your key relationships. You may have to do some soul-searching to determine what might be casting a shadow on your connections with other people. It is very important not to assume the role of scapegoat by blaming yourself for everything that is wrong. Neither should you try to shift all the shame onto someone else. Venus is also the planet of natural resources and when she is in Scorpio, the sign of asset management, she is testing your ability to appreciate the gifts you were born with. She will be questioning the value you place on your talents. Are you making the most of them? Have you invested your time, energy and passion in them? Do you feel a powerful sense of fulfilment when you engage with them? If the answer to any of these questions is “No,” then Venus will want to know why.
As she slips into a supportive trine aspect with Saturn in Pisces, Venus in Scorpio’s gift for getting precisely what she wants is shored up by Saturn’s ability to play the long game. So although it might take a while for your influence to reap rewards just continue to trust your talents and in due course, they will repay your dedication by delivering the tangible results you are hoping for.
4-6 December Moon in Virgo opposing Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, trine Mercury & Pluto in Capricorn, square Ceres, Mars & Sun in Sagittarius, trine Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus. 6 December UT 13:48 Moon goes void of course until UT 16:34 when Moon moves into Libra
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL A firm grasp of the situation comes from your willingness to work from experience and stick with what you know while keeping abreast of current events and their potential to generate sudden change.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS Taking on too much, too soon dumps you with a heavy workload which might leave you feeling overstretched, overwhelmed and unable to cope.
6-9 December Moon in Libra square Mercury & Pluto in Capricorn, conjunct South Node in Libra, opposing Chiron, North Node & Eris in Aries. 9 December UT 01:03 Moon goes void of course until UT 03:34 when Moon moves into Scorpio.
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL Support from Soul Mates who helped you to design your life path direction is always available to you, so long as you actively invite their input and trust the advice they offer. All you have to do is ask and they will be at your beck & call.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS When you disregard the wisdom from your gut brain, you are disempowering the brave Warrior Spirit who helps you defeat the self-pity that stands in the way of your self-healing process.
6 December PLANET NEPTUNE MOVES DIRECT IN PISCES
Even though we may not be aware that we are directly involved in the movement that is creating a shift in consciousness on our home planet, we are all contributors in one way or another. Gradually, it is beginning to dawn on us that we have total control over our own perceptions and therefore over our own lives. We are channelling the influences from Neptune that are helping us to unlock the power of our imagination and change the state of our minds through the use of self-belief, positive thoughts and imagery. Many of us are receiving and transmitting inspirational energy while we are asleep, meditating, dozing or daydreaming.
8-10 December Planetary Placements & Patterns
Sun in Sagittarius trine Chiron in Aries
Jupiter in Taurus trine Mercury in Capricorn, opposing Venus in Scorpio
The brave souls who are ready and willing to embrace and explore opportunities for self-healing are a shining example of what can be done. An optimistic attitude combined with a philosophical approach that is both patient and pragmatic attains outcomes which might seem impossible until they are achieved. But beware the influence of powerful people whose strategies are set up to sabotage the type of success that could threaten their clandestine motives and hidden agendas.
9-11 December Moon in Scorpio trine Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, conjunct Venus in Scorpio, opposing Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus. 11 December UT 08:55 Moon goes void of course until UT 11:10 when Moon moves into Sagittarius.
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL Your true spiritual awakening begins the moment you acknowledge and embrace the more complex aspects of your character, which until now you may have struggled to understand.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS Try not to contradict the natural flow of your feelings. It is much healthier to engage with powerful emotions instead of brushing them off as an unnecessary source of disruption in your “normal” life.
11-13 December Moon in Sagittarius square Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, conjunct Ceres, Mars & Sun (New Moon) in Sagittarius, trine Chiron, North Node & Eris in Aries. 13 December UT 06:46 Moon goes void of course until UT 15:31 when Moon moves into Capricorn
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL This is a very fertile time, full of promise and potential. Your focus is forward facing – you are seeking projects that excite your enthusiasm and motivate you to start afresh.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS You are entering the early stages of a new adventure. Do not allow any doubts and fears about whether you are headed in the right direction to extinguish your ardour and optimism.
12 December NEW MOON IN SAGITTARIUS
This is an optimum time to begin an adventure which promises to expand your existing levels of knowledge and experience. It is rather like setting out on a journey into the Unknown. Hopefully, the prospect will fill you with excitement, even if it makes you feel somewhat scared. Just make sure you carry out the risk-assessment and safety checks that will protect you against potential hazards and mishaps. At this stage you are simply exploring the options open to you and it might be wiser not to narrow your scope until you feel certain you have found the Real Thing.
Because this New Moon forms a stressful quincunx with Uranus in Taurus, there may be a general sense of unease about where the human race is headed. Try not to let it upset you. Turn instead to a more hopeful view of optimistic outcomes, and let them light your way. You are not ignoring current concerns but neither are you permitting them to stop you in your tracks or impede your individual progress.
13 December PLANET MERCURY MOVES RETROGRADE IN CAPRICORN
There could be certain aspects of your plans and projections, procedures and protocols which require revision. Do not see this as a setback but as a chance to reinforce the potential for success within your design. The effort you expend on streamlining your strategy will not be wasted. On the contrary, it should enhance the professionalism of your presentation. You may need to rethink your attitude to timing because moving too fast before all the essential boxes have been ticked might result in outcomes which create more problems than they solve.
13-15 December Moon in Capricorn trine Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, conjunct Mercury & Pluto in Capricorn, square Chiron, North Node & Eris in Aries. 15 December UT 16:01 Moon goes void of course until UT 17:55 when Moon moves into Aquarius.
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL You are in the right place, at the right time, with the right idea! Something you have put a lot of effort into is about to gain the respect it deserves as its true value is finally realised.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS Try not to let concerns about what your competitors might be doing push you into acting before you are ready. Let them be guinea pigs while you learn from their mistakes.
15-17 December Moon in Aquarius square Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, square Venus in Scorpio, trine South Node in Libra. 17 December UT 12:02 Moon goes void of course until UT 19:58 when Moon moves into Pisces
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL It is time to recognise that your unique qualities were deliberately chosen by you to be factored into your Soul Plan. Please start to value them as the true talents and rich resources they really are.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS There must be no sense of shame about what makes you different from others. In fact, your originality should be a source of pride.
15-18 December Planetary Placements & Patterns
Sun in Sagittarius trine North Node & Eris in Aries, square Neptune in Pisces
Mars in Sagittarius trine Chiron in Aries
Mercury in Capricorn trine Jupiter in Taurus
This is a great time to forge ahead in a spirit of optimism and hope. So long as we are guided by the principle that the future is created in the present, and we remain mindful of how decisions taken now could change the course of generations to come, we are well placed to lay the foundations for positive outcomes. But we must avoid the temptation to impose impossible to achieve Utopian ideals upon ourselves and instead, rely on what we have learned from past experience. We have a better chance of success if we stay within the realms of what definitely can be done with the resources at our disposal.
17-19 December Moon in Pisces conjunct Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, square Ceres, Mars & Sun in Sagittarius, trine Venus in Scorpio. 19 December UT 21:01 Moon goes void of course until UT 22:46 when Moon moves into Aries.
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL The magic ingredient which enables you to make your dreams come true is Trust. A deep and unshakable belief that you are completely capable and entirely entitled to manifest your own reality.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS Trying to do too much, too soon clouds the focus of your creative project, resulting in a lack of clear goals. Energy is wasted on chasing after the wrong outcomes.
19-22 December Moon in Aries square Mercury & Pluto in Capricorn, trine Ceres, Mars & Sun in Sagittarius, conjunct Chiron, North Node & Eris in Aries. 22 December UT 02:45 Moon goes void of course until UT 02:49 when Moon moves into Taurus
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL A boost to your levels of courage and conviction makes you more adventurous and eager to explore any opportunity to expand, develop and grow beyond your current state of self awareness.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS Try not to dwell on the difficulties involved in getting to where you want to go. Trust that you will find a way to overcome obstacles if and when they cross your path.
21-25 December Planetary Placements & Patterns
Venus in Scorpio opposing Uranus in Taurus, trine Neptune in Pisces
Mars in Sagittarius trine North Node in Aries
There is much positive progress to be made in your journey towards self-fulfilment. Be careful not to sabotage your potential success by interfering with the natural order of things. Aim to trust the organic flow of unfolding events rather than trying to control its course. Your approach should be spontaneous – guided by instinct and intuition – rather than managed or contrived. You are guided by powerful yet benevolent unseen forces who wish only the best for you.
22-24 December Moon moves into Taurus trine Mercury & Pluto in Capricorn, conjunct Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, opposing Venus in Scorpio. 24 December UT 06:38 Moon goes void of course until UT 08:14 when Moon moves into Gemini
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL Your remarkable resourcefulness could be receiving the respect it deserves from influential people who are keen to promote your original gifts.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS Unique abilities which come so naturally to you might be generating jealousy in others. Do not trust anyone until you have definite proof that they are not out to sabotage your success.
22 December THE SUN MOVES INTO CAPRICORN (Solstice)
The Sun has entered the third and final Earth sign, which marks a milestone in your progress towards the manifestation of your goals. Once again you have reached the turning of the year so be of good cheer! You have come this far, regardless of all the obstacles and delays which blocked your way. You are ready to give yourself a pat on the back for surviving through the hard times and for optimising any opportunities that crossed your path. It is now time to evaluate your progress and formulate plans for the next stage of your endeavour. Try not to get drawn into negative doubts and fears about the future. Look to your own situation and play up the positivity within it. Simplify the stuff that complicates your life, especially if it has anything to do with worldly achievement, social status or impressing other people. Your personal happiness and fulfilment are paramount, and far more important than stressing about keeping up appearances.
Shortly after moving into Capricorn the Sun meets up with Mercury, which is currently moving Retrograde. This is a reminder to make sure that all your I’s are dotted and T’s crossed before you sign off on your scheme for success. You are not checking for mistakes so much as confirming that your plan is a clear and concise definition of your goals and objectives for the coming year.
23 December PLANET MERCURY RETROGRADES INTO SAGITTARIUS
It could be that you are starting to see your subject from a different perspective to the view you originally held about it. This might be because something has been revealed to you which previously you would not have noticed, therefore your interpretation of the information may have been insufficient and therefore incorrect. Now you have gained the chance to expand your knowledge and understanding of the situation the whole story becomes clear. As the gaps are filled and the missing links fall into place everything begins to make more sense.
24-26 December Moon moves into Gemini square Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, opposing Ceres, Mars & Mercury in Sagittarius, trine South Node in Libra. 26 December UT 07:53 Moon goes void of course until UT 15:14 when Moon moves into Cancer
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL When you take time to listen, you are allowing yourself to receive information which could provide the perfect answer to your question. It may be that your ancestors are messaging you through the means of a mediator!
POSSIBLE PITFALLS Try not to find shortcuts through data which might seem confusing, or difficult to understand. Being prepared to interpret the information as carefully as you can could mean that beneficial outcomes do not pass you by.
26-29 December Moon in Cancer trine Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, opposing Sun (Full Moon) & Pluto in Capricorn, square Chiron, North Node & Eris in Aries, trine Venus in Scorpio. 28 December UT 22:55 Moon goes void of course until 29 December UT 00:22 when Moon moves into Leo.
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL Your creativity is a divine gift, given to you at birth to last your whole life long. It provides you with a personal source of healing, support, satisfaction, fulfilment and joy.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS Try not to look outside yourself for solutions to your problems. It is well within your capability to create everything you need or want in life. You just have to commit to the concept of manifesting your own reality.
27 December FULL MOON IN CANCER
The second of two Full Moons in the sign of Cancer this year (the first one took place on 6 January 2023) emphasises the importance of personal input when you are involved in any kind of creative process. Someone else’s recipe, template or design might have motivated you in the first place or activated your urge to make something, but the finished article is yours alone. It was conceived in your imagination, your instincts have guided it through its gestation and your body has given it birth. It is your child, your contribution to the world.
Jupiter in Taurus brings a beneficial blessing to this lunation, thanks to the positive connections it creates with the Sun in Capricorn & Moon in Cancer. Tune in if you are looking for constructive guidance on where to go from here, how best to continue your growth cycle, and which is the most favourable direction in which to travel.
27-28 December Planetary Placements & Patterns
Sun in Capricorn trine Jupiter in Taurus
Mercury conjunct Mars in Sagittarius trine Eris in Aries, square Neptune in Pisces
This could be a fortunate phase, so long as you factor a generous amount of optimism into your plans for success. It is also very important to build out from a firm foundation so that your scheme (however adventurous it may be) is supported by a strong streak of realism.
Lack of patience, persistence and well defined focus are your enemies as they can undermine your confidence and courage, positioning you to face defeat. Set your sights on success, but be prepared to combat disappointment and cope with delay. If you adopt the belief that obstacles are often opportunities in disguise you cannot go far wrong.
28 December ASTEROID CHIRON MOVES DIRECT IN ARIES
When you initiate any self-healing procedure it is very important to remember that motivation is the magic ingredient which will ensure a successful outcome. Your willingness to win against the problems that plague your life determines the extent and effectiveness of your victory. There may be certain aspects of your process which cannot be carried out by you alone, and that require specialist input from others. Asking for assistance in these circumstances is not a display of weakness, it is a highly sensible move and a symptom of your self-awareness. The courage and enthusiasm you bring to your cure will enhance the abilities of any consultants, counsellors, therapists and practitioners who come to your aid, helping them to help you to help yourself!
29-31 December Moon in Leo square Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus, trine Ceres, Mercury & Mars in Sagittarius, trine Chiron, North Node & Eris in Aries. 31 December UT 05:16 Moon goes void of course until UT 11:53 when Moon moves into Virgo.
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL If ever there were a time to Shine your Light it is now. Your courage, confidence, positivity and optimism provide a beacon of hope for those who are struggling to feel safe in an unfamiliar, fast changing environment.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS Please do not pretend that you are ok when you really need some support. Seeking specialist assistance is a sign of strength and in no way compromises your confidence and self-respect.
29 December PLANET VENUS MOVES INTO SAGITTARIUS
Fall in love with positivity, optimism, new prospects – with anything that makes your world more adventurous. Give way to the free spirit within you and follow the call to push back the boundaries of your life, to explore and discover new experiences. This is not the time to settle for the kind of ho-hum situation that offers a fair enough level of comfort and enjoyment but which leaves you feeling restless and dissatisfied. The sensation of somehow wanting more could crop up in your relationships, possibly via a developing dullness with the way things seem to be drifting along. Actually the boredom you feel is with yourself, and it is waking you up to the fact that you need to allow fresh options and influences into your life. They will expand and liberate your current circumstances until they no longer limit your potential for personal growth.
Soon after travelling into Sagittarius, Venus is hit by a square aspect from Saturn in Pisces. She will also be drawn into a mutual reception* relationship with Jupiter, which is just about to move direct in Taurus. This suggests that by far the wisest course is to steer clear of anything which does not strike you as entirely authentic. If someone comes along promising you all kinds of amazing short cuts to good fortune, be sure to ask for reliable references. The classiest way to build success is by applying your natural talents and abilities to fulfilling the goals you truly value and would be proud to achieve.
*mutual reception: in one another’s sign of rulership. Venus rules Taurus/Jupiter rules Sagittarius
31 December PLANET JUPITER MOVES DIRECT IN TAURUS
Time spent on paring back proposals to make them more realistic will bring down your overheads and add value to your final outcomes. The extra bonus will be an increased appreciation of your own resourcefulness, which is more than enough to compensate for any gaps in your cash flow or lack of solid support from elsewhere. Ideally, you are now enjoying a stronger sense of trust in your natural abilities – the talents and gifts you were born with. They are your true lucky charms and your gratitude for them guarantees an abundant life, overflowing with high-quality rewards and results.
31 December 2023-3 January 2024 Moon in Virgo square Venus, Ceres, Mercury & Mars in Sagittarius, trine Sun & Pluto in Capricorn, opposing Saturn & Neptune in Pisces, trine Jupiter & Uranus in Taurus. 2 January UT 23:34 Moon goes void of course until 3 January UT 00:46 when Moon moves into Libra.
PINPOINT THE POTENTIAL Patience and persistence are your strongest allies if you are coping with chaos and confusion. Refuse to be rushed and do not fall prey to persuasive people who are hoping you will take the rap for their carelessness.
POSSIBLE PITFALLS It is time to reinforce your personal boundaries so they become totally impervious to invasion by unseen forces. Empower your energy field by sustaining a sense of core strength and grounded-ness.
Planetary Rulers of Zodiac Signs
Planet Mars rules Aries, Planet Venus rules Taurus & Libra, Planet Mercury rules Gemini & Virgo, The Moon rules Cancer, The Sun rules Leo, Planet Pluto rules Scorpio, Planet Jupiter rules Sagittarius, Planet Saturn rules Capricorn, Planet Uranus rules Aquarius and Planet Neptune is ruler of Pisces. More about ZODIAC SIGNS and their Rulers.